Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne’s Best Free Concert Series

The gigs at Etihad Stadium and Rod Laver Arena might cost a small fortune, but Melbourne also offers some fabulous free shows. Treat yourself to some fabulous tunes on a budget at these free Melbourne concert series.

Fed Square Live: Free Tunes at Federation Square

Photo by Gagascat via Trover.com

Enjoy some of Melbourne’s best up-and-coming acts unplugged at Federation Square as part of Fed Square Live. This free concert series runs from early November to late March every year, with the current season wrapping up on March 26. Shows run from 5:30 to 7:30pm every Thursday, which makes them perfect for an after-work pick-me-up. Tourists will also find the events ideally located near many Melbourne hotels, including The Westin Melbourne and Citigate Melbourne.

Sunset Series: Free Alternative Music at Sundown

If your tastes veer towards the alternative, then the annual Sunset Series is for you. The free cultural event takes over Fitzroy Garden’s Stage Lawn in the second and third weekend of January. The 2015 line-up was awesome, with acclaimed local quartet APES, South American Roots band Madre Monte, and genre-bending five-piece The Tiger and Me all taking the stage. Bring a picnic or grab a bite to eat from the growing fleet of food trucks during the 2016 season.

Sidney Myer Free Concerts: Free Nights with MSO

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings culture to the masses with its Sidney Myer Free Concerts in the Myer Music Bowl. Presented in conjunction with the University of Melbourne, these themed events feature timeless music performed by one of the most celebrated symphonies in Australia. There are typically three shows in February every year. They usually kick off at 7pm, but are so popular that it’s worth being there when gates open at 4.

Winter Music in the Valley: Essendon Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Warmers

The Essendon Symphony Orchestra believes that free concert series shouldn’t be restricted to the warmer weather. Its Winter Music in the Valley concert series brings classical music to a range of historic suburban Melbourne venues during the cooler months. This year’s series will be held every Sunday from June 15 to July 6. It kicks off at St Martin de Porres in Avondale Heights before travelling to St George’s in Travancore, followed by St John’s Uniting Church in Essendon. The ESO will play the final Winter Music in the Valley concert at Moonee Ponds’ Clocktower Centre.

Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series: Free Entertainment Outside the CDB

If you feel like getting out of the hustle and bustle of innercity Melbourne, head to suburban Fairfield for the Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series. Shows run from 5pm to 7:30 pm every Sunday in February, so they’re ideally suited to families. Each gig features a range of world music acts who will take you on an aural journey from Eastern Africa to the American South. The Fairfield Ampitheatre is an easy five-minute walk from Fairfield Station. The train trip from Melbourne to Fairfield takes just 16 minutes.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. Which free shows do you love in Melbourne?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Musicians Behaving Badly in Melbourne

Melbourne might be known as Australia’s culture capital, but it’s also the place where plenty of musicians behave badly. These are just some of the musical stars whose behaviour we’d all rather forget.

Solange Knowles: Diva Behaviour on Derby Day

Photo by kileeTRAVELS via Trover.com

She has her own musical career but Solange Knowles surely knows she’ll always be more famous as Beyonce’s little sister. Given her station in life, you’d think she’d know better than to act like a total diva. But that’s just what she did when she visited Derby Day, part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, last November.

Rachel Finch was set to interview Solange at 1pm when PR informed her Solange was still in her accommodation and the interview would have to be pushed back. Solange reportedly arrived at 2:30 and word quickly spread she wasn’t in one of the hotels in Melbourne at all, but its shops.

But the problems didn’t stop there. She also insisted she wasn’t asked about Beyonce or her family issues (the two things anyone really cares about), and refused to pose with a Lavazza cup in the Lavazza marquee.

She’d originally agreed to play an hour-long DJ set in the marquee, but after arriving more than two hours late punters enjoyed just 20 minutes of music.

Marilyn Manson: Delivers Drunken Soundwave Set

I’m not a wowser by any means. I don’t mind a musician having a drink or two or even more before or during their set, so long as they can still deliver on stage. When things get messy and the audience doesn’t get the show they paid for, I take serious issue with the behaviour. Plenty of musicians have been drunk and disorderly on Melbourne stages, but Marilyn Manson’s Soundwave 2012 performance was one of the worst.

His set’s late start time in Melbourne was an indication of what would follow. He stumbled over lyrics and ended up mumbling most of them. The audience tried to fill in the blanks, but it was a trainwreck. Between songs Marilyn insisted he wasn’t drunk, adding he’d been sober for 15 whole minutes. He also expressed his respect for Aussie drug laws as he pulled out a white packet which he proceeded to throw to the crowd.

Marilyn’s always been a controversial figure, but “At Soundwave,” according to Vulture Magazine, “he was an offence to himself and also to those who had expected so much more from him.”

Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston: Kicked Out of Crown Towers

Is there anything more rock and roll than trashing a hotel room? It might be a music scene staple, but Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston’s antics at the Crown Towers won them no favours. During their time as soul music’s most controversial couple the pair trashed their Melbourne suite, including covering its carpets with merlot. Needless to say, hotel management didn’t care much for their star status and quickly sent them packing.

We might hate the way these celebs behave but we have plenty of #HipmunkCityLove for Melbourne. Can you remember any other bad star behaviour in the city I’ve forgotten?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Foundry Might be a Gamechanger for Brisbane Music Scene

I consider myself an optimistic, but also a critical thinker. So when I got an email claiming to tell me “How The Foundry will change Brisbane’s music landscape forever,” I was sceptical but hopeful. It’s a massive claim, but if this unique music hub can be all of the things the press release suggests it’s going to be big news for the Sunshine State.

The Foundry will be a two-level complex housing a live room (launching March 6), rock’n’roll bar, collaborative space, and 20 creative studios. 4ZZZ, Jungle Love Festival, Control Zine, Smack Face Music, Mitzi, Lost Movements and Mucho Bravado have already signed leases, and there’ll be more to come.

What really sets The Foundry apart is that it was built for musicians, but musicians. It has the potential to unite Brisbane’s music industry into one massive powerhouse. The rents are small and the WiFi’s free because the creators know that supporting grassroots music isn’t a lucrative game. There’s also a room for touring bands to crash for the night, free of charge, and multiple rehearsal studios. The venue won’t charge bands for venue hire, and they can also use high-quality backline for nix.

The Foundry sounds like a winner to me. What do you think?

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Let the Eurovision Countdown Begin!

I didn’t post about this yesterday because I was too busy processing it. But if you haven’t already heard the news, Australia will compete for the very first time in the Eurovision Song Contest this year. It’s a gesture of goodwill to celebrate the 60th anniversary but one that’s sent me into a tailspin.

I have been a Eurovision tragic for as long as I can remember. I watch every night of coverage, cook European foods over the weekend to celebrate, and blast the hits from the competition at any time of year. On the day of the finale I take a strict media sabbatical – no Internet, no radio, no live TV – to avoid spoilers.

This year I won’t need to. To coincide with our inclusion, SBS will screen the finale live on the Sunday morning. Australia can also vote, although as any Eurovision tragic knows we’re voting for everyone but ourselves. We apparently won’t be eligible to host the next one, although if we pull off the world’s biggest upset the SBS will have a hand in organising it.

I’m also keen to see who we’ll be sending to represent us. Since the event happens in May I assume it’s too late to run a national song contest as other nations do. Jessica Mauboy did us proud last year, but I think we need someone fresh. I’ve seen online campaigns for everyone from TISM to David Campbell to Em Rusciano. I’m open to anything. Should we go theatrical and choose Dami Im, Anthony Callea, or Sia, or perhaps we should buck that trend as The Netherlands did fielding The Common Linnets last year (I told you I was a Eurovision tragic). I’ve heard people suggesting Dan Sultan, Jimmy Barnes, and Gotye, which all have merits. We’ve also got to find someone who’s willing to really embrace everything that Eurovision is.

We might not really be part of Europe, but I think it’s awesome that our nation’s longtime support of the competition is being rewarded. I haven’t been this excited since Aussies penned that song for Greece’s Sakis Rouvas in 2009. Let the countdown begin!

Image source: Wikimedia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas for Music Lovers in Melbourne

Valentine’s Day might be a Hallmark holiday, but it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of the occasion. My wonderful husband is earning serious brownie points by spending the day with me at Taronga Zoo, then catching Anthony Callea playing the songs of George Michael as part of the Twilight at Taronga series. You might think all that is a super-romantic gesture, but I think he’s just happy I made the suggestion so he didn’t have to plan something.

That got me thinking, maybe I could plan a great Valentine’s Day for Victorian music lovers as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. If you’re running low on inspiration, there’s still time to put these romantic musical ideas into practice!

Book a Hotel

Hotels in Melbourne might get a little expensive over Valentine’s Day, but it’s totally worth it for the romance it adds to an evening. Rooms are filling fast though, so I wouldn’t delay if you’re planning to book. There are still vacancies at many of the city’s top hotels including Bayview on the Park, The Hotel Charsfield, and the ultra-ritzy Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

See Boys in the Band at the Zoo

Photo by Wyld Family Travel via Trover.com

Melbourne Zoo has its own twilight concert on Valentine’s Day: Boys in the Band. This nostalgia fest features the songs of classic boy bands like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Bee Gees, the Beatles, and Jackson 5. You can enjoy a picnic while you watch and feel good knowing that you’re helping the zoo save the eastern barred bandicoot from extinction.

Enjoy Modern Boy Bands

If your partner likes their boy bands a bit younger then it’s not too late to snap up some tickets to One Direction at Etihad Stadium. Ticketmaster only has nosebleed seats left, so point your browser to TiqIQ instead. This site has some decent tickets for sale, including a few in the front row and some that are 26 percent cheaper than their retail value.

See Symphony for Free

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are one of the best in the country, and you can see them for free this Valentine’s Day. The MSO will play a romantic show dubbed A Musical Valentine in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl featuring music from Romeo and Juliet, Porgy and Bess, to name a few. Gates open at 4pm for the 7pm show. This free gig will get packed, so make sure you arrive early to secure your possie.

Get Jazzy at the Paris Cat Jazz Club

The Paris Cat Jazz Club is also getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit with its romantic evening of entertainment. You can catch Love Songs in the Key of Dean in the Basement from 7:30 or the John Montesante Quintet and Yvette Johansson teaming up for love songs from jazz greats like Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita Baker, and Doris Day from 8:30pm in the Parisian Loft. The club no longer takes phone or email bookings, so visit the Paris Cat website to secure your tickets.

Do you go all out for Valentine’s Day or prefer to ignore the event? Let me know in the comments below.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Music and Fun at Black Harmony Gathering

Aussies from all walks of life will come together next month to celebrate the 12th annual Black Harmony Gathering.

This event is all about great music, delicious food, and positivity. Kutcha Edwards and Friends, the Funkalleros, Dave Arden, the Burundian Drummers, Sounds of Polynesia, and Lawrence Austin Jnr will keep crowds entertained on the day. There’s also be a special Koorie BBQ with kangaroo and emu, dance workshops, activities for the kids, and heaps more.

Bring a picnic rug and your dancing shoes to the Fairfield Amphitheatre for this year’s Black Harmony Gathering. This free event kicks off at 1 pm on Sunday March 15.

Image used with permission from Multicultural Arts Victoria

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sheppard Make Play for U.S. Market

After winning over Australian audiences, Sheppard are determined to make music lovers in the United States fall for them as well. The band from Brissie are capitalising on the buzz their appearance on Ellen created last year and launching a full-scale attack on the U.S. market.

They’ve booked a slate of big name TV appearances, including a spot on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on February 9, The Today Show on March 10, and LIVE! with Kelly & Michael on March 13. There’s a big gap there, but that’s because come February 11, Sheppard will be supporting Meghan Trainor on her sold-out The Bass tour.

Do you think Sheppard have what it takes to be the next bit Aussie success story?

Image used with permission from SCG Media
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Workers Club Geelong Opening in March

I’m of the belief that there aren’t enough great venues celebrating live music these days. So I’m thrilled for Geelong that they’re about to get another great place to see people play. The Workers Club Geelong is a joint venture between Melbourne’s The Workers Club and Geelong music bookers Spinning Half.

“We are driven to provide Geelong with a sustainable and reliable music venue that can service the country’s touring artists, along with showcasing local talent, while focused on helping grow The Workers Club brand,” explained Spinning Half director, Steven Nichols.

“With Spinning Half’s years of local experience and street cred, it is obvious that us pivotonians love good music, food and drink here in the city of dreams,” added The Workers Club Melbourne co-owner and Geelong resident John O’Brien. “We are confident that this will tie in with The Workers Club philosophy and look forward to sharing our mutual love of music.”

The twosome say that artist comfort, sound, and punter satisfaction are their top priorities, but they’re also promising awesome food, great beverage options, no TVs, no cover bands, no nightclub DJs, and no parmies. I was with them right up until their no parmies policy!

The Workers Club Geelong will open on Little Malop Street in late March. Northeast Party House and Jake Clemons are already confirmed to play there, and we can expect plenty more announcements in the coming weeks.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jim Lawrie Impresses with “Good Old Days”

After charming me with a pair of singles before Christmas, Jim Lawrie is doing it again with his latest offering “Good Old Days.” It reminds me of something Ryan Adams would have released when he was at his all-too-fleeting best, with a little Tom Petty thrown in.

All these incredibly-crafted songs are helping to create some serious buzz ahead of the release of Eons, Jim’s sophomore album, which will be available on February 20 for digital download and as a limited edition 12”. Head to the Barely Dressed Records Bandcamp page to pre-order the vinyl, because they’re going to sell quickly.

Jim will celebrate Eons release with an intimate instore show at Basement Discs in Melbourne on 27 February ahead of the official album launch at Shebeen Bandroom on February 28.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Will Taylor Swift Crack Hottest 100? And Why All the Fuss?

I’ve read with interest all the hoo-ha surrounding the campaign to have Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” included in the Triple J Hottest 100. At the time of writing it’s unclear whether the song will be deemed ineligible due to KFC inadvertently breaking official voting rules, whether Taylor will take her place in the countdown, or whether those ardent supporters simply won’t have the numbers to see her cracking the list.

Either way, I’ve been a bit bemused by the staunch Triple J supporters who insisted that Taylor has no place in “their” countdown. I admire that sense of loyalty to an ideal of what Triple J is, but I can’t help feeling that it’s a bit misplaced here. I pay very little attention to what’s commercial and what’s not. I’ll love something because it’s good, not because it’s mainstream or underground or even Australian. And I must admit, one of the songs I loved this year was “Shake it Off.” So much so that for the first time in my life, I found myself forking over money at my local JB for a copy of 1989. “Shake it Off” deserves a place amongst the top 100 songs of the year, and to suggest otherwise seems a bit elitist to me, like pop music is somehow less valid than other genres.

Pop music might not be Triple J’s go-to genre, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t belong in their countdown if the voters want it there badly enough. Personally I struggle to see too much of a difference between “Shake it Off” and “Uptown Funk,” which everyone is sure will come close to the top 10. Is it Mark Ronson’s name attached that makes this number one smash a bit cooler? In previous years we’ve had big commercial singles like “Pretty Fly for a White Guy,” “Thrift Shop” and “Amazing” take top honours, yet no one batted an eyelid. Some argue that the song shouldn’t make the countdown because it wasn’t played on Triple J, but neither were Alanis Morissette, Green Day, Foo Fighters, and U2 songs that made the cut in the past.

So why the outrage? Does it all come down to the fact that this is a pretty young blonde singing a song without a hint of edge? Can that really be so threatening? It reeks of musical snobbery to me. Personally I hope “Shake it Off” does make the countdown. It’s one of the most well-crafted songs of the year, regardless of its genre or artist, and that’s what counts.

Image source: Angela George @ Wikimedia