Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Music Lover’s Guide to Melbourne’s Laneways

Melbourne’s laneways date back to the Victorian era, but their historical and cultural significance has only been celebrated in recent years. They take pedestrians off the well-worn roads and house a treasure trove of cool sights. Many travel companies run laneways tours, but if you’d prefer exploring them at your leisure consider this article your virtual guide.

Where to Stay?

There are plenty of hotels in Melbourne located close to Melbourne’s laneways. The Crossley Hotel Melbourne is on Little Collins Street, but just metres from the wine bars and theatres of Punch Lane. If you’d prefer to a laneways stay, book a room at Causeway Inn on the Mall or Ibis Styles Melbourne, The Victoria Hotel. While it’s got a Little Collins Street address, the Victoria’s actually on the corner of this street and Athenaeum Place.

Once you’ve got your accommodation sorted, it’s time to start exploring!

AC/DC Lane

AC/DC Lane deserves to feature on any music lover’s Melbourne itinerary. Once called Corporation Lane, it was rechristened in October 2004 in tribute to the classic Aussie rock act. The trademark lightning bolt was left off as it contravened the Office of the Registrar of Geographic Names’ policy, but 10 years after the lane got its name this decision was reversed.

While its name is a big drawcard, AC/DC Lane also attracts music lovers keen to check out shows at Cherry Bar. It claims it’s “pretty much the best rock n’ roll bar in the world,” although its soul nights also cater for people who prefer their music a little smoother.

Block Place

It’s worth wading through the alfresco cafes on Block Place to stop by Basement Discs. This store celebrates music of all types, with an extensive catalogue of new and classic rock, pop, jazz, blues, country, folk, and world music CDs and records. It’s also a great place to pick up a lovingly refurbished vintage stereo or catch a free old-school in-store appearance. Leading acts like Stephen Cummings, Jimmy Webb, Andy White, Mick Thomas, and John Scofield have all played here over the years.

Goldie Place

With news of the imminent closure of the iconic Bennett Lane Jazz Club, jazz lovers will be looking for another place to get their fix. The Paris Cat Jazz Club on Goldie Place might just fit the bill. This intimate club’s nurtured the careers of many up-and-coming Aussie jazz artists and hosted big name international acts like Robbie Williams.

Coming Soon … Amphlett Lane

While it doesn’t have its sign yet, the City of Melbourne gave approval last year for Laneway CL1639 to be renamed Amphlett Lane. The stretch between Harwood Place and Spring Street will pay tribute to the late Divinyls frontwoman, Chrissy Amphlett.

It’s a fitting spot as it’s just behind the Princess Theatre, where Chrissy played many times with the Divinyls and also appeared in The Boy from Oz. Chrissy and her husband Charlie Drayton also signed their marriage licence in the theatre.

Expect plenty of fans to take happy snaps posing with the street sign when Amphlett Lane is officially unveiled.

This article is part of the #‎HipmunkCityLove‬ project. Which Melbourne laneway do you love?

Photo by Jerrah Biggerstaff via Trover.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Frenzal Rhomb, Saskwatch, The Smith Street Band & More Play Australia Day Fundraisers

Now that those New Year shenanigans are behind us, we can start looking forward to the next big public holiday, right? Melbournians have their plans sorted with the fifth annual Australia Day weekend fundraiser concerts.

The first show, on January 25, will see Frenzal Rhomb, Saskwatch, Hoodlum Shouts, Hawaiian Islands, Rob Muinos, Have/Hold, Outright, and heaps more take the stage at Footscray’s Reverence Hotel. Then on January 26 The Smith Street Band, The Bennies, MC Joeslistics, Curse Ov Dialect, Fear Like Us, and others will play The Corner Hotel. These events look to fight ignorance, celebrate diversity, and rage against the negative attitudes so often exhibited on our national day.

The annual Australia Day weekend fundraisers have so far raised more than $25,000 for worthy charities. This year all profits will be shared amongst The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, The Refugee Council, and Oxfam.

Image source: The Global Panorama @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2014: A Year in Review

It’s that time again folks, time to look back on the year that was before ringing in the new one. I glanced back over my similar entry for 2013 and realised that 2014 has been pretty kind to me. No deaths in the family, relatively little drama, just plugging along. I rediscovered roller-skating and discovered that I am capable of doing some home repairs, even if I leave the heavy lifting to my husband and dad.) And of course there was music, my constant in an ever-changing world. Here’s the best of 2013 as I saw it.

Top 10 Aussie Albums/EPs

1. All But the Sun – Winterbourne
2. David Campbell Sings John Bucchino – David Campbell & John Bucchino
3. Demokracy – Citizen Kay
4. Time Has Come – 1200 Techniques
5. Local Football – Sleepy Dreamers
6. First Light – The Twoks
7. Acoustic Anniversary Album – Thirsty Merc
8. Echoes in the Aviary – Jane Tyrell
9. Sucker – Pluto Jonze
10. Understood – Baychimo Kin

Top 10 Aussie Tours

1. John Mayer
2. Tori Amos
3. Melanie Safka
4. Glen Hansard
5. Tim Freedman Does Nilsson
6. Queen & Adam Lambert
7. Day on the Green 100th Anniversary
8. John Farnham and Lionel Richie
9. Josh Pyke
10. Thirsty Merc

What did you love in 2014?

Image source: Rob & Jules @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Folk Club Unveils Amazing Summer Program

I consider myself to have such eclectic musical taste that picking a favourite genre seems akin to choosing a favourite child. However, if I was pushed, gun to my head, I think folk would win out. I’m certainly looking at the summer line-up at the Melbourne Folk Club with some serious envy.

If you are a bit closer to the Bella Union, which hosts the club every Wednesday night, you can catch some of Australia and the world’s finest folk acts over the coming months. I’m talking about Jeff Lang, Shane Howard, Kim Richey, David Francey, Jordie Lane, and heaps more. We’re sure to see many magical moments like this performance of “Open Book” from our own Melody Pool recorded in August.

If that’s inspired you, browse the program and see some mid-week folk!

7 January 2015 – John Smith (UK) & Caitlin Harnett
8 January 2015 – The East Pointers (CAN) & Tolka (Unplugged Show)
14 January 2015 – David Francey (CAN), James Kenyon & Lucy Wise
21 January 2015 – Oh Pep! & Open Swimmer
28 January 2015 – Darren Hanlon, Laura Jean & Single Twin
4 February 2015 – Jeff Lang, Emma Swift & Matt Langley
11 February 2015 – The Mae Trio & The Once (CAN)
18 February 2015 – Machine Translations & Broads
25 February 2015 – Shane Howard (Album Launch) & Skyscraper Stan
4 March 2015 – Ruth Moody & Band (Canada), Scott Cook (Canada) & Nadia Reid (NZ)
11 March 2015 – Jordie Lane (In Conversation + Concert)
18 March 2015 – Breabach (Scotland) & Stray Hens
25 March 2015 – All Our Exes Live in Texas & Kim Richey (US)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

4 Festive Tips for Enjoying Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight

Christmas is rapidly approaching, but before we break out the roast it’s time to usher in the festive season with Carols by Candlelight, which is celebrating its 76th year. If you want to experience it live, these four festive tips will help you make the most of the event.

1. Get Your Tickets ASAP

Great tickets are still available but the selection is becoming limited, especially if you want to sit in the stalls. They’re not cheap at $180 for adults and $90 for concession holders, but knowing the money’s supporting blind and low vision kids should make it easier to part with your cash.

Lawn tickets are the most budget-friendly, especially for families. Adults cost $70, concessions are $40, and two adults and two kids can enjoy the show for $180. Arrive early though, as these tickets are unreserved. Gates open at 4:30, but many keen carollers camp out all day to claim the best piece of grass.

Carols tickets are available from Ticketmaster outlets and online.

2. Book an Innercity Hotel

It’s just not worth driving from the suburbs in to the Bowl. Traffic is usually bumper to bumper, and when you get there the parking on Linlithgow Avenue and St Kilda Road is very limited. You could utilise the parking spaces at the back of the nearby Arts Centre, but that’ll cost you $25 for the night. And with a projected finish time of 11 pm, you’ll face a really late night if you’re driving home.

Instead it’s smarter to make a night of it and book one of the innercity Melbourne hotels. I love the historic Hotel Charsfield, which boasts old-world perks like snooker and reading rooms. Catch the number 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 or 72 tram from just outside its doors and get off at either stop 16 or 17. Both are just three minutes’ walk from the Bowl’s main gates. Then you can indulge in some Melbourne sightseeing the next day!

3. Bring Your Camera

Carols by Candlelight is always a star-studded affair and this year’s will be no different with David Campbell, Harrison Craig, Anthony Callea, Kate Ceberano and heaps more on the bill. If you’ve splurged on stall seats, make sure you bring your camera to catch performance snaps. If you arrive early you might also meet one of the stars arriving before the show, and your friends will never believe you if you don’t have the photographic evidence!

4. Brush Up On Your Carols

There’s nothing worse than catching your mug on TV as you stare blankly through those lesser known verses of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” Songbooks will be distributed on the night of, but these become increasingly difficult to read as the evening wears on. Start brushing up on the classics now and you’ll be in fine voice on the big day.

The 76th Carols by Candlelight hits the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 24. If you can’t make it to Melbourne you can catch the broadcast on Channel Nine. This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. What do you love about the carols?

Image source: DocklandsTony @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Cheapskate’s Guide to Holidaying in Melbourne

Are you dreaming of a Melbourne holiday but wondering how you’ll swing it after the Christmas splurge? Never fear Sounds of Oz readers. I’ve put together a guide to enjoying a musical getaway in Victoria’s capital on the cheap.

Choose Accommodation Carefully

Accommodation will probably be your biggest expense, so it pays to think carefully before you jump in. Of course a real cheapskate would choose somewhere like Nomads All Nations Hostel or Ritz for Backpackers. But if you’re anything like me, you’d rather book a more upmarket hotel that gives you bang for your buck.

Hotel Charsfield is one of my favorite Melbourne hotels. It has fancy-pants features like reading and snooker rooms, but because it’s out of the city center it costs less than comparable four-star hotels in the CDB. It doesn’t feel like a compromise though because there’s a tram stop right outside the door.

It’s all a matter of personal taste of course, so think about what you want from your accommodation. If you’re going to spend a lot of time in your room it’s probably worth a splurge, but if you just need a bed don’t be afraid to go cheap and cheerful.

Get Cheap Tickets

Concert tickets in Australia are far too expensive, but as all of us know catching a show is a big part of the holiday experience.

If you want cheap music, head to the city’s pubs and clubs. Melbourne has one of the richest live music scenes, and on any night of the week you can discover up-and-coming acts for free or close to it. The Labour in Vain Hotel, The Rainbow, The Drunken Poet, and The Gem always have awesome free acts.

If you insist on seeing a big show, head to a website like TiqIQ. It has big discounts on tickets to shows at Etihad Stadium and Rod Laver Arena. Just don’t make the mistake I did and get excited about artists touring around Melbourne, Florida rather than Melbourne, Victoria.

Travel during Free Festivals

I know the feeling of wanting to go away and wanting to go now all too well. But if you time your holiday to coincide with one of Melbourne’s cultural festivals you’ll have more to see for less. I’m not talking about the big festivals mind you. Events like the Melbourne Festival and Moomba bring so many tourists into the city that the hotel prices soar. Instead think about visiting during the quiet achievers.

During January, Fitzroy Gardens hosts the Sunset Series. On the second and third Saturday of the month you can soak up the sun while enjoying four great Aussie bands for free. The event also has food trucks, which are always good for a cheap feed.

If you fancy yourself a singer check out the Melbourne International Singers Festival, a four-day event which brings together choirs and singers from around the country. It’s a great opportunity to work with leading conductors and composers and have a lot of fun.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. Which city would you love to holiday in this summer?

Image source: Alandot @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ARIAs are Awesome, But Why the International Star Hysteria?

I’ve only just caught up with what down at the ARIAs last night. I have a Wednesday night date at the local RSL with the members of my trivia team Fusion, so I caught it on the DVR today.

Overall I enjoyed this year’s ceremony a lot more than last year’s. It was a joy to watch Neil Finn and Paul Kelly performing together, to be reminded of how good young things like Five Seconds of Summer and Sheppard are in the live arena, and to see Molly Meldrum and Countdown take their rightful place in the Hall of Fame. Chet Faker’s performance was also spellbindingly good. I like to think those squealing 5SOS and 1D fans in the front learned a few things watching this man play. Ditto Dan Sultan.

But I have to wonder, why do we insist on fawning over the international celebrities? Why do we hype up Katy Perry presenting an award, and give One Direction a plum spot on the running time? I’m probably more of a 1D fan than a woman in her mid-thirties should be, but it still felt a little odd to me. A show like last night reinforced yet again that Australia has such a rich, diverse array of talent. So why don’t organisers focus on that? It’s not like the addition of these big-name stars seemed to do much for the ratings after all.

Thoughts?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5 Best Places to see Live Music in Sydney, NSW

The Entertainment Centre and Allphones Arena might get the lion’s share of the big-name acts, but there are plenty of better places to see bands in Sydney. Read on to discover five of the best.

1. Sydney Opera House

Image via Flickr by cogdogblog

There’s a reason why international artists revere the Sydney Opera House. Its Concert Hall was purpose-built to offer some of the best acoustics around. Of course it hosts symphonies and operas, but in recent years it’s also played host to an eclectic mix of big-name acts like Tori Amos, Ben Folds, Michael Buble, and Jason Mraz. Seeing a show there always feels extra special.

2. State Theatre

Image via Flickr by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

I get chills whenever I hear that one of my favourite musicians is performing at the State Theatre. This beautiful heritage-listed building feels a lot like the Civic in my old stomping ground of Newcastle, with its dramatic staircases and eclectic mix of Gothic, Italian, and Art Deco design features. The sound is always exquisite, and it’s so intimate that there really are no bad seats. David Byrne, Human Nature, Cyndi Lauper, and Dave Matthews Band are some of the amazing artists I’ve seen here over the years.

3. Enmore Theatre

Image via Flickr by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

The Enmore’s another intimate venue that has a real charm. It’s a long way from the beauty of the State; there are no frills about it at all. But you’ve got to have respect for a venue that’s still going strong 106 years after it opened its doors. That makes it the longest-running, currently operational live music venue in the state. The Rolling Stones, Counting Crows, Coldplay, and John Mayer are just a handful of the artists who’ve played in this hallowed hall.

4. The Annandale Hotel

Image via Flickr by Newtown Graffiti

Of course it can’t all be about posh venues with plush seating though. If you want to see a band before they break you need to brave the sticky floors of Sydney’s pubs and clubs. Some of my fondest early music memories centred around the Annandale. I remember catching artists like Howie Day and Thirsty Merc here for next to nothing back in the day. I haven’t been for years, but a quick look at its website shows me the Annandale’s still showcasing the best up and comers.

5. The Standard Bowl

I was so impressed with The Standard when I visited a few years ago, even if I did feel far too old for its hipster crowd. If, like me, you’re too old to stand around all night waiting for the bands to appear, arrive early and sneak up to the top level where you can enjoy a few bevvies while you survey the action below. I loved the bird’s eye view I got upstairs, but there’s also plenty of space on the lower level for punters wanting to get a little closer to the action. And it just got even cooler this year with the addition of a bowling alley!

Where do you like to see live music in Sydney? Add your views to the discussion below!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Best Music Festivals in Newcastle and the Hunter, NSW

For decades Newcastle’s seemed like Sydney’s poor cousin, a city overshadowed by the big smoke a couple of hours down the Pacific Highway. However, in recent years I’ve seen my hometown and the nearby Hunter region experience a real renaissance thanks to festivals which as impressive as any you’d find in the New South Wales capital. Events like these make Newcastle and the Hunter much more than Sydney’s lesser relative.

Fat as Butter

Fat as Butter is one of Newcastle’s leading music festivals, with an eclectic line-up of retro acts and up-and-comers taking over the Newcastle Foreshore around September or October since 2007. Where else would you see acts like Wheatus, Naughty by Nature, and Eiffel 65 sharing a stage with our own Living End, Calling All Cars, and The Jezebels? Sadly the 2014 event didn’t go ahead after organisers failed to secure a worthy line-up, but they promise they’ll “definitely be back in 2015 with a smashing show.”

Jazz in the Vines

Image via Sounds of Oz

Jazz in the Vines is one of my favorite festivals for its chilled-out atmosphere and consistently stellar line-up. I hated missing this year’s event; my parents travelled abroad and I didn’t think it’d be the same without sipping Semillon with mum while we sang along to artists like Joe Camilleri, Leo Sayer, and Tom Burlinson. Add in some of the Hunter’s best food and I’ll definitely be grabbing early bird tickets next year.

Newcastle Jazz Festival

It doesn’t have the wine, but it’s still worth checking out the Newcastle Jazz Festival, held at the Newcastle Jockey Club on the last full weekend of August. The line-up’s always eclectic with traditional jazz artists and big bands performing alongside modern masters who fuse jazz with funk and soul, like Psycho Zydeco, Fish Fry, and the Funky Do Das. This premier festival, which has run for 27 years, is considered one of the best in its genre in the nation.

Wollombi Music Festival

Image via Sounds of Oz

When I took my sister to Wollombi a few years ago, she fell instantly in love. As a single mum, she loved that there was a music festival where we could enjoy awesome new blues and roots acts while her young daughter played happily in the Kidsfest zone. I was out the moment she mentioned camping the next year, but she’s been attending ever since. I might be too much of a princess to embrace the overnight accommodation, but I could definitely appreciate the quality line-up, which this year featured King Tide, The Peep Tempel, and Holly Who, as well as the family-friendly atmosphere.

The Newcastle Weekender Festival

This year saw the launch of a new kid on the block, The Newcastle Weekender Festival run in conjunction with the This is Not Art event. A massive crowdfunding campaign saw up-and-coming and experimental acts like Horse Macgyver, Philippa Omega, Hedonist, and King playing intimate shows across four days at the Terrace Bar and the Croatian Club. Its commitment to celebrating the talents of left-of-centre acts make it one to watch.

Have I missed any Novacastrians? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the music festivals that make Newcastle and the Hunter great.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rubber Records’ Best Play 25th Birthday Shows

From humble beginnings in a Melbourne bedroom, Rubber Records are just about to clock up 25 years in the Aussie music business. That means they’re still young enough to let their hair down, but they’re probably starting to regret it a little in the morning. No doubt there’ll be a few sore heads when the label celebrates the milestone with a string of very special shows featuring some of their most revered artists this December.

“I’ve always preferred being in the background and just releasing records by artists that I love working with,” explained label founder David Vodicka. “This series of shows is just as much a celebration of being around a long time and sticking with those artists, as it is an excuse to try and get some of them to play again!”

It all kicks off with The Casanovas, who will play their first show in several years at Northcote Social Club on December 3. Then Melbourne legends bZARK will reform albeit briefly, at Northcote Social Club on the 10th. Next cab off the ranks is Hamish Cowan, the Cordrazine singer who’s been living in exile in Scotland for the last couple of years. He’s also at the Northcote Social Club, on the 17th.

The final two shows will take us to Howler. 1200 Techniques will remind us what we’ve been missing with their reunion show on December 12, before undergroundLOVERS wrap things up on December 19.

It’s one hell of a month of music, and a fitting celebration for Rubber Records’ big birthday bash.