Category: News

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

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