Logan debuts mixtape Lost In Translation ahead of co-headline tour with Kian
The buzz around self-taught Gold Coast newcomer, Logan John Priest, aka Logan, has been loud over the last twelve months with his debut album only adding to it.
Out today, Lost In Translation genre blends integrating Logan’s thoughts, experiences, and growth into one culmination of the young artist’s learnings. The product features adlibs from his bedroom as well as professionally produced pieces from Milku and Tony Buchen. The album release comes with a single drop for energetic ‘Say It‘.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Logan and Kian Co-Headline Tour Dates
-
- Live at the Camp, Castlemaine | Saturday 25 May
- The Lansdowne, Sydney | Thursday 30 May
- Northcote Social Club, Melbourne | Friday 31 May
Having debuted at live shows supporting Pacific Avenue and touring nationally with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, the indie artist is cutting his teeth in a big way. He also jumped up on BIGSOUND and SXSW Sydney stages and performed to a whopping 830,000 audience of the sold out arena goers and live broadcast viewers for the Mushroom 50 Live at Rod Laver Arena. Now he is off on his own tour, about to head on the road with Castlemaine’s Kian in a co-headline offering.
Presented by Village Sounds and Select Music, the two will be making their way to Live at the Camp in Castlemaine on Saturday 25 May, The Lansdowne in Sydney on Thursday 30 May, and Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on Friday 31 May.
View this post on Instagram
The fellow co-headline, Kian has also just dropped a new single ‘REGRETS’ just yesterday out via EMI, which sees him put an introspective lens on his past decisions and the linger weight that they hold.
Tickets to see the two young artists tear up the stage together are on sale now and can be purchased here. Give Logan’s Lost In Translation, out now via Ivy League Records, a listen.
Jebediah with special guests Magic Dirt
To celebrate the release of Jebediah’s eagerly anticipated sixth studio album and first new release in 11 years, OIKS, they’re heading out on the road for a national tour with very special guests Magic Dirt. Via OIKS, Jebediah catapult their iconic past and present into a dazzling new era.
“We are positively giddy to be heading out on the road to celebrate OIKS with our dear friends Magic Dirt, who we last toured the nation with 24 years ago! Can you believe it? This will be one for the ages!”
Grace Cummings
Grace Cummings – ‘RAMONA’ Album Tour
“Delicate soundscapes, swirling world-building, a voice with a depth that can be almost felt, as if your senses are moving from hearing to physically touching…enlisting her poetic lyricism and singular vocals to pull the listener into somewhere new.” – Paper Magazine
“An urgent and burning sermon of personal examination.” – Paste Magazine
“Blessed with a voice full of heart-tugging drama and piercing vibrato ache.” – Uncut
“…a voice made of golden honey that will stop you in your tracks” – Ones to Watch
Recorded with Jonathan Wilson (Father John Misty, Angel Olsen) at his Topanga Canyon studio, Grace Cummings’ third album RAMONA is a master work of unbridled theatricality and emotion.
In January Grace unveiled the first track from RAMONA – ‘On And On’ – along with a hauntingly beautiful video and, just last month, revealed a charming Western visualiser for the track ‘Common Man’. Just weeks ago Grace released the psychedelic title track ‘Ramona’, before releasing the sun-drenched video for her epic new ballad, ‘A Precious Thing’.
RAMONA was released in full on 5 April to overwhelming critical acclaim, with a growing international fan base and upcoming appearances on Stephen Colbert’s Late Night ‘Show Me The Music’ and KEXP Live.
Following extensive touring across the US, UK and Europe, Grace will return to Australia in the dead of winter to warm your heart with RAMONA, live.
Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Grace Cummings announces Australian tour, swinging by Meeniyan Town Hall
Starting with a sold-out show at Merri Creek Tavern on Saturday 23 April, sonic miner Grace Cummings is heading on the road for a ten-date tour across the country. She will be swinging into St Kilda on Friday 12 July, Meeniyan on Saturday 13, Melbourne’s Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday 14, over to Hobart on Saturday 20 July, across to Adelaide on Thursday 25, Fremantle the next night on Friday 26, into Perth Saturday 27 July, across to Brisbane on Friday 2 August, and finishing up in Sydney on Saturday 3 August.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The news comes a week after releasing her third album Ramona, which has collected acclaim from critics.
Grace Cummings AU Tour Dates
- Tues 23 April – Merri Creek Tavern (SOLD OUT)
- Fri 12 July – The Espy, St Kilda
- Sat 13 Jul – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
- Sun 14 Jul – Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne
- Sat 20 Jul at Altar, Hobart
- Thu 25 Jul – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
- Fri 26 Jul – Mojos, Fremantle
- Sat 27 Jul – Rosemount, Perth
- Fri 2 Aug – The Zoo, Brisbane
- Sat 3 Aug – The Great Club, Sydney
View this post on Instagram
The tour sees Cummings return from international waters where she is completing a 26 show run across the US, UK and Europe, with KEXP Live and WNYC, plus a special yet-to-be-announced performance for US late night television. Grace will play her first sold out London headline shows, support genre-generating giants and fellow Flightless Records company, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, on their European tour, and play a series of festival dates before returning to home soil to treat Australians to her formidable live show.
These shows mark her Ramona era, a record that is a departure from her self-produced 2019 debut Refuge Cove and its 2022 follow-up Storm Queen. Enlisting producer Jonathan Wilson, of Angel Olsen, Father John Misty and Margo Price fame, in the production chair, joining him in his Topanga Canyon studio, the two build pillowy sounds that elevate the songwriters pipes.
With strong themes of grief and self-destruction and emotional violence, Ramona is Cummings at her most realised, seeing her embody the persona of the namesake character. The album includes singles ‘On And On’, ‘Common Man, the titular ‘Ramona’ and ‘A Precious Thing’.
Tickets to witness the songstress on her mega tour are available now and can be purchased here. Stream the new album Ramona here.
Jess Ribeiro
Naarm/Melbourne-based folk chameleon Jess Ribeiro returns from her UK/European tour to unveil new album Summer of Love with a special celebration tour around the country. Bringing a unique band show for one night only to showcase the breadth of Ribeiro’s well-honed craft, traversing songs of isolation, loss, love and healing including the title track ‘Summer of Love’, named Best Music on The Guardian, Pilerats and ABC Victoria.
With special guests including ethnomusicologist Isobel De Cruz’s instrumental creative brain child, Hantu ( 5 piece Melbourne and 3 piece Castlemaine only).
“Soulful, Ominous, edgy and ethereal all rolled into one”. 4 stars The Music
“Jess Ribeiro has cemented herself as one of the Australian undergrounds most engaging and unpredictable creative forces”- Double J
“A frequently dissonant fever-dream… shimmers like a haze of heat.”
4 stars. Rolling Stone Australia
“The results are vibrant…This is an album that deserves to be held up to the light”.
Andrew Stafford, The Guardian
Jess Ribeiro
Naarm/Melbourne-based folk chameleon Jess Ribeiro returns from her UK/European tour to unveil new album Summer of Love with a special celebration tour around the country. Bringing a unique band show for one night only to showcase the breadth of Ribeiro’s well-honed craft, traversing songs of isolation, loss, love and healing including the title track ‘Summer of Love’, named Best Music on The Guardian, Pilerats and ABC Victoria.
With special guests including ethnomusicologist Isobel De Cruz’s instrumental creative brain child, Hantu ( 5 piece Melbourne and 3 piece Castlemaine only).
“Soulful, Ominous, edgy and ethereal all rolled into one”. 4 stars The Music
“Jess Ribeiro has cemented herself as one of the Australian undergrounds most engaging and unpredictable creative forces”- Double J
“A frequently dissonant fever-dream… shimmers like a haze of heat.”
4 stars. Rolling Stone Australia
“The results are vibrant…This is an album that deserves to be held up to the light”.
Andrew Stafford, The Guardian
Jess Ribeiro releases new album Summer Of Love, announcing East Coast album tour
Naarm/Melbourne songstress Jess Ribeiro brings back the sun with latest album Summer of Love. Out today via the folk at Poison Records, Summer of Love is a tale of loss and healing, capturing listeners from the first note. Featuring singles, the titular ‘Summer of Love’, ‘Everything Is Now’, ‘Jump The Gun’ and focus track ‘Maybe If I Wore Sunglasses Inside I Won’t Feel Tired’, Ribeiro builds intimate walls through the highly-anticipated ten-track collection of songs.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The album release is partnered with the Summer of Love album tour announcement which sees Ribeiro travel across the East Coast this May, June and July.
Summer of Love Tour Dates
- Thur 23 May – Mapleton Pub – Gubbi Gubbi Country/Mapleton
- Fri 24 May – Season Three – Meanjin/Brisbane
- Sat 25 May – Eltham Pub – Bundjalung Country/Eltham
- Sat 22 June – The Great Club – Eora/Sydney
- Sun 23 June – La La La’s – Dharawal/Wollongong
- Fri 28 June – Brunswick Ballroom – Naarm/Melbourne
- Sat 29 June – Tanswell’s Hotel – Yorta Yorta Country/Beechworth
- Sat 6 July – Bridge Hotel – Dja Dja Wurrung/Castlemaine
View this post on Instagram
Following her current European and UK tour, she will be heading to eight towns across Australia including three dates in Victoria. On Friday 28 June she will take over Brunswick Ballroom in Melbourne, hopping to Beechworth’s Tanswell’s Hotel the next night on Saturday 29 June and rounding out the tour in Castlemaine’s Bridge Hotel the next week on Saturday 6 July.
Summer of Love comes fittingly from a coastal setting with Jess Ribeiro undertaking the recording and producing with Nick Huggins at his beach studio on Wadawurrung Country in Point Lonsdale, where Ribeiro spent many month as the only guest at a hotel. With instrumentation from Jim White (Xylouris White, The Dirty Three), Dave Mudie (Courtney Barnett) on drums and percussion, Darcy McNulty on saxophone, folk-diviner Leah Senior on keys, James Seymour on bass, Carrie Webster on violin and viola, and Huggins on bass, tape and drum loops, synth, guitars and piano, Summer of Love world-builds in typical Ribeiro fashion.
The upcoming tour will see Ribeiro soar through the Summer of Love list whilst including tracks from her highly acclaimed catalogue, working through 2019’s LOVE HATE, 2015’s Kill It Yourself, and her debut 2012 My Little River. Across these bundles, Ribeiro has cemented herself as one of Australia’s most unique voices in songwriting and storytelling, earning her recognition from press across the world including NPR, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, triple j and Double J, whilst collecting wins and nominations from the Australian Music Prize, Music Victoria Awards, AIR Awards and the Environmental Music Prize.
Ribeiro will be joined by fellow songwriting wizards on this upcoming Summer of Love tour including Leah Senior for the Mapleton, Brisbane and Eltham leg, and Hantu for Melbourne and Castlemaine.
Tickets to see Ribeiro rip through Summer of Love are on sale now via her website. But before then, give Summer of Love a spin on all streaming services.
Bendigo punk act Relays are quickly carving out a niche within the rising Aussie DIY punk scene
Formed locally here on Dja Dja Wurrung land, the exciting and energetic three-piece have quickly built a fervent local following with their unpredictable and captivating live show, as well as on the back of three killer singles.
With a style that nods to local legends Cosmic Psychos as well as equal parts Dead Kennedys and Wipers, Relays are quickly carving out a niche within the rising Aussie DIY punk scene. The edgy and darkly satirical lyrics of bass player and lead singer Stanley Knife, paired with his arresting on-stage persona is undoubtedly Relays’ star attraction. Poking fun, with perhaps some truth, at the life lived in the underclasses of our regional towns, ‘Relays’ marinate the central punk tenants of pushing boundaries and asking uncomfortable questions with inimitable humour.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Local legend Shann Lions (Four Lions, Mystic Park) is a producer, guitarist, and vocalist. His riff-smithing brings just the right amount of polish to the trio (not too much though – it is punk after all) and drummer and vocalist Mik Weird is the bombastic engine room that drives ‘Relays’ through the chaos.
Their live-to-tape recordings at Head Gap studio in Preston have yielded three singles that have amassed nearly 20,000 streams globally, and Bendigo Records is proud to partner with them for their best track yet ‘It’s O.K’.
Releasing April 18, it is an irreverent and darkly humorous punk-rock anthem that will get stuck in your head, but be careful who you mindlessly hum the chorus out loud to…
Helping Relays gear up for the release of their debut album later in the year, Bendigo Records could not be happier to be one of the teams supporting grass-roots music here at home.
“As soon as I saw their set at Gold Rock Festival here in Bendigo I knew we had to work with them,” Bendigo Records Director and Head of Music Sam Edmonds said. “There’s a chaos that reminds me of seeing sweaty gigs at clubs in Melbourne growing up. ‘Relays’ might already be one of the best punk acts in the country.”
Check out everything about Bendigo Records and suss out Relays here.
Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove gloat hospitality greats. Here’s our guide on the best spots for a nibble
Here are some of our favourite spots along the coastline for a feed.
Manor Suite and Mr Grubb @ Oakdene
Oakdene Estate is swimming with selection for food and drink at their Grubb Road farmland vineyard. Not only do they make some of the region’s finest wine but they also have two eateries on site to test the palette. Firstly Manor Suite is a niche wine bar offering quirky house-made cocktails, an extensive wine selection, craft beers and spirits alongside a South East Asian tapas dining menu. Secondly, Mr Grubb is an indoor/outdoor bistro with a blend of influences and cuisines that make up a modern Australian menu, all designed for sharing.
View this post on Instagram
The Dunes Ocean Grove
Architecture and panoramic views to make your jaw drop, The Dunes at Ocean Grove is a spectacular site. Perched above Ocean Grove’s rushing coastline, The Dunes provides both elevated and classic dining options including fresh seafood and wood-fire pizza.
Adding functionality to their space, their Takeaway Kiosk is designed for the sandy feet and salt hair folk feeling like a quick treat without having to get changed from their bathers. It is open daily from 6:30AM.
At The Heads
Where the sand beds try to meet in the middle sits Barwon Heads restaurant, At The Heads. At The Heads is stunningly situated on the water’s edge on the pier with unworldly panoramic views of The Bluff and beyond. With elevated lunch and dinner reflecting the water state including Seafood Platters, kingfish with cucumber and dill, and of course oysters, this iconic space is perfect for a special dining occasion. Even more so, At The Heads makes for a delightful wedding venue with in-house catering options.
The Driftwood Café
Transporting to The Terrace in Ocean Grove, The Driftwood Cafe is a local favourite thanks to their monstrous menu made from fresh, local, free range, seasonal and organic produce. Slinging breakfast and lunch daily, with the addition of dinner on Friday and Saturday for parmi night, Driftwood is a treasure of the Terrace.
View this post on Instagram
Annie’s Provedore
Posing as both a provedore and product store, Annie’s Provedore has a mouthwatering menu both on shelf and on plate. Set amongst an eclectic display of food offerings including the famous hanging San Danielle Prosciutto, Annie’s has an abundance of visual feasting for the eyes and the belly. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as pretty palatable pantry staples, Annie’s Provedore has been proudly serving Barwon Heads since 2004.
The Covenant Wine Bar
From Thursday through Sunday, The Covenant Wine Bar in Ocean Grove provides an intimate setting to enjoy a rich red or a crisp white. An array of antipasto arrangements including cheese and Charcuterie boards, The Covenant is all about the pairings. The addition of pizza on the menu makes this quaint space even more appealing. Don’t forget to top off the night with something sweet such as their famous sticky date pudding. With live music every Sunday, The Covenant Wine Bar has it all.
Coffetti Gelato
You can’t have a list of best eats in coastal towns without including ice cream – and where better than Coffetti Gelato. Bringing a taste of Italy to the coastal, Cofetti Gelato is classic italian gelato made on site. A cabinet full of fresh frozen cream options as well as a display full of homemade cafes, Coffetti has something for everyone. Not to mention they also have sling coffee from Industry Beans every day from 6am until 5pm. It’s a must if you’re down in the BH.
View this post on Instagram
Blackman’s Beer and Burger Bar
Blackman’s is a staple in the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast as a beer brewer but it’s their Burger Bar that will have you talking. Down in Ocean Grove, the Blackman crew have set up shop on the main street. With weekly burger specials and of course their craft beer offering setting tongues alight, it’s a no brainer for a cheeky catch up. Make it a Thursday night to take full advantage of their $15 pot & cheese burger special.
Ocean Grove Hotel
So you’re after a classic counter pub meal. Look no further than Ocean Grove Hotel. This family friendly bistro and bar includes all of the pub mainstays including their famous scotch fillet and porterhouse steaks, the three P’s; parmis, pizza and pasta, seafood selections and seasonal specials. For something more lowkey, hang out in the beer garden, play pool and watch the game. This iconic pub is located only 150m from the beach so it’s ideal for the surf-side strollers.
The seaside sisters of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove have so much deliciousness on offer, it would be rude not to head down there for the day.
Head to the Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine website for more ideas on what to see and do in both coastal towns and surrounds.
This article was made in partnership with Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.
Pakington Street packs a punch in the peckish department
Celebrated annually during the colouful Pako Festa, the strip shopping destination is littered with international tastemakers, world-first eating experiences, cute cafes and the humble pub, welcoming all walks of life to be part of the street’s smorgasbord.
As a major dining destination in the region, Pakington Street is unpassable. Here are our top picks for eats along the strip.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Baah Lah! Dining
Baah Lah! Dining takes your tongue on a trip to Asia through vibrant ingredients and flavours. Siew Mei, bao buns, shaved wagyu beef, Singapore Chili Crab Doughnuts; the menu at Baah Lah! requires the exclamation mark, adding excitement to eating out. Merging modern cuisine with time-honoured techniques, the Baah Lah is an experience like no other with sharing options, keep-to-yourself options and of course dessert. Rounding out the night with Stuffed Korean Pancake is a must!
View this post on Instagram
Splatters Cheese Bar
You’ve heard of sushi trains but what about a cheese train? Well Splatters Cheese Bar proudly holds the trophy as being the first cheese train in the southern hemisphere. From their humble van beginnings to shop front, Jo Bangles and Tennille Moisel have created a community inside their cheese and craft beer filled hub. It’s not just block cheese that you find in there either, they have integrated cheese into hot food options including cheesy pizzas, arancini and their famous 5 cheese mac.
Tulip Bar and Restaurant
A stalwart favourite of the Geelong fine dining community is Tulip Bar and Restaurant. Offering a two or four course menu of shared seasonal dishes, as well as an ala carte, their menu is designed to sample all items. Tulip is the brainchild of Manager Dan Ford and Chef Mike Jaques, who aim to deliver dynamic and innovative dishes to make for a memorable dining experience.
Two Noble
If contemporary Asian dining is the game, Two Noble is the name. Hidden upstairs in the historic Sawyers Arm Tavern on Noble Street between Pakington and GMHBA Stadium, Two Noble is led by Executive Chef Mario Tambajong, boasting a culinary journey menu exploring South East Asia. Intended as shared dining, the fusion of South East Asian styling and Australian contemporary cuisine hits the spot, even more so when paired with their delicious cocktail concoctions.
View this post on Instagram
King of the Castle
A warehouse turned coffee haven, King of the Castle is a local favourite for breakfast, lunch and brunch. Fancy an eggs benny or a gourmet burger? Their classic options are fit for a king. Inside the expansive rustic hall you will find cosy corners to nestle into with an almond chai and a bold bakery pick. It’s the perfect spot for catch-ups with friends, and those of the furry kind are also welcome. King of the Castle is kid-friendly as well so there is no excuse not to go for a coffee date!
Meet Me At Mary’s
“Hey, do you want to go out?” “Sure, meet me at Mary’s?” The name lends itself to being to the local hang. This contemporary wine bar and restaurant specialises in modern Australian cuisine with inspiration for Korean and Mediterranean cuisines. Similar to its sister restaurant, The Arborist, Mary’s is for the sharers, sampling a variety of delicious dishes. Pair that with their wine and cocktail options and you have a winning combination. The glorious industrial warehouse setting only adds to the atmosphere, quickly making it a focal point of Geelong West.
Box Office Café
Box Office claims the best coffee in Geelong and to be honest they might just be! In a side street off the strip on Preston Street, Box Office Café is an indoor, outdoor hybrid specially designed for the inclusion of kids and pets with a sandpit to keep the kidlets entertained. From their avocado toast for the millennials to their breakfast waffles, Box Office is a regular spot for locals. In the afternoon bar service commences for a cheeky post-work wine.
View this post on Instagram
I Ragazzi
With a prosciutto pizza to die for, i Ragazzi is one of the best pizza and pasta spots in the region, bringing the heart of Italy into the inner suburbs. If the prosciutto pizza didn’t stop you in your tracks then listen to this list: mozzarella, zucchini, prawns, cherry tomatoes, chilli, and mint make up the Gamberi Pizza; tomato, mozzarella, grilled eggplant and salted ricotta round out the Otto Pizza and mozzarella, mortadella, stracciatella cheese, and a sprinkling of pistachio prime the Mortadella Pizza. Or you can go for the classics like casarecce meatballs or gnocchi sorrentina. Bellissimo!
Murphys
Just rounding the corner of Pakington Street on Aberdeen, follow the rainbow to find Murphys. Formerly Irish Murphy’s, this pub has a rich history as the designated Irish pub in the region. Their upstairs Skygarden offers bay views, overlooking the town of Geelong including the Library dome and the big waterfront ferris wheel. With an abundance of cold drinks on tap and a list ten miles long of cocktails, Murphy’s food selection consists of the classics. Add in bottomless brunch and a house band and you have a winning combination!
Queen of the West
A reincarnation of the past, Queen of the West returns to its roots. Previously The Barking Dog, Queen of the West is an iconic pub, bar and restaurant full of good entertainment and great food. Parmis galore, burgers, barramundi and beer – what more could you want from a busy pub! Maybe a seafood pasta, which they also have! Making it even more enticing for the family, they have just opened a kids playground out the back to keep the kids entertained.
View this post on Instagram
Now are you feeling hungry? Well at least you know where to go!
Head to the Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine website for more ideas on what to see and do in Geelong.
This article was made in partnership with Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.
The menu across the Moorabool Valley is rich with reds. Here is our guide to the best hospitality spots in the region
The sweeping Moorabool Valley is the bridge between Victoria’s largest regional towns Geelong and Ballarat, the setting of spectacular sunsets and rolling greens. Lending itself into these picturesque scenes lies a labyrinth of eating establishments.
Here are some of the best hospitality hosts in the Moorabool Valley to enjoy a sip of wine and a slice of mouth-watering menus, all whilst soaking in the surrounds.
Clyde Park Vineyard
Starting with one of the most picturesque landscapes the region has to offer, Clyde Park Vineyard is perched a-top of the valley with outdoor dining overlooking the rows of vines.
With an artisanal culinary experience focused on sustainable, locally sourced and proudly home-grown produce including woodfire pizza. Boasting more than 20 wines in their range, their enomatic tasting system offers guests the opportunity to enjoy vertical tastings of their single block wines. The cool-climate James Halliday 5 star rated vineyard was established in 1979 with small planting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, growing to include Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Their cellar door and barrel room are wedding location favourites and they offer special events across the year with Mother’s Day celebrations incoming across Friday 10 – Sunday 12 May including a high tea three-course luncheon held in the Vue Marquee on the cards and a French affair dining experience in the barrel room.
Bookings are required for the event.
View this post on Instagram
Lethbridge Wines
Just a mosey down Ballarat Road from Clyde Park is the quaint Lethbridge Wines. PhD research scientists turned wine wizards, Maree Collis and Ray Nadeson are the duo behind this boutique vineyard. With the ethos that “winemaking is not really that different to science, both are creative and both involve 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration”, the duo have engineered award-winning viticulture entries. Offering a selection of their house brand along with other regional selections including Between 5 Bells, Il Modo and Nadeson Collins, the winery has a sweet cellar door where you can grow your knowledge of wines. Partner that with a locally sourced platter and you are in for an afternoon of indulging. Whilst the Lethbridge location is the mothership, they also have a second location on the Bellarine Peninsula at Hat Rock Vineyard.
Austin’s Wines
The Austin’s have harnessed their skills to build a brand and lifestyle for their winery. You have more than likely seen their flagship Austin’s brand on the shelves of alcohol suppliers nationally, along with their 6ft6 selection. The team produces award-winning wines across the board, particularly with their palette-pleaser Pinot Noir. On site, their cellar door is currently partnering with kitchen kings, Nama to offer an ever-changing Asian-fusion omakase menu of unique tacos and snacks in a pop-up capacity. Made with fresh ingredients, these treats pair impeccably with a fresh drop as you overlook the golden vineyard valley.
Provenance Wines
Tucked into the Queens Park serpentine in Fyanfords sits Provenance Wines. The cellar door is located in a stunning heritage bluestone papermill on the Barwon River, Provenance is a multiple award-winning five-star rated winery of spectacular proportions. The provenance of Provenance is a decade-long tale for owner and winemaker duo Scott Ireland and Sam Vogel who hunted high and low for the perfect cold climate patch. Their pursuit led them to several plots in regional Victoria where they have found the perfect blend for their Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Nebbiolo. Elevating their in-house experience with their chefs selection offering or six-course dining options, the team at Provenance Wines have crafted a gastronomic journey.
Returning this winter are their Friday and Saturday night dining sessions. Running from 19 April to 27 July, you can choose between six and eight courses of tantalising tasters.
View this post on Instagram
Barrabool Maze Estate & Cafe
Adventure physically and adventure of the taste buds, Barrabool Maze Estate and Café is a playful part of the Moorabool Valley. Whilst not a winery estate, the ground of Barrabool Maze Estate and Café are well worth a drop in. Get lost in their hedge maze, explore the surrounding gardens and get a nibble at Duck Duck Goose Cafe. With delectable cakes, glazing platters and lunch options, Duck Duck Goose Café is a great spot to sizzle by the woodfire or under the oak tree in the alfresco dining area with a wine or coffee after venturing into the garden labyrinth. The relaxed country style cafe is a perfect day-trip for the family, or you can stay on site with their accommodation options.
The Moorabool Valley has so many place to get lost whilst enjoying the best in local cuisine.
Head to the Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine website for more ideas on what to see and do in the Moorabool Valley.
This article was made in partnership with Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.
Portarlington is packed with famed foodie delights
The long stretch of pier is bustling with bodies during the summer influx and the main strip of shops are an endearing elevation of the town, including the beloved lolly shop, The Treat Shack.
On the food front, Portarlington is packed with foodie delights. Here are some of the best spots to grab a snack, spoil your food palette and enjoy a cheeky drink.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Portarlington Grand Hotel
Located smack bang in the centre of the main street strip, Portarlington Grand Hotel had a makeover, rebirthing the seaside retreat. Established in 1888, the preservation of the historic landmark and pub, the building’s refurbishment comes as a duality; new and old, land and sea, city and country. The Portarlington Grand Hotel has a grand offering, sampling some of the Bellarine’s best produce. From the bistro to the front bar, the lawn area and the atrium, The Portarlington Grand Hotel has different menus for different spaces, making sure to include the region’s renowned mussels on the menu alongside pizzas and pub classics.
Pier Street Café
Family friendly – tick. Dog-friendly – double tick; the Pier Street Cafe is a space that treats the locals and tourists of both the human and the fur kind. Continuing the championing of fresh seafood of the region, Pier Street Cafe proudly supports the local trade, offering an outstanding selection of fresh seafood, wine and produce from the area. With three different types of Portarlington mussel options, Pier Street not only showcases the local market but elevates it. Their seafood platters are top-tier! Open seven days a week, the cute coastal spot is a winner.
View this post on Instagram
Arlo Wine Bar
Sharing the same owner as Pier Street Cafe, Arlo Wine Bar is located a hop, skip and jump from its sister store. Opening at the end of 2023 as a pop-up space, Arlo has quickly become one of the fixtures of the Portarlington hospitality hub. Knowing the importance of good food and wine pairing, their menu offers staples like antipasto platters and the more adventurous share pieces. On the wine front, Arlo takes you through the local pool like Bellarine Estate and Portarlington Ridge, and across international waters with exquisite selections. Open Wednesday through Saturday, this bar is a blessing for the bay side town.
Portarlington Mussel Tours
Portarlington is rather famous for its mussels, only enough that they have a whole festival dedicated to the delicacy. Portarlington Mussel Tours take you beyond the plate to explore the waters where 60 per cent of Australia’s mussels are harvested, as led by the mussel man himself, Lance Wiffen. The luxury small group tours give you a front seat into mussel farming, with cooking demonstrations, tastings and pairing with cider, wine and local produce from across the Bellarine. It’s an unforgettable boating adventure.
View this post on Instagram
Portarlington Golf Club Bistro
Get your greens at the green – Portarlington Golf Club bistro is a haven for both the golf enthusiasts and the locals. With a menu that mixes modern with traditional with home homage and international influence, the bistro has a variety of flavour favourites. From the grill to the sea as well as a trip to Italy, there really is something for everyone. Top off the dining experience with one of three desserts; the summer trifle, a tantalising banoffee pie or an explosive Bombe Alaska.
Pier Front Pizzeria
Pier Front Pizzeria is appropriately named, sitting directly across from the Portarlington pier and WG Little Reserve. Shooting out traditional style Italian pizza in Port from their woodfire oven, their selection of pizzas is made even better by their range of locally sourced wines. Introducing a new beer garden called The Giardino, the Pier Front Pizzeria is perfect for occasions as well as casual dining. Their separate al fresco area has a 64 person capacity, doubling as a function room for events.
Portarlington Bakehouse
What kind of quaint coastal town would Portarlington be without a local bakery? Lucky for locals, Portarlington Bakehouse has been woodfire baking since 1880 and doing a damn good job of it. With nearly 750 positive reviews on Tripadvisor, the Portarlington Bakehouse are known for their vanilla slices, meaty pies, danishes and iconic egg bacon and cheese toasties with the pastries and bread all freshly made on site. The rustic setting of the Portarlington Bakehouse is a step back in time to the town’s early settlement, complimenting their homemade baking methods.
View this post on Instagram
Daniel’s Donuts
It would be remiss of visitors to the region not to drop by the infamous Portarlington location of Daniel’s Donuts. The second store for the namesake owner, Daniel’s Donuts Portarlington brought the Springvale sensation to the coast, attracting thousands across the Port Phillip Bay coast line to sleepy town in 2018. The franchise has multiplied since thanks to their tantalising selection of colourfully created donuts, so mouthwatering that Homer J Simpson would have a fit. Expanding outside of the donut niche into pies and milkshakes, the dine-in store is a staple to the Portarlington scape.
Places to eat out in Portarlington are plentiful.
Head to the Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine website for more ideas on what to see and do in Portarlington.
This article was made in partnership with Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.
Queenscliff serves up a smorgasbord with these hospitality hotspots
Known as the home of the rocking Queenscliff Music Festival and the rattling The Blues Train, along with the scenic Queenscliff golf course and the infamous black lighthouse, the High Light, the seaside village is a picturesque spot for a weekend.
But the real heart of Queenscliff lies within its hospitality. Nestled into the Victorian-style buildings, cased in between the art galleries and shops, are foodie delights. Here are some of our favourite spaces to splash cash on good food and drink.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
View this post on Instagram
360Q
At the harbour of Queenscliff sits a building of marvel – one that sat closed for several years until chef to the celebrities, Barry Iddles, breathed new life into it. Having cooked for Michael Jackson, Harry Connick Jr, Carlos Santana, Ben Harper and Jack Johnson, and made Kylie Minogue’s 30th birthday cake, Iddles reopened 360Q in 2016, bringing with him an impeccable menu of culinary excellence. The casual dining downstairs offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options to guests from all corners of the state.
TARRA Restaurant
Within the same wharf loop lives TARRA Restaurant. The state-of-the-art building offers beachfront dining views and a fine dining experience. With the mantra “simple things done extraordinarily well”, TARRA is headed by Executive Chef Michael Demagistris, presenting a carefully curated menu that intersects the traditional with the innovative. From seasonal options to locally-sourced and hand-foraged ingredients, TARRA is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Queenscliff General Store & Café
From the outside the white painted exterior with classic calligraphy branding of Queenscliff General Store and Cafe looks like a fresh step back in time to a charming 1930’s Queenscliff. The striped umbrellas and crisp white outdoor dining furniture add to the aesthetic, as does the service window for takeaway, but it’s the charm of their menu that is the real winner. Slinging hot and cold beverages across the day with Brekkie Rolls, bagels, waffles and chia pots making the menu, Queenscliff General Store and Cafe is both great for the belly and for Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
Queenscliff Brewery & Distillery
Taking over the Gellibrand Street corner sits a historic fixture of Queenscliff. The 1878 pub houses Queenscliff Brewery and Distillery. With panoramic bay views, the local hangout is the ideal spot to watch the game on the big screen or to catch live music on a Sunday. With craft beers across their Prickly Moses range, house Queenscliff Brewery gins and local produce to make pizzas and pub classics, Queenscliff Brewery and Distillery is ideal for casual catch-ups and large gatherings.
Basils Farm
A stones throw from the main Queenscliff community, Basils Farm is over in Swan Bay. A favourite for weddings in the region, Basils Farm is a picturesque cottage on acreage farmland with bay views. Drink wine overlooking their vineyard or indulge with a house-made dish in the restaurant. Whilst there enjoy the panoramic views across Swan Bay, the native birdlife, indigenous plants, and trees.
Circa 1902 Queenscliff
The character of Queenscliff can be found in Circa 1902. This restaurant and accommodation spot on Hesse Street has just reopened, inviting locals and out-of-towners in to experience the local and international style cuisine. The two story site is hypnotising from the street front and just as divine inside. With street dining and restaurant sitting, Circa 1902 is a great stop along the Queenscliff drag.
View this post on Instagram
With so many options to choose from in the Borough of Queenscliff, and so many ways to get there, there is no excuse not to hop across the bay or through Geelong centre to enjoy a weekend of hospitality-filled happiness.
Head to the Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine website for more ideas on what to see and do in Queenscliff.
This article was made in partnership with Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.
Chris Stapleton announces second show dates for February and March
Without having even reached the general sale, Live Nation announce double the shows for Chris Stapleton’s recently announced 2025 All American Road Show Australia and New Zealand tour.
With the outrageous volume of ticket purchases in the Live Nation, Vodaphone and Mastercard presales, the touring giant and country music monster has added a second date to each city.
New Chris Stapleton Tour Dates
- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – Tue 25, February
- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – Wed 26, February – New Show
- Entertainment Centre, Brisbane – Fri 28, February
- Entertainment Centre, Brisbane – Sat 1, March – New Show
- Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney – Tue 4, March
- Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney – Wed, March 5 – New Show
- Spark Arena, Auckland – Fri, 7 March
- Spark Arena, Auckland – Sat, 8 March – New Show
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
View this post on Instagram
His Australian tour will play Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on 25 and 26 February, Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 28 February 28 and 1 March followed by Sydney dates at Qudos Bank Arena on 4 and 5 March.
Stapleton will then stop over in New Zealand, playing Auckland’s Spark Arena on 7 March and 8 March.
One of the United States’ most respected and beloved musicians, Stapleton has had a huge start to the year. Stapleton recently won two awards at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song (both for his #1 song, ‘White Horse’). The awards kept rolling in as he was also named Entertainer of the Year at last year’s 58th ACM Awards, resulting in a prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award, and was named Male Vocalist of the Year for the seventh time at the 57th CMA Awards this past fall, breaking his own record for most wins ever in the category. Additionally, he performed the National Anthem at 2023’s Super Bowl LVII.
On this tour, Stapleton not only brings with him his latest offering, acclaimed fifth studio album Higher, but also another music legend, Grammy nominated blues rocker, Marcus King.
General public tickets for all shows will go on sale on Friday, April 12 at 11am (local time). For more information head to livenation.co.nz or livenation.com.au
Sleepless Festival returns this May, turning Footscray’s hidden alleys, unused buildings and coolest venues into a music and art playground
Sleepless’ 2024 festival will build on its success in 2023 by celebrating the depth of culture and talent existing in Melbourne’s west, and highlighting the suburb’s potential as a thriving arts community with a vibrant nightlife.
Troy Rainbow, Artistic Director, Sleepless Festival, says: “Sleepless is our beacon of hope for the world-class talent coming out of Melbourne’s West. It’s a tough time for the live entertainment industry, but we know that Aussies want to be part of a culture that supports the arts.
Sleepless Festival 2024
- Fri 3rd May 2024, 6:00 pm – Sun 19th May
- Sleepless Community Arts Hub, Footscray
- Find out more here
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
View this post on Instagram
“By making Sleepless as accessible as possible, we’re giving music and arts lovers the opportunity to support the incredible talent right here in our own backyard for the third year running.”
Kicking off on 4 May, the two-week festival supported by Maribyrnong City Council and Moondog Brewery will feature a diverse lineup of immersive experiences, theatre, comedy, film screenings and captivating art installations held in unlikely places.
The Sleepless Festival 2024 program at a glance:
- Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival (MNFF) is Melbourne’s offbeat short film festival. Taking place over three days, MNFF celebrates weird and wonderful shorts created by Australian filmmakers
- Perhaps it’ll be the Death of Me, a thought-provoking 24-hour shopfront performance piece from Lady Mohawk
- An exclusive collaboration between local musicians SXSEA X Big Bao
- Improv ensemble Melbourne Trap Orchestra play its high-energy greatest hits at the Kindred Bandroom
- In a cross-cultural conversation between Indian classical music and jazz, Raga Saga will explore the depth of improv
- A multi-channel video visualisation, Null Sum by emerging artist Blake Dearman will present a debate about the legitimacy and ethics of AI
- Astra Choir will immerse audiences in a mobile concert that will journey from the chambers of commerce to the halls of higher powers
- Local scent artist Erin Adams will display origami seed pods in her work Scent Pod, releasing the joyous fragrances of lemon-scented eucalyptus distilled from Footscray trees
- Footscray Records will play host to cowpunk band GOATLAW and angular post-punk disco Carpal Tunnel for one night only
- The immersive installation Machine Dreams by Nick Clark will challenge participants to reconsider their creative and emotional connections with machines
- Natalie Blom’s Everyday Alchemy presents experimental analogue photography, created using household items along with Phở broth and water from the Maribyrnong River
Some events are free and some are ticketed, and bookings are essential. “Footscray has it all,” commented Rainbow. “From its diverse community to vibrant nightlife and cultural events, Footscray is Melbourne’s best-kept secret, hidden in plain sight.”
“We have big plans for Sleepless and can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to collaborate with the most talented creatives Melbourne has to offer, both in the years to come, and this May when the festival comes to life. So grab your friends, get your tickets and we’ll see you in the West!”
Sleepless Festival Footscray runs from 4 to 19 May 2024 at locations across the suburb. For more information and to book, visit sleeplessfestival.com
FarmDog Brewing: Where craft beer, gin, and vineyard views collide
Welcome to FarmDog Brewing, where it’s all about family and fantastic drinks.
Run by siblings Jaimie and Maddy, FarmDog is nestled within the vineyards of McGlashan’s Estate. Their folks planted the vines back in ’95, set up the Cellar Door, and ran the show for a solid 15 years. Now, the baton’s been passed, and the new generation is adding their own spin to the family legacy.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
What’s new, you ask? Well, they’ve thrown in a distillery and brewery (with Jaimie & Maddy’s partners Jeremy & Jake leading the way), plus they’ve started opening nights and even hosting weddings – where your furry friend can strut down the aisle with you and join in the celebrations! Can it get any better than that?
View this post on Instagram
As for the vibe, think laid-back with sprawling views of the vineyard, twinkling festoon lights, crackling fire pits, and outdoor beanbags – it’s basically heaven on earth. And now they’ve added Saturday nights to the mix, there’s really no excuse not to pop in. Plus, they’ve got live music on Sundays, setting the scene for some seriously chill vibes. Visitors often come thinking they’ll just drop by, but end up getting swept away by the tranquility and sticking around for the afternoon.
Oh, and you’ll get a warm welcome from Hamish the FarmDog – it’s the little things that make life grand!
Now, onto the drinks! Dive into self-guided tasting flights to sample the full array of beer, gin, and wine. Don’t miss out on their signature cocktails, like the pandan splice and Wallington Mule, showcasing the unique flavours of FarmDog gin – it’s a total crowd-pleaser. And their top-notch beer? A white-chocolate raspberry bullet sour brewed with real white chocolate raspberry bullets – talk about a flavour explosion!
View this post on Instagram
They’re also aging whiskey in barrels, but alas, it’s a waiting game. However, mark their words, it’ll be well worth it when the time comes.
Hungry? Fear not! There’s a spread of grazing and snacking options, from the FarmDog platter to the brewer’s board and pulled pork tacos. If you’re after something heartier, go for the Miss Mary lamb pizza or one of their hearty burgers. And here’s the kicker – a lot of the ingredients come from local sources, including the Bellarine Smokehouse salmon pate.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself down to FarmDog Brewing and experience the magic for yourself!
FarmDog Brewing is located at 225 Swan Bay Road, Wallington (McGlashan’s Estate). It’s open Thursday 5-8, Friday & Saturday 11-8, Sunday 11-5.
You can have your driver’s licence on your phone from May onwards, here’s how
Throughout April, consultation will ramp up with organisations that rely on photo identification including bars, restaurants, retailers, Victoria Police, and Australia Post to ensure they’re prepared for the rollout.
In May, more than 4.5 million Victorians who are fully licenced drivers, motorcyclists, or heavy vehicle operators will be the first eligible to download digital driver’s licences as part of the state-wide launch.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
View this post on Instagram
This follows a successful trial in Ballarat last year, where more than 15,000 Victorians accessed their digital licences via the myVicRoads and Service Victoria apps. Digital licences have undergone rigorous privacy and security testing, boasting features like a dynamic hologram and a timed QR code that businesses and authorities can scan to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.
The licences can also be updated in real-time if there are changes to licence conditions or personal information like home addresses.
Victorians who have downloaded either the VicRoads or Services Victoria app will automatically receive their digital licence through their app once it has been processed in May and will be alerted either by push notification or email.
“Victorians have been asking us for a digital driver licence – and from next month millions of Victorians can access them on their phones alongside other government-issued cards like a Working with Children Check, seniors card or fishing licence,” Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams said.
Learners and probationary licence holders will be able to access their digital licence by 2025. Visit the VicRoads or Service Victoria websites to find out more about digital driver licences.
We passed the mic to regional musicians Martin Frawley and Watty Thompson to interview each other ahead of their appearance at Sound Tracks Vol. 2.
All aboard – Sound Tracks Vol 2. takes over the towns of Echuca and Rochester for a weekend of unmissable live music.
In Rochy, Martin Frawley is playing the Criterion and across the road at the Shire Hall Watty Thompson and His Total Fire Band will be welcoming in the crowds. Ahead of the rock ‘n’ rail festival from Friday 19 April until Sunday 21 April, we passed the mic over to the regional music-makers to interview each other about their careers, growing up regional and fish and chips.
Sound Tracks Vol 2 Details
- Friday 19 April 2024 – Sunday 21 April
- Magic Dirt | Milo Eastwood | Watty Thompson & His Total Fire Band | The Slingers | Delivery | Martin Frawley | Bad Bangs | Sam Boon Trio | Yordja
View this post on Instagram
Watty to Martin
You have connections with Rochester and spent a bit of time in the area growing up. What are some fond memories from the area in those days?
I guess all my most fond memories are from the family farm in Elmore which is 15 minutes south of Rochester. Yabbying, doing burnouts in old bombs, riding four wheelers and being annoying little twerp; watching footy on the floor of the farmhouse in front of the fire in my pyjamas. I remember the Rochester video store being my safe haven when spending summers up there in the heat and cold winter nights. My old man let me hire anything I wanted. So I remember watching pulp Fiction at about 11 and thinking “fuck me, this is bad ass”.
I remember my old man lost his license and used to cruise around in my pops ride on scooter drinking beers. He thought it was a real laugh, like he had stumbled onto a brilliant loophole.
Where were your formative years playing and writing music spent, and do you think these regional ties had an impact on your musical journey?
I guess most of my formative years were in inner city Melbourne then interstate, then pretty quickly overseas. I liked always trying the next challenge of touring. To be honest, there weren’t many regional shows back then when I was in my early twenties. To watch it grow has been awesome and to see the different acts coming out of different pockets of Victoria has been awesome and interesting. Just the difference in genre to geography has been cool to see. I’ve never played in Rochester but im fucking pumped! My old man did it a bunch and it feels fitting to play with this band and these songs in Rochester. I need to play more regional shows, I need to play more so if you’re keen, let’s go!!
A resurgence of live original music in regional areas has been brewing over the past several years. We certainly can’t quite hit the road and play anywhere without copping the occasional request for AC/DC or ‘Khe Sanh’ just yet, but more venues around the traps are catering for original music. Events such as this also help to spread the love. It’d be a dream to one day pack up a wagon and trailer to play a year’s worth of shows over a lap of the whole country like some artists managed to do in the yesteryear. What are your hopes for the future of live original music in regional areas?
Yeah, I mean, that was a big thing for Australian music for a long time. I’m really trying to champion and bring that vibe to my band. I want to be able to play covers as well as originals. That’s old school. Band used to play twice a night across different suburbs and work the crowd. That’s lost a bit now and I really want to bring that back. We play a lot of my own songs but I’ll always chuck a few songs in the mix depending on where I am. I love playing songs from certain cities or towns and paying respect to the place you are. I learnt that was a good trick when you’re playing internationally. It’s a cheat to drag the audience in a bit closer, then you can play ‘em a bunch of your songs and hopefully they have a connection. Man like Garth says in Wayne’s World “I like to play”.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
What are you most looking forward to about performing some of your music in a place that holds family ties for you?
Hmmm I guess I’m really excited to play some of my old man’s songs and play them with people who have played with him and perform to family and hopefully make people feel farm. I’m Irish and we like to drink and sing. That’s how I grew up. Watching the Frawley’s singing songs and drinking all night. I’m excited to play and hopefully warm ‘em up for your big rock show. Place and family mean a lot to me so we’ll try to get a few tears and smiles in the audience.
We’ve been on a few of the same line-ups over the past couple of years but still haven’t managed to cross paths and meet. Perhaps we even drank a pot of raspberry in the same pub as kids. Let’s change this in Rochester. Perhaps grab a beer or a pot of raspberry together?
Mate, I’d be well keen for that. I think there is enough sugar in the beer for me, my raspberry days are over. But actually a few weeks back I was at The Criterion (where I’m playing) there was a family wedding across the road (where you’re playing) anyhow, me, the wife and the cousin snuck over to The Criterion and slapped a cheeky Bundy. It was fucked. Then some bloke at the bar told me my old man owed him money so we took off. Anyhow. Fucking oath we can have a few froths.
The country town fish ‘n’ chip shop minimum of chips has always been, and in some places still seems to still be, a massive amount of chips for a very reasonable price. While the cost of everything else steadily rises, the minimum of chips still seems to float at a similar price to what we would have paid in Locky and Rochy or Elmore as kids. Are you a chicken salt, extra chicken salt or no chicken salt kinda guy?
Oohhhfff I didn’t know you could get extra chicken salt. That sounds lit. Well I’m the type of bloke that just wants to make sure they’re hot, salty and you have a real cold pot of Carlton to eat ‘em with. Then maybe a Nexium to help the heart burn. Actually, weirdly, you just reminded me that the first time I ever had a deep fried mars bar was in Elmore haha not Paris, New York or Melbourne lol. Fucking Elmore. I try to stay away from the fried food these days. Just on special occasions. Maybe meeting you Watty will be one of those special occasions.
View this post on Instagram
Martin to Watty
First of all, hi my name is Martin.. who are you and where did you grow up?
G’day Martin! Lovely to meet you. My name is Watty. I grew up around Lockington and Echuca. Both about 15 minutes from Rochester.
What’s the best gig you have seen in a regional town?
It’s very difficult to narrow it down to one that takes the cake but a favourite that immediately springs to mind was a cold April evening almost bang on ten years ago when Brisbane’s HITS and Melbourne’s Bitter Sweet Kicks gave the stage absolutely everything on a Wednesday night at Karova Lounge in Ballarat. I was living in the big smoke back then, playing rock and roll, and my band at the time had played a set at the launch for the latest Kicks album at the Prince Of Wales the weekend prior. I was cooking and selling popcorn in the band room that night too for some reason. It was my first time seeing HITS and they blew me away. A few days later HITS and Kicks were embarking on an East Coast tour together so I hitched a last minute one way ride to Ballarat in the back of their tour van. The temptation to witness the danger they’d bring to Ballarat on a Wednesday evening was too great.
It was a quiet night from memory and there couldn’t have been more than 15 or 20 people in the audience. Both bands played as if thousands were watching. The audience didn’t know what hit them. Johnny Kicks was nude behind his bass guitar by the second song of the night which one of the locals wasn’t happy about. Concerns being raised by the gentleman at the front of the stage did nothing but escalate the situation. They may not have won over that guy but the rest of the audience were in a state of pure bliss witnessing the storm of rock and roll that both bands rolled in that Wednesday night and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one of them still talking about it a decade later. I slept somewhere cold and got the V Line back to town the next morning.
What’s the most noticeable difference between regional and city gigs?
Regional crowds are often more fired up than city crowds. This doesn’t mean that one is more appreciative than the other. Both hold a strong love for music but perhaps because the city crowd has an array of incredible gigs accessible from their doorstep any night of the week and a regional crowd only has something come through every so often, the country audience can show their appreciation in a more lively manner. Absolutely nothing against the big smoke crowds though. They live in the heart of live music and they help keep that heart pumping. They might be full of less beans sometimes but a subdued audience can also be an attentive and contemplative one.
I remember watching my old man play two sets in Colbinabbin Pub growing up, it was quite inspiring. What inspired you to play and write music?
I had an urge to play from quite a young age after coming across an old dusty piano in our back shed. I’d head down the shed for a play after school each day so Dad moved it inside. It was pretty out of tune but I kept playing and here we are today. The first song I ever wrote had a verse on each of our family pets from memory. You’re spot on about being inspired by gigs as a kid though.
Seeing live music for the first time is where the inspiration really fired up. When I was about 12, a bunch of bands including Nokturnl, a metal band from the NT came to town and played at Vic Park in Echuca. It was my first time seeing rock bands live and it blew my socks off. I got my ticket stub signed by band members from across the fence on the boundary line.
The band and I performed at River Boats in Echuca early last year and that time around it was held on the same oval. When signing a kids Watty t-shirt on the boundary line after the show, I had a flashback of getting that ticket stub signed on the very same fence line all those years earlier. It was a spin out and a very heart-warming realisation. Perhaps we’ll inspire some of the local kids with our sets in Rochy mate. Gotta keep the cycle going! Side Colbinabbin story: I remember hearing ‘Pissing Down In Colbo’ at some stage as a kid. A tune written by your clan I believe!
What would you like to see more of at regional gigs?
The acceptance of original music in areas that aren’t that familiar with it. I agree with what you said earlier about being able to enjoy putting a few covers in a set and that it’s a tried and tested way to win over crowds in places you haven’t played at yet. I enjoy a good heckle and throw the occasional cover in at the end of a set in some towns. I road tested the songs I play these days solo for a year or two before getting the band together and some of the places I booked knowing they’d be tough crowds.
My hope for the future of shows in regional areas though, is a broader excitement from a crowd to go see music that they aren’t aren’t familiar with. Where songs are given a chance even if they haven’t been heard before. Where people are excited not only go watch the bands who have already made a name for themselves, but the bands who are out there doing the hard yards traveling around trying to make a name for themselves.
The more we push original music in places that aren’t necessarily accustomed to it, the more it’ll be accepted and the more towns touring musicians will have to play in. That’s not to say we’ll get rid of the hecklers and tough audiences all together. Playing to those audiences builds character and is all part of the journey as an emerging artist. More balance will come with time though and we’ll see more of these original live music loving regional pockets emerging.
View this post on Instagram
If you were given the keys to the state, where would you want to put on a festival and who would you have headline?
Ooooh that’s a big one. So many beautiful parts of the state. So much music to choose from! Would love to see something happen down here in the Otways. Those keys are going to include some government funding for a very healthy budget to spend on the bands. Someone will give us the perfect property with beautiful campgrounds and there’ll be a friendly team to get through the planning red tape and to help run things safely and smoothly. There’ll be lush green grass to sit back on, plenty of shade if it’s hot and a few fire barrels if it’s cold. It’s day two, the sun is setting, we’re sitting in front of a gorgeous stage with an incredible PA, I pass you an ice cold tin of your favourite brew and a reformed Cold Chisel take to the stage to absolutely send it.
Who’s your favourite regional band atm?
JB Patterson from the sticks up in QLD has been a regular go to for me over the past year. Give a listen to his latest album Springtime Is Coming.
There are so many gems out there. Often I ponder on how much incredible music exists but hasn’t been heard due to self doubt or artists not having the support network or community around them to help fan their flames of belief. Particularly in regional areas. I guess that’s why a lot of young country musos head to the city for their formative musical years. There’s lots going on and lots to learn from people. As you know, often it’s only 10% of our time spent creating and performing and the other 90% is the hard work of pushing to get the music heard. Everyone has gotta keep pushing. It makes the world a better place!
Has been a pleasure Martin. See you for some tunes and some chips over a couple of cold ones in Rochy!
Frawley and Thompson will be joining a stellar line-up of Magic Dirt, Milo Eastwood, The Slingers, Delivery, Cong Josie & The Hell Racers, Bad Bangs and Sam Boon Trio.
Tickets to the rocking railway festival in Rochester are on sale now through OK Motels. Pick them up here