Introducing GUM / Ambrose Kenny-Smith; a collaboration under King Gizzard and The Wizard Lizards new label p(doom) records

Pulling their projects together as GUM / Ambrose Kenny-Smith, Jay Watson and, the aforementioned, Ambrose Kenny-Smith have announced a new record Ill Times ready to drop 19 July.

Keeping in the King Gizzard family, the debut album is the first release for the supergroup’s newly announced p(doom) records, a label that enables King Gizz “to put out our own records and our friends’ too. If you all keep listening to ’em, we’ll keep making ’em”. It’s only fitting then that Kenny-Smith is the first pull on the label having played with the band since inception in the old Nash band room in Geelong.

Ill Times Tracklist

1. Dud
2. Ill Times
3. Minor Setback
4. Fool For You
5. Resilience
6. Powertrippn’
7. Old Transistor Radio
8. Emu Rock
9. Marionette
10. The Gloater

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

The meeting of Watson and Kenny-Smith first took place at the bar in the hazy hours after Tame Impala played the legendary Eureka Hotel in Geelong, Victoria 2009, before The Murlocs and King Gizz had grown wings. It wasn’t until the bands shot to fame that the bond between these two groups was forged.

The roots of Ill Times lay in an instrumental Watson had recorded that he loved but couldn’t find a home in Pond or Gum by itself. Kenny-Smith has entered the chat; Watson DM’d the demos to Kenny-Smith along with a link to ‘Magic Mountain’. Kenny-Smith was keen but the idea remained non-corporeal for more than a year whilst both musicians toured to world with their respective acts. It was at Christmas that the bells started to ring for the duo.

 

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A cross-continent transactional approach to songwriting started, with an instrumental sent to Kenny-Smith for lyric additions and sent back to Watson for approval. Ill Times takes both songwriters strong points – the colossal grooves of Watsons sound and the melodic mastery of Kenny-Smith with the albums lyrical content taking a swing at losers with god complexes.

For six albums now you have heard Jay Watson’s unfiltered brain as Gum, but now you can hear what it sounds like through the bluesy soulful lens of Ambrose Kenny-Smith.

Ill Times is available for pre-order digitally today and physical pre-orders are live on 10 May at 10am AEST via pdoomrecords.com

 

The Dreggs latest album Caught In The Reverie has such a warm accessibility that welcomes all styles of listeners

Having been staples of Australia’s indie-rock scene for the past five years, The Dreggs have finally taken some time off the road to record their long-awaited debut, Caught In The Reverie.

Finding its sound somewhere between the bluegrass-infused indie-folk of Matt Corby and the melodic yet upbeat folk-rock harmonies of The Waifs, Reverie sees the Bribie Island duo injecting elements of gospel, soul and blues into their heartfelt folk roots to deliver a release that has all the sensibilities of a yarn with mates over a few beers and an open fire. 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

From the hand percussion and mandolin grooves of ‘Come So Far’, to the power ballad choruses and meticulous finger picking of ‘Look To The Stars’, Caught in the Reverie has such a warm accessibility that welcomes all styles of listeners.

Delivering each song with an overwhelming sense of earnestness, the duo’s lyrics see discussions about heartache of lost love (‘Berlin’), the emptiness attached to chasing the party instead of meaningful relationships (‘Sad Old Song’), and the unconditional love and reliance that one eternally feels for their mother (‘I’m A Little Older’).

It really welcomes you in with open arms. A campfire release that’s filled with warm and hearty ballads, nuanced songwriting, and a relatable perspective of growth so resonant that it makes it hard to feel alone.

Listen to Caught In The Reverie from The Dreggs here.

Celebrating Pride Month dazzled in drag at Geelong Arts Centre

As presented by Soft Tread Enterprises in association with The Maybe Pile, Trophy Boys is billed as an exciting epic, with three performances running Friday 14 June and Saturday 15 June.

In this fantastically camp theatre piece, audiences are transported into the pressure cooker environment of a debate prep room, where the all-boys team from St Imperium College prepares to tackle their final and most challenging debate yet. The topic? That feminism has failed women. As the boys grapple with the task of arguing in the affirmative, they confront their own biases, privilege, and preconceptions, leading to a journey of self-discovery and introspection. 

Performed by a female and non-binary cast in drag, each character defies easy categorization with dark humour and stunning wit, blurring the lines between performance and authenticity. Led by a stellar ensemble cast comprising Fran Sweeney-Nash, Leigh Lule, Gaby Seow, and the playwright herself, Emmanuelle Mattana, Trophy Boys presents a nuanced portrayal of its characters, each grappling with their own beliefs, desires, and insecurities. Through razor-sharp dialogue and poignant moments of vulnerability, the play delves into the complexities of masculinity and the ways in which societal expectations shape individual identity.  

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.

Challenging traditional norms with hilarious humour, this must-see production warmly invites audiences to confront the complexities of gender, privilege and power in contemporary settings. 

Cameron Woodhead, senior theatre critic of The Age and prolific reviewer of the performing arts in Australia, awarded the performance five-stars, branding Trophy Boys a revelation. 

He says, “Theatre lovers should rush to see Trophy Boys, the hilarious and devastating debut play from Emmanuelle Mattana… It’s astonishing to see a shoestring production from young indie theatre artists so secure and artistically complete. The script is powerful and ferociously intelligent; the performances witty and exuberant and, crucially, empathetic… Trophy Boys is a revelation.”  

At its core, this remarkable theatre piece tackles tricky subjects with dark humour and sharp satire.  In its exploration of identity, privilege, and power dynamics, Trophy Boys exemplifies the spirit of Pride – a celebration of authenticity, solidarity, and the ongoing struggle for equality.  

Celebrating Pride Month through the lens of drag performance, this play subverts expectations and invites audiences to question the constructs that govern our lives. In a society where conformity often reigns supreme, Trophy Boys offers a refreshing antidote – a celebration of difference and a testament to the power of self-expression. 

 

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A truly unmissable show as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s REWIRE pillar of bold, boundary defying works. The REWIRE Program is just one of the many outstanding programs shining this year at Geelong Arts Centre. 

On the artist development side, Geelong Arts Centre was recently announced as the recipient of a transformative grant from The Ian Potter Foundation in April, with funds distributed to expand and enhance their flagship development program, Creative Engine.

Creative Engine is Geelong Art Centre’s support base for regional creatives, including theatre makers, choreographers, dancers, musicians, cabaret artists, experimental artists, writers and many more.

The program offers support to artists through funding and grants, in-kind support and access to mentors, along with the time and space to collaborate, develop skills, and trial ideas within the Geelong Arts Centre studios.

Creative Engine has already seen enormous success from participating artists. Connor Morel is a name embedded in the Geelong entertainment scene across a multitude of arts and music mediums. Through his Ignition creative development time at Geelong Arts Centre in 2022, Connor built his work-in-progress stage show A Lovely Day To Be Online. The show has been taken to audiences far and wide as part of New Zealand’s Fringe Festival and Melbourne’s International Comedy Festival with a massive return to home in September 2023, where A Lovely Day To Be Online was performed to a sold out audience in the Open House at the Geelong Arts Centre’s Grand Opening Festival. 

 

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Morel has since seen success on the stage, embodying drummer extraordinaire DJ Fontana in Elvis: A Musical Revolution. The stage show has seen Morel tour across the country in the ensemble, playing in major theatres to sold out audiences and appearing on Channel 7 morning program, Sunrise.   

This isn’t a stand alone success story; Stacey Carmichael and Xavier McGettigan were recipients of Creative Engine funding to develop their work, performative piece, a/lone. Developed inside the walls of Geelong Arts Centre, a/lone has burst through the rehearsal room across the Indian Ocean and into Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

a/lone is a dynamic original production building from physical theatre, contemporary dance and verbatim theatre to share the story of disconnection and loneliness. A deeply collaborative performance with a live score from Kirstin Honey, direction from Janine McKenzie and Carmichael and McGettigan working with Emily Jacker-Lawrence for performance movement, a/lone is a deeply profound body of work. The performance is currently touring through Victoria including stop-ins to Bendigo Engine Room and the Bellarine’s Potato Shed.

 

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These prime examples attest to the success of the Creative Engine program, building a case for its expansion. With the significant $700,000 funding support of the Ian Potter Foundation, Geelong Arts Centre will be introducing a new tier of support, Launchpad. 

Launchpad aims to create more pathways for artists to develop their professional and artistic practice by bridging the gap between creating new work and presenting to audiences. The new initiative offers artists the chance to test and showcase their work in a professional theatre setting, providing a platform for artistic experimentation and audience engagement. The presentation will be taking place in Geelong Arts Centre’s The Open House theatre.

In addition, the Ian Potter Foundation grant will fund the employment of two Associate Artists. The two 12-month part time contracts will allow these employees to gain access to purpose-built studios, mentoring and professional experience with the support working towards the development of artistic practice as culminated by the creation of new works.

But wait, there’s more. The funding will also be distributed to an artist residency arm, designed to enhance the skills and crafts of 15 artists from the Geelong and Bellarine regions. It includes an intensive series of workshops and mentoring sessions to assist in the future development of the region’s arts sector.

These moves also come after the exciting announcement of Geelong Arts Centres partnership with education titan Oxygen College, which will see the introduction of a Diploma of Musical Theatre added to the education providers course list for 2025. Undertaken across both state-of-the-art facilities, the partnership aims to foster the development of emerging musical theatre contributors, to raise and retain the discipline in the region.

Geelong Arts Centre is bubbling with opportunities for artists, makers, movers, and theatre-goers to both create and see exciting theatre in the region.

For all upcoming shows and to secure your tickets to see Trophy Boys head to geelongartscentre.org.au.  

Story Of The Year announce 20 years of Page Avenue Australian Tour

Page Avenue, the debut title for American post-hardcore team Story Of The Year hit hard 20 years ago; ‘And the Hero Will Drown’ kicked it into gear, met with the anthemic ‘Until The Day I Die’, actual anthem ‘Anthem of Our Dying Day’ and the mega belter ‘Razerblades’. As it turns out, the album would become a defining body of work not only for the band but for a generation of post hardcore, alternative rock, punk lovers.

Now the album is getting its special treatment as Story Of The Year tour it down under, along with their greatest hits. Along for the celebration are friends Senses Fail, who will be playing their own debut Let It Enfold You in full across the tour, and Australia’s Behind Crimson Eyes.

Story Of The Year – Celebrating 20 Years of Page Avenue Australian Tour 2024

• Sunday 4 August – Magnet House, Perth
• Tuesday 6 August – The Gov, Adelaide
• Thursday 8 August – The Forum, Melbourne
• Friday 9 August – Roundhouse, Sydney
• Sunday 11 August – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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Starting in Perth on 4 August, this national celebration of post hardcore and alternative rock will head to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, before wrapping up in Brisbane on 11 August. Capturing the essence of 2004, Story Of The Year and Senses Fail will lace their sets in their debut albums, ready for crowd sing-alongs.

Story Of The Year have been hailed as helping shape the post hardcore landscape thanks to their blend of loud guitars, pounding drums, singalong choruses and a permeating sense of positivity in their enduring creations. Page Avenue became the first of its kind to sell a million copies, placing the band alongside greats of their stylistic surrounds including Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Deftones and The Used. The band jumped up on the beloved Warp Tour stage before their debut single ‘Until the Day I Die’ was even released, cementing them from the get go.

Now 20 years later the act have six studio albums to their name including In The Wake of Determination (2005), The Black Swan (2008), The Constant (2010), Wolves (2017) and their most recent 2023 full length Tear Me To Pieces. It’s pretty good going for teenagers working in a pizza show to being a class act for two decades.

A similar story can be said for their supports Senses Fail and Behind Crimson Eyes who have both colourfully celebrated careers with Senses Fail emerging in the early 2000’s and Behind Crimson Eyes snagging mainstream attention with their 2006 debut album A Revelation For Despair.

Tickets for the upcoming tour can be purchased via general sale on Thursday 9 May at 12pm local time through promoters Destroy All Lines. 

Castlemaine Jazz Festival swings into town for a King’s Birthday bonanza

The 2024 return of the Castlemaine Jazz Festival is coming in hot, unveiling a sensational selection of jazz aficionados set to swing into town. Building on last years hit event, the festival is set to take over six iconic venues in the town centre including the historic Theatre Royal, Castlemaine Bowling Club, the Goods Shed, Phee Broadway Theatre, Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel and taking over the very popular Boomtown Winery for two night.

Castlemaine Jazz Festival Details

• When: King’s Birthday Long Weekend – Friday 7 June – Sunday 9 June
• Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine Bowling Club, the Goods Shed, Phee Broadway Theatre, Coolroom and Boomtown Winery
• Tickets (Full/Concession/Under 18): Opening Night – $30/$25/$15, Day Pass – $90/$80/$50, Full Weeked – $150/$125/$90
• Further information: www.castlemainejazzfestival.com.au

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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With a special community-focused opening night at the Goods Shed, Castlemaine Jazz Festival will be into full swing thanks to Thompsons Foundry Band and the Castlemaine Secondary College Stage band who reign as the division winners of the 2024 Generations In Jazz. Keeping the community-focus, the evening will also feature a performance from a community choir as led by Adam Przewlocki of Choir of Hard Knocks fame, featuring the voice of Divine Divas, Rainbow Voices, Marcapellas, Mainesong and the Castlemaine Secondary College Vocal Ensemble.

All of that performance power and that’s not even the main program. Jumping into the festivities, Castlemaine Jazz Festival is full of established jazz names as well as newcomers to the scene. Over at the Theatre Royal you can dig into sets from Tamara Murphy, Ade Ish, Shirazz and a gamut of big bands. Phee Broadway boasts a huge headline act on the Saturday evening – singer, trumpeter, songwriter and three-time ARIA award winner Vince Jones, who is this year celebrating his gold career anniversary; a whopping 50 years in the spotlight.

Brooklyn ’86, Esstee Big Band, Flying Home, Funk Junkies, Harry Coulson’s Blue Dogs, Rebecca Barnard and Stat are a few more names on the huge bill for the Castlemaine Jazz Festival.

“The committee has been working hard this year to bring an even more exciting festival to Jazz enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to bring this to the community,” says Lyndal McClure, President of the Castlemaine Jazz Festival.

“We are also so excited about our paste up project which aims to showcase our artists at this year’s festival as installations along Castlemaine’s main street. It is the first time ever that we have done something like this and we think it will add to the overall feeling of the festival.”

Tickets are now on sale to the 2024 Castlemaine Jazz Festival and can be purchased here.

 

Kate Miller-Heidke’s mesmerising performance on The Bellarine

Never Mind The Buzzers: RocKwiz Live! is back with Brian, Julia and the RocKwiz OrKestra heading on the road

For 15 seasons, Julia Zemiro, Brain Nankervis, Dugald and the RocKwiz OrKestra entertained us with the televised rock quiz to rule them all. In 2010, the TV show took to the stage, inviting audiences in to the chaotic set for RocKWiz Live! which they have now toured relentlessly to most stages in the country.

RocKwiz Live! Tour Dates

• Tuesday, 8 October 2024 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange NSW
• Wednesday, 9 October 2024 – Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo NSW
• Friday, 11 October 2024 – Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth NSW
• Saturday, 12 October 2024 – Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie NSW
• Sunday, 13 October 2024 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton NSW
• Tuesday, 15 October and Wednesday, 16 October 2024 – The Art House, Wyong NSW
• Saturday, 19 October 2024 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart TAS
• Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta NSW
• Thursday, 24 October 2024 – The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sutherland NSW
• Friday, 25 October 2024 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra NSW
• Saturday, 26 October 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul NSW
• Tuesday, 29 October 2024 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Townsville QLD
• Thursday, 31 October 2024 – Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns QLD
• Tuesday, 5 November 2024 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton QLD
• Wednesday, 6 November 2024 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg QLD
• Thursday, 7 November 2024 – The Events Centre, Caloundra QLD
• Friday, 8 November 2024 – HOTA Theatre, Gold Coast QLD
• Saturday, 9 November 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD
• Sunday, 10 November 2024 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba QLD
• Thursday, 14 November 2024 – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston VIC
• Friday, 15 November 2024 – Costa Hall, Geelong VIC
• Saturday, 16 November 2024 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul VIC
• Sunday, 17 November 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon VIC
• Thursday, 21 November 2024 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle VIC
• Saturday, 23 November 2024 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra ACT
• Sunday, 24 November 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW
• Tuesday, 26 November 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury VIC
• Wednesday, 27 November 2024 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo VIC
• Thursday, 28 November 2024 – Ballarat Civic Hall, Ballarat VIC
• Friday, 29 November 2024 – Palais Theatre, St Kilda VIC
• Saturday, 30 November 2024 – Swan Hill Soundshell, Swan Hill VIC
• Tuesday, 3 December 2024 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark SA
• Wednesday, 4 December 2024 – Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie SA
• Thursday, 5 December 2024 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide SA

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Australia’s premiere Rock n Roll Trivia show takes the pub trivia night and adds leather, leopard print and a whole lot of attitude in the most outrageous night of musical and comedic treats. At this point RocKwiz Live! is an institution, with sold-out concerts across the country and added extras of the annual RocKWiz’s Really Really Good Friday at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, a fixture of the years event calendar, and their permanent position on the Delta Stage at Bluesfest being a major draw card for the annual Byron Bay blues and roots festival.

Why wouldn’t it be when the makeup includes Brain’s hilarious contestant selection process kicking of the hilarity as he scopes out audience members rock knowledge (and any additional singing and dancing skills they may have), before the show even starts! The top scoring members go on to be the contestants, seated alongside famous and up and coming musicians for a magical night of music and trivia. It all climaxes in a final score with duets and ensemble performances.

Of the return Julia Zemiro says, “Getting back on the road and touring around the country is what RocKwiz does best! If life is all getting a bit much, and you need to have a laugh and hear some fabulous music, come join us! We guarantee we’ll make you feel better.”

“So excited to be doing this big run of RocKwiz shows! ‘On The Road Again’, ‘Roadhouse Blues’, ‘Hit The Road Jack’, ‘Freeway Of Love’ … you know the tour bus will be rocking!” adds Brian Nankervis.

“There’s something very special about being on the road, playing beautiful theatres with a travelling company of artists, inviting audience members to be part of the action. On a RocKwiz tour, performing night after night, the shows develop and consolidate, but also twist and turn. We’re constantly refining, evaluating the shows in hotel rooms and airport lounges. Late night singalongs might be rehearsed the next afternoon and performed that night. There’s nothing quite like a RocKwiz show.

“It’s a thrill to travel around Australia with this show we love. See you in the foyer!”

The Victorian list includes Frankston Arts Centre, Costa Hall in Geelong, West Gippsland Arts Centre, Gippland Performing Arts Centre, Civic Theatre, Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo, Ballarat Civic Hall, Palais Theatre in St Kilda and Swan Hill Soundshell. The tour kicks off 8 October and concluded in Adelaide on Thursday 5 December.

Tickets to the outrageously fun concert quiz commence at 10am AEST, Friday 10 May via rockwizlive.com.au. Presale tickets are available via the RocKwiz Kwizlist from Thursday 9 May at 10am AEST. Click here to register.

 

 

How each song string of The Paper Kites has braided together to make the bands body

The Melbourne five-piece band have been wrapping us up in cosy comforters since their debut EP Woodland, cornering listeners with their soft harmonies and soothing sounds. 

It’s no wonder then that they have been doubling up their winters for live touring, sinking into the wonderland haze and sleepy sways of the darker nights. Having just returned from a giant touring trek across the United States, The Paper Kites return to Australia for another winter wander. 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

“We have been known to tour during winter around the world, weirdly, but it will be the first time I think we’re going to Europe in the warmer months, which will be nice,” acknowledges multi-instrumentalist member David Powys.

“It’s terrible for the suitcases though; the winter jackets take up half of the suitcase,” laughs singer Sam Bentley.

“But we’re conditioned to Victorian winter’s because we actually recorded and did the whole Roadhouse project in Castlemaine in the middle of winter,” explains Powys.

The At The Roadhouse project is an experimental album construct, seeing the band venture into Campbell’s Creek and deck out an abandoned heritage venue into a rehearsal space and pop-up live music venue. With the adopted album name, The Roundhouse built their sixth album. 

“We rehearsed for that record at a brussel sprout farm that our friends own and there’s no heating, there’s no cooling and it was through winter. Any memories of making that record is all this associated with very, very cold weather,” laughs Bentley.

“Out in that part of the country it’s pretty flat and it means that the sunsets are really slow so you get this golden hour that lasts more like an hour and a half,” Powys says.

“And then at night the fog sets in around the town around then and it’s kind of weird and dreamy and really beautiful,” Bentley finishes, describing the landscape with the same enchantment as one of his songs.

As quickly as the Roadhouse transformed into a charming cabin of communal creativity for the band, it then opened its doors to the Castlemaine community; an invitation for locals to sample the namesake album before its release.

“The whole idea was to play all the tracks from the album from start to finish,” says Powys.

“It was an experiment, just to play the songs to people that we didn’t know, who weren’t really expecting anything, and playing completely new material just to see how the music connected with people straight off the bat without recognizing who we were or knowing the material at all. It was a really honest example of how people can connect with music.”

 

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Whilst the unknowing guests weren’t attuned to the catalogue, At The Roadhouse builds on the threads already woven by The Paper Kites across their six bodies of work. Though twelvefour and its synth driven indie pearls, ‘Electric Indigo’, ‘Renegade’, ‘Revelator Eyes’ and ‘Too Late’, stick out in their sonic exploration, the tails braid together with the remainder of the collection to capture the essence of evening.

“All of these albums are their own worlds but they are connected – there is a vein running through them all, not just because it’s us and it’s our music, but the thing that connects them all is the feeling of searching and hope and some yearning. We’ve always been quite drawn to the evenings and placing that music in that time of day. It wasn’t intentional initially but it’s just seem to be, particularly for me, a time of day that I find feelings to be amplified when you’re sitting by yourself at that time of day. If you look at all the album covers, twelvefour in particular was the first very outwardly directional album to say…”this is music for this time of night”. That was the thing that stayed through On the Train Ride Home, On the Corner Where You Live, even Roses and especially Roadhouse because we were playing it at those times,” says Bentley.

“I have always been interested in the narrative around not just the songs but when you choose to listen to it and the feelings that appear. It’s almost a 4D experience that I’m trying to create. It’s not just about listening to a record; it’s about placing everything else that comes with it.”

“As the primary songwriter, I think of you almost more like a film director. The band has always been focused on story and narrative and also what mood the listeners are going to be in while they listen to that story. It’s a very holistic approach to making records,” agrees Powys.

Leaning into this narrative, The Paper Kites will be returning to the bitter cold town of Castlemaine on Saturday 22 June on their upcoming tour. Though the closeness and comfort of the Roadhouse is gone, the band will transform the Theatre Royal with its legacy At The Roadhouse album.   

Tickets can be purchased here.

Who The F*ck is Black Rheno? All will be revealed this week as the heavy metal band head off on their East Coast tour

Branded “an absolute stonker”, the Who The F*ck Is Black Rheno East Coast tour is landing this week in Penrith NSW on Friday 10 May followed by eight huge dates across the New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

On the Victorian front, the lads settle into Ballarat to play The Eastern on Thursday 16 May with support from Fall and Resist, Good Time Aussie Bogalars and Cosmonaut. They venture into Geelong the next night, appearing at Medusa Bar alongside Smoke Witch, Life Deprived and EarthOmen, and then off to Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar on Saturday 18 May for a set with Nothingmetalmelb, Nephalem and The Balls.

Who The F*ck Is Black Rheno Tour Dates

• Friday 10 May – Elton Chong, Penrith NSW
• Saturday 11 May – Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong NSW
• Sunday 12 May – Simo’s, Sydney NSW
• Thursday 16 May – The Eastern, Ballarat VIC
• Friday 17 May – Medusa Bar, Geelong VIC
• Saturday 18 May – The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, Melbourne
• Friday 24 May – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Gold Coast QLD
• Saturday 25 May – Tomcat, Brisbane, QLD
• Sunday 26 May – Bad Habit Records and Collectables, Nambour QLD

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Black Rheno are currently riding high, having recently journeyed to Austin, Texas, to record a new album with heavyweight rock/metal producer “Machine the Producer” (known for his work with bands like Clutch, Every Time I Die, Lamb Of God and more). Whilst the album in question is still yet to be revealed as to when it will be released, it is sure to be a huge hit, following on from their thumping 2019 debut album Noise Smasher.

Returning to the Australian frontline, the powerhouse Sydney band also recently had the honour of supporting one of heavy metal’s most influential and iconic bands, Pantera at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, including jumping up on stage with the band and the boys from King Parrot to take on mega-monster ‘Walk’.

If their set in the passenger set for Pantera was anything to go off of, their headline tour is going to be gigantic. Expect tracks from the EP Let’s Start A Cult all the way up until their 2022 singles ‘Split’, ‘Flea Ridden’ and ‘Death Before Dementia’.

Tickets to the tour are still on sale for the last-minute metalheads. Buy them here.

Molesworth Bluegrass & Country Music Festival has revealed its first line-up

Mark your calendars and tune your senses for the harmonious symphony of the Molesworth Bluegrass & Country Music Festival, returning from the 1st to the 3rd of November 2024 in Molesworth, VIC. After a resounding success in its inaugural year, this festival promises an even grander celebration of music, camaraderie, and good vibes.

Molesworth Bluegrass & Country Music Festival

• The Black Sorrows
• Davidson Brothers
• Vixens of Fall
• Darlinghurst
• Lance Friend
• Stars
• Kirsty Lee Akers

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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Prepare to be serenaded by a stellar line-up featuring some of Australia’s finest musical talents. The stage will come alive with the enchanting melodies of The Black Sorrows, Davidson Brothers, Vixens of Fall, Darlinghurst, Lance Friend, Stars, Kirsty Lee Akers, and many more. With early bird tickets already on sale, music enthusiasts are urged to secure their spot for an unforgettable auditory experience.

The festival organisers are thrilled to announce the return of this musical extravaganza, and preparations are already underway to ensure a seamless and enjoyable event. As anticipation builds, festival-goers are encouraged to stay updated on all announcements and developments through the festival’s website and social media platforms.

For those eager to immerse themselves fully in the festival atmosphere, camping and RV sites are available at the picturesque Molesworth Recreation & Reserve Caravan Park, conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the festivities. Whether you prefer a cosy tent, a camper van, or even a wheelbarrow for the adventurous souls, there’s ample space to settle in and soak up the festival vibes.

Transportation to and from the festival grounds is made easy with the provision of two courtesy buses running from 8 am till late, ensuring everyone can revel in the music without worrying about the logistics.

For more info and early-bird tickets, head here.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, fundraising event RSPCA Million Paws Walk returns to Geelong

A furry favourite on the Geelong calendar, the RSPCA Million Paws Walk returns to Geelong on 26 May 2024, encouraging locals to be a hero for dogs in need.

Geelong Million Paws Walk 2024

• Where: Eastern Park Hub, adjacent to Geelong Botanic Gardens, Geelong
• When: Sunday 26 May 2024, 8.30am – 12.30pm
• Tickets: Adult $25, Child $15, Concession $20, Family $45 | Registration required via millionpawswalk.com.au/geelong

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

Celebrating 30 years, the Million Paws Walk is held across the country to raise vital funds for dogs in need, as well as raise awareness for animal cruelty. The events aim to help rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need.

Over the last 29 years 750,000 people and 400,000 dogs have laced up and leashed up to make a difference, including a whopping 791 Geelong local walkers and 459 dogs last year raising $23,704 for the important cause.

 

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This year RSPCA Victoria inspectors will be joining local pet owners at the Geelong Million Paws Walk to raise awareness of their important work to end animal cruelty. They invite pet owners to have a chat and join the Q&A to discover their essential work.

In addition to the 3km walk which will have your pup in the best spirits, other doggy activities are on offer at Geelong Botanic Gardens including a dog themed market with over 30 stall holders, a dog training demonstration agility course by BB’s – All About Dogs, a very sweet doggy kissing photo booth and pet competitions.

For your other babies, there are kids activities including a scavenger hunt, face painting and a kids corner by An Aurora of Resources and, most excitingly, a special appearance by beloved Australian television dog, Bluey!

Food trucks are also available on-site to make a day of the fundraising event.

Registrations open at 8.30am with the first agility course taking place at 9.15am, and the leisurely 3km walk kicking off at 11am.

Tickets to be part of this incredibly important event can be purchased here.

Watty Thompson hits the big screen today with Live At Estonian House- The Film playing at Lorne Theatre

Watty Thompson announces the premiere screenings of Watty Thompson Live at Estonian House – The Film. Captured in Naarm, Melbourne on the release of his acclaimed debut self-titled album in 2023, the film brings his music to life.

Watty Thompson Live At Estonian House – The Film Sessions

• Monday 6 May | 7PM – Lorne Theatre, Gadubanud, Lorne VIC
• Thursday 9 May | 6.30PM – Dendy Cinemas, Gadigal, Newtown NSW
• Friday 10 May | 6PM + 8.45PM – Thornbury Picturehouse, Wurunjeri, Thornbury, VIC
• Thursday 16 May | 7PM – Peninsula Cinemas, Bunurong/Boonwurrung Rosebud, VIC

During the making of the record, Thompson had a simple dream: to bring country heart to the city and he did just that across both the album and its launch. Along with his talented friends and band the Total Fire Band, the historic Estonian House (formally Western Theatre) in West Brunswick Victoria was transformed into the Australian bush utopia that resounds throughout Thompson’s musical works. With a gathering of close friends, family and supporters, both old and new, under the gum tree branches, this evening captured the spirit of the Australian musician.

Thankfully the moment was visually capture and can be relived thanks to producers Wild Rose Pictures through Watty Thompson Live at Estonian House – The Film. Be transported into the room as Thompson performs his stirring songs. Feel the palpable energy from the crowd as they sink into the mood. Witness the launch of a treasured Australian musician.

With Graham (played by alt Country star Andy Golledge) along for the ride, watch an edifying moment in Australian music that will both warm the heart and affirm the soul.

The film will be screenings this evening Monday 6 May at Lorne Theatre from 7PM, followed by a live performance from Watty Thompson next door at The Clam. The film will also be shown at Dendy Cinema on Thursday 9 May, Thornbury Picture House on Friday 10 May (which includes a post-screening live Q&A with Thompson and friends), and at Peninsula Cinemas, Rosebud on Thursday 16 May as a double feature with the premiere of See Me- A Film About Redro Redriguez screened prior.

Tickets to attend the screenings and events can be secured here.

Pink Floyd’s Evolution is heading to Shepparton, South Morang, Narre Warren and Melbourne this July

With an impressive CV of promotions under their belt across a range of entertainment mediums, The Future Factory returns, presenting Pink Floyd’s Evolution tour.

Pink Floyd’s Evolution Vic Tour Dates

• Thursday 18 July – Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang
• Friday 19 July – Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
• Saturday 20 July – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
• Sunday 21 July – Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Heading on an East Coast adventure through Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, with shows at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, the glorious Melbourne Recital Centre and Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton, Pink Floyd’s Evolution takes audiences on an auditory journey of the music pioneers catalogue.

Intersecting the kaleidoscopic arrangements of the British progressive rock band, the concert will cover the 23-minute compilation album Echoes, the acclaimed 1973 masterpiece The Dark Side Of The Moon and the Syd Barrett tribute nine-part piece ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ as performed by a deeply talented collective.

Spearheading the project is music director James Ryan. Ryan has an impressive performance resume, playing with greats Ross Wilson, Vanessa Amorosi, Men at Work and Russell Morris. He will be on guitars for the Pink Floyd’s Evolution. Roger Mason of Models, Icehouse, Gary Newman and Wall of Voodoo fame, will be offering the electronic elements. Kit Riley of The Badloves and Ross Wilson contribution will be on bass duty and Haydn Meggitt will take Nick Mason’s seat in the drums and percussion seat. Melbourne Ska ORchestra and John Butler Trio performer Pete Mitchell will be taking on the saxophone and guitar. The vocal performance will be shared by powerhouse performers Olivia Nathan (Vanessa Amorosi, Katie Cole, Tommy Rando) and Susie Goble (Miley Cyrus, U2, Icehouse).

Kicking off at the pointy top of Australia in Cairns on 4 July, the tour will head south for 12 shows, ending in Shepparton on 21 July.

Tickets can be purchased here.  

 

A running list of the best lunches, events and treats on offer in Geelong and surrounds this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12th)  is just around the corner, and here at Forte, we want to make sure your mum has the best day ever.

Lucky for you (and your mum), the region is fuelled with awesome events and great places to take mum so we narrowed down a few of our top picks, from feasts, grazing boxes and high teas, to fun events and special treats.

Please note, at the time of writing bookings were still available but due to high demand, some venues may book out. 

Just want flowers? Check out the best flower delivery places in Geelong

We’ll continue updating this list as we hear of more events on but for now, indulge:

Eating Out 

Mount Moriac Hotel

The Mount Moriac Hotel is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner, with a much-needed complimentary glass of champagne on arrival for all the mums. Mother’s Day share plates are available between 11.30am – 2.30pm with the Garden bar open from 12pm. Enjoy $12 Aperol spritz’s from 2 – 4pm.

From 1:00pm – 4pm, you can sit back and relax with some live music featuring Shane Ezard, and to top off your mum’s special day, the hotel is hosting a Mother’s Day raffle at 3pm. Adding to the day, mums are treated to a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival.

Bookings are essential, call 5266 1372 or book online.

Mt Duneed Estate

If your mum has a taste for the finer things in life, book her to Mt Duneed Estate, and treat her to a two course shared lunch featuring burnt pork belly ends, and green rice prawns, then dig into a rosemary, red onion and lemon butterflied chicken, and a seared, roasted and slice beef picanha.

There are two sittings, with the first from 11am – 1pm, and the second from 2pm – 4pm. 

Lunch is $69 per adult, and $19 for children. 

Book online here.

Van Loons Cafe

The much loved Van Loons Café is hosting a Mother’s Day high tea. 

With a range of savoury delights including tea sandwiches, caramelised onion and feta tarts, quiche Lorraine, bruschetta and arancini. Then to finish with the sweet side of life, there will be homemade scones, mixed berry cheesecake, lemon tartlets, and triple chocolate brownies – how can you pass this up?

The high tea is $85 per person and you can book here. If you can’t make it in, they’re also selling a bunch of grazing boxes (including a Mother’s Day high tea one) on the website. 

 

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Geelong Hotel

With brunch, lunch and dinner specials, how can you say no to this? And to sweeten the deal, there is a free glass of bubbles or coffee on offer for the mums.

If your mum is a brunch lover, treat her to an always popular avo on toast, smoked salmon, mushrooms or classic eggs. 

If lunch or dinner is your mums thing, you can shout her a pan roasted king George whiting, or crispy pork belly, and top it off with a cheese plate and bottle of wine, or a chocolate & cherry semifreddo. In addition, GH is offering bottomless mimosas for $30pp.

Book online here.

The Inn

A free glass of bubbly or coffee and a special menu? Say no more.

Celebrate Mother’s Day 2023 at The Inn, with tuna tartare, Canadian scallops, barramundi fillet and a roast lamb rump on offer for the much deserving mum or role model in your life.

Book online here.

Fork N Flower

Fork and Flower are pulling out all the stops for mums special day, offering a special breakfast and lunch menu and a high tea option. 

Breakfast and Lunch is $30 per person, and includes a big breakfast, smashed avo and bacon, Bangkok eggs and halloumi, chili crab scrambled and bacon, and Nong Khai Eggs for breakfast. On offer for lunch is pla neung khing, chicken penne carbonara, Vietnamese pork belly, buddha bowl and pork and prawn dumplings.

On the other hand, if your mum likes it a little bit fancy, high tea is $55 per person, and comes with a glass of Oakdene N.V sparkling Brut on arrival. To appeal to your mums sweet side, there will be scones, lemon tarts, orange and almond cake, berry cheesecake, chocolate biscoff cake. And to finish with some savoury, your mum can look forward to chicken wrap, bbq pulled pork sliders, and vegetable spring rolls. 

Book and find out more here.

Tarra

Treat Mum to an unforgettable all day brunch at Tarra at the Queenscliff Ferry terminal from 9am – 3pm on Mother’s Day.

Executive Chef Michael Demagistris has created a unique menu. The three-course set menu is designed to share, making it the perfect gift with options including mini smashed avo, goat cheese and pomegrante, spanner crab rolls, Shakshuka baked eggs, house-made charcuterie platters and TARRA brunch magnum.

Adults $75, Children (12 years and under) $30

Book here.

At The Heads

Located at the river mouth in Barwon Heads, At The Heads is arguably one of the Bellarine’s most unique dining experiences with its magnificent views, friendly and efficient staff, and of course a great menu.

This year they’ll be celebrating mother’s day with a sumptuous two-course set menu feast, featuring seafood and plenty of share style menu options, unbeatable views, loved ones and exceptional service for $85 pp ($35 for children under 12). Available for lunch or dinner.

You’ll also get a glass of Fairbank rose on arrival.

Book here.

The Continental Sorrento

If mum doesn’t mind a trip on the ferry, why not treat her this Mother’s Day with the return of High Tea in the Grand Ballroom with a live string quartet to mark the occasion.

Indulge in a selection of sweet and savoury delights prepared by Scott Pickett and his talented team of chefs. Enjoy traditional scones with house-made jams and cream, finger sandwiches and delectable pastries served with speciality teas by Yugen Tea.

Mother’s Day High Tea will be held in the Grand Ballroom whilst they have both specials in at Audreys and in the Atrium.

​Price: $110 per person. Book now via SevenRooms

Mr Grubb at Oakdene Estate

The Mr Grubb @ Oakdene bistro is located at the magnificent Oakdene Vineyards property on the Bellarine Peninsula, just 20 minutes from Geelong.

For Mother’s Day, Mr Grubb is running three sessions offering a three-course menu with a choice of three dishes for each course. Dishes include the likes of Shitake mushroom and vegetable spring rolls, panko crumbed prawns, Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, slow cooked red wine braised lamb shank and Belgium chocolate and orange tart.

$80 per person.

Book here.

Clyde Park Vineyard

If you’re looking to provide a feast for the Queen in your life, look no further than this Mother’s Day family-style grazing banquet feast.

Nestled into the heart of the Moorabool, overlooking the rolling hills all lined with vines, Clyde Park is a spectacular spot to grab a wine and a bite. With Mother’s Day celebrations incoming, across Friday 10 – Sunday 12 May the award-winning winery will be hosting a high tea three-course luncheon held in the Vue Marquee and a French affair dining experience in the barrel room with sessions running across the entire weekend. Level up your Mother’s Day gifting by adding a bouquet of flowers for mum when you book.

Book here. Or call the winery on 5281 7274.

 

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Recess

Celebrate this Mother’s Day with a feast at Recess, Geelong’s home of free drag shows and gluten-free eats!

They are throwing two parties for mums and special ladies in our lives so you can choose your style of celebration. The first is a chef’s menu lunch with champagne cocktail on arrival from $85pp. Sessions are available downstairs at 12pm, 12.15pm or 12.30pm. The second option is going bottomless with a Drag brunch, where mum can make the most of the free-flowing cocktails, two course lunch and drag show all afternoon for $89pp. This one kicks of at 2pm upstairs in the Recess Bar.

Bookings are available for groups of up to 6 and can be made online here.

Novotel

Take mum to dine on the waterfront with gorgeous bay views while she enjoys yummy treats at Geelong’s Novotel with their Buffet Breakfast from 7am until 11am at $45 per adult and $25 per child (5 – 12 years). Kids under 5 eat free.

Or if lunch is more your style, indulge in the Mum’s Day Buffet Lunch. For $95 per person (kids $40 and under 5 free), mother’s will get a free drink on arrival while a lunch feast will take to the tables with seafood, roasts, delicious desserts and much more. The feast runs from 12pm to 4pm.

Book here.

Sawyers Arms Tavern 

If you’re looking to treat mum to something serious delicious, Sawyers Arms is hosting lunch and dinner for Mother’s Day this year. With a dedicated menu including appellation oyster with vinaigrette, garlic prawns, red lentil dahl, beef cheek and creme brulee to top it off. This is a delicious option!

Whilst lunch is sold out (within 24 hours of announcement) dinner bookings are still available.

Book here.

Murphy’s 

If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day meal with a view, Murphy’s rooftop is the place to be! They’ll be running their usual a la carte menu with sparkling and cocktails flowing.

Book online or phone 5221 4335.

Gypsy Burger

Zeally Bay Road’s Gypsy Burger will be hosting an unconventional but true to brand Mother’s Day burger high tea. With live music from 3pm – 5pm from Ben Hynes and $15 Gypsy sours as they cocktail option what more could you want? Well, perhaps some flowers might be nice. Tick – they have that sorted with flower pitchers from Field. Flowers For Charge available to add on.

Bookings essential here.

Wah Wah Gee 

Funky, fun and fresh. For the past few years, Wah Wah Gee has become one of the best places to go in Geelong to indulge in the bayside views, colourful décor and their mouth-watering Asian inspired dishes.

For Mother’s Day, Wah Wah Gee are hosting a Mother’s Day feed me lunch. Guests can enjoy a delicious shared style spread for $75 per person of some of their most popular dishes, potentially including the likes of their Crispy Chicken Bao Buns, Spring Rolls, Korean Fried Cauliflower, Dumplings. 

Book online here.

Black Sheep Geelong 

Black Sheep Geelong have swooped in with two options for celebrate mum. They will be hosting a Mother’s Day lunch including a highlights menu offering a selection of signature Black Sheep dishes with some new flavours too!. And it get’s better….they’re treating Mum to a complimentary glass of sparkling wine too because let’s be honest, they deserve it!⁠
⁠
For any gin lovers, our ‘Sloe Berry Sour’ Mother’s Day cocktail is well worth a try, featuring Melbourne-distilled Patient Wolf ‘Blackthorn Gin’ and sweet berry tones.⁠

Alternatively join their Mother’s Day Gin High Tea. This two hour session is complete with selected bottomless cocktails, sparkling wines, non alcoholic sips and sweet & savoury bites to snack on.⁠ From refreshing hand-crafted Seasonal G&T’s, Hugo Spritz or fruity faves like our passionfruit & vanilla infused Gin Star Martini, it’s sure to impress any Mum’s & Mother figures who enjoy a Gin or two!⁠

Book online here.

 

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Justin Lane

Burleigh’s much-loved pizzeria Justin Lane made the trip down South, bringing everything there is to love about the beach-facing Italian hotspot to the Geelong waterfront, including masterfully-crafted pasta made fresh in-house, gourmet sourdough-base pizzas, and salads perfect for sharing.

For Mother’s Day they’re running Feed Me dining at $55 per person.

Book online.

Leopold Sportsman

The Leopold Sporties is running a three-course Mother’s Day luncheon for the special day. For $70 per head, enjoy an eye fillet Mignon, or juicy chicken breast as well as homemade brownie or cappuccino panna cotta for dessert.

Book online.

Great Ocean Road Gin

This little gem is running an epic Mother’s Day banquet for lunch and dinner.

For $55, you’ll get four courses and a complimentary G&T or sparkling on arrival.

Book via OpenTable.

Other Dining Destinations Taking Bookings: 

• Baah Lah Geelong
• Blank Space Cafe Geelong
• Anglesea Golf Club
• Bird Rock Mum Cha
• Splatters Cheese Bar
• Edge Geelong
• Malt Shovel Taphouse
• Warralily Cockatoo
• Pavilion Geelong
• Tomodachi
• Anh Chi Em
• Ceres Distilling Co
• Bob Sugar
• The Whiskery
• Roku Den
• Frankie Geelong
• Caledonia Shores
• Nova Balinese Kitchen
• Che Vuoi
• Centra Hotel
• Box Office Cafe
• I Ragazzi
• No 10 James Street
• Squires Loft (complimentary pink rose for mum)

Other Treats 

Flower Bowl

Whether it’s a hug of hydrangeas or a pash of pastels, Flower Bowl is our go-to when it comes to showing someone we adore them!

Blooming since 2005, Flower Bowl has been setting the standard in floral creations that are super fresh, delightfully pretty and made with a whole lotta love. Just scroll through their Instagram and you’ll fall in love with their bright and playful arrangements. Now operating out of two locations and far more than your average flower shop, the Flower Bowl team select the freshest seasonal and luxe flowers direct from local growers for deliveries Monday to Friday, with same-day delivery available throughout Geelong, Surfcoast and Bellarine Peninsula if your order is placed by midday! They even offer free delivery to the two Geelong City hospitals.

For Mother’s Day, they’ve got a special range with beautiful flowers, as well as some packs with tantalising treats including premium wine, chocolates and pamper products.

Shop via Flower Bowl

Boxed and Boards Grazing Boxes

Offering graze boxes and graze tables, Boxed & Boards is the creation of Zara Ramia, spawned from a passion from creating memories for her family and friendly. Turning a hobby into a flourishing business, the grazing boxes are filled with the finest range of cheese, meats, fresh produce and accompaniments, with the option of adding in wine too!

The small graze is perfect if you’re looking for some brownie points on the day, with a box packed with Brie, Sopressa & Prosciutto, Crackers, Quince jelly, Chocolate, Pretzels, Mixed nuts, Dried & Fresh fruit, Marinated vegetables and Dip.

Order yours here.

Events 

Mother’s Day Classic

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift this year? Why not spend the day supporting thousands of Aussie mums struggling with breast cancer.

The beloved Mother’s Day Classic brings Australians together on Mother’s Day to celebrate and honour those affected by breast cancer and raise vital funds for breast cancer research.

Taking to Eastern Park, Geelong on Sunday 12 May 2024, there will be the buzz of the event village, live entertainment, music and food stalls to enjoy throughout the morning on Mother’s Day. The event offers a 4km and 8km walk or run, and you’re encouraged to donate or commit to fundraising when you register.

Be part of something bigger, we’re sure Mum will love it!

Register here.

Mother’s Day Gift Waurn Ponds

For something a little different, Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre is honouring all mothers and mother figures this Mother’s Day. Spend a total of $50 at specialty stores in Centre from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th May and receive a complimentary Ecoya Hand Cream Bon Bon.

Additionally, in partnership with Geelong Mum’s they will be hosting a shop and drop, encouraging customers to donate preloved or newly purchased items for local families in need. These donations are distributed to Geelong families experiencing hardship through Geelong Mums’ partnerships with maternal and child health nurses and local social service agencies.

Find out more here

Brush n Bubbles

The team at Brush n Bubble will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a Paint and Sip High Tea. The class will teach you how to paint an abstract portrait, allowing you and your mum to not only enjoy sending time together but to take home a sentimental keepsake!

Booking required here

 

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If you know of any businesses running Mother’s Day events and want to give them a shout out, let us know! 

The Lemon Twigs maintain their timeless quality on sixth album, A Dream Is All We Know

Their sixth album, A Dream Is All We Know, maintains a timeless quality that spans a multitude of genres, styles and eras, showcasing nonchalant, easy-listening indie-pop soundscapes that feel equal parts reminiscent of the past and while also offering up something completely new. 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

From Beach Boys inspired vocal harmonies (‘My Golden Years’), to Western-infused folk-rock melodies (‘If You And I Are Not Wise’), to 1940’s barbershop quartet subtleties (‘In The Eyes Of The Girl’), A Dream Is All We Know lends its sound from a handful of influences, while also adding in unique, forward-thinking facets of modern day psych-pop. 

Throughout the release, the D’Addario brothers incredibly high level of musicianship is well and truly on display, showcasing the American brothers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists in all their baroque-pop wonder as they chop and change between brass and orchestral instruments, keyboards, and an array of guitars (including acoustic, electric and 12-string).

Yet, it never feels contrived or forced, with A Dream Is All We Know maintaining the easy-going, naturalistic baroque-pop wonder that the duo have always been known for. 

Sure, at times it may give Oasis a run for their money in the ‘who can sound the most like The Beatles’ competition, but it’s a release that’ll undoubtedly appease listeners of all ages.

A Dream Is We All Know by The Lemon Twigs is out today via Captured Tracks. Listen here. Keep up to date with all of the latest news from The Lemon Twigs here.

Jess Locke announces Victorian tour to celebrate the release of Real Life

Alongside this release comes the focus track ‘Everybody’s Going To The Same Place’, a juxtaposition of carefree melodies with dark, contemplative lyrics that reflect on mortality.

Locke’s forthcoming in-store performance at Rocksteady Records marks the beginning of a regional Melbourne tour in July/August, promising fans an intimate experience with her poetic musings.

Jess Locke Victorian Tour 2024

• 4 May – Rocksteady Records, Melbourne (free entry)
• 20 July – Worker’s Club, Melbourne
• 17 Aug –Tanswells, Beechworth
• 18 Aug – Major Toms, Kyneton

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

In ‘Everybody’s Going To The Same Place’, Locke confronts the inevitability of death with poignant honesty. “This song is sort of about death. When I sing ‘everybody’s going to the same place’ I mean we’re all going to die.

“I don’t say that to be a bummer, but to emphasize the commonality we all share. We’re just these weird animals and we aren’t going to be here for very long, so let’s just enjoy the moments we can and be good to each other.” A prevalent feeling in the community of the world right now.”

This sentiment resonates deeply in today’s world, where existential ponderings often mingle with the rhythm of everyday life.

Real Life delves further into themes of impermanence and alienation, as Locke grapples with the surreal nature of existence. Through introspective lyricism, she navigates through despair and darkness, ultimately finding moments of revelation and liberation. Locke’s journey of self-discovery echoes the collective human experience, urging listeners to embrace the present moment as the only reality.

The album showcases a range of sonic textures, from the fuzzed-out irony of ‘Rocket To Ride’ to the transcendent beauty of ‘The Place’ and the punchy energy of Uncomfortably Happy. With previous acclaim for her 2021 release, Don’t Ask Yourself Why, Locke continues to captivate audiences with her emotive storytelling and raw vulnerability.

Beyond the studio, Locke’s live performances are a testament to her stage prowess, having graced unconventional venues from backyards to cemeteries. Her eclectic resume includes supporting renowned artists like Paul Dempsey and Julia Jacklin, as well as appearances at major festivals such as Bigsound and Falls.

As Jess Locke invites listeners into her world of introspection and revelation, Real Life serves as a poignant reminder to embrace the fleeting moments of existence and find solace in the beauty of the present.

Keep up with Jess Locke here. 

Two weeks until the running boom hits Lorne, Apollo Bay and Kennett River for Great Ocean Road Running Festival

Following Ballarat’s biggest running festival, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival is set to get heart rates up, the blood pumping and the sweat dripping. Set along one of Australia’s most iconic coastal scenes, the weekend festival includes distances for all running capabilities.

Great Ocean Road Running Festival

Saturday 18 May 2024

• Start Time: from 10.30am
• Start Line: Apollo Bay
• Finish Line: Apollo Bay
• Races:
  • 1.5km Great Ocean Road Kids Gallop
  • Sri Lankan Airlines 6km Run
  • 14km Paradise Run

Sunday 19 May 2024

• Start Time: 8am
• Start Line: Lorne
• Finish Line: Lorne
• Races:
  • Ultra Marathon (60km)
  • Great Ocean Road Marathon (44km)

• Start Time: 8am
• Start Line: Kennett River
• Finish Line: Apollo Bay
• Races:
  • Brooks Half Marathon (23km)

• Start Time: 8.10am
• Start Line: Lorne
• Finish Line: Lorne
• Races:
  • High Sierra 12km Trail Run
  • 6.5km Trail Run
  • 10km Great Ocean Road Walk
  • 5km Great Ocean Road Walk

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

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Australia’s most stunning marathon event invites runners, new and experiences, to swap the city running tracks for the coastal roads with exclusive access to the Great Ocean Road on the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May.

The Saturday eases into the events with the family-friendly courses including the 1.5km Kids Gallop, the Sri Lankan Airlines 6km Run and the 14km Paradise Run. Starting and circling around to finish in Apollo Bay, the Saturday capitalises on the stunning scenes from the small coastal town. The Sunday levels up with the major events including the 60km Ultra Marathon and 44km Great Ocean Road Marathon, both commencing in Lorne. The High Sierra 12km and 6.5km Trial Marathon follow, as do the 10km and 5km Great Ocean Road Walk. Over at Kennett River on the Sunday is the Brooks Half Marathon of 23km, rounding out the major running event.

Adding to the serene atmosphere, Great Ocean Road Running Festival invites runners and spectators to indulge in a seaside staycation with travel packages, including glamping available and plenty of non-running-related activities on offer. Enjoy entertainment from local musicians, partake in free beach front yoga sessions, and get a kick out of the hilarious yet highly competitive Pub to Pub Waiters Race on the Saturday. For the kids, an inflatable sports park and kite festival will be set up.

For more things to do along the Great Ocean Road, visit our travel section.

Not only is it a great excuse to get active, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival is a great reason to raise funds for charity with the Apollo Bay and District Health Foundation returning for its ninth year as a charity partner. First partnering with the event in 2015, the foundation has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to provide vital care and directly benefit the communities located along the race route.

Registrations for races in the Great Ocean Road Running Festival are still open. Get your sneakers on and register here.

 

On his seventh release, Kamasi Washington continues his Fearless Movement, ushering new waves of listeners into jazz fusion grooves

We get it, at times jazz can become a bit overbearing and nonsensical to listeners who don’t completely vibe with the fluidity and jam-like nature of the genre. Although, among that crowd, there’s one musician who always seems to transcend that barrier, Kamasi Washington. 

Having worked with everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Herbie Hancock, Lauryn Hill and Snoop Dogg, Washington has a style that incorporates all the technical complexities of jazz, while also retaining the rhythm and groove of rap, hip-hop and soul. Giving his sound a widespread appeal to legions of listeners who may not normally give jazz a shot. 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

On his seventh release, Washington continues his Fearless Movement, ushering new waves of listeners into jazz fusion grooves by incorporating a lengthy list of collaborators to help inject elements of hip-hop, disco, funk and psychedelia into his seemingly all-encompassing sound.

From Cost Contra’s Taj and Ras Austin laying down the rhymes alongside Thundercat on the experimental hip-hop number ‘Asha The First’, to actress Patrice Quinn providing the soulful harmonies for ‘Computer Love’, to George Clinton knocking you the funk out on ‘Get Lit’, Washington has a pretty stacked phone book and he’s not afraid to use it to bring his musician vision to life. 

In a particularly notable inclusion, ‘Dream State’ sees Outkast’s André Benjamin (André 3000) pop up for a guest flute spot, delivering duelling melodies and impressive call and release tactics alongside Washington’s deep baritone sax.

Although, Fearless Movement is by no means a left of centre, genre-bending album solely because of its impressive list of collaborators. Possibly its most experimental inclusion comes in the form of 13 minute epic, ‘Interstellar Peace’, which sees tight interplay between Washington and his backing band working harmoniously to balance ethereal, slow-burning sax melodies, subtle rhythmic builds and kaleidoscopic synth arrangements to find a psychedelic sound somewhere between a John Williams Star Wars score and a Pink Floyd acid-infused jam session.

It really is an album that’s hard to categorise. While songs like ‘Lesanu’ and ‘Road To Self’ deliver the traditional jazz stylings that many would expect, other moments see the LA raised musician toying with gospel (‘The Garden Path’, ‘Lines In The Sand’), lounge R&B (‘Together’) and lo-fi ambience (‘The Visionary’). 

The result is a holistic and meditative listen that you can’t help but vibe with – regardless of your usual musical preferences.

Kamasi Washington’s Fearless Movement is out today via Young Turks Recording. Listen here.