Music Victoria reveal industry-voted nominees for 2022 awards
Having announced its triumphant return for 2022 earlier in the year, Music Victoria have now officially lifted the veil on the list of industry-voted nominees that will vye for awards at this year’s ceremony, as Victoria once again comes together to celebrate another massive year of artistry.
Hand-selected over the past six months, the 2022 award entries have been whittled down by a team of more than 200 acclaimed music judges, from across Australian radio.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
In 2022, the Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent, plays an especially important role in this year’s award ceremony following the sad passing of the Victorian icon. Nominees include a standout list of emerging First Nations talent from across the state, with nominations for Bumpy, Carissa Nyalu, Jess Hitchcock, MpathSoul – Monica Jasmine Karo and Pirritu.
The nominees for 2022:
The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent
- Bumpy
- Carissa Nyalu
- Jess Hitchcock
- MpathSoul – Monica Jasmine Karo
- Pirritu
Arts Access Amplify Award
- Batts
- Between Mirrors
- Evelyn Ida Morris
- Nat Bartsch
- Saint Ergo
MAV Diasporas Award
- Ajak Kwai
- Black Jesus eXperience
- Charles Maimarosia
- Hand to Earth
- Vanessa Estrada
Best Blues Work
- Checkerboard Lounge
- Damon Smith
- High Ace
- The Black Sorrows
- The McNamarr Project
Best Country Work
- Georgia State Line
- Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes
- Michael Waugh
- Sherry Rich
- The Weeping Willows
Best Electronic Work
- Harvey Sutherland
- OK EG
- Papaphilia
- Puscha
- Various Asses
Best Experimental or Avant-Garde Work
- Cat Hope
- Female Wizard
- Nina Buchanan
- Rama Parwata
- The Amplified Elephants
Best Folk Work
- Above The Bit
- Austral
- Charm of Finches
- Kerryn Fields
- Ruby Gill
Best Heavy Work
- Diploid
- ISUA
- Jalang
- Outright
- Rinuwat
Best Hip Hop Work
- Jaal
- Nomad
- MAMMOTH. & Silentjay
- SO.Crates
- Yung Shōgun
Best Jazz Work
- Barney McAll
- Claire Cross
- Johannes Luebbers Dectet
- Peter Knight
- Sam Anning
Best Pop Work
- Confidence Man
- June Jones
- Mug
- Telenova
- The Stroppies
Best Reggae and Dancehall Work
- Jah Tung
- JahWise
- Nicky Bomba
- Shottaz
Best Rock/Punk Work
- Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice
- Pinch Points
- Jaala
- King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
- Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
Soul, Funk, RNB & Gospel Work
- Kutcha Edwards
- Lance Ferguson
- Mo’Ju
- Nikodimos
- Zretro
Best Producer
- Alice Ivy
- Gab Strum
- Oscar Dawson
- Stuart Mackenzie
- Tim Shiel
Find out more by heading here.
Australia’s first lady of comedy Julia Morris brings her ’75 Years in the Business’ tour to Geelong
Universally-adored, Lady JMo will be taking her new show around the country in 2023 – her first tour since 2018 – commencing at HOTA on the Gold Coast on June 1, before heading to Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Geelong, Sydney and Newcastle through to July 9.
Julia Morris 75 Years in the Business tour 2023
- June 1 – HOTA – Home of the Arts, Gold Coast
- June 3 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
- June 4 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
- June 10 – Astor Theatre, Perth
- June 17 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
- June 23 – Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
- June 30 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart
- July 1 – Costa Hall, Geelong
- July 8 – State Theatre, Sydney
- July 9 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
Julia Morris is a household name thanks to her multi-faceted career as an award winning standup, actor, TV presenter, two-time reality show winner and author. As one of Australia’s most accomplished and celebrated performers, Morris has moved seamlessly between stage and screen since she started performing at 17.
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Julia has hosted Australia’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Dr Chris Brown since the show began in 2015, which remains a highlight of Ten’s annual TV calendar and won ‘Most Outstanding Reality TV Program’ at the TV WEEK Logie Awards in 2022, the same year Julia was nominated for the Gold Logie for ‘Most Popular Personality’ on Australian Television. She has twice been nominated for a Silver Logie, and received a ‘Most Popular Presenter’ nomination in 2019.
Tickets go on sale 10am, Monday, October 31. For complete tour and ticket information, head here.
City and Colour is coming to Australia in 2023
Acclaimed singer-songwriter City and Colour (Canadian musician Dallas Green) will return to Australia in February 2023 for a run of headline shows. Kicking off at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on Wednesday 1 February, City and Colour will traverse the East Coast, stopping at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre, Melbourne’s Forum and The Tivoli in Brisbane.
City and Colour Australia 2023 Tour
- February 1 – Emore Theatre, Sydney
- February 7 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
- February 9 – Forum, Melbourne
- February 13 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
City and Colour will also appear at SummerSalt across Australia through January and February. The festival will visit eight cities nationally and see City and Colour take the stage alongside the likes of Ben Harper, Angus & Julia Stone, The Rubens and more.
No stranger to Australian shores, City and Colour last performed live down under in 2019 at Brisbane Festival, an incredibly special one-off set that was delivered to critical praise.
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After regularly touring Australia for ten years, 2023’s visit will be City and Colour’s first full tour in seven years. On his last nationwide tour (2016), Green stunned audiences with his trademark vocals, raw honesty and dialogue, talents that have endeared him to music lovers around the world since City and Colour’s inception in 2005. 2023 will mark Green’s eighteenth tour of Australia, having previously visited ten times as City and Colour, and another seven times with the band Alexisonfire.
Over the course of six studio albums, City and Colour has compiled a canon ripe with songs born of adoration and devotion, amassing a legion of dedicated fans worldwide and garnering him three JUNOs, including two Songwriter of the Year awards, plus multiple triple, double, platinum and gold certifications in his native Canada.
Grab your tickets to his Melbourne show at the Forum by heading here.
Slipknot, Parkway Drive and Megadeth lead the inaugural Knotfest Australia 2023
In some of the most anticipated news of the week, Knotfest, Slipknot’s heavy metal super festival, announces its expansion to Australia in 2023 bringing along a mammoth lineup for its three-date debut. Headlined by Slipknot, the hugely stacked festival line-up includes the likes of Parkway Drive, Megadeth, Trivium, Northlane and more.
The music and counterculture experience created by the multi-platinum sonic phenomenon Slipknot will hit the East coast of Australia starting on Friday, March 24th at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, before making its way to Sydney on Saturday, March 25th at Centennial Park and wrapping up in Brisbane on Sunday, March 26th at RNA Showgrounds.
Knotfest Australia 2023 Lineup
- Slipknot
- Parkway Drive
- Megadeth
- Trivium
- Northlane
- Amon Amarth
- In Flames
- Knocked Loose
- Spiritbox
- Story of the Year
- Alpha Wolf
- Void of Vision
- Bad Omens
- Malevolence
Knotfest Australia Dates and Venues
- Friday, 24 March – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
- Saturday, 25th March – Centennial Park, Sydney
- Sunday, 26th March – RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
If you need a refresher, Knotfest is Slipknot’s own self-curated, destination festival brand, currently held in eight international locations; the US, Japan, Mexico, Finland, Germany, Colombia, Chile and Brazil. Designed as an immersive, unforgettable, ‘dark carnival experience’, the event invites you into Slipknot’s apocalyptic underworld where stunning visuals, fire breathers and nightmarish creatures on stilts set the stage for an intoxicating and memorable weekend of live music.
A staple at Knotfests all over the world, the Knotfest Museum will also be making its way to Australia for the very first time. The Knotfest Museum features a jaw-dropping collection of items from the band’s history and a fan-favourite attraction at the other Knotfests around the globe. Tickets are strictly limited in each city.
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Slipknot’s latest album, ‘The End, So Far’ landed yet another #1 Official Album Chart position in Australia, their fourth straight #1 in a row, as the album racked up a string of global chart accolades, including #1 Album positions in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico and Top 10 in Japan, Finland, Sweden, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, France and the Netherlands.
Early bird pre-sale tickets are on sale at 9am local time on Thursday 3rd November here and general public tickets go on sale at 9am local time on Monday 7th November here.
Stay up to date on all things Knotfest here.
Now Open: Alba, the luxe new Thermal Springs and Spa Destination, on the Mornington Peninsula
Say hello to world-class luxury with Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Victoria’s newest bathing, dining and wellness oasis located in Fingal on the Mornington Peninsula.
Officially opening on October 26, the luxe new relaxation destination is set to offer a contemporary experience like no other in Australia.
Looking to let off some steam? Check out these Victorian hot springs and bathhouses.
Within a beautifully landscaped 15-hectare property on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, a one-hour drive from central Melbourne, the world-class thermal springs and day spa sanctuary offers contemporary bathing and spa experiences with a range of indoor, open-air, and outdoor thermal pools, and a menu of spa services created to renew, repair, and recalibrate. Alba also offers a premium quality dining experience at restaurant Thyme, located in the heart of the springs and spa complex.
“Today is a culmination of years of planning and hard work,” Craig Dodd, the General Manager of Alba says.
“I offer my sincere thanks to our design and construction teams, our amazing team of wellbeing practitioners and tourism experts and the local community for supporting us. We are very excited to welcome local, national and international visitors.”
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So, what are some of the luxurious features you can look forward to?
Bathing – Thermal Springs
Alba offers 31 pools of varying sizes including geothermal pools, cold plunge pools and herbal-infused botanical pools. Every pool has been meticulously detailed in response to the setting within the property and social purpose. Some pools are submerged in a flowering meadow, some created as apertures to the sky, others are gently cradled within drifts of waving grasses. There are pools that are intentionally intimate and peacefully private, while others are social.
In the higher reaches of the site The Hemisphere provides bathers with tranquil hidden gardens, a semi enclosed geothermal pool (The Hide), a cold plunge pool and access to a steam room and sauna.
Spa – Therapeutic Treatments
Alba has 22 expansive spa treatment rooms, including a steam room, Vichy shower, and single or double massage rooms. Visitors can choose from more than 30 spa services encompassing facial, body and water-based treatments. The spa complex features a separate manicure and pedicure suite. On the mezzanine level of the main spa building is a spacious relaxation lounge featuring private booths and oversized day beds, overlooking the extensive native gardens.
The spa treatment menu features Australian made products by Vanessa Megan and her internationally award-winning Nuturaceutical™ products plus, treatments using the Victorian Aika Wellness formulations created following Ayurvedic principles.
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Dining – Thyme restaurant
Positioned in the heart of the complex, Thyme is situated on a terrace with indoor and outdoor seating. Guests can enjoy restful vistas across the water feature and pools to the native gardens and surrounding bushland. Leading Australian chef, Karen Martini has created an all-day menu that features fresh, flavoursome dishes with locally sourced, seasonal produce. The culinary team is guided by head chef Mario Di Natale.
Take a moment and book your visit to Alba Thermal Springs & Spa here.
‘Don’t think twice about it’: Queenscliff blues and roots musician Tex Miller masters the art of seizing opportunity
There’s something that can be said about an artist that can get a crowd moving on a steam train that runs along a scenic railway. Combining four carefully selected Australian Blues acts, a Bellarine Railway heritage train, dinner and drinks for 200 patrons running Saturday 10 months of the year, Queenscliff’s The Blues Train has become renowned for hosting some of the best blues-bleeding nights this region has ever seen. With setlists of both covers and originals, the Blues Train artists are the ones that cement you to the venue right until its final stop.
The glue set to hold you to the carriage this November is Tex Miller, a Queenscliff-based blues and roots musician who exhibits enough electricity to light up the entire train.
Stay up to date with all the epic festivals and events happening in and around the region here.
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With the blues running through his veins, Miller has been earning himself a solid reputation for more than a decade now, emerging as a captivating storyteller and standout entertainer at various venues across the region and events, including the likes of Queenscliff Music Festival, Pako Festa, Millions Paws Walk and Blues Boot Camp.
With years of live performance experience and two releases under his belt – one of which was recorded in Geelong at the home studio of the local blues band, The Mojo Corner, Miller is no stranger to seizing opportunities.
Since starting a teenage rock back in high school, Miller has gone from strength to strength. All while working as a freelance music journalist, exploring photographing and presenting a weekly radio show on 94.7 The Pulse, Miller has performed opening sets for the likes of Diesel, Richard Clapton and The Black Sorrows; won the ‘Rip A Riff’ Songwriting Contest alongside blues extraordinaire Alister Turrill; studied musical performance; and wrote a song with celebrated musician Tim Neal as part of Geelong’s Connecting Song initiative.
“The Connecting Song project with Tim Neal was such a fun collaborative experience where you had to write a song about ‘place’. Tim and I co-wrote a song called ‘Stingaree Jack’ which follows the infamous treasure of Benito Bonata that is buried on the shores of Swan Bay, written from the perspective of Stingaree Jack.
“It was very fun. Tim Neal is such a legend and visionary in the Australian music scene, and I have been very privileged to have so many amazing opportunities pop up. And I think that if there was any advice, when opportunities like this knock on your door, don’t think twice about it.”
Oozing a quiet confidence beyond his years, Miller is embracing opportunity once again as one of the exciting emerging acts to join the Blues Train as part of the newly introduced Next Generation Concert Series.
The series, which arrives in November for a sold-out run, will showcase established artists who have contributed to the sustained success of the world-class cultural tourism drawcard, that is The Blues Train, with emerging artists performing their interpretation of roots music suited to the next generation of audiences. With artists handpicked by The Blues Train founder and curator Hugo T Armstrong, Miller joins a worthy lineup of musicians including the likes of established acts George Kamikawa, The McNamarr Project, Damon Smith, Anna Scionti, Nardia, The Mojo Corner, Mission Brown, Lazy Eye, Phil Para Band, and King Canyon, and up and comers Aaron Pollock, Jack Meredith, Eddy Boyle, Georgia Rodgers, Bill Barber, The Von Robertsons, Midnight Jackson and more.
“It’s such a privilege and an honour to be on a lineup with some amazing up and comers,” Miller shares.
“Jack Meredith is fantastic. Eddy Boyle is an amazing harmonica player from Warrnambool who’s done a bunch of music with Tom Richardson and is someone who just follows the kind of same aesthetic of just jumping up and saying yes to every opportunity.
“Looking at back at it all pre-covid and given that the arts has gone through such a structural change over the last two to three years with everything, you just kind of have to grab every opportunity you can now.”
While an honour for Miller to be performing amongst some of his heroes as part of the Blues Train upcoming concert series, it also signifies a full circle moment for the young artist, who spent his formative years working aboard the unique blues music venue. Witnessing some of blues biggest legends ridin’ the rails, Miller has perfected a solo set that will wow you in the first chord.
“Having worked on The Blues Train and observed gigs, both onboard and elsewhere throughout my musical journey over the past 15 years, and seeing artists at all ilks and stages of their career; it’s mainly about crowd engagement.
“Everybody wants a bit of a singalong and I think everybody wants to feel a bit of a vibe and feel some happiness, and that’s what you can expect from my set, singalongs and a good vibe all round. I’ve got a bit of a Tom Waits number that I put into my set and I’ve got a couple of bluesy originals from back in the day, and I might try and road test some new material.
“Doing a different blues project on the side has really opened my eyes to the amount of songs out there and the way you can take a song that somebody else has done in their own way and put your own original interpretation on it.”
The blues project Miller is referring to is his band, Deep Heat Blues. Formed through their love of traditional Louisiana and Mississippi blues from 1930’s to 1970’s, Deep Heat Blues performs from the songbook of the likes of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Taj Mahal, Jimmy Reed and Charlie Musselwhite, mixing electric with an acoustic edge to give you blues that is more “Hill Country” than Chicago.
Here, Miller takes on guitars and vocals alongside his father Stu on harmonica and vocals, guitar sensation Lee Henderson on electric guitars, Paul Anderson on drums and vocals and Tim Waters on bass.
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“I’ve been writing songs and working on the Deep Heat Blues for a bit now as well as just slowly ticking away on my own music and getting into photography as a bit of a side hobby, but I haven’t really performed in a while. I’ve just been trying to keep motivated creatively and try and do different things.”
While Miller dabbled in live stream gigs on Zoom over lockdown, the upcoming Next Generation Concert Series will mark his first proper solo live gig since before the pandemic.
“With everybody being at home playing in the last couple of years, not being able to play a gig, the Blues Train Concert Series will be a good catalyst for what’s to come.
“It’s just such an amazing opportunity that Hugo has presented to all of the emerging artists and the establishing artists. Without opportunities like this, we’d all be sitting playing in our bedrooms and whilst that’s great, it’s also great to get out and share your talent.
The Blues Train’s been a massive advocate and vehicle for artists for many years now, and it’s such a unique attraction, offering so much to both Victoria and to the Australian Blues and music community in general.”
Limited tickets are available for the Next Generation Concert Series in Queenscliff this November. Find out more here.
This article was made in partnership with The Blues Train
You can now head down to this beautiful local field and pick your very own strawberries
Nothing says summer on the coast quite like juicy strawberries warm from the sun, and fortunately for us, we have the opportunity to pick-your-own right on our doorstep.
Located between Geelong and Torquay, Surf Coast Strawberry Fields in Mt Duneed is a ‘pick your own’ strawberry farm with approximately 90 acres of delicious strawberries, making it a great place to unwind, and enjoy the experience of farm-fresh fruit picking, paddock to punnet.
Finally reopening for Spring (aka Strawberry Picking Season), regional Victorians will be able to soak up some Vitamin D, get their hands dirty and chow down on some seriously fresh (and healthy) produce, with the business sharing their opening hours via social media. Opening hours vary depending on the day, with times ranging between 9:30am and 4pm, but it’s best to check online before you make the trip out.
Here, your strawberries are pre-paid. Adults are $7 for a 500gm punnet (or you can pick one kilogram for $12), while a 250gm punnet is $3 for the kiddies. You can also purchase a family pack for $18 = 2 x adults 500gm punnets and 2 x Children 250gm punnets (3-12 years. Kids under three years old are free).
You simply pay upon entry per person to enter the picking area, collect your strawberry punnet and you’re ready to start picking. Just remember to follow the flags to the ripest berries in the field.
You can also find an ice cream cart on-site too, and their strawberry preserves, Rhubarb, cold drinks and pre-picked punnets are also available for purchase. They will often run specials across the picking season too so keep an eye on socials for deals like free picking up-sizes and all you can pick days.
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Just make sure to check their website or Facebook for updates on when they’re open as it’s purely dependent on the berries.
Surfcoast Strawberry Fields is located at 2 McCanns Rd Mount Duneed. Find out more here.
American indie rockers Mom Jeans announce their Sweet Tooth Australian Tour 2023
Berkeley alternative rock quartet Mom Jeans have just announced their return to Australian shores for the Sweet Tooth Australian Tour, joined by fellow alt-rockers, Microwave (US).
Presented by Destroy All Lines in association with Sequel Music Group, Australian fans are invited to indulge in their sweet tooth in March 2023, taking to venues in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Mom Jeans Sweet Tooth Australian Tour 2023
Tuesday 7 March – Lynotts Lounge, Perth 18+
Thursday 9 March – Jive Bar, Adelaide 18+
Friday 10 March – Factory Theatre, Sydney Lic AA
Saturday 11 March – The Brightside, Brisbane 18+
Sunday 12 March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne 18+
Stay up to date with all the epic festivals and events happening in and around the region here.
Three years after their previous journey across the nation, Mom Jeans return with a fresh collection of new tunes from their latest album, ‘Sweet Tooth‘, which was released in February of this year. The groups third LP is a departure from the emo sound the band mastered early on, and instead revisits late ’90s and early 2000s pop rock and pop punk bliss. For frontman Eric Butler, that meant revisiting the guitar pop perfection of Weezer and Oasis alongside deep cuts from one-hit wonders like Third Eye Blind, Fountains of Wayne, and Superdrag.
Butler, guitarist Bart Thompson, bassist Samuel Kless, and drummer Austin Carango all arrived at the same description for these sounds: ear candy.
“Those hits by Blink-182 and Green Day, all those bands, it’s just hooks for days and really excellent songwriting,” says Butler. “They really just tried to write incredible songs that would get stuck in people’s heads. We wanted to try our own version of that. Ear candy is the goal, so Sweet Tooth is the record.”
Making the journey across the nation alongside Mom Jeans is Atlanta emo quartet, Microwave. Equipped with their latest album, ‘Death Is A Warm Blanket‘ and a handful of fresh new tracks that made their entrance this year, Microwave channel mental and physical frustration into powerful, unbridled, gut-wrenching loud rock music.
Microwave revel in newfound creative abandon, colliding post-hardcore aggression with ‘90s alternative sneer, bleeding broodingly atmospheric verses into anthemic choruses. A recipe for impassioned singalongs and emotional release, Microwave are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and shake up crowds in just the right way.
Tickets on sale Friday 12pm local time via Destroy All Lines.
Pitch Music & Arts Festival drops 2023 lineup headed by Four Tet, Moderat, Helena Hauff and more
The Pitch music festival 2023 will return to the foothills of the Grampian Plains from March 10 – 14 for the sixth edition of one of Australia’s premier electronic festivals, and as usual, the lineup offers an excellent assortment of global production royalty.
Following a sold-out event in 2022, tickets for Pitch Music & Arts 2023 – as it’s officially known – will be secured through a balloting process. For the first time, those who enter the ballot are required to agree to a ‘Pitch Pledge’, whereby patrons must commit to positively contributing to the Pitch community, leave no trace and behave respectfully.
Pitch music festival 2023 lineup
- ABSOLUTE.
- AK Sports
- Âme
- Anetha
- Ayebatonye
- Ben UFO
- Bertie
- BIG WETT
- Bradley Zero
- C.FRIM X MIRASIA
- Call Super
- Cassie Raptor
- Club Angel
- Daria Kolosova
- DAWS
- Dax J
- DJ EZ
- DJ Heartstring
- DJ Stingray 313
- DJ Tennis
- Effy
- Ewan McVicar
- Fatima Yamaha (Live)
- FJAAK DJ
- Four Tet
- François X
- HALFQUEEN
- Héctor Oaks
- Helena Hauff
- I.JORDAN
- IN2STELLAR
- Interplanetary Criminal
- Jaguar
- Jennifer Cardini
- Juicy Romance
- Jyoty
- Kalyani
- KAS:ST
- Kelly Lee Owens (Dj Set)
- KETTAMA
- Ki/Ki
- Kim Ann Foxman
- Leon Vynehall (LIVE)
- LSDXOXO
- m8riarchy
- Major League Djz
- Mano Le Tough
- Marie Montexier
- Mildlife
- Miley Serious
- Moderat (LIVE)
- Nightmares On Wax
- NLV
- OVERMONO (Live)
- Parfait
- Paula Tape
- Peach
- Pretty Girl (LIVE)
- Roi Perez
- RONA.
- Ryan Elliott
- Sam Alfred x STÜM
Soju Gang - Sophie McAlister
- SWIM
- Tama Sumo x Lakuti
- Tinlicker (LIVE)
- u.r.trax
- Yarra
- Yikes
- Young Marco
Dates and location
- Pitch Music & Arts
- 10-14 March 2023
- Moyston, VIC
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Pitch Music & Arts Festival announces return for 2023, plus new ticketing system
To complement the Pitch music festival programme, there will be interactive arts and installations. The 2022 Pitch Arts Programme featured the likes of Clayton Blake, (Burning Man’s 2018 winner of best art) and Adnate (who painted the tallest-ever mural on a building in the Southern Hemisphere at the housing commissions in Collingwood). The arts programme will be announced at a later date.
Patrons will be able to relax at the Pitch Pavilion – a tranquil sanctuary where patrons can take part in yoga classes, sound baths & ambient meditation. The festival will also host an expansive variety of culinary delights, spanning all taste preferences and palates. There will also be markets where you can purchase souvenirs made by ethical creatives and designers, and a pride patrol with live drag performance.
Pitch Music & Arts will bring together a community of like-minded people where curated art and sensational beats will be used to create a hub rich with creativity and self-expression. Enter the ballot now and avoid missing out as the ballot may be the only way to secure a ticket.
Follow Pitch Music & Arts across their website here, and their social channels – Facebook here, Insta here. Ballet registrations close – Wed 2nd Nov 3:00pm AEDT. Thu 10th Nov 12:00pm – General On Sale. Register for ballot: https://bit.ly/pitch23ballot.
Party in the Paddock is coming back to Tasmania in February 2023
Three years ago, Party In The Paddock – one of Australia’s premier festivals – announced that its 2020 edition would be its final event.
The Tassie music festival started in 2012 as a small, 500-people event for founder Jesse Higgs’ 21st birthday. Since then, the festival sold out for its last five years and booked massive headliner acts including Lily Allen and Matt Corby. The festival’s final event, which went down in Tassie in February just prior to the pandemic, featured Hermitude, Dune Rats, Jack River, Sneaky Sound System, Briggs, Mallrat and plenty more talent.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Now, following some of the most challenging years for the music industry to date, the beloved festival has announced its return from the 10th, 11th and 12th of February 2023.
The event will be hosted at its brand new location Quercus Park, just 25min outside of Launceston. As with all reincarnations, PITP will be reborn into our big, new and beautiful home via lutruwita/Tasmania at Quercus Park! With more room for hay bales and plenty of bums – there will be no more squished campsites! Think huge mainstage acts each night, a full-tilt Vibestown Stage for alternative bands, non-stop bangers in the Dance Tent, roving performers, art, comedy, yoga and more!
Party In The Paddock was an established part of the Australian music scene and now it’s back, there’s plenty of work to be done. The festival’s heart is set on building on every year, taking inspiration from Kaizen, the Japanese word for continuous improvement! Party In The Paddock gives you a new era, and in doing so, a much larger, and more dynamic site among the beautiful rolling paddocks of the Quercus Parklands.
Three years on, and a lot has changed in our world; for the PITP team, this has been time to reflect on the 9 magic years that were Party In The Paddock. With a fresh perspective and renewed inspiration, the crew has reassembled, excited and ready for this next chapter. Hearing your calls for a major multi-day camping festival, it’s evident that Tassie’s been missing PITP & Falls Festival since their absence, but Vibestown is back on the job, and it’s going to be bigger than ever.
“In the absence of PITP we were able to reflect on what we created and the special community that bound the festival together. We are able to see clearly the importance and responsibility of this festival to the larger community of lutruwita/Tasmania and the future feels like a brighter place with the spirit of Party In The Paddock returning to our world. This is our commitment to bring back Vibestown’s most special event during the Tassie summer festival calendar and to celebrate it’s 10th year in spectacular fashion,” says Jesse Higgs, Artistic Director, Vibestown.
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In PITP absence, The company behind the festival, Vibestown Productions, went on to introduce Party In The Apocalypse back in 2021, a two day, non-camping music and arts festival in Launceston.
Bringing some of the country’s best live acts to the state for one of the biggest lineups to hit Tassie since COVID began, the festival’s first lineup announce included the likes of Lime Cordiale headlining alongside rock legends Dune Rats, the angelic sounds of Cub Sport, as well as Methyl Ethel, Ruby Fields, Sycco, King Stingray, Sly Withers, Teenage Joans and Noah Dillion, among others.
Filling the void of both Falls Festival and Party in the Paddock, Party In The Apocalypse went on to announce a second event in March earlier this year, this time taking to Hobart.
As successful as PITA was, nothing could ever really replace PITP though, or its unmatched creativity, uniqueness and diversity. Starting off as a small, grassroots event means that a certain vibe has carried throughout the festival’s lifespan. They’ve drawn in some big-name musicians and growing crowds, but maintained a sense of community that can sometimes get lost in big commercial events.
And so here we are. The 2023 Party In The Paddock is set up to be the fan favourite of any year prior, with the huge lineups and a stronger emphasis on art and festival culture, all set at a new, much larger and more dynamic site. This all comes with the commitment to another 10 years of the festival and taking PITP’s legacy up another step to becoming an Australian music festival institution.
With ticket options following the lineup announcement in weeks to come, camping to single day will be available. Revellers are encouraged to make the festival their own, those wanting to get their boogie on the hay bales for the whole three days can purchase 2 or 3-night camping tickets. While those who prefer to get kitted in their accommodation before the fun can purchase single-day or multi-day tickets.
Shuttle buses will be departing to and from Launceston, so with this and carpooling your transport is sorted. Head to the website to peep the lineup breakdown when announced and choose the best Paddock adventure for you.
More than just the magical music, Party In The Paddock also features a packed complement of comedy sets, yoga classes, guest speakers, art, market stalls, and more cool and crazy projects set to unfold across the three days. Those needing to put up their dancing shoes and chow down on some Tassie tucker can sit back and be entertained by all of the above!
Whether you’re a one-night wonder or a weekend warrior, a road trip to the Paddock is one you’ll be reminiscing on for years to come. Ready to lock it in? Well, don’t miss the party!
Sign up for access to pre-sale here
‘The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez’: Master surfer/shaper Gerry Lopez hits Lorne for film premiere
Gerry Lopez has been wowing surfers and surf film audiences for over 50 years.
‘Mr Pipeline’ Mr. Pipeline, is one of surfing’s most enigmatic heroes a Zen Buddhist on land who built his early career on aggressive surfing at one of the world’s most dangerous surf spots. While Pipeline was eating up the world’s best surfers and spitting them out, Lopez was calming paddling into Pipe monsters and casually bottom turning before learning into spitting barrels the size of buses.
Keep up with the latest entertainment news and events in the region here.
No-one could touch Lopez at Pipe.
It has taken a while but the life of Lopez, surfer, shaper, actor, yoga master has been finally captured on film by award winning filmmaker Stacy Peralta. Peralta himself has reached the pinnacle of his sport (skateboarding), founded a business empire (Powell Peralta) and for the last two decades has carved out a half decent career as a filmmaker (Dogtown and the Z Boys).
Lopez has been a Patagonia Ambassador for year’s so it was only fitting that the company got behind the documentary which had been kicking around for a few years seeking finance.
THE YIN AND YANG OF GERRY LOPEZ is the result and it is a cracker. From start to finish the film delves deep into the life of Lopez… the good (surfing Pipe), the bad (his penchant for dropping in on all and sundry) and the ugly (watching his first surf shop burn down in dubious circumstances). The film features plenty of Pipe barrels and amazing footage of Lopez on surf trips to Mexico, Bali and G-Land plus fantastic interviews with family and friends.
The film features a couple of great local sequences with filmmaker Jack McCoy talking about Lopez coming to Torquay in the early seventies and surfing along the Great Ocean Road with good mate surfing icon Wayne Lynch.
THE YIN AND YANG OF GERRY LOPEZ had a special screening at Lorne Cinema recently with surfer and filmmaker in attendance.
This is a fantastic surf documentary film that digs deep into the life of one of the world’s greatest surfers. Check it out when you can!
Find out more here.
Anther Distillery, Blackman’s Brewery and NED Whisky have joined forces to create unique aged porter
Joining forces, three ambitious and flavour-curious Victorian producers – Anther Distillery, Blackmans Brewery and NED Whisky, tested the boundaries of flavour this year and created a first for Victoria – the Whisky Barrel Aged Gin Infused Cherry Porter.
Blackman’s porter has been brewed, then aged for six months in ex-NED Whisky Barrels that contained 100kgs of Anther Cherry Gin infused hand-pitted Tasmanian cherries.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
With three of the region’s best creatives at the helm, this unique product is a seriously exciting addition to the beverage scene, sporting aromas & flavour of Cherry, bourbon, vanilla, tobacco and chocolate all integrated and accentuated by warming oak and a hint of botanical spice.
Dervilla McGowan, (Anther co-owner and Head Distillery) says, “This is a massive product and has been months in the making. We’re so excited to share it with everyone! The beer is absolutely delicious and a phenomenal flavour trip!”
“This one is a pretty special beer. It was great working with two other amazing producers, and using products across whisky, gin, fruit, beer, and barrels,” Ren Blackman (co-owner of Blackmans Brewery) adds.
“It sounds like there is a lot going on, but this beer is insanely balanced. It’s a journey for your mouth. All the elements come to the surface in their own way and make this beer extremely unique. I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything like this, very exciting stuff!”
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A limited amount of Whisky Barrel Aged Gin Infused Cherry Porter’s has been produced and will be celebrated with a launch at Blackman’s Brewery in Grovedale on Friday 28th of October.
Pre-order here.
Hot Dub Time Machine leads the Wine Machine 2023 East Coast lineup
Wine Machine has announced its 2023 East Coast lineup, bringing some incredible names to the stage across three stunning sun-soaked soirées.
In March and April next year, Hunter Valley NSW, Canberra ACT and Yarra Valley VIC will play host to a decadent day of picnics and parties headed up by the likes of Hot Dub Time Machine, Lime Cordiale (excluding Vic), Bliss N Eso, Vera Blue (excluding NSW), Northeast Party House and more.
These East Coast dates join the already announced festivities in Swan Valley WA, McLaren Vale SA and Huon Valley TAS providing the perfect backdrop to create memorable moments at six remarkable regions across the country from November to April. With La Niña due to make a swift departure by the end of the year, the forecast is for clear skies, fun in the sun and good times ahead.
Wine Machine 2023 East Coast Tour
HOT DUB TIME MACHINE
LIME CORDIALE*
BLISS N ESO
VERA BLUE+
NORTHEAST PARTY HOUSE
KLP
GRENTPEREZ
THE POOF DOOF DRAG JAMBOREE
* Excl. VIC + Excl. NSW
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Alongside the live music, the spectacular Poof Doof Drag Jamboree will serve up a stack of fierce drag madness. Led by your hostess with the mostest Jimi the Kween, the festive and fabulous Jamboree will deliver mesmerising moments, interactive games and queer performance art so magical you’ll start to believe that unicorns exist. The best part is that the single stage format ensures you won’t miss a thing.
This year, Wine Machine will bring the party to a new home in the Hunter Valley, the stunning Dalwood Estate on the Saturday 18 March. Established on the beautiful Hunter River in 1828, Dalwood Estate is regarded as the birthplace of Hunter Valley wine. With carefully curated lawns to create a natural amphitheatre, you’ll feel right at home.
The festival will return to its home with views across Lake George at Commonwealth Park in Canberra on Saturday 25 March, then soak up the atmosphere and natural amphitheatre at Rochford Estate in Yarra Valley on Saturday 1 April.
Indulge in some of the finest locally sourced produce as you enjoy everything Wine Machine has to offer. It’s intimate, yet spacious. It’s a garden party by day and fun fiesta by night. Taking place in the heartland of Australia’s finest wineries, you can enjoy spacious surroundings to both laze and picnic and dance and mingle.
There’s a treasure trove of art installations, garden games, pop-up bars, gourmet delights and long table lunches at Wine Machine’s Cellar Door – a playground for all to enjoy.
Pre-sale available Wednesday 2 November from 6PM AEDT. Register for pre-sale here. General tickets on sale Thursday 3 November from 12PM AEDT from IWannaTicket.
Australia’s newest big landmark, The Big Rainbow, is coming to regional Victoria
Australia is earning itself quite a reputation for iconic ‘Big Things’. There’s the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, Big Merino in Goulburn, Big Pineapple in Woombye, Big Potato in Robertson and the Big Ned Kelly at the Glenrowan Tourist Centre. Heck, there’s even a Big Prawn in Ballina.
The regional Victorian town of Daylesford is soon to become home to another ‘big’ landmark with The Big Rainbow .
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Australia’s first “big” landmark dedicated to the celebration of regional LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion, the 12 metres wide and six metres high Big Rainbow was designed with members of the LGBTIQA+ and First Nations communities.
Earlier this year, in a larger-than-life show of support for the regional LGBTQIA+ community, Tinder unveiled Australia’s newest “Big” landmark, ‘the Big Rainbow’ which sat pretty in its temporary home in Sydney before announcing it was on the lookout for a new regional location as part of the Big Rainbow Project.
After thousands of submissions and over 50 regional towns suggested, it came down to a final four towns: Daylesford, Hay, Broome and Katherine, with voting up to the public to decide its future home in regional Australia, to champion diversity, inclusion and self-expression.
With 16,000 public votes cast, Daylesford was the clear winner in becoming the final destination for the Big Rainbow.
It seems like a perfect match for Daylesford, the Traditional Land of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, which is known as the rainbow capital of regional Victoria. It’s also home to Chillout Festival, one of the longest-running events celebrating regional LGBTQIA+ pride, so we think it would be pretty special to see the landmark there.
“Daylesford is the home of the ChillOut Festival, the longest-running regional LGBTQIA+ festival in Australia, and home to many rainbow families. Council will soon initiate a period of community engagement to tap into the community’s local knowledge and perspectives about the best-suited location for the Big Rainbow which will celebrate our vibrant and inclusive community,” Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Tim Drylie said.
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The Big Rainbow will be installed in Daylesford over the next six months.
Mayor Drylie said that the council will launch a consultation with the local community to decide the best location for the Big Rainbow in Daylesford. The council has shortlisted four locations – Lake Daylesford, Lost Children’s Park, Victoria Park and the Daylesford Community Skate Park.
“We are so grateful for the support that people across the country have shown us in voting for Daylesford to be the home of The Big Rainbow. We have a long history of supporting our LGBTIQA+ community and visitors to our town, and we hope that The Big Rainbow will be an example of what it means to show love and support to everyone. We’re looking forward to having the community help us decide where the Big Rainbow will live,” added the Mayor.
The council is also hoping that the Big Rainbow will prove to be a big drawcard and attract more tourists to Daylesford.
“We see people seeking out the Big Pineapple in Queensland and the Big Merino in New South Wales, we believe The Big Rainbow will continue to add to our visitor experience in the beautiful Daylesford and Hepburn Shire,” said CEO Bradley Thomas.
Find out more about the Big Rainbow Project here.
Dallas Frasca announces huge hometown gig in Melbourne
Continuing her fiercely independent pathway, Dallas Frasca returns to the tour circuit announcing her first hometown show since the pandemic taking place at the Worker’s Club in Fitzroy/Narrm on November 12 at the special time of 1pm.
A stand-out of her class, a charismatic and commanding stage presence, and an almighty force on the mic, Frasca has toured the world, clocking over 1000 shows including 9 international tours. Her ferocious, critically acclaimed live performances are not to be missed. Frasca’s new blistering trio will introduce Melbourne synth Lord, Ehsan Gelsi and Ben Crook on drums for this explosive welcome home show.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
“I’m beside myself to announce some of my favourite Melbournite artists will join the line-up for my first Narrm show in 3yrs. I don’t think I’ve been psyched about playing a show in my hometown,” Dallas says.
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In 2016, Dallas released her critically acclaimed 3rd full-length album,Love Army produced by Andy Baldwin (Bjork, Elle King, Snow Patrol), the opening track, ‘Success Is The Best Revenge’, was chosen as the theme song of the worldwide sync on popular TV show, Bondi Ink with many songs off the album included in Australian TV shows, ‘Playing For Keeps’, ‘Head Above Water’, ‘Neighbours’, ‘Mustangs FC’ and award-winning Netflix documentary, ‘Embrace’.
Dallas supported the album with a worldwide tour; opened for Ugly Kid Joe (US), The Bellrays (US) across Europe; and toured Aus while has appeared at the Sydney Opera House and festivals such as FallsFest, BluesFest, Queenscliff, Cognac Blues Passions (FR), Le Man 24hr Circuit Race (w/ Earth Wind & Fire), Woodford Folk Festival, Hotter Than Hell, Wallapalooza, Canada’s International Earth Day in Montreal, and much more.
With new music on the way in 2023, Frasca released a new single, God’s Gonna Cut You Down (Sept 1st) recorded just for the Aussie thriller, #Darklands (Winner of Best International Feature at the Swedish International Film Festival & AACTA nominee for Best Indie Film), out now on Stan.
Purchase tickets here.
The Angels documentary ‘Kickin’ Down The Door’ is hitting cinemas in December
No pub jukebox worth its salt would be complete without an A to Z collection of The Angels’ legendary hits.
In fact, I’ll wager that no Saturday night in the pubs around Australia would be complete without a unified chorus of ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?’ sang arm in arm, with glasses raised high.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
For fans of this quintessential Australian band that came hurtling out of Adelaide in the 1970s with the searing guitar sound of the Brewster brothers and Doc Neeson, Kickin’ Down The Door is the new feature documentary about their career.
Since their beginning, they worked their way up, developing an unmistakably unique musical style. By 1978 they were a behemoth of the local rock scene and on the path to international success… until they just missed their chance. Yet they still revolutionised the Aussie music scene transforming it from pretty pop to gritty guitar rock featuring ferocious and theatrical live shows.
In Kickin’ Down The Door, Adelaide director Maddie Parry (Hannah Gadsby: Nanette) has made a surprisingly intimate documentary, with band members’ home videos and never-before-seen photos, exploring the internal tensions that strained relationships to breaking point, even while producing incandescent rock’n’roll.
In it, John and Rick Brewster both give lengthy interviews during the documentary alongside chats with other key figures that were a part of the band’s journey including former drummers Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup and Brent Eccles.
Now the documentary is coming to cinemas in December. The movie will hit the big screen around the country on Thursday, December 1 off the back of its recent premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival.
Ahead of the cinema release, regional music lovers will also be able to see it at LongPlay Music Film Festival in Ballarat with a screening and acoustic performance from founding guitarists Rick and John Brewster on November 21.
Stay tuned for more.
The magical production Wish Upon A Song returns, bringing some of the best Disney hits to Geelong
Everyone – I repeat everyone – knows Disney songs. Sitting in front of the television watching your beloved Disney flicks over and over was just part of life, the circle of life, and for whatever reason, Disney tracks are just ones we remember all of the words to.
Enjoyed by generations, 2023 is shaping up to be quite the magical time for both Disney and Geelong musical theatre fans with the return of the wildly successful production, ‘Wish Upon A Song – Volume II’.
The key takeaways
- The Geelong Lyric Theatre Society returns Wish Upon A Song – Volume II
- Wish Upon a Song – Volume II showcases the epic music and all-time hit songs from over a dozen Disney films
- The new all-original program brings together many of the regions most talented performers for an even bigger, brighter show
Keep up with the latest in local entertainment via our website.
Presented by one of Victoria’s leading musical theatre companies Geelong Lyric Theatre Society, ‘Wish Upon A Song’ was the biggest musical theatre concert in the local theatre company’s almost 50-year history. The award-winning production brought a dazzling dose of Disney to Costa Hall for three massive shows back in 2021.
Now the production is back for Volume II, returning to Costa Hall with a new program and an even bigger, brighter show.
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With four massive shows, running from January 26 to January 28 2023, ‘Wish Upon A Song – Volume II’ presents a host of the regions most talented musicians and music theatre performers. With an all-original program, theatre-goers will witness a full symphony orchestra, large ensemble cast, and featured soloists and choir combined for spectacular entertainment.
The senior ensemble will feature the likes of Nick Addison, Kathryn Baldwin, Tom Campbell-Dick, Damian Caruso, Sally-Anne Cowdell, Rebecca Cowled, Madison Dandy, Alannah Farrar, Nikita Ginoski and Scott Graham, among others, while the choir for 2023 will feature the stunning vocals of Chelsea Barton, Marion Bayley, Leesa Collins, Trinity Cronkwright, Maddy Horne, Kim Inturrisi, Sophie Jordan, Alicia Neels, Jess Morrison, Megan Morrison, Terri Powell, Graeme Robinson, Krissy Thompson, Emma Thorley, Grant Whiteside, Avril Wojniusz and Lisa Zarb. A junior ensemble has also been announced for the production.
From old-school classics to contemporary chart-toppers, ‘Wish Upon A Song – Volume II’ will showcase all the epic music from more than a dozen Disney films, including The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Frozen and Frozen II.
Whether you’re a lover of villain solos like “Be Prepared” from The Lion King, a fan of a romantic duet like Aladdin’s “A Whole New World”, or you prefer more classic “I want” ballads like “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid and the belt-it-all-out hit “Let It Go”, we guarantee these magical melodies will get you in a happily-ever-after mood for the entirety of the show.
The 2023 production will be directed and Choreographed by Xavier McGettigan, with Musical Direction by Brad Trealor.
The return of the magical production marks a very special moment for the Geelong Lyric Theatre Society who reunite to bring young and old together for 90 minutes of really uplifting, ‘feel fantastic’ entertainment.
Witness the magic on Thursday, January 26 at 7:30pm, Friday, January 27 at 7:30pm, and Saturday January 28 at 1pm and 5:30pm. Tickets are on sale through the Geelong Arts Centre.
Live Review: The Butterfly Effect prove themselves one of the all-time Australian greats of their generation
First of all, how good is Northcote Theatre!? I’ve been going to gigs all around Victoria for at least 10 years now and somehow, this was my first time visiting Northcote Theatre. When you add up two huge bars, a stunning viewing area upstairs, great sound, lots of room for moshing and a band as experienced and incredible as The Butterfly Effect, you know you’re in for a great night.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
I have to say, a main highlight of the night for me was support act Caligula’s Horse, who absolutely brought their best to kick the night off. Going into the show, I’d heard three or four of their songs – I did enjoy them, but I was absolutely blown away listening to their live show compared to their releases. They are all insanely talented musicians but that guitarist just doesn’t slip up while playing the most technical riffs with ease and when it’s solo time… What the fuck is that guy taking? I want some. The highlight of the set for me was probably their song ‘Dream the Dead’; that chorus is damn catchy and got the crowd singing along nicely. Huge props to Brisbane’s finest.
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On to the main event, The Butterfly Effect… What a perfectly thought out and fun set. I know they’ve been together since 1999 but how are they so tight!? Also, Clint Boge’s vocals get better with time, seriously. He was incredible live and that strong falsetto and grunt in his voice was awesome to hear. This is one of those bands that you watch live and just think ‘wow, the bassist and drummer talk to each other so much to make the rhythm section of the band the absolute best it can possibly be’. The band is so damn tight together, and when you combine that with the amazing use of effects from both the bassist and guitarist, incredible vocals and a strong setlist put together from over 20 years of playing together, The Butterfly Effect are still not be messed with.
Opening with the tracks ‘IV’ and ‘Dark Light’ from their new album IV was awesome, I really enjoy that song and all the tracks they played from this new album were amazing, especially ‘So Tired’ which was extremely heavy live. One of the highlights of the setlist for me was ‘Window and the Watcher’. What a damn song. Everyone in the building loved it and the singalongs were super loud and enjoyable to be a part of, which was a common theme of the set with songs like ‘A Slow Descent’, ‘Always’, ‘Room Without a View’, ‘Before They Knew’ and ‘Worlds on Fire’. Even just writing about it now, what a bunch of anthems.
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After a strong need for an encore from the crowd chanting ‘TEN MORE SONGS’, they came out and gave us two of their best to close the night. ‘Visiting Hours’ from the new album IV which has such a groove to it topped off with the most hooky guitar riffs and a massive ending to that song, which went perfectly into the best song they could have closed with, ‘Reach from Imago’. I used to listen the album Imago growing up and ‘Reach’ is such a nostalgic song for me and a lot of other people too, it bloody showed. The whole crowd screaming the entire song with Clint was something else and my favourite part of the night. What a band.
If you have the opportunity to see The Butterfly Effect, don’t miss it.