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Live Review | Sounds of Spring 2009 (part 2)

Review By Jose Eduardo Cruz
Photo by Matt Palmer

MammalAfter overcoming security guards that were more intent on removing bottled water from punters then checking bags for dangerous items, I entered the RNA to a sea of people ready to have a good time. There was an incredible amount of space for everyone to move around in; there were plenty of real toilets, not those disgusting portaloo’s made famous by Kenny, and sufficient shade to shelter during the midday sun.
The first band on the agenda was Melodyssy on the Trash Stage.
With a sizable crowd present, Melodyssy dive into a powerful set. Unfortunately, the mix was way too bass driven and overpowered the guitar and vocals. Overall, they managed to please those that stayed around to listen to their whole set.

After The Fall at the Main Stage begin to warm things up with their danceable vibrant set. The crowd was rather tame considering the high energy these guys were putting out. Nevertheless, a masked Mexican wrestler and Barney Rubble made an appearance in the crowd which was duly noted by their front man.

Next in line was Dead Letter Circus and the first sing along of the festival gets started. These guys are professional and could be the next big thing potentially taking over the spot currently held by The Butterfly Effect. The pit was still subdued and only until their front man decided to jump from the stage and acquaint himself with the front row that the energy in the pit picked up. We see the first crowd surfers and the crowd ignites. In a gesture that will make everyone remember them, Dead Letter Circus started to throw multiple bottles of water into the crowd. DLC proclaim that “Sounds Of Spring” is the best festival and that there are “No glow sticks here!!”

Now I will dedicate several more words to the next band for they were, for me, by far the best band in the line up. Mammal exploded onto the stage with Ezekiel Ox wearing a pair of bull horns through the entire first song. The entire pit was electric and fed off every move from the entire band. Mid set things got a little interesting. Mr. Ox pointed to the Australian flag and explained why he did not associate himself with it. He pointed to the Aboriginal flag fixed to his mic and pledged his allegiance to Indigenous Australians. Not ever having associated Mammal with a political stance, it’s a pleasure to see and hear some level of social commentary in such a massive public gathering. Perhaps not the best delivery, considering alcohol and ignorance can lead to violent patriotism, but nonetheless an excellent move. It does not stop there, Mr. Ox decided to dive into the crowd, crowd surf his way to the middle of the pit while signing and carrying on a call and response. Looking forward to documenting this band in the near future.

Shihad, the on again off again band from across the pacific, jump on stage with their trade mark low rider guitars and embark on a greatest hits set. They struggle to get the crowd motivated enough, but it’s a hard task having to follow Mammal. The regulatory sing along is carried out as is the diving into the crowd.

As 5pm approached, the sun begun to set and people begun to tire and the ample grass space was taken over by sleepy bodies. Anticipating the forecasted dust storm, I made my way to a more protected area within the RNA.

Something with Numbers on the Triple J stage was an interesting band. They had the whole tent from the front to the back dancing. In between songs, I was approached by a fairy, which seem to come out a lot at festivals, and given a present. Before she left she said for me to dance and continue having fun.

The Beautiful Girls is a special band that is always well received wherever they play. Two new songs are debuted and near the end of their show they had the crowd singing to a Phil Collins classic. “I can feel it in the air tonight”, “I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life”… very appropriate considering the dust storm that hit Brisbane that night.

Blue King Brown is received by a much smaller crowd then they are used to. They are always cultural, political and acknowledging. The fusion of latin, reggae and rock has made them the premier band in Australia within their genre. However, this is the third time watching this band and although I am a big fan, the format of their performance has been the same the three times I have seen them. My fear is that they will be overexposed and quickly become stale. Nevertheless, they are one of the best Australian independent bands. This reviewer just hopes that something new begins to happen in their shows.
As yet another festival draws to a close, Josh Pyke gently sends everyone home with his beautiful sound.

Overall this was one of the best festivals I have ever attended. The atmosphere was excellent, there were no overly drunk idiots ruining the day for someone else, the punters were very calm and respectful and even with a dust storm that made everything seem apocalyptic, fun was had by everyone. We all await 2010 with anticipation.

Josh Pyke’s Variations Tour : Oct-Nov 2009

Josh Pyke Variations Tour
With Special Guests Gin Wigmore and Fergus Brown

Josh Pyke   In October 2009, multiple ARIA winning singer/ songwriter Josh Pyke will embark on what is his shortest, yet most ambitious tour to date. Four huge shows, in VIC, NSW, WA and QLD.

A regular road warrior, Josh has carved a well-worn groove around the country and gathered fans in small country towns and large cities over the past few years. All of his past tours have sold out weeks in advance and he has become a solid favourite on the live circuit among music lovers.

These four, one-off, city shows will be the largest venue’s he has headlined in his career, and Josh will be calling on fans to make their way to the big smoke to see him this time.

Continue reading Josh Pyke’s Variations Tour : Oct-Nov 2009

Interview: Tex Perkins on Sounds of Spring, Album and Film Scores

Interview: Bek Grealy

Tex PerkinsThe Sounds of Spring line-up reads like a who’s who of Australian music. Tex Perkins is prominent and takes time out to chat to us about the festival, his album and writing film scores.

Bek – Have you checked out the final line up for Sounds of Spring? Are you looking forward to playing alongside some really great bands?
TexNo I don’t know who’s on the line up. Who is??

Bek – Shihad, The Panics, Tim Rogers, The Living End, Josh Pyke and Clare Bowditch – just to name a few – Sounds of Spring looks set to be a massive day, really impressive?
TexYes some of those are my very good friends, so I am really happy to hear that. I’d love to go and watch them when time permits. Yeh fantastic line up.

Continue reading Interview: Tex Perkins on Sounds of Spring, Album and Film Scores

Sounds Of Spring 2009: 3rd Artist Lineup Announcement

Just when you thought Sounds of Spring 2009 couldn’t get any better…another 23 acts join us to round-out the line-up

Related: Interview: Tex Perkins on Sounds of Spring, Album and Film Scores

Sounds of Spring    Tex Perkins, Salmonella Dub, Something With Numbers, Kram, Calling All Cars, Midnight Youth, Mary Trembles, MM9, Jericco, Ouch My Face, Astronomy Class, Coalition Crew, Omni Anti featuring DINO, Root!, Further, Amity Affliction, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Grand Atlantic, The Scare, Mexico City, Melodyssey, Nova Scotia, Drawn From Bees.

Continue reading Sounds Of Spring 2009: 3rd Artist Lineup Announcement

Interview: Josh Pyke speaks with Elize Strydom about Splendour, touring and studio/producer aspirations [SITG]

Interview by: Elize Strydom
Josh PykeHe’s spent the last two months traipsing from the top of the country to the bottom but Josh Pyke is hungry for more. Charmingly unaware of the affect his music has had on her and hoards of others, Mr Pyke tells Elize Strydom about what’s coming up.

When the Aussie troubadour rides into Byron Bay for Splendour In The Grass next month he’ll be on familiar turf. Pyke may struggle to resist the urge to buy a carton of Tooheys New and head down to the beach front to skull ten beers. You see, he’s quite familiar with the place, our Josh. He celebrated the completion of 13 years of schooling here with a bunch of mates. Each year the guys regroup, rent a house and relive old times. Expect a laid-back, sun-drenched Pyke in holiday mode come July 25th, but don’t show up for his set if all you wanna do is chill.

“I’ve played Splendour twice before and it has a whole different vibe. I can play more upbeat songs which work for a big audience, that’s really fun. There’s less pressure. I get to rock up, have an hour to play my set and the crowd’s already there. It’s also cool to see all the other bands and catch up with friends. “
Continue reading Interview: Josh Pyke speaks with Elize Strydom about Splendour, touring and studio/producer aspirations [SITG]

Sounds Of Spring 2009: 2nd Artist Lineup Announcement + New Larger Venue!

SOUNDS OF SPRING 2009 now at the new bigger venue – RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

Sounds of Spring   
2nd LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

26 September, 2009. You best save this date. Sounds of Spring have just added another 20 killer acts to the already exciting line-up of Australia’s best indie acts.

With Early Bird tickets now sold out, Sounds of Spring is destined for a huge second birthday and all the acts below are going to be there to help you celebrate with us. Check out some of their latest tunes on MySpace (click the links below).
Continue reading Sounds Of Spring 2009: 2nd Artist Lineup Announcement + New Larger Venue!

Josh Pyke wants YOU to make his next video! (Be Quick – Deadline Midnight July 2nd 2009)

Josh Pyke wants YOU to make his next video!

joshpyke   Josh Pyke has worked with some very talented artists and directors in the past, and now he’s calling on his fans to create the video for his new single ‘You Don’t Scare Me’.

Josh will choose his favourite clip from all those submitted, and the video will be used as the official clip for the single. It will be premiered on Channel Ten’s Video Hits, and will then be serviced to other music video programs and stations. The director of the clip will also be awarded AUD$2500 and signed copies of all of Josh’s albums.

Continue reading Josh Pyke wants YOU to make his next video! (Be Quick – Deadline Midnight July 2nd 2009)

The White Album Concert @ Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane, Brisbane – 6 Aug 2009

The White Album Concert    In 1968 The Beatles released one of the most diverse and compelling albums of all time.

Recorded in the months after The Beatles returned disillusioned from India, their manager dead, their break up in sight, and wracked with internal tensions, the double White Album was immediately hailed as one of the most extraordinary, powerful albums in the history of music: a work of unparalleled influence and brilliance.

Continue reading The White Album Concert @ Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane, Brisbane – 6 Aug 2009

Sounds of Spring 2009 First Lineup Announcement

On 26 September 2009, Brisbane’s own Sounds of Spring music festival will once again open its gates at an impressive new venue at Victoria Park, Gilchrist Ave, Herston (opposite RNA Showgrounds & Royal Children’s Hospital) to an impressive line-up of the country’s best indie acts and 15,000 antsy music lovers. After cutting our teeth on the festival scene last year, Sounds of Spring invites you back for a bigger, better, louder festival, in every way. The response from bands wanting to play at SOS09 has been incredible and we’re extremely proud to present an exciting blend of your favourite Australian acts, and a few new ones we think you’ll really enjoy.

Making up the first of two line-up announcements are the following 28 exciting acts:
Continue reading Sounds of Spring 2009 First Lineup Announcement

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009 – 1ST LINEUP

Now in its 9th year, SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS returns on Sat July 25th and Sun July 26th at Byron Bay’s Belongil Fields to present its much anticipated annual mid-winter music celebration. With offerings from around the globe, the 2009 line-up packs a punch with a flock of Splendour first timers, festival favourites and exclusive one-off performances to boot.

TICKETS ON SALE
9.00am sharp on Thursday May 14th – Internet sales only – www.qjump.com.au
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009
Sat July 25th and Sunday July 26th
Belongil Fields, Byron Bay
Continue reading SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009 – 1ST LINEUP

SOUND RELIEF – The Music Community Unite For Two Very Special Benefit Concerts – March 14, 2009 – MCG & SCG

Sound Relief
Sound Relief
THE MUSIC COMMUNITY UNITE FOR TWO VERY SPECIAL BENEFIT CONCERTS SATURDAY MARCH 14, 2009 – MCG & SCG

The devastation of the current Victorian bushfires has left few unaffected. In response to our nation’s greatest ever natural disaster Australia’s music community have banded together for two stadium benefit concerts scheduled to run simultaneously in both Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday March 14, 2009 under the unified banner of SOUND RELIEF.

Continue reading SOUND RELIEF – The Music Community Unite For Two Very Special Benefit Concerts – March 14, 2009 – MCG & SCG

Woodford Folk Festival

The Woodford Folk Festival is almost beyond words. A festival fantasy land that will fill all of your senses. From it’s humble beginnings in 1987, known then as the Maleny Folk Festival, this yearly event has grown into one of the largest ‘folk’ festivals in the world.

Kate Miller-Heidke - Caloundra Music Festival 2008

Set in the picturesque countryside of Woodford and offering six days and nights of concerts, dances, workshops, circus acts, forums, street theatre, writers’ panels, film festival, comedy sessions, acoustic jams, social dialogue and debate, an entire children’s festival, art and craft workshops, late night cabarets and special events including a spectacular fire event.

The Herd @ Quicksilver Pro-Show

A total of 23 different venues will host 580 separate acts and 1600 events over the week. Continue reading Woodford Folk Festival

Woodford Folk Festival 08/09 – Launch

The 23rd Woodford Folk Festival presents a resplendent program of 580 acts and 2600 performers.  Festival Director and futurist, Bill Hauritz says “it’s our most ambitious programme in our 23 year history…”.

The festival runs from Thursday the 27th December through till late on Monday the 1st January.

 

Featuring some of the planet’s finest artists, Woodford Folk Festival truly represents our modern Australian culture and The Queensland Folk Federation is representative of a dynamic community of 2000 volunteers, 160 department heads and 20 full time staff who create the festival.  Negotiating the balance between community and professionalism is a rewarding challenge for all involved.

Woodford Folk Festival has become known as an incubator of fresh talent and it’s not just musicians who are nurtured at Woodford, there are platforms for visual artists, comedians, circus, vaudeville, healers, environmental leaders and for patrons through workshops, forums, volunteering and performance involvement. The 360acre site is also being lovingly regenerated.

   

This years highlights include festival favourites such as Lior, John Williamson, Dya Singh, Doch, Katie Noonan, Ash Grunwald, Augie March, Katie Miller-Heidke, Josh Pyke, That 1 Guy, Kristina Olsen, Waiting For Guinness, Backsliders, The Bird, Jeff Lang, Alistair Hulett and David Rovics, Martin Pearson, Wild Marmalade, Ernie Dingo, The Herd, Miguel, Leah Cotterell, Mr Percival, Bluegrass Parkway, Mic Conway¹s National Junk Band, the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, and Oka. Also there’s the captivating Mama Kin and a solo appearance by Harry Angus, the Cat Empire¹s trumpeter and vocalist who this time will bring his guitar.

Continue reading Woodford Folk Festival 08/09 – Launch

TRIPLE J TO BRING THE PARTY TO BRISBANE POWERHOUSE – 7 November 2008

Brisbane Powerhouse will give all music lovers an excuse to get out of bed before first light, when they host the triple j AusMusic Month Event on Friday 7 November, 2008.

Stagger out of bed at 5am and join the triple j breakfast team Robbie, Marieke and The Doctor as they broadcast live for the first time from the Turbine Platform on the final leg of their national tour as part of AusMusic Month.

triple j is all about homegrown talent and will celebrate all things local by putting on a huge show at Brisbane Powerhouse and rolling out the red carpet.

triple j will broadcast live with special guest performances and interviews with Josh Pyke, The Grates and the John Steel Singers, plus more surprise guests revealed closer to the date.

As the celebrations approach, keep listening to triple j for more information regarding this special event, J Award nominations and much, much more.

Remember, due to daylight savings, the event will begin at Brisbane Powerhouse at 5am, but will be broadcasted on Brisbane radio from 6am – 9am.

For more updates on the line up, go to triplej.net.au or tune in to 107.7 FM

Date: Friday 7 November 2008
Time: 5am – 9am
Venue: Turbine Platform
Tickets: FREE

More Info: 07 3358 8600 or brisbanepowerhouse.org