Tag Archives: TAME IMPALA

Tame Impala – InnerSpeaker Tour – May 2010

Modular have announced that West Coast sonic wanderers Tame Impala will unveil their debut album InnerSpeaker on May 21, and are taking to the road in May for a National Tour.

It will be the first time much of the record is played live to an unsuspecting public and will showcase the gloriously dazzling results of one of planet earth’s most exciting bands absolutely going to town on their debut long player. Continue reading Tame Impala – InnerSpeaker Tour – May 2010

BIG DAY OUT WRAPS UP FOR 2010

It was our biggest year to date, cities selling out faster than ever before. Eighteen years since our inception (and, unbelievably, over 100 shows later) 40,000 music fans headed to Perth’s Claremont Showgrounds today, in order to catch the hottest names in music – and bringing the 2010 leg of the BIG DAY OUT to a triumphant close.
Continue reading BIG DAY OUT WRAPS UP FOR 2010

Gold Coast Big Day Out wrap up

Kicking off the 2010 Australian leg, the BIG DAY OUT landed in the Gold Coast today – the BDO making its first stop in what will be a seven-leg series across the nation. A sold out crowd of 55,000 music fans headed to the Gold Coast Parklands to enjoy balmy summer conditions and top-notch performances, with over 65 acts from Australia and across the globe showcasing their talents.

Hailing from Devon in the UK, English trio MUSE proved just why they’re one of the best-loved visitors to our shores, headlining with a killer set that included hits such as “Supermassive Black Hole”, “United States Of Eurasia” and “Resistance”. Fellow Brit LILY ALLEN wowed fans with her spicy set, taking to the Orange Stage in the afternoon donning sunglasses and a sequined leotard. Earlier in the day Passion Pit and Kasabian revved up the crowd, while grime star Dizzee Rascal sent everyone bonkers. Over in the Boiler Room, CALVIN HARRIS, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO and GIRL TALK got punters moving, with GROOVE ARMADA closing the night with a dance-floor frenzy.
Continue reading Gold Coast Big Day Out wrap up

Laneway Festival 2010 announce final acts and more…

It’s the final countdown. With the first leg of the Laneway Festival kicking off NEXT WEEK, we have a final round of announcements to make.
The Sydney and Melbourne dates sold out some time ago; outlets in Adelaide and Brisbane have sold out but you can buy the last remaining tickets via www.lanewayfestival.com.au; and all cities look to sell out pre-event. Get your tickets now etc.
Continue reading Laneway Festival 2010 announce final acts and more…

News: BIG DAY OUT 2010 – THIRD ROUND OF ACTS ANNOUNCED

Summer has begun, the New Year is just around the corner, and so is the BIG DAY OUT! We’re thrilled to let you in on the final artists who will be touring with the BIG DAY OUT in 2010 plus the local acts taking to the stage in each city.

BIG DAY OUT 2010 is hosting the mother of all celebrations – FEAR FACTORY’s 21st birthday. Continue reading News: BIG DAY OUT 2010 – THIRD ROUND OF ACTS ANNOUNCED

BIG DAY OUT 2010 – THE OFFICIAL FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

As 2010 looms on the horizon like a sci-fi sequel it’s time to announce what’s confirmed for the next instalment of travelling mayhem known as the Big Day Out.

So here it is… The Official First Announcement:
BIG DAY OUT 2010: Muse, Powderfinger, Lilly Allen, Eskimo Joe, Groove Armada, Grinspoon, The Mars Volta, Ladyhawke, Dizzee Rascal, Karnivool, Peaches, The Temper Trap, Kasabian, Midnight Juggernauts, Rise Against, Magic Dirt, Mastodon, Lisa Mitchell, The Horrors, Bluejuice, Calvin Harris, Kisschasy, The Decemberists, Tame Impala and Girl Talk
Continue reading BIG DAY OUT 2010 – THE OFFICIAL FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

Greenfest 5-7 June 2009 Brisbane Map and Timetable

View Greenfest map and program
Greenfest 2009
Click Here for Greenfest 5-7 June 2009 Brisbane Botanic Gardens Details

THE LIVING END BRISBANE CONCERT MOVES TO RIVERSTAGE!

The Living End has announced a change of venue for the Brisbane date of their national ‘Raise The Alarm Tour’. The concert taking place in Brisbane on Friday May 1st will now take place at the Brisbane Riverstage, Gardens Point, City. All tickets previously purchased for the Big Top will be honoured at the Brisbane Riverstage concert. Originally announced at the Musgrave Park Big Top, the event had been advertised with the subject to council approvals line since announcement but the organisers of the event were notified yesterday by Brisbane Council that their permit for the Big Top show has been denied.

The Living End with special guests Gyroscope and Tame Impala will perform at the popular Riverstage on Friday May 1st.
A reminder to fans that this is the only Brisbane concert The Living End will be performing this year so it’s your last chance to see them live in this environment.
Continue reading THE LIVING END BRISBANE CONCERT MOVES TO RIVERSTAGE!

Photo Gallery | V Festival @ Avica Resort, Gold Coast : 29 March 2009

V Festival @ Avica Resort, Gold Coast : 29 March 2009
Photographer: Stuart Blythe

Click the image below to view photo gallery…
The Kills : V Festival @ Gold Coast : 29 March 2009

[Photo: Stuart Blythe

Life is for Living – Elize Strydom catches up with Scott Owen from The Living End

Interview: Elize Strydom

The Living End living end

The Living End has never been busier – and that’s the way they like it. National tour? No problem. European jaunt? Bring it on. An album of demos and rarities? Absolutely.
 
This time last year the Melbourne three-piece was preparing to unleash their fifth studio album, White Noise. It came after a period of uncertainty that threatened to put an end to things. After a brief hiatus Chris Cheney, Scott Owen and Andy Stachan resolved to pick up the tools and get the ball rolling. Scott says after a shaky start, the pieces started to fit.
 
“There was a very distinct moment when things started happening and the tunes were getting us pretty excited. And it did sort of feel like a bit of a comeback. That break had given us time to think about how we felt about the band. It put everything into perspective so when things started happening and songs started coming together there was a pretty amazing confidence in the band. We did put pressure on ourselves. We did say we’re not going to bother making another album unless it’s a bloody good one. We’re not going to settle for second best, we wanna make sure if we’re going to do something it’s gonna be something that will make all three of us really happy. And when we started doing that all the fear and the pressure fell away and everything started going really well again. And I think it shows on the record. The response to the record has been great which has really boosted our confidence.”
  Continue reading Life is for Living – Elize Strydom catches up with Scott Owen from The Living End

Greenfest 5-7 June 2009 Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Get into Greenfest 5-7 June, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Greenfest presented by Brisbane City Council is Australia’s largest free green festival and place to come together for a cooler planet! Greenfest aims to stimulate awareness and action for a low carbon economy by supporting creativity in industry and the arts. Our theme for 2009 is “Community Warmth Can Cool the Planet!”

Greenfest is part of the UNEP Climate Neutral Network, a recognized Art for the Environment event and in 2009 is part of the Brisbane 150 and Queensland 150 celebrations.

It uniquely promotes the best of emerging music talent with some established masters amidst a sea of fresh energy and ideas. With over 50 acts on three stages, speakers, organic food, fashion, green-tech cars and 200 exhibitors, become the change you want on World Environment Day and the long weekend at Greenfest.

Greenfest is free for all areas and times. If you want to support emerging local talent and fresh energy for your planet, spread the word that participation counts and show your passion for the future at Greenfest.

  greenfestphoto

The festival opens on Friday 5th June with a free World Environment Day concert and continues over the weekend with the following initial line up:

Ash Grunwald, Jeff Lang, Tame Impala, The Boat People, Little Scout, Kevin Borich, Hungry Kids Of Hungary, Botanics, The Rocketsmiths, Mason Rack Band, Marshall & the Fro, Ange Takats, Tim Loydell & the Deckchairs, Mr Laneous & the Family Yah, Pear & the Awkward Orchestra, Banawuran, Golden Sound, 8 Ball Aitken, Trouble Karma Flow, Rachael Brady, The Reversals, Jason Lowe, Georgia Potter, Bunna Lawrie, Mark Easton, Jimmy Watts, Kim Churchill, Autumn Sun, Tom Richardson, Glass Towers and more!
Continue reading Greenfest 5-7 June 2009 Brisbane Botanic Gardens

The Living End, Raise The Alarm Tour May 2009

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[photo: PicApp]
*** VENUE CHANGE IN BRISBANE – see below ***
The Living End raise the alarm for arena tour (see what I did there?)
Everyone’s favourite Australian alternative rockabilly punk rock band The Living End have announced a tour of the East Coast and Perth taking place over the four Fridays in May. “So what!” I hear you shout. Well, before I continue I’ll ask you to calm down. Calm now? Good. The unusual thing about this tour is that dates in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth will be taking place in arenas. The tour will be the first time the Melbourne band has headlined an arena tour in Australia and will be the band’s only major city performances in 2009.

Coming along for the ride are Perth grunge act Gyroscope and blog buzz band (BBB?) Tame Impala. All four shows will be all-ages and for something quite unusual for arena shows, tickets will be under $60! The Living End will also be re-releasing White Noise with a bonus CD full of rare never released before tracks, and tickets buyers will be able to add the release onto the ticket price for a nominal fee. How’s that for service.
gyroscope
[photo: Stuart Blythe]
Continue reading The Living End, Raise The Alarm Tour May 2009

Photos | St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Brisbane 31 January 2009

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Photos, Brisbane 31 January 2009
Photographer: Kristen Ashton – Stillpixels.com
for LifeMusicMedia

CLICK HERE for full gallery

Continue reading Photos | St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Brisbane 31 January 2009

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Review, Brisbane 31 January 2009

Backstreet Joys

Elize Strydom gets friendly with Girl Talk, The Hold Steady and Architecture In Helsinki at the St Jeromes Laneway Festival in Brisbane.

I don’t think it’s possible to lose your posse at the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. I just tried but then I bumped into them – literally – amongst the throng shuffling between No Age and the Temper Trap. The same thing happened during The Drones‘ set – I glanced behind to see who would be sharing the musical goodness with me and there they were. It’s just that kind of festival. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that we’re squished into a few forgotten back streets behind Brisbane’s RNA showgrounds and not a barren ten acre field. I get the feeling that’s what Danny and Jerome had in mind for this fair little festival from the start. I don’t get the feeling they could have guessed what their baby would grow up to look like when they celebrated the first year of St Jerome’s Bar in Melbourne with a bangin’ street party for a group of discerning music lovers. Since then ‘Laneway’ has become a national event, this year adding Perth to the itinerary. It definitely has its own niche, more ’boutique’ than ‘big day out’, and you’re likely to catch bands you may have heard in name only. Most probably dropped in conversation by the coolest kid you know.

Bands like the John Steel Singers. Okay, okay, so I’m sure you’ve heard their fanciful falsettos by now, what with the triple j Unearthed Artist of the Year gong and all, but they haven’t been on the national scene for long. The aforementioned falsetto is one of the first sweet sounds I hear as I bustle through the festival gates.

‘Is that the John Steel Singers?’ asks my mate. ‘I think so. Are there ten of ‘em on stage?’ I reply. So there are six band members, not ten, but you get what I’m saying right? We head over to the Alexandria Street stage and there they are bouncing around, long locks flouncing around their heads as they belt out tunes featuring the wonderful Pete and his trombone, Ross on drums, Pat on bass and the others on whatever instrument they pick up. They’re having fun and it’s catching. Bodies are walking towards the stage as if being pulled by some magnetic force. Slowly their limbs start moving…are they? Yes people are dancing, what a wonderful world.

Safe in the knowledge that I’ve left the punters in good hands I bolt over to the Car Park Stage one song into Tame Impala‘s set. My expectations are high because, you know, these boys are obviously so hot right now. It takes two seconds to see why. Or should I say hear. Visually, they’re three barefoot boys wearing plain tees and old Nike sports shorts but aurally they’re taking me on a psychedelic journey and I feel like I’m being hypnotised and I can’t stop my eyes from closing and my sensory perception is overloading and what are you doing to me?! Maybe it’s Kevin’s languid phrasing or the guitar distortion or the way each song takes on a life of its own and goes exactly where I want it to go, but didn’t realise. Forty One Mosquitoes Flying in Formation, Skeleton Tiger and that cover of Blueboy’s Remember Me morph into long jams. That sort of thing has the tendency to come across as a little indulgent and, at times, a sure fire way to lose your audience, but not today. Jay, Dominic and Kevin launch into Desire Be, Desire Go and I realise the magic is coming to an end. I could have listened to them all day and looking around it’s clear I’m not the only one.

Back over on the Alexandria Street Stage Holly Throsby helps to break my fall. Her gentle, quiet and unassuming stage presence is like the cool relief that comes when the breeze blows through the trees and touches our sweat-damp faces. This girl has a little something that sets her apart from the multitude of sweet-voiced singer/songwriters. I think it’s because when she sings tunes like Making a Fire, Things Between People and A Heart Divided you know she’s telling the truth, both lyrically and in her performance. A diminutive soul, Holly doesn’t make a fuss and seems completely at ease strumming the guitar or sitting at the keyboard. Her bandmates – Bree and Jans aka the Hello Tigers – swap between the drums, accordion, glockenspiel and mandolin, cello and bass respectively. They fill out Holly’s subtle melodies and create a beautiful sense of simple delight.

The crowd strolls away and I spot dreamy smiles spread across glowing faces. Some look like they’re planning to take a little kip and reflect on the day so far. But then something catches their eye. Is that Jay, drummer from Tame Impala, sitting bare-chested on a platform above a tank full of water? Why, yes it is. This day’s going from strength to strength! I soon catch on that it’s one of those Hit ‘n’ Dunk games where punters peg a ball at a target and if they hit the bull’s eye the poor sod on the platform gets wet. There’s a list of ‘Dunk Times’ posted on the brick wall and I see that members of Cut Off Your Hands, the Temper Trap, Jay Reatard and Still Flyin’ will all take a seat on the Platform of Doom. Good sports huh? Plus all the money raised goes to charity. Everybody wins!

Indie darlings Yves Klein Blue aren’t on the list, they’re on stage. Slick hair, big hair, red hair – these poppy, punky, jazzy rockers have got it covered. Charles swaggers to the mic in his high wasted Ksubi’s with the arms of his button-up shirt rolled tightly over his biceps. He surveys the crowd and a huge grin spreads across his baby face before he counts in a rollicking yet-to-be released tune. They boys are treating us to a swag of new songs from their highly anticipated debut LP plus favourites like Silence in Distance and Polka. It’s obvious that despite the success they’ve achieved over the past few years they’re still as wide-eyed and appreciative as ever.

After Yves Klein Blue make a reluctant exit, the all hootin’, all hollerin’ Born Ruffians take to the stage. At first the Canadian trio remind me of Vampire Weekend but I soon hear distinct differences. There seems to be a real buzz surrounding these guys; a large crowd has gathered and there are even three girls in the front row dressed (and painted) in red, yellow and blue – the name of the band’s first long player. By the time they hit their strides with songs like Hummingbird and I Need a Life people are singing along with every word. To be honest, I’m a little surprised. What was I doing while everybody else was off getting into these rascals?

I think I was busy trying to figure out the Temper Trap. When these Melbourne lads dropped Sweet Disposition they had my full attention. But I didn’t want to declare my love too loudly ‘cos I got the feeling they were one of those bands who had been on the scene for years making outstanding records with a small but dedicated following. That’s kinda true but apparently the band has come in a few different forms and represented a diverse range of genres. As expected, a large crowd has gathered around the Car Park Stage to find out more about this mysterious five-piece. From the word go I was transfixed on Dougy, the enigmatic front man, and his captivating vocals. Throughout the set, singing duties are shared and soulful harmonies come as an unexpected delight. Sweet Disposition is the fourth song on the set list and I’m more than impressed. I get the feeling that I’m witnessing something special from a collective on the verge of something big. They close with a cover of Dancing in the Dark by none other than the Boss. What? Where did that come from?! It doesn’t matter, the Temper Trap can do no wrong.

Meanwhile there’s potential for things to go horribly wrong for New Zealanders Cut Off Your Hands. The security guards are setting up wheelie bins in the pit and filling them with water. Huh? As soon as the boys bound on stage it becomes clear: lead singer Nick likes to get close to his fans, either that or he’s just had a six-pack of Red Bull and needs to burn off a little energy. Which would be totally plausible; this is one fire-cracker of a guy! At this point I’m torn: I really want to stick around for songs like Happy As Can Be, Still Fond and Oh Girl but The Drones are about to start over in the Car Park.

The Drones win. I arrive halfway through the first number and am greeted by Gareth’s dark and dirty snarl. It took me a while to warm to the Melbourne rogues but now I won’t hear a bad word against them. Oh My and the Minotaur are clear standouts. The Drones seem to project a surly lawlessness and devil-may-care attitude which works in their favour on stage. Gareth literally spits his words and is so direct I feel that if I take my eyes off him I’ll suffer the frightening consequences. Like poor Michael who cops a snare drum to the head during one of the crazier moments of the set. Things seemed to take a turn at that point. Nothing wildly out of hand, just your garden variety of rock ‘n rollery, I guess. On the surface it doesn’t look like the band connect; it’s as if they’re all doing their own thing (especially Fiona who has her back to the audience for the majority of the set) but that must be a ruse because they couldn’t possibly produce such gold unless they were well and truly cohesive. The last few minutes are a wall of distortion that trails after the band as they stride off stage.

The next 40 minutes are spent darting back and forth between stages trying to catch snippets of Architecture in Helsinki and Brooklyn boys, The Hold Steady. Not the best way to experience what each group has to offer, I must say. I don’t feel I’m able to really sink my teeth into either of the sets.
That said, these two acts are strong contenders for the title of “Band that Has the Most Fun on Stage’– so who cares if I enjoy it or not! I haven’t seen AiH before but everybody talks up their live show….and I can see why. Still, I overhear a guy nearby say he’s seen them six times and this is by far their most subdued performance. Geez, if this is ‘subdued’ I’d like to see ‘on fire’! The Melbourne collective bound and bop and jump and hop all over the stage as they belt out newie That Beep as well as old favourites from their impressive back catalogue like Hold Music and Heart it Races. They swap instruments, take turns singing and generally dish out the good vibes in spades.

The Hold Steady are also on the good vibes train riding off the back of last year’s record, Stay Positive. How Craig Finn remembers the lyrics to all of his songs I will never know. These tunes are wordy. Don’t believe me? Try singing along. Musically it’s classic, riff-driven pop rock but lyrically it’s like a life story packed into three minutes and 30 seconds. That can be damn annoying but The Hold Steady has the chops to make it work. Even if the kids didn’t know all the words they certainly join in for numerous choruses, with gusto! Visually the band keeps us entertained. Finn is a fan of gesticulating and generally waving his spirit fingers about the place. He’s also a fan of yellow microphones. That’s lost on me. Maybe he explained it while I was over watching Architecture in Helsinki?

Okay, it’s time for Girl Talk (aka Gregg Gillis) and something is not quite right. The mood has changed. Sure, people are drunker but they seem angrier too. Not what I expected from punters about to enjoy a DJ (sorry, musician) who mashes Gwen Steffani, Jay-Z and Michael Jackson. They’re packed in and getting impatient. Phew, here he comes. Gillis runs on stage and does a few laps before whipping off his hoodie (no, it’s not the last item of clothing to go). He then takes his place behind a big desk and starts playing with all of his musical toys. And what’s this? A whole bunch of people fill the stage. It appears they’ve been hand-picked to bust some moves and create a party vibe but it seems all they’re doing is making everyone else jealous. Guys and girls make attempt after attempt to fend off the security guards and launch themselves up on to the stage to join the rent-a-crowd. Some make it, some don’t, and it’s entertaining but gets kinda distracting. I like the idea of Girl Talk, really, I do. It takes a lot of skill and persistence and talent to produce these mash-ups. They’re fun to listen to and I turn that stuff up when it comes on the radio, but something about Gillis’ is bugging me… or maybe it’s the drunk dude who just made it up to on stage and is proceeding to get the junk out of his trunk for all to see? Hmmm, I think it’s time to back away slowly then make a run for it in the hope of catching a little Augie March.

A little is right, like, the last line of the last song. But from all reports it was a mesmerizing set.

There’s a tap on my shoulder. Who do we have here? It’s my posse! I told you it’s impossible to lose them.

Review by: Elize Strydom

Laneway Festival 2009

Laneway Festival 2009: Second Announcement

– Brisbane Set Times –

In the continuing tradition of presenting music fans with the very best music that the country has to offer, the Laneway Festival is pleased to announce a huge array of amazing local acts to the line-up – see below – in each city, in addition to a few exciting developments in 2009 across the country.

In Melbourne, the gorgeous, historic Victorian State Library will play host – for the first time ever – to a music stage on its steps, transforming the grassy knoll into an ampitheatre featuring the best of Melbourne’s underground. We’re also teaming up with QV to present a stage in their quadrangle. Chill out to some of our finest low-fi acts as the Laneway Festival takes over the entire QV precinct. Melbourne punters can also admire Warwick Baker’s astonishing pictures in his Laneway Festival photography retrospective.

The people at The Thousands are using their considerable knowledge of the best local designers, street fashion and art to present independent designer markets at the Laneway Festival in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Buy some cool vintage stuff, designer gear or baked goods and use their concierge mail service so you don’t have to lug it around. ??We are excited to support the thriving W.A music scene as we head to Perth for the first time for a special twilight show. The Path to Laneway program offers emerging, original, unsigned (to a major record label) Western Australian acts the chance to open the Perth leg of the festival. You only have a week to enter, so get to www.sonicbids.comfor all the details.

Tickets to all shows are selling quickly and there will be no second release of tickets. Get yours now from www.moshtix.com.au

Plus! Subscribe to Lost and Found to win two VIP tickets to Melbourne’s Laneway Festival, airfares, accommodation and drinks with Temper Trap! Lost and Found is a free insiders’ guide to Melbourne, arriving with a ‘ping’ in your inbox just when you need it. Covering music, design, fashion and caffeine, it’s guest edited by the likes of Susien Chong (Lover), Dan Whitford (Cut Copy) and Pedro ‘Busy P’ Winter. Visit Lost and Found before January 19 to enter.

DATES AND VENUES

Over 18’s only.

Saturday, 31 January 2009
BRISBANE
Alexandria St off St Paul’s Terrace, Fortitude Valley

Sunday, 1 February 2009
MELBOURNE
*PLEASE NOTE THAT MELBOURNE IS A NON-SMOKING EVENT
Lonsdale St, Caledonian Lane and Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Friday, 6 February 2009 (Twilight Event)
PERTH
Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge

Saturday, 7 February 2009
ADELAIDE
Fowler’s Live, North Terrace

Sunday, 8 February 2009
SYDNEY
The Basement, Macquarie Park & Reiby Place, Circular Quay

Onsale NOW

Online Booking: www.moshtix.com.au
Phone Booking: 1300 GET TIX (438 849) and all Moshtix outlets nationwide.

Purchase Laneway tickets from these Levi’s® stores to receive your FREE Laneway T-shirt (while stocks last).

MELBOURNE ONLY:
St. Jerome’s Bar, 7 Caledonian Lane, Melbourne
Polyester Fitzroy store: 387 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – (03) 9419 5137

www.lanewayfestival.com.au