Year: 2016

Seven reasons the Dungog Festival is one of Australia’s finest regional events

Spanning four days from the 27th to the 30th of October, the annual Dungog Festival returns to regional NSW later this month for an incredible mix of food, film, music and a dose of bush poetry. To give you an idea of what you’re in store for with this fantastic event, here are seven reasons…

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Single of the Day: Baby Blue “Save Yourself” (2016)

Baby Blue, born as a solo project for vocalist Rhea Caldwell, has matured into a trio that is rising through the ranks of Melbourne’s music scene. Guitarist Fabian Hunter brings a cool finesse that cements this band in the guitar-pop scene, with drummer Nathanael Riley tying the trio together. The trio’s third single, “Save Yourself”, described…

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Rag N’ Bone (Perth) discuss organising their debut tour of Asia at Music Matters 2016!

Perth four piece Rag N’ Bone sat down with Larry while in Singapore for Music Matters last month to chat about their experiences in the area, as well as their plans for touring elsewhere in Asia. From their stop in Singapore, the band would be going on to play in Shanghai, a concept they decided to explore once…

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Damien Leith (Sydney) talks rare songs, untold stories and writing with Travis Collins.

In 2006, Damien Leith won over our hearts, becoming the fourth winner of Australia Idol. Now, ten years on, he’s hitting the road sharing untold stories, singing rare songs and meeting the fans on his intimate and acoustic, The Winner’s Journey – 10th Anniversary Tour. Hi Damien. Last time we spoke, you were about to…

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Rockstar confirms Red Dead Redemption 2, our bodies are ready

Rockstar have completed their three-day run of teases with the reveal of Red Dead Redemption 2. Not only was the game’s title announced via the developer’s Twitter account last night, they also provided a release window.

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Dark family comedy Atypical gets the thumbs up from Netflix; Jennifer Jason Leigh to star

A new TV series from the team behind How I Met Your Mother and The Goldbergs has been given an eight-episode go ahead by Netflix. Atypical will be written and produced by Robia Rashid with Seth Gordon directing the pilot and serving as co-producer. The TV series will follow an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum…

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Australian Box Office Report: The Girl on the Train remains steady in the no. 1 spot

It seems many are still willing to take a thrilling ride (sorry) with Emily Blunt and Co., as The Girl On The Train retained its top spot on at the box office this week, earning $2.61 million.  Although the earnings were down by 35% since last week, this film still managed the best revenue retention of any…

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Marvel and Pixar help Disney set an international box office record

Thanks to a slew of hit films this year, Disney has set a new record for itself at the international box office. Driven by Captain America: Civil War, Finding Dory, Zootopia and The Jungle Book, Disney reached US$3.566 billion as of Sunday, only just surpassing their previous record of US$3.565 billion set last year –…

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The Iris’ Weekly Australian TV Picks: 18 – 24 October

From Superheroes to Gordon Ramsay and everything in between here are our TV picks for Foxtel and free-to-air in Australia for the week ahead… Tuesday, 18th October Supergirl, Fox8, 8:45pm AEST Supergirl gets seriously injured by a villain who’s powered by kryptonite. Cold Feet, Ch 7, 9:00pm AEST Adam returns and announces his upcoming wedding…without…

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Win a double pass to the Jewish International Film Festival in your city

With 68 exceptional, international premiere features and documentaries and 7 shorts, the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) proudly returns to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Auckland from late October, and tours to Canberra for the first time in the Festival’s history. Embracing a global selection of features and documentaries from 19 countries including Argentina, Denmark,…

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Win a double pass to see Hell Or Highwater starring Chris Pine, Jeff Bridges and Ben Foster

After years of estrangement, Texan brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) decide to rob the branches of the bank threatening to foreclose on their family land. For them, the hold-ups are part of a last-ditch scheme to take back a future that was stolen from under them. Vengeance seems to be theirs until…

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Actor and musician J.R. Reyne talks about his role in Channel 7’s new drama The Secret Daughter

Channel 7 brought the goods last Tuesday night, as their Melbourne Docklands studio hosted a late afternoon of food and entertainment. With delicious goods provided by My Kitchen Rules 2016 winners Tasia and Gracia, live music was provided by current X Factor: The Next Generation contestants, brother and sister talent the Brentwood Duo and Timmy…

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Film Review: Woody Allen’s latest Café Society (USA, 2016) offers a nostalgic but throwaway look at the great depression

Woody Allen’s latest film should be renamed “High Society.” This beautifully-shot comedy is a nostalgic but throwaway look at the glitz and glamour of some halcyon days in Hollywood and the smoky nightlife of New York. It’s ultimately like a pleasant and lightweight dream that celebrates money even though the thirties was synonymous for some…

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Win a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin with one of their quirky teacups CLOSED

Famous gin brand Hendrick’s put out a bit of a call to Australians earlier this year, asking for help on a horticultural quest to create and cultivate a world-first Australia cucumber with quintessentially Australian ingredients. Using their social media channels, they asked people across the country which Aussie ingredients should be used for the “Unusually…

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Review: Lotus Barangaroo (Sydney)

Lotus is the latest restaurant addition to the flourishing dining destination of the harbourside Wulugul Walk at Barangaroo, a third Sydney restaurant for the brand following their original dumpling bar in Walsh Bay and their massive restaurant at The Galeries. Head chef Chris Yan (Lotus Galeries, ex-Billy Kwong and China Doll) takes on native Australian ingredients…

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Catalina Rose Bay is ready for summer with new Sunday sessions (Sydney)

The sterling Sydney weather hasn’t gone unnoticed over at Waterside favourite Catalina Rose Bay, who are preparing for the remainder of spring and the transition into summer with their new Sunday session series. From Sunday 30th October, those heading along each leisurely weekend can expect Catalina to switch things up with a brand new bar…

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Secret pop up dinner Le Diner en Blanc will return next month for fifth year in Sydney

Secretive pop up dinner Le Diner en Blanc will be returning to a top secret Sydney location next month to celebrate its fifth anniversary in the famed harbour city. The event itself is almost 30 years old, earning itself a sizable following over the past few decades leading to some huge success which, last year,…

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Dogma: Ex Aria chef opens gourmet hot dog joint in Cronulla (Sydney)

ex-Aria chef Brendan Hill leads the kitchen at Dogma, a brand new cafe-bar on Cronulla’s busy high street that zeros in on signature gourmet hot dogs that seem to be a more high-end than usual. Along with coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, sides, cold-press juices and salads, Hill has pushed forward with a fresh approach to…

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Fancy Hanks team open Knuckles BBQ and Sandwiches Bar (Melbourne)

Bourke Street BBQ joint Fancy Hanks isn’t all that’s new for the business; sticking to their roots the team have seen an expansion these past few weeks, opening up a new concept opposite the Victoria Markets by the name of Knuckles BBQ Sandwiches & Bar. Gutting the original Queen Street location of Fancy Hanks, they…

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The Who, Roger Waters and anti-Trump propaganda brings Desert Trip to an end

The classic rock mecha that is Desert Trip came to an end tonight with weekend two sets by The Who and Roger Waters. As the orange moon rose dramatically quickly from behind the mountain range beside the stage, The Who shredded a two hour set that was identical to last weekend. Pete Townshend alerted the…

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Music Video of the Day: Kid Cudi “Frequency” (2016)

Kid Cudi‘s new music video for “Frequency” comes in hot, directed by Cudi himself and produced by DANYI DEATS. Signifying a new phase for the hip hop favourite, “Frequency” has become a strong favourite with fans. The clip itself is dark and say; bodies writhe and aerial performers twist in the shadows. Check it out below!…

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Blood Orange, Big Scary, My Disco and more confirmed for Sugar Mountain 2017

Sugar Mountain has delivered a stomper line up for 2017 proving once more its status as one of the country’s best celebrations of new music and art from around the world. Names like Blood Orange, Big Scary, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Pantha Du Prince immediately jumped out as must-sees, especially considering this Melbourne date is to be Blood Orange’s only…

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Goin’ Down in the DM’s (…and everywhere else): How social media has taken fan obsession too far

Back in August, Melbourne photographer and stylist Michelle Pitiris became the target of online vitriol from The 1975‘s fan base, stemming from a simple request for photography credit. Having toured with the UK band on two of their Australian tours, Pitiris, or as known on Instagram as @sheisaphrodite, became a well known name for her official photos for the…

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Our five favourite performances at the 15th Annual Austin City Limits Festival

As Austin returns back to normal following the 15th annual Austin City Limits Festival, we reflect on our favourite performances of the second weekend of the event. The two-weekender festival continues to stand out as one of the best in the world (read our official recap) and while there were many highlights, here are our top…

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From hardcore punk to indie and back: Walter Schreifels on what keeps him making music

Walter Schreifels is a name who would make any fan of punk, hardcore or alternative rock light up. Cutting his teeth on New York’s hardcore circuit during the mid to late 80’s, his role in bands including  Gorilla Biscuits, Rival Schools, Quicksand and Youth Of Today propelled Schreifels to legend status both on stage and behind the desk as a producer. Out in…

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Single of the Day: APES “If You Want It” (2016)

Finally, finally, APES are back with some new music in “If You Want It”. Officially released today, the single earned its premiere on triple J recently and off the back of some impressive BIGSOUND appearances this year, the Ballarat boys have really come storming back onto our radars strong. After touring surrounding their debut EP Helluva wound down, APES went back into…

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Rockstar releases second new teaser image for possible Red Dead Redemption sequel

Following on from their surprise logo reveal yesterday, Rockstar Games have released a second teaser image via their social media accounts overnight, all but confirming a sequel to their 2010 surprise hit Red Dead Redemption.

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Sydney to get their first chance to play Resident Evil VII: Biohazard at Insert Coin(s)’ “Halloween Spooktacular”

Movement Sydney will be presenting Insert Coin(s)’s very first Halloween Party Halloween Spooktacular, on the day of Count Dracula’s Birth. The event promised to scare with a special showcase of Resident Evil VII: Biohazard, gruesome horror installations, and some “killer” DJ’s (DJ Levins and Glenn B Trippin). Fans will get their first chance to play Resident Evil…

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The premiere date for Australia’s very own Whose Line is it Anyway? has been set

Foxtel has announced that Australia’s own version of the beloved UK and US series Whose Line is it Anyway? will premiere November 27, hosted by Aussie Television presenter and comedian Tommy Little. As announced earlier in the year, Whose Line Is It Anyway? Australia will welcome seven prominent comedy stars to their cast, including, Rhys Darby (Hunt…

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Winners of the 49th annual Australian Writers’ Guild awards announced; ABC Thriller The Code makes history

ABC Cyber-thriller, The Code, steals the show at the 49th annual Australian Writers’ Guild Awards, becoming the only series in history to take home two Major Awards for both its seasons. More than twenty-five Australians were honoured at this year’s award show, which was hosted by The Chaser’s Julian Morrow. Leading Australian screenwriter, Shelley Birse,…

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