Month: November 2018

Album of the Week: Harts unleashes the eclectic Queens, Kings, & All Big Things (2018 LP)

Darren Hart, more commonly known as the multi-instrumentalist Harts, gained recognition with his debut album Smoke Fire Hope Desire in 2016 and is now taking the meaning of the one-man show to the next level (though he does perform with an incredible band, it must be said). The musical blend of the Indian-born and Australia…

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Interview: We get serious with The Betoota Advocate as they continue their Roadshow around Australia

The Betoota Advocate are currently touring their roadshow Australia, and Clancy Overell and Errol Parker treat audiences to a no holds barred live show in true Betoota-style, filled with their trademark wit and humour. We caught up with the pair as they approached the end of their national run. Can you please start by introducing yourself?…

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Book Review: Toni Jordan’s latest novel The Fragments is a delight for bibliophiles

Standing in line for an exhibit on the life of novelist, Inga Karlsson, Caddie Walker meets a mysterious woman who appears to know more about Karlsson and her famous lost work than anyone could possibly know. Caddie, a Karlsson devotee, becomes obsessed with finding out who this woman is, and if it’s possible that she…

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Interview: Sophie Lowe talks new single “Taught You How To Feel” and shooting Medieval in Prague

Actress and singer Sophie Lowe has returned to the music game with new single “Taught You How To Feel”. An emotive and powerful track, the single follows her 2017 song “Trust” and her acclaimed 2016 EP 2. Produced by Neal Sutherland, “Taught You How To Feel” is incredibly personal, exploring past relationships and the idea of escape….

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Album Review: Clea reveals her cleverly crafted debut Vermillion (2018 LP)

22 year old Brisbane girl Clea is set to release her debut LP Vermillion on Friday after she finishes touring Australia and New Zealand with pop-star of the moment, King Princess. Like King Princess’ tracks, Vermillion is a panoramic look at growing up in our contemporary world told through Clea’s resonant and rich voice. From a…

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12 up-and-coming artists from Australia and around the world we think you will love

With streaming services and so many great artists going round it’s easier than ever to find new music. However, the endless options make this process overwhelming and often disheartening. We have picked out 12 great artists who we think might just be your next favourite artists! Fripps and Fripps Back in 2014 I watched a…

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Six acts not to miss at the 10th anniversary of Progfest 2019

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Progfest will be back in 2019! Described as the ultimate annual gathering for progressive music fans, the festival, which began in December 2008, features progressive bands of all styles and genres and the 2019 instalment is set to the biggest yet. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of…

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Live Review: East Brunswick All Girls Choir howl through Brisbane show with Gold Stars and Jack Spider

Melbourne’s East Brunswick All Girls Choir stood in a row on the Greaser Bar’s thin strip of stage. It’s smaller than the band’s original venue for their Brisbane show, which was changed due to noise complaints. Playing songs from their latest album Teddywaddy, their raucous noise crashed into the dimly-lit brick walls and no complaints…

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Live Review: Baker Boy + Dallas Woods + Kalea – Howler, Melbourne (17.11.18)

It was an evening of fun in Brunswick as Baker Boy brought the excitement to The Howler, along with two wonderful openers in Kalea and Dallas Woods. Baker Boy’s spirit was electric and was quickly transferred into the assembled crowd, making the night even more pumped. The night opened with the smooth vocalisations of New…

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Film Review: Widows (USA, 2018) is a breathtaking thrill ride that consistently keeps you guessing

The year in cinema has already yielded one female-led heist film. However, the stylish ladies of Ocean’s 8 are about to be blown out of the water by the sensational ensemble cast (headed by three terrific actresses) of Widows. The latest film from Steve McQueen, slyly presents itself as your everyday popcorn thriller, but ultimately flips the…

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Tech Feature: An evening with Nikon’s New Z7 and Z6 mirrorless cameras and lenses

Nikon are currently mid-tour, travelling around the country for their Z Series roadshow showcasing the new Z7 and Z6 mirrorless cameras and lenses. I tagged along to the Gold Coast leg of the roadshow to meet the team, see these cameras in action and test them out for myself. You’d be hard-pressed to find a…

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The Acclaimed Australian film Strange Colours is getting an exclusive Sydney release at Golden Age

The dazzling new Australian drama film Strange Colours, will finally see a cinematic release, with an exclusive Sydney run at the intimate Golden Age Cinemas. The film, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and was met with sold-out acclaim at Sydney Film Festival, has been described as “a visually dazzling display of understated, enjoyable…

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Star Wars rides (and music score) finally revealed for Disney Parks as a slew of new attractions revealed

In celebration of 90 years of Mickey Mouse, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek has shared the many new and exciting ways to celebrate the beloved mouse, as well as sharing more about the multi-year transformation of Epcot that includes new spectaculars designed to honour the park’s original vision. Along with these,…

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Film Review: The Nutcracker And The Four Realms (USA, 2018) is visual eye candy but needs a bit more filling

Disney once again brings a visually sumptuous live action adaptation to the big screen in the the lead up to the festive season. This time loosely taking E.T.A Hoffman’s original ‘The Nutcracker And The Mouse King’ story, and also a ballet by Tchaikovsky, and a novel by Dumas, and putting their own spin on it….

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Book Review: Rachel Cassidy’s Stalked shows some of the human costs associated with this heinous crime

Rachel Cassidy has inadvertently become an authority on stalking. The CEO of the Anti-bullying Council and charity worker was once stalked. So she decided to write a book to shine a light on these issues to ensure that victims might not feel alone. Cassidy thus proves that the victims of this crime are not always…

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Tasman Keith “Mission Famous” (2018)

At the end of last month Tasman Keith dropped his debut EP Mission Famous, proving himself in the process to be one of the most exciting new voices in the Australian hip-hop scene. Now, a month later, we’re excited to be premiering the music video for the EP’s title track, ahead of its official release…

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Live Review: Spilt Milk Festival delivered a stellar day of Australian music and legendary international artists

Spilt Milk Festival in Canberra is really establishing itself as one of Australia’s biggest one day festivals. Now in its third year, even the late withdrawal of international star Childish Gambino didn’t for one second detract from the magic of the day. Childish Gambino’s broken foot led to the inclusion of Aussie favourites Angus and…

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Track of the Day: Wanderers “What I Do” (2018)

The new single “What I Do” from Adelaide duo Wanderers is the perfect track to ring in summer. Dusty Lee Stephensen and Matt Birkin outshine themselves on this upbeat jam, which started life as merely a looped groove to practice bass to. Now, fleshed out and with a good dose of Motown influence, it adds a fresh…

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Games Review: Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu (Switch, 2018) is a pure and wholesome adventure through the very best of Pokémon

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee had its fair share of doubters when it was first announced. A very small but very loud minority decried every new announcement, complaining that the new title would be too easy and kid-friendly. Ironically, it’s this ease and accessibility that makes the title shine so brightly. Essentially, Let’s Go is a…

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Games Review: Spyro Reignited Trilogy (PS4, 2018) is Lit, Fam

Everybody’s favourite flaming 90’s mascot is back (again) in Spyro Reignited Trilogy, a collection of the first three entries in the franchise (and the only ones worth playing). Charting Spyro’s adventures across the Dragon Kingdom, Avalar and the Forgotten Worlds, the trilogy is presented in shiny remastered format, breathing life back into what had become…

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Interview: Kimbra’s ripple effect and journey in finding herself through New York and Ethiopia

With utmost grace and resilience, Kimbra represents herself as a pivotal member of the music industry in Australia. Releasing her third LP Primal Heart at the beginning of 2018, and now with a new EP reimagining that release (Songs From Primal Heart Reimagined), Kimbra’s lyrical storytelling is something which she wishes to share around the…

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Sugar Jacket “How Many Times” (2018)

Melbourne artist Sugar Jacket recently dropped his debut single “How Many Times”, and today we’re excited to exclusively premiere its new music video ahead of its official release tomorrow. The track is filled with something described as “sparkly psychedelic dream pop” (and we feel that’s pretty apt), and the video that’s resulted is equally as…

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Book Review: Matt Noffs and Kieran Palmer’s Addicted? highlights how addiction affects every one of us

What springs to your mind when you hear someone has an addiction? Drugs, gambling, porn, coffee or even smart phones? Maybe none of those, some of those and maybe even all of those. It has got you thinking though hasn’t it? In Addicted?, authors Matt Noffs and Kieran Palmer examine the ways in which addiction…

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Photo Gallery: Mullum Music Festival 2018 Day Three – Mullumbimby (18.11.18)

The 2018 Mullum Music Festival finished on a high yesterday, with a day packed with outstanding performances. Caiti Baker performed her last show of the year. Mike Love unleashed his good vibes and rhythms to a receptive audience. Husky Gawenda wooed the audience with a solo show, and then accompanied by the wonderful Hannah Cameron. Whilst, Thando closed out the Civic…

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Photo Gallery: Shihad + Legs Electric – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (16.11.18)

Shihad kicked off the Australian leg of their 30th Anniversary tour with an awesome show at the Rosemount Hotel in Perth. Joining them for the celebrations were the impressive Legs Electric. Our photographer Stuart Sevastos was there to capture all the highlights of the night.

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Book Review: Alice Pung’s evocative set of essays Close To Home invites you into her Australian wonderland

Alice Pung reckons she grew up not always understanding where she fit in. But, things have changed and she now has a distinctive voice in her writing. The Chinese-Australian author has published her memoirs, several books of young adult fiction, and has had pieces feature regularly in The Monthly. And that’s all when she’s not…

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Photo Gallery: Mullum Music Festival 2018 Day Two – Mullumbimby (17.11.18)

A 90 minute blackout of the whole of Mullumbimby didn’t deter festival goers during day 2 of this fine festival known as Mullum Music. Gomez’s Ben Ottewell finished his set unplugged, and the incredible Saint Sister from Ireland performed an abbreviated but spellbinding set from the edge of the stage. From adversity comes outstanding highlights. Bruce…

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Track of the Day: Betty Who “Between You & Me” (2018)

Betty Who? Is a question not many will ask after the highly successful run this pop starlet is currently having. The Sydney-born singer-songwriter scored a Top Ten spot on the Australian Charts with her best-known single “I Love You Always Forever” and has been touring extensively throughout the year. Since then Betty Who, a now…

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Applejack launch their first sleek Sydney CBD venue Bopp & Tone

Hospitality group Applejack known for producing unconventional yet elegant venues (The Butler Potts Point, The Botanist Kirribilli, SoCal Sydney, Della Hyde) have launched a new restaurant and bar at their first Sydney CBD location, just a stone’s throw from Wynyard station on Carrington street. Dubbed Bopp & Tone, founders Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll’s latest…

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Carriageworks announce Christmas Farmers Market 2018

Christmas lunch is sorted, with the Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Markets having all the ingredients, produce and gifts you need this festive season. This year’s Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Market is bringing the best of food and produce to one free festive event on Saturday 22 December form 8 am to 1pm. Not only will you get the fantastic food…

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