Perth Music

Ever fancy yourself playing alongside some of the world’s greatest at WA’s finest Music, Camping and Arts Festival? Well, here is your moment…as StageBound is back!

Sunset Events and Jim Beam are on the hunt for one very special band to open the fourth annual Southbound Festival, to be held on Saturday, January 5, at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton. Get out of the bedroom and onto the big stage and rock alongside the likes of Kings Of Leon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Groove Armada, Spiderbait, The Waifs, Augie March, Regurgitator and so many more. And it doesn’t stop there. Not only will the winning band earn their place on the Southbound stage, but they will also get to choose between the following two state-of-the-art sound equipment prize packs, worth $5,000, thanks to Jim Beam and their partner in sound, Jands. All equipment will be individually personalised with Jim Beam insignia.

Pack 1 consists of one “JBLE-System 10” package containing:
• 2 x JBL EON 10G2 loudspeakers
• Soundcraft EPM8 mixing console
• 2 x Shure PG58 vocal microphones cables
Pack 2 consists of the “Lexicon Omega Studio” (home recording) package containing:
• Steinberg Cubase LE (48 Audio and 64 Midi Tracks)
• Soundcraft EPM Series 8-channel mixer
• 2 x Shure PG58 microphones (lead/backup vocals)
• 2 x Shure PG57 microphones (guitar amp, brass saxophone)
• 1 x Shure PG52 microphone (kick drum & base amp)
• 1 x Shure PGDMMK6 microphone (complete drum microphone package)

Staying loyal to the home of Southbound, Sunset Events is inviting groups from the southwest region of Western Australia to submit their demo tapes for a chance to be a part of the Southbound experience. StageBound is open to all original bands living in the south west area, covering the shires of Bunbury (City), Harvey, Collie, Dardanup, Capel, Busselton, Augusta-Margaret River, Nannup, Manjimup, Bridgetown- Greenbushes, Boyup Brook and Donnybrook-Balingup.

An expert panel of judges will select the finest 12 entries, who will then go on to battle it out live at three heats to be held in the south west, with the top three bands making it through to the grand final. Then one band will earn their place on the Southbound stage.

The live dates are as follows:
Heat 1: Thursday, November 29 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
Heat 2: Friday, November 30 – The Esplanade Hotel, Busselton
Heat 3: Saturday, December 1 – Prince Of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
Grand Final: Friday, December 7 – The Esplanade Hotel, Busselton

And Southbound is not just about the bands! Sunset Evenst are also giving StageBound heat and final supporters the chance to win a double VIP + Happy Camper pass to Southbound, with a tent, blow up mattress, sleeping bags and more! So get down to the heats and finals and cheer on the local crew for your chance to win!

To download the StageBound Official Entry Form and Terms & Conditions head to www.sunsetevents.com.au(.)

All entries must reach Sunset Events at PO Box 111 Fremantle by 5.00pm on Monday, November 19, 2007. Bands will be selected to play in the heats by independent judges and successful entrants will be notified on Monday, November 26, 2007.

Wednesday 10th October, 2007
The Foundry, Cannington
Dead Letter Circus
Crysis

It had been more than 18 months since I had seen Crysis live and I can see that the boys have used this time wisely. The band as a whole has matured and so have their sound. The six song set included three from their debut EP ‘The Sirens’ interspersed with new songs that were quite refined. Crysis played with energy and determination and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Perth music scene. It is not hard to imagine that the Crysis boys will soon be headlining big gigs both here in Perth and over east in the not too distant future.

After a delayed start to The Foundry leg of their Are We Closer Tour due to what seemed to be technical difficulties, Dead Letter Circus hit the stage to the chants of the eager and awaiting crowd. With regular drummer Scott Davey not in attendance, the crowd had the pleasure of seeing Perth’s own Steve Judd (Karnivool) take the drum sticks for the Brisbane outfit. What eventuated from this ‘inter-band freak show’ was a solid if not rocking set. With the vocal harmonies of Kim Benzie and the impressive and intense workings of bassist Stewart Hill, DLC played a combination of new songs as well as tracks from their self-titled debut EP. The set was excellent but it really cranked up a notch for their final song ‘Disconnect and Apply’, which has been getting regular airplay on Triple J. Pretty good for a band that’s only being together for a couple of years.

Review by Kane

Foo Fighters – Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Dave Grohl is a talented musician, and a smart individual.  Each Foo Fighters album has grown from the previous release and Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace is no exception.  The double album, In Your Honour, that the band released a few years ago seemed as though they wanted to release only an acoustic album but were afraid of the reaction from fans.  It now appears the band is over that and confident enough to incorporate their softer side with their rock side.  In saying that, many songs on ESPG start off soft or acoustic (guitar and piano) and turn heavier half way through.

The album was produced by Gil Norton, who also produced the Foo Fighters greatest selling album, The Colour And The Shape which was released a decade ago.  There is definitely a familiarity to this album but in a good way.  First single, ‘The Pretender’, is a standard Foo Fighters radio friendly ‘rock out’ song and a great way to open the album.  ‘Erase Replace’ is also a hard rocking song but all the other songs off the album have much more depth and multi-instrumental tendencies to them.

This album also has a few firsts for a Foo Fighters CD.  There is a instrumental song and one that should be of interest to Australian listeners.  This song is called ‘The Ballad Of The Beaconsfield Miners’ and is a tribute to miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell.  Although Dave Grohl has played down this song to the media, it does show that a simple request for Foo Fighters songs by a couple of Aussies has touched him.  Other highlights from the album are ‘Long Road To Ruin’, ‘Cheer Up Boys, Your Makeup Is Running’ and ‘Statues’.  7.5 out of 10.

Will.I.Am – Songs About Girls

Will.I.Am has many, many accomplishments to his well known abbreviated name.  He is a founding member of hip-hop super group The Black Eyed Peas, who have sold over 18 million albums worldwide, and one of music’s top producers, having collaborated with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, The Pussycat Dolls, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Nas and Kelis.  He has also released two successful solo albums before Songs About Girls but Will labels those albums as compilations and this as his actual debut solo album.  And true to his word there is only one song on the album that has a guest artist (Snoop Dogg on The Donque Song) which is surprising as Will had an A-list of talent lining up to help him out.

Listening to Songs About Girls, there is a clear narrative to the album and sounds very autobiographical.  A hip-hop producer falls in love with a girl, he then becomes quite famous and is led astray by the temptations of celebrity and loses the girl.  The album could serve as a soundtrack to a movie with its story and indeed is one of the better concept albums of recent times.  It has been reported that Will has actually recorded an accompanying movie to go with the album but there is no reported plan to release that yet.

It could be that the album served as therapy for Will.I.Am but it also provides a musical kaleidoscope of different styles.  There is Euro-trash funk (Get Your Money), electro-club (The Donque Song, Heartbreaker), Caribbean soul (One More Chance),  as well as a few Black Eyed Peas inspired hip-hop pop (I Got It From My Mama, Make It Funky).  With these feelings off his chest, it shouldn’t be too long before Will.I.Am rejoins Apl.De.Ap, Taboo and Fergie to make the next successful Black Eyed Peas album.  6.5 out of 10.

Muscles – Guns Babes Lemonade

Muscles is a relatively new DJ on the Australian and world music stage but has quickly adapted to the musical landscape and built a great fan base.   Triple J have been very kind to Muscles and backed him with constant rotation of singles ‘One Inch Badge Pin’, ‘Ice Cream’ and ‘Sweaty’.   His debut album, Guns Babes Lemonade, has put together these radio friendly singles with a bunch of other bubble-gum pop/dance numbers.  The album is definitely targeted towards the younger dance music listener and it seems that it has all the elements needed to succeed.

Recently touring with the Parklife festival and soon with Daft Punk, Muscles should be going from strength to strength.  The album may have a limited audience but for a newcomer to the industry there are many promising signs that the best is yet to come.  Catchy tunes, memorable lyrics and beats and songs that stick in your head can’t always be taught and many of the songs off Guns Babes Lemonade are ones that you’ll be singing in the shower and then spend days trying to remember who it is that sings it.  The vocals could improve and a few more songs of depth would have helped the album but the 2nd or maybe 3rd album by Muscles could just be the award winner.  6 out of 10.

Being the first choice local support over the past two years for the likes of Wolf & Cub, Little Birdy, Something For Kate, Eskimo Joe, Expatriate, Bit By Bats and a slew of others, Sugar Army effortlessly move to the next chapter of a promising and incredibly bright looking future on the music landscape, launching their debut EP Where Do You Hide Your Toys on Saturday 27th October at Amplifier, proudly presented by Drum Media and Rockus.com.au.

Recorded over a two week period in July with Dave Parkin (Snowman, The Exploders, Red Jezebel) at Blackbird Studios, Where Do You Hide Your Toys displays a maturity and intensity beyond the band’s years, combined with the youthful exuberance that has caught the eye of many. Think Queens of the Stone Age fucking Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on a hot sweaty dancefloor. For the impatient amongst you, two tracks from the EP are now available on the band’s myspace for your listening pleasure – www.myspace.com/sugararmybarracks - including lead track …And Now You’re Old Enough, I Think That You Should Know.

Joined in support by recent Ivy League signings The Silents and 2007 Next Big Thing winners Harlequin League, the launch for Where Do You Hide Your Toys in Sugar Army’s hometown is destined to be one of epic proportions.

SUGAR ARMY – Where Do You Hide Your Toys debut EP launch
with special guests The Silents and Harlequin League

Saturday 27th October – Amplifier
Tickets $15 on the door (earlybird special - $10 before 9pm!)
Doors 8pm

www.myspace.com/sugararmybarracks

Gyroscope - Snakeskin

Don’t miss this. For a band of considerable age they still rip shit up, as evidenced on their last album Forever Malcolm Young. In the olden days you could see them every second week. Not anymore. Frenzal Rhomb will not be touring in 2008 so you’d better go to these shows or you’ll be suffering by the time 2009 rolls around. At least they didn’t do a John Farnham and tell you this is the last one.  It probably isn’t…

Saturday 8th December – Amplifier Bar
plus special guests

Tickets $20+bf presale & $25 at the door if available

Tickets available from www.moshtix.com, www.newworldartists.net, The Spot @ Curtain (08) 9266 1797, Jumbo Entertainment Bicton (08) 9319 9033, Galaxy Entertainment Como (08) 9474 2440, Mills Records Fremantle (08) 9335 1945, Planet Mt Lawley (08) 9328 7464, Groove Music Mundaring (08) 9295 0223, Amplifier Capitol (08) 9321 7606 & Rockeby Records Subiaco (08) 9381 5126

Relatively new album Forever Malcolm Young out now through Shock.

With his new album “White Moth” reaching Gold status in Australia, Xavier Rudd is pleased to announce he’ll be bringing the White Moth tour to Western Australia, with two very special outdoor shows at the Fremantle Arts Centre.  Joining Xavier will be special guest Jeremy Fisher.

Tickets go on sale this Friday!

XAVIER RUDD - WHITE MOTH TOUR - WA DATES

Wednesday 28 November - Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
All Ages 6-9pm
Thursday 29 November - Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
Licensed Over 18’s 6-10pm

Tickets on sale Friday 5th October from; www.heatseeker.com.au , Star Surf Perth, Mills Records, Beat Music, Planet Video, all LIVE Clothing Stores & the Fremantle Arts Centre

www.xavierrudd.com / www.myspace.com/xavierrudd

Now over a year and a half has passed since their last notorious Amplifier show, and they’ve all decided to kiss and make up! So The Kill Devil Hills will be once again tearing up The Amplifier stage, for an absolutely not to be missed show.

Joining the Kill Devil Hills will be their original piano player Michael DeGrussa (who went on to play with Eskimo Joe) who hasn’t played with the band since the release of their first album, “Heathen Songs” back in September 2004. Mike will be making his farewell appearance at this show before heading of to live in LA.

The Kill Devil Hills play The Amplifier on Saturday October 6 in support will be Abbe May and The Rockin Pneumonia, Jack On Fire and Maurice Flavel.

Summers a knockin’ at the door and the icebergs they are a meltin’…
That means it’s time to announce the first instalment of international and local artists to join our annual travelling jamboree.

The organisers are extremely proud of the quality and diversity of the talent in the first announcement and honoured to be welcoming home two of the most dynamic and passionate acts that have ever performed on the Big Day Out.

Of course they are talking about Rage Against The Machine (BDO 1996) and Bjork (BDO 1994). But don’t think it’s a two horse race, these shows are gearing up to be the most ambitious series of festivals in the event’s 16 year history.

PERTH: FRIDAY 12th OCTOBER
TICKET LIMITS - There will be strict ticket purchase limits:PERTH: 4 per customer

In an effort to ensure that our tickets are available to genuine punters at the price the organisers have set, every customer will need to read and agree to their Conditions of Sale and Admission before they can purchase tickets. These can be viewed on the Big Day Out website now and will also be displayed in all agencies and outlets.

So enough with the housekeeping, here’s the invitation list for the pool party…

Where will the re-united RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE play their first shows outside of America? At BIG DAY OUT 2008, that’s where. Eleven long years since BIG DAY OUTers last pointed their middle fingers heavenwards and declared: “F— you, I won’t do what you tell me!”, California’s RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE return to take the power back. Killing in the Name, Guerrilla Radio, Bulls on Parade, Know Your Enemy… Songs of rare power from a once-in-a-generation band. Witness the power and the re-ignited passion of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE at BIG DAY OUT this summer (ALL SHOWS).

In 1994 she brought her big time sensuality to BIG DAY OUT. Countless incarnations later, BJÖRK returns for BIG DAY OUT 2008. Backed by big beats and an even bigger brass section, the singular Icelandic superstar will electrify as she brings to life songs from her new album, Volta, and reanimates fan favourites from Army of Me to All is Full of Love. Always shape-shifting, always avant-garde, there is no one on earth like BJORK. And there is no experience on earth like BJÖRK at the BIG DAY OUT (ALL SHOWS).

Purveyors of hearty Australian rock’n'roll, GRINSPOON, make their triumphant return to the BIG DAY OUT in 2008. After cooling their heels for a while after the release of Kills, Thrills and Sunday Pills (2004) these JJJ darlings have hotted them right back up again with their fifth studio effort Alibis & Other Lies, which hit the local charts at number 2 and has been nominated for ARIA rock album of the year. GRINSPOON are set to satisfy the seething masses at the BDO with scintillating swagger and a raw rock sound that will tattoo your eardrums! (ALL SHOWS).

ARCADE FIRE began 2006 in a church in a small town outside of Montreal, recording their second album Neon Bible. They’ll begin 2008 with another religious experience - converting the BIG DAY OUT faithful during their first ever tour Down Under. The experimental Canadian indie septet, who floored critics with their 2004 debut Funeral, then invaded charts worldwide with Neon Bible, are a band on the cusp - BIG DAY OUT punters will be lucky enough to witness ARCADE FIRE make that mythical journey from acclaimed indie group to genuine rock force. Praise be (ALL SHOWS).

BIG DAY OUT is proud to welcome back the best loved Aussie hip hop pioneers, the HILLTOP HOODS. Things couldn’t be better for this Adelaide crew who have taken it to the world. For now, life is all Number-1-chart-debuts, tons of Awards, sell-out live shows and the joy of putting Australian hip hop on the agenda of music fans everywhere. Having built their following with killer albums The Calling (2004) and The Hard Road (2006), the HILLTOP HOODS hit a homer with the tracks “The Nosebleed Section” and “The Hard Road“. In 2007 they released an impressive strings album reworking their hits with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for The Hard Road: Restrung. These festival kings of real hip hop are not to be missed so c’mon down to the front row and feel the love (ALL SHOWS).

In 1996, BILLY BRAGG sang for the first generation of BIG DAY OUT goers. In 2008, he’ll sing for a whole new generation of BIG DAY OUTers - and probably a few who were there last millennium, too. The Bard of Barking will turn 50 before he reaches our shores this summer - but the fire burns more brightly than ever. Moving an audience and improving the world (his latest initiative, Jail Guitar Doors, brings music and meaning to inmates) remain his top priorities. The man who sang of a New England has a new lease on life. Be re-inspired by BILLY BRAGG at BIG DAY OUT 2008 (ALL SHOWS).

In 2008 we’re very excited to welcome Australia’s favourite bard of the musical ballad, PAUL KELLY, who will be making his very first BIG DAY OUT appearance. Truly an Australian icon and one of this country’s most important songwriters PAUL KELLY has created a rich collection of classic songs spanning 25 albums. Throughout various incarnations and collaborations as well as composing music for films (Lantana and Jindabyne) Paul Kelly has remained relevant and inspired, with recent releases Ways and Means (2004), Foggy Highway (2005), and his new LP Stolen Apples all testament to his ongoing success. With a seemingly depthless talent for song-writing PAUL KELLY captures wry observations about love, life and everything in between with a unique charisma, emotion, simplicity and wit. Whether or not God tells you to, it’s definitely a good idea to check out PAUL KELLY at the BDO this summer (ALL SHOWS).

BIG DAY OUT 2008 is hyped to welcome a band not much at the cutting edge as they are wielding the scissors that cut the damn thing in the first place. When not creating acclaimed albums as one half of production team DFA, James Murphy leads LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, the electro-disco-punk-funk-noise-pop sensation behind Losing My Edge, Daft Punk is Playing at My House and North American Scum. Two years ago, BIG DAY OUT got moving to the LCD DJ experience. In 2008, we get the full LCD band: guitarist Al Doyle (of Hot Chip), bassist Phil Skarich, keyboardist Nancy Whang and drummer Pat Mahoney. Their show, in a word: “bloodthirsty”. Bring it on - LCD SOUNDSYSTEM is playing at our house! (ALL SHOWS).

Returning to the BIG DAY OUT in 2008 is the enchanting and versatile SARAH BLASKO. Known for her intelligent pop music, Blasko’s compositions venture toward grand melodies and inspiring, soaring pop arrangements. Gorgeously accomplished, her debut album, The Overture & the Underscore, shot her into the public consciousness sparking critical acclaim and a string of ARIA nominations. Her follow-up What the Sea Wants, the Sea Shall Have has been equally praised for its complex simplicity. Sure to thrill BIG DAY OUT fans, her live interpretations of her music flaunt more seductive edges, and showcase her dynamic vocals which are delivered with a captivating rawness and energy. (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

Enter the twilight zone at the BIG DAY OUT with FAKER. After the whirlwind success of their single “Hurricane” and their debut album Addicted Romantic (2005) FAKER has recently accomplished the feat of producing their sophomore album, Be The Twilight. If the first single “This Heart Attack” is anything to go by, we can look forward to an album of heartfelt, powerful passion-filled pop with a twinge of melancholy. And their stage show is nothing to be sneezed at either, unless you’re allergic to an enthralling live performance filled with wild stage antics and infectious bravado! (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

Makers of mischievous music, the MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS will be rocking the casbah this BIG DAY OUT. These Melbournians sent ripples across the music world with their first two EPs Raised By Wolves and Secrets of the Universe, the latter spending numerous weeks atop the Australian Independent charts. 2007 heralds their cracking debut LP, Dystopia. Think time-travel and glittering music in galaxies far, far away; spiralling synths and effervescent guitars, a sonic mission through laser-soaked corridors and rainbow-lit roller derbies. OR: “Like The Rapture with John Carpenter on keys, their pummelling space-disco is the perfect bridge between Bloc Party’s indie elegies and a synapse-shredding Justice DJ set” is what NME reckons. You got the hot tip here. Get busy and dizzy on the dance floor at the BDO with some heady, progged-out space disco! (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

School might be out for summer, but DIZZEE RASCAL will be dishing out lessons at BIG DAY OUT 2008. Only three albums and 21 years old, DIZZEE RASCAL is pulling off equations way beyond his years - winning the Mercury Music Prize with his 2003 debut Boy in Da Corner, and confirming his place as Britain’s premier hip hop striker with 2007’s Maths + English. Spitting razor-sharp, rapid-fire words over an instinctive blend of hip hop, grime, ragga, rock, garage and whatever gets him hyped, DIZZEE is a ferocious performer, an innate showman. “This ain’t no sit-down thing,” he’s been heard to holler from the stage. Educational and entertaining? They said it couldn’t be done! Take a class with DIZZEE RASCAL at BIG DAY OUT 2008 (ALL SHOWS).

Rising out of the booming Central Coast punk scene in the early naughties, SOMETHING WITH NUMBERS have grown from a branded “emo punk” band to a full-blown rock and roll powerhouse. After wowing fans during their BDO debut in Sydney in 2007, we’re thrilled to welcome them to the BIG DAY OUT travelling circus for the first time nationally. Choosing to focus on their own music as opposed to other influences and trends around them, Jake, Lachlan, Tim, Scott and Dave are truly a band that has come of age and are heading for big things. With killer choruses, hooks and kick arse rock riffs SOMETHING WITH NUMBERS will be delivering the goods at the BDO this summer! (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS).

For those who consider a genre to be a jail cell, BIG DAY OUT brings you unclassifiable New York foursome BATTLES. Math rock, avant-rock, angular, experimental, abstract, avant-garde… often scary words in the hands of lesser lights; but magic in the hands of BATTLES‘ Ian Williams (Don Caballero), Tyondai Braxton (all kinds of experimentia), Dave Konopka (Lynx), and John Stanier (Helmet, Tomahawk). “Your brain might feel like it’s been completely rewired,” said The Guardian as they dished out a five-star review for the band’s debut album, 2006’s Mirrored. Brain-surgeons, electricians, and those with a taste for the unexpected are invited to enter the BATTLES-field at BIG DAY OUT 2008 (ALL SHOWS).

The New Zealand invasion continues as BIG DAY OUT welcomes energetic tear-aways from the near east, CUT OFF YOUR HANDS. And they sound a little something like this: if you took one heavy-duty blender and added the likes of Gang of Four, The Cure, Death From Above 1979, Joy Division and Split Enz, you’d get a pretty good idea of their thrashy, angular, arty dance rock, that’s complemented by the emotional vocal gymnastics of lead singer Nick Johnston. These guys are becoming renowned for frenzied live shows that have gone down a treat supporting visiting internationals including Love Is All, We Are Scientists, Ratatat and Bloc Party. With EP number two Blue On Blue released this year they’re winning those indie kids over left, right and centre. Catchy tunes, hot guitar licks, hella fun! What more could you ask for? Kick out the jams with CUT OFF YOUR HANDS at the BDO! (ALL SHOWS).

Stay tuned for the second announcement of artists coming soon!

BIG DAY OUT 2008: Rage Against the Machine, Bjork, Grinspoon, Arcade Fire, Hilltop Hoods, Billy Bragg, Paul Kelly, LCD Soundsystem, Sarah Blasko, Faker, Midnight Juggernauts, Dizzee Rascal, Something With Numbers, Battles, Cut Off Your Hands.
PLEASE READ TICKET DETAILS CAREFULLY:

TICKETS ON SALE:
PERTH: FRIDAY 12th OCTOBER

Graylands Rd Claremont, Perth. Gates Open 11am
Tickets $125 (inc GST) +bf *. Strict limit of 4 tickets per customer. Available from 78 Records (Perth), Mills Records (Fremantle), Planet Video (Mt Lawley), Live Clothing, Da Da’s (Perth), Malibu Dive (Perth), Rokeby Records (Subiaco), Bassendean Newsagency (Bassendean), Cellarbrations (Bayswater), Melville Heights Newsagency (Melville), Jumbo Entertainment (Bicton), Galaxy Entertainment (Como), Trax (Mandurah), Nob’s Musique (Bunbury), Blue 62 (Busselton), Geraldton CD Centre (Geraldton), Swellsounds (Margaret River), Kalgoorlie Sound (Kalgoorlie), Vibes (Albany), Chinatown Music (Broome), Ticketmaster outlets/Phonecharge 136 100, www.ticketmaster.com.au and from our website www.bigdayout.com

For full show information and internet ticket bookings check out the website www.bigdayout.com