Perth Music

Local indie rock band Chelsea Lights launch their debut self-titled EP this Friday the 16th of November from 8pm at the Rocket Room in Northbridge. Stellar support on the night comes from The Freudian Slips, Blackmilk and The Chemist.

Recorded at Soulskool Studios, the EP is a product of a change of line-up that has seen the band evolve with a refocused and refined sound; the tracks are a late-night blend of livewire drums and driving bass, punctuated by melodic guitar lines and impassioned vocals. The EP displays a wide-screen flourish as evidenced between the melodic propulsion of ‘K2’, the sharp dark groove that is ‘Judas’, the sombre acoustic ‘Saunders St’  and the defiant optimism of live favourite ‘Mirror to the World’.

2 tracks from the EP are now available at: www.myspace.com/chelsealights

An All Ages launch will follow on Friday November 30 at HQ.

Saturday 10th November, 2007
Supreme Court Gardens, Perth
Muse
The Dirty Secrets

It was a warm and muggy evening in Perth for one of the UK’s most loved and respected bands – Muse.  Their live shows are talked about all around the world and earlier this year they were the first band to sell out the new Wembley Stadium.  And Perth audiences are no strangers to the Muse live show, as they were last here only nine months ago for the Big Day Out.  Tonight Perth music fans were spoilt for choice with Justin Timberlake, Megadeth and Muse all playing separate shows around town.  From my point of view the show Muse put on was the best I’ve seen in years.

Before Muse could explode on stage, The Dirty Secrets did not have the smoothest or easiest chance to warm up the crowd.  Nearing the end of their set, a barrier at the front of the stage collapsed and caused a delay of around 90 minutes while it was replaced and the crowd could be backed up in a safe manner.  This delay built up the crowd’s anticipation for Muse but also built up a frustration in the crowd to the point where many audience members complained aloud to whoever would listen.  Once the barrier was safely replaced The Dirty Secrets played their final two songs and thanked the crowd as much as they could for being so patient.

It was then the time that thousands of fans had been waiting for: Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme, Dominic Howard and Morgan Nicholls, collectively known as Muse.  Opening with the monster hit Take A Bow, from Black Holes & Revelations, the crowd were exposed to the full force of a rock show as apposed to a standard gig.  Three giant screens behind the band and two to either side of the stage projected images that metaphorically connected with the song being played or showed the band from angles as close as the mic stand Bellamy was singing into.  During the performance there were also epic light shows, smoke explosions and giant balloons filled with paper that bounced around the top of the crowd.

The set list played tonight was just as epic as the stage theatrics with hits played from 1999’s Showbiz all the way up to last year’s Black Holes & Revelations.  Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, Time Is Running Out, Hysteria, Plug In Baby, Stockholm Syndrome and Knights of Cydonia were all highlights and crowd favourites.  One thing noticeable in the crowd was the way they danced with their whole bodies, as if they weren’t only hearing the songs but also experiencing them.  While drummer Dominic Howard did most of the vocal interacting with the crowd, lead singer Matt Bellamy spoke volumes with his sheer musical talent.  This talent was displayed through perfect guitar work, faultless piano playing and impeccable singing that mesmerized the crowd.  All in all, Muse put on a show that will be remembered by all that attended for years to come.

After a 26 month open ended hiatus where the band members had lives, careers, a rest from the incredible racket in their rehearsal room and a variety of other musical projects, the 8 legged rock and pop band Jebediah have dusted off the guitars, hit the rehearsal room and are pleased to announce they will be hitting the stage once more. It’s been a matter of conjecture we know, but people can stop asking “that” question now as Jebediah are about to answer it in the only language a rock band should speak!

Chris, Brett, Kevin and Vanessa have been working away in the rehearsal room on album number 5, and are gearing up for a run of regional WA dates as well as limited metro shows. These are Jebediah’s first gigs since August 2005 so there will be a fair bit of pent up energy to expend for both the Jebs and their loyal fanbase.

Expect a lot more activity from Jebediah in the next 6 months, with plans for national tours (yes, there will be shows outside WA) album releases and all the fun things that go with being a living, breathing rock and roll band again. In the meantime it gives us great pleasure to announce Jebediah’s Back In The Saddle tour of WA.

Jebediah’s ‘Back In The Saddle Tour’
with special guests
Presented by WAFM and RedFM (excluding Rollercoaster)

Wednesday November 21 – Breakers, Geraldton
Thursday November 22 – Motor Hotel, Kalbarri
Friday November 23 – Sandhurst Tavern, Carnarvon
Sunday November 25 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome
Tuesday November 27 – Newman Worker’s Club
Thursday November 29 – Judd’s, Kalgoorlie
Friday November 30 – The Esperance, Esperance
Saturday December 1 – Nsomniax, Albany
Thursday December 6 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
Saturday December 8 – Crown Hotel, Collie
Sunday December 9 – Newport, Fremantle
Tickets available from the venues and usual outlets

Saturday 29 December – Rollercoaster 07, Mandurah
Hall Park, Western Mandurah Foreshore

Sunday 4th November, 2007
The Amplifier Bar, Perth
Operator Please
Van She
Streetlight

Hot off the heels of winning their first ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist and with just about everybody humming “Just A Song About Ping Pong”, Gold Coast’s Operator Please graced the stage of The Amplifier Bar along with Sydney’s Van She and Perth’s own Streetlight. For a band that have only been around for 2 years and yet to release their debut album, Operator Please drew a big crowd to The Amplifier, especially for a Sunday night.

First up were Perth’s 2006 Next Big Thing winners Streetlight and in attendance were a multitude of loyal fans. I actually hadn’t seen Streetlight live since earlier this year at the Big Day Out and they seemed like a totally different band. Playing tight as a group, confident in themselves and most importantly playing well, it seemed 2007 has seen the band gain invaluable experience. It might have been a pre-cursor to the rest of the night but there were some great drunken dancers in the crowd during Streetlight’s set.

Van She were up next and continued the fun feeling of the night. Opening with their huge hit “Sex City”, Van She played songs off their self titled EP and new songs from their forthcoming album. The 80’s feel that the band conveys has been copied by many bands at the moment but none of them seem as genuine as Van She.

The crowd was visually getting excited and the anticipation was growing for Operator Please to get on stage and start their fun, pop-filled show. Starting off with “Get What You Want”, it wasn’t hard to notice everybody singing and dancing along to every word. While lead singer/guitarist Amandah Wilkinson held the attention of the crowd at the start of the gig, it wasn’t long before heads were turned to the talents of violinist Taylor Henderson and then the wild dancing of keyboardist Sarah Gardiner. Songs were played from the bands previous EP’s as well as some new songs from the soon to be released debut album “Yes Yes Vindictive” but the song that really blew the roof off was “Just A Song About Ping Pong”. Overall it was a fun show that everybody seemed to enjoy made a perfect end to the weekend.

For more info on Operator Please visit www.operatorpleaseband.com
For more info on Van She visit www.vanshe.com
For more info on Streetlight visit www.streetlightonline.com

Yes Yes Vindictive will be released on Saturday 10th November.

Having both grown as strong independent acts that are now making waves around the world, the John Butler Trio and The Waifs are undoubtedly two of WA’s most prolific acts and they are thrilled to announce a special series of shows under the banner of ‘The Union of Soul ’.These unique shows will take place throughout WA in January next year with tickets on sale next Monday November 12.

The John Butler Trio and The Waifs will perform at The Fremantle Arts Centre on both Tuesday Jan 22nd and Wednesday Jan 23rd. Then on Friday January 25th both bands will be joined by special guest Clare Bowditch and The Feeding Set at the Belvoir Amphitheatre and the three band set will continue as the tour heads south with shows on Saturday January 26th at Howard Park and Madfish Winery in Denmark and on Sunday Jan 27th at the Leeuwin Estate Winery, in Margaret River.

The Waifs are riding high with their new album SunDirtWater debuting at No.2 on the Aria charts and remaining in the top 20 for the last 8 weeks. The Waifs will be featured in one of the new episodes of Chaser War On Everything.

They have recently completed a sell out tour of the nation, securing rave reviews for their concert performances.

It’s been an extraordinary ride for the John Butler Trio this year with their new album ‘Grand National; debuting at No. 1 on the ARIA charts in March. Since then the album has delivered three radio hit singles and gone on to be accredited for double platinum sales in Australia whilst the band makes incredible in roads into all major international territories. The album is also nominated for the prestigious J Award (Triple J’s album of the year) which will be announced by Triple J later this year.

In April, the John Butler Trio recorded a very special performance at Melbourne’s Federation Square which featured all the musicians who helped make the ‘Grand National’ album, we are pleased to inform fans this is now available on DVD through ABC Music.

In other recent news, The John Butler Trio took out two awards at the 21st ARIA awards last weekend, those being for Best Blues and Roots Release and Best Independent Release, which coincidentally was presented by their good friends Vikki and Donna from The Waifs.

Getting these two popular and well travelled bands performing on the same stage on the same night is an event unquestionably not to be missed, so grab your tickets to The Union of Soul tour before it’s too late!

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any bigger, Perth’s favourite summer music festival has announced – in addition to the already stellar Summadayze line up – the following acts:Cut Copy (Live)
Salmonella Dub (Live)
Bliss N Eso (Live)
ATFC (UK)
Jesse Rose (Germany)
Marc Romboy (Germany)

Add these names to an already massive line-up featuring:

David Guetta Feat Chris Willis
New Young Pony Club (Live)
Chromeo (Live)
De La Soul (Live)
Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso
Felix Da Housecat
Sister Bliss (Faithless)
Christopher Lawrence
Dave Spoon
Benny Benassi
Kissy Sell Out
Cosmic Gate
Joachim Garraud
People Under The Stairs (Live)
Claude Von Stroke
Tom Neville
Headman
Kid Confucius
Bang Gang
Infusion (Live)
Kim Presets (DJ Set)

Plus more still to be announced!

In 2008, Summadayze also moves across the road to include the expansive grounds of the Esplanade – as well as Supreme Court Gardens – creating a bigger and brighter space than ever before. Not only will both these venues be used, but for the first time in the history of Perth music festivals, Barrack Street will be closed off in order to grant punters easy access to both venues. It’s simple – more room, more comfort, more stages and more choice than ever before!

Yep, Summadayze 2008 is set to be the party of the year and the best part is it’s right on your doorstep in Perth. Easy to get to and in picturesque surrounds on the Swan River, get ready for the biggest event to ever hit city central! Add to this the sublime production and facilities Summadayze, Future Entertainment and Mellen Events are famous for and, really, what more could you ask for?

Limited number of early bird tickets on sale at the discount price of $79 plus booking fees and service charges until Sunday 3rd November or until sold out! Thereafter, full price tickets $99 plus booking fees and service charges. More at the gate if available. Over 18 years only – photo ID will be required. Available through www.ticketmaster.com.au (136 100), www.inthemix.com.au and the following retail outlets: 78 records, DJ factory, Live Clothing, Mills Records, Planet Video and Rockeby Records.

From grassroots beginnings in 1986, The Fly By Night Musicians Club in Fremantle has finally come of age. With an average of over 100 events per annum and an attendance total passing 500,000 people to date, the Club looks stronger than ever to support live music into the future. To help celebrate our 21st Birthday, we are proud to announce a classic line up of world class musicians. This includes founding member of the Velvet Underground, the legendary John Cale.

Incidentally, John is the catalyst to the Fly by Night taking claim as Australias inaugural smoke free musicians club, as his last performance at the Fly in 1993 was under the insistence on the venue being a smoke free environment. The Fly By Night is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation, which supports all genres of musicians and artists. The Fly’s current members include The John Butler Trio, The Stems, End Of Fashion, Schvendes, Dave Mann Collective, The Flairz and many more, who frequent the venue as both punters and performers.  This November will feature numerous Fly members rockin the Club during its 21st Birthday celebrations. Take note of the dates below and be sure to come along and party with us.

21st Birthday Celebrations:

Thursday 1st November - Rory Faithfield
Friday 2nd November - Anthony Nieves
Saturday 3rd November 3.00pm - The Stems (All Ages Show)
Saturday 3rd November 8.00pm - The Stems (Big BEat Spectacular)
Sunday 4th November - British India
Friday 9th November - Clare Bowditch
Saturday 10th November - Platform Kids
Sunday 11th November - Renee Geyer
Monday 12th November - John Cale
Wednesday 14th November - Bill Callaghan (Smog)
Saturday 17th November - The Roots Roadshow (Featuring: Carus, Loren and Rob Sawyer)
Thursday 22nd November - Buried In Damascus
Friday 23rd November - Ed Kuepper
Saturday 24th November - Arabian Spice
Wednesday 28th November - Bobby Flynn

Visit www.flybynight.org for more info.

The Kill Devil Hills play in the garden this Sunday at The Railway Hotel, North Fremantle.

Its been 4 long months since the Kill Devil Hills played in their home town of Freo, but they’re back with what promises to be a cracking show.  The show takes place this Sunday the 4th of November at The Railway Hotel in North Freo which has had a major overhaul to the interior and exterior of the venue. This Sundays show will be the first outdoor show at the new and improved Railway, making it like the Sunday sessions of days gone by.

Joining The Kill Devil Hills on this glorious Sunday afternoon will be Felicity Groom and The Black Black Smoke, Jeff Strong and Selk Hastings.

Doors open at 5pm, so get down early to avoid disappointment…

The artists for the 2008 Good Vibrations Festivals have just been announced and they are world class.

Good Vibrations Festival lineup:

Kanye West (VIC/NSW/WA only)*
Cypress Hill
Calvin Harris
The Rapture
Thievery Corporation (live 20 piece)
James Zabiela
Pharoahe Monch
A-Trak & Kid Sister
Sinden
Katalyst (live 6 piece)
K-OS
High Contrast Feat. MC Wrec
Pigeon John
Surkin
16 Bit Lolitas
The Bag Raiders
Radioclit
Beat Vandals
The Stafford Brothers
With your master of ceremonies Lyrics Born

Tickets go onsale November 9th.

The dates for the festivals are:

Good Vibrations Festival 2008 tour dates:
Sat 9 Feb – Melbourne
Sun 10 Feb – Gold Coast
Sat 16 Feb – Sydney
Sun 17 Feb – Perth