Perth Music

Over the Australian Day long weekend, Western Australia’s biggest and brightest upcoming indigenous bands performed at the Ngalang Koolark Festival at Supreme Court Gardens, battling it out to be selected as the opening act on the Roots Stage at the 2009 Good Vibrations Festival.

After facing some tough competition, two local groups ‘Bryte MC’ and ‘Obstruckt’ are now on the Good Vibrations bill alongside music heavyweights like Fatboy Slim, The Presets, Q‐Tip, The Pharcyde, Sam Sparro, Roni Size Reprazent, and many more!

Bryte MC aka Brian Lloyd, is an indigenous hip‐hop artist hailing from Brisbane who now calls WA home. Wanting to stay away from the commercial Hip Hop sound, Bryte MC performs to keep true hip hop culture alive.

Obstruckt have been entertaining and amazing local crowds with their unique sound and energetic performances. With the Good Vibrations Festival being one of the biggest gigs of the year, punters are sure to be impressed by this local group.

Good Vibrations Festival has already sold out in Sydney and tickets are selling fast in Perth so make sure you don’t miss out on THE festival of ‘09.

Tickets on sale NOW (Ticket price: $129.00 + BF): www.gvf.com.au or www.moshtix.com.au

Perth indie rock protagonists Sugar Army and Harlequin League will storm Australia this March on a national co-headlining tour aptly called ‘New Hunting Grounds’ to launch their exciting new music.Sugar Army’s weapon of choice is riff ready first single ‘Acute’ from their forthcoming debut album out midyear. The single will be exclusively released as a free download for fans who visit the Sugar Army barracks at www.sugararmy.com.au between Thursday 12 February and Sunday 22 February.

While Harlequin League will launch their attack with new EP ’I Don’t Do Friends’. Due out March the band’s second EP features their sweltering new song ‘All Your Wars Are Won’.

Do not miss your chance to see Sugar Army and Harlequin League - two of Perth’s finest young rock acts – together this March!

Tour Dates:
Sun 8th March - Rock It @ Arena Joondalup, Perth **Sugar Army Only** supporting Kings Of Leon, The Fratellis and The Music
Wed 18th March - Karova Lounge, Ballarat supported by Howl
Thur 19th March - The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne supported by The Young Lovers + Howl
Fri 20th March - Annandale Hotel, Sydney supported by The Wahas + Villains Of Wilhelm
Sat 21st March - Fowler’s Live, Adelaide supported by Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire!
Fri 27th March - Prince Of Wales, Bunbury **Harlequin League only** supported by Leader Cheetah (SA)
Sat 28th March - Capitol, Perth supported by Leader Cheetah (SA)
Sun 29th March - Joondalup Festival 2009

In anticipation of the upcoming broadcast on ABC and subsequent national DVD release, the Something in the Water documentary team presents a two-disc compilation and remarkable showcase of the music that inspired the film.

Featuring a diverse array of the bands who were and (alas) were not showcased in the film, this very first (and hopefully not last) extensive Western Australian music compilation is testament to our rich musical past, present and future.

The Triffids, Little Birdy, the Stems, the Sleepy Jackson and the Scientists, as well Eskimo Joe, Snowman, Ammonia and the Panics are just a few of the homegrown produce included that has made our scene what it is today.

So join us in celebrating a piece of WA music history with those bands that have done us proud.

Sat 31st January - Rosemount Hotel, North Perth
Doors open 8pm

With performances from…
Cinema Prague
Sugar Army
Abbe May And The Rockin’ Pneumonia
Sex Panther

Tickets available at the door.

Sunday 23rd November 2008
Oak Lawn, UWA
VROOM Festival

A wild and windy day at UWA did not keep too many people away from the VROOM 2008 music festival which was host to a variety of great Australian musical acts to celebrate the end of year for students and just to have a chance to party. It was a weird setup in the Oak Lawn at UWA but there were an equal amount of people in the fenced off 18+ area as well as the all ages area. A bunch of great local bands were on early followed but some hot aussie bands afterwards.

Red Jezebel have been a staple band in Perth for many years now and they always have a lot of fans at all of their gigs. VROOM was no exception with a bunch of kids jumping around close to stage. After a strong start, the heavens opened up and rain poured down forcing most of the crowd under trees or cover. The band continued to play and as the rain slowed the fans got closer. It was a good effort by the boys and lucky for people in Perth, there will always be another Red Jezebel gig just around the corner.

Another local band was on next in The Panda Band and there were just as many fans up close and personal cheering them on. There were a few moments where fans shouted out and the band shouted back in a bit of an angry way but the music did speak for itself. The Pandas have played enough gigs to strengthen their live sound to almost a point of perfection but the talkback from the band did distract many.

Bluejuice were on a mission to impress and impress they did. Getting straight into the thick of things, Bluejuice were a force to be reckoned with and were almost rocking out to a point of craziness. Vocalist Jake Stone danced his way around the entire stage as well as on top of a large speaker and at one point ripped his shirt off and molested drummer, Ned Molesworth. When Vitriol started there were shouts and dancing all over the Oak Lawn as well as smiles everywhere. If the party had not started earlier, it definitely started with Bluejuice.

In a bit of a change of pace, Dukes Of Windsor were up next and were more of a dance infused band than any of the previous bands. It’s A War was an early hit with the crowd who loved the bands tight sound and great vocals. The Others was also a highlight of the day even though the hit single is over 2 years old now. The weather continued to threaten the evening with continual sprinkles of rain but luckily it stayed as only a threat.

British India were headlining the day and definitely deserved the honour. Rocking out the grounds straight away and getting everybody present jumping around, British India proved they were one of the best live bands in Australia. Playing a bunch of songs from their debut album Guillotine as well as their new album Thieves, the band were fantastic and only went from strength to strength. Highlights were Run The Red Light, Tie Up My Hands, I Said I’m Sorry and the ending to end all endings. During the last song a fan ran around security and on stage, he then took a run up and jump head first into the mosh pit. As security dragged him off in anger the whole crowd were invited on stage to rock out as the band finished the song. It was definitely a sight to be seen and a great way to end the evening.

Following the announcement of the huge line up of awesome acts playing the Good Vibrations Festival next February, Jam Music is keeping the party vibe going with a second announcement featuring some very cool local talent.

Local artists confirmed to perform at Good Vibrations Festival 2009:

Perth Locals:
DJ Armee
Ben Mac
Bourgeois Bogan DJ’s
Brash & Sassy
Damian John
Dave Beres
Death Disco
Downsyde
Electric Limousine
Flex
Marty McFly
Micah
Mick Zing
Mind Electric
Rob Sharp
Sampology
Signal Drivers
Stefan Gooch
Steve Lind
The Takers
The Transients
The Typhoons
Thunderclap DJ’s
Voltaire Twins
Zeke
Zelimir

These locals will be joining already announced headliners Fatboy Slim, The Presets, The Roots, Deadmu5, The Pharcyde, Sam Sparro, Roni Size Reprazent, Chromeo, Stanton Warriors, The Potbelleez, Kid Kenobi & MC Shureshock, Micky Slim, Yelle, Wale, The Cuban Brothers, Miami Horror, Rico Tubbs, Mike Relm and master of ceremonies Supernatural on the 2009 Good Vibrations Festival line up.

Tickets for all shows are selling FAST (Sydney has sold out!) so all you party people should get in quick while they’re still available!

Good Vibrations Festival 2009 Perth, Heirisson Island - Sunday 22 February

Tickets on sale NOW (Ticket price: $129.00 + BF) www.gvf.com.au & www.moshtix.com.au

British India, Dukes Of Windsor, Bluejuice, The Panda Band, Red Jezebel, Harlequin League, John & The Inverarities plus a special DJ surprise.

Sun 23rd November on the lush grounds of University Of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Nedlands.

Gates open 2.00pm – 9.00pm.
All Ages Welcome.
Licensed Area 18+ Only ID Required. No BYO. No Pass outs. Good food - good times - good toons

General Public Tickets (Strictly Limited Capacity) go on sale 9AM Thurs 25th September.
Available from:
BOCS www.bocsticketing.com.au 9484 1133, 78 Records www.78records.com.au 9322 6384, MOSH www.moshtix.com.au 1300 GET TIX and Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au

DISCOUNT – Student Prices available for a limited time on campus from UWA Student Centre ph 6488 2269, www.guild.uwa.edu.au. ECU Mt Lawley. Central TAFE Leederville. Murdoch Uni.

We have 2 double passes to give away!! Just email perthmusic@gmail.com with VROOM in the subject line along with your name, age and mailing address.

Competition ends Friday 14th November.

Over 400 songwriters throughout Western Australia submitted 1640 songs into WA’s premiere songwriting competition - WAM Song of the Year! Congratulations to the 85 nominees & 19 award winners, listed alphabetically by song title in category order:

WAM Song Of The Year 2008
The Category Nominees and Winners are…

Blues & Roots
24 Empty Bar Stools by Kevin Smith (Kevin Smith & the Seven Story Jumpers)
Howl And Moan by Abbe May
Hungry And Down by Brendon Humphries (The Kill Devil Hills)
Iron Horse by Simon London
Leavin’ The Country by Bianca Jade

Café
Beekeeper by Michael Francas
Everything In It’s Rightful Place by Ryan Webb
Head As A Heart by Cassie Swinney
Love Me Like Water by Sian Brown
Revien by Cloud Kollektiv

Country
Abigail by The Ghost Hotel
Lonely Hall by Fred Ryan
Love Machine by Justin Walshe
Place Where I Belong by Phyllis Bennell
We’ll Take A Trip Up The Country by Abbe May

Electronic - Dance
Realizing by Cloud Kollektiv
Run To Me by Leigh Perry
Symbiotixx by Tanaya Ti’en (Tantrixx)
Wow by Rochelle O’Reilly
You’re Coming Home by Leanne Cole (Brash & Sassy)

Gospel
Don’t Need My Heart by Matthew Waldron
Here I Am by Desiray Walley
Hold On by Erika McKay
Light by Lindsay Hamminga
The Time Is Now by Mike Lang

Heavy Rock
Avalon by R Felton, S Mitchell, D Anderton, M Kruit & C Mitchell (Chaos Divine)
Cages by R Felton, S Mitchell, D Anderton, M Kruit & C Mitchell (Chaos Divine)
Hill Of Grace by M Donaldson, I Lenton, J Martin, C McElhinney & J Worts (Eleventh He Reaches London)
Refuse The Sickness by R Felton, S Mitchell, D Anderton, M Kruit & C Mitchell (Chaos Divine)
You’re Not Invincible by Hail Mary

Indigenous
Gundulla - We Dance by D Stokes, B Stokes, J Masters & R Martinez (The Yabu Band)
Kaya - Charmaine Bennell (Warangka Band)
Noongar Music by Delson Stokes & Boyd Stokes (The Yabu Band)
Place Where I Belong by Phyllis Bennell
Sittin By The Fire by Charmaine Bennell

Jazz
Intuition by Adam B Harris
Jelly Belly by Mace Francis
Meditative Rose by Johannes Luebbers
Rebrahmanization by Vanessa Perica
Til Death Does Me Part by Johannes Luebbers

Mixed Bag
Eternity by Johannes Luebbers
Honey For My Splinter by Hugh Veldon (King Wasabi)
Salmon Mousse by Hugh Veldon (King Wasabi)
The Land by Abraham Dunovits (Funkalleros)
The Power To Be Free by E Birchall, T Delany & T Ransom (Cumulo)

Pop
Feel by Roly Skender and The Tonics
Hey Muscles by Claire Hollingsworth
Murky Water by A Arpino, R Loasby, B Maloney, A Gordon & H Feghaly (The Autumn Isles)
Shout! by The Preytells
Treasures by Felicity Groom

Regional
I Fall by The Smerkins
Kaya by Charmaine Bennell (Warangka Band)
Lost Romance by John Read Band
Something Greener by Ashleigh Rodier
Winter Wind by Xave Brown

Rock
Cazza Sizza Death-Ray Blues by Capital City
Feel by Roly Skender and The Tonics
Howl And Moan by Abbe May
Never Alone by Bobby Burgess (Long Gone Midnight)
The Father by Simon London

School - Primary
Falling by Sam Clayden
Friends by Ashleigh Carr-White
Run Away by Emily Gelineau
Shadows by Josephine Langford
Sounds Of The Night by Darcie Nichols

School - Secondary Lower
Everything To Me by Matt Larsen
Harry by Chris Travaglini
Mr Richards by Scarlett Stevens & Georgia Wilkinson Derums (The Flairz)
Run by Essie Laugharne
Smile by Mike Nutt

School - Secondary Upper
Be My Enemy by Melissa Pitch
Fingertips (Out Of Reach) by The South Freo Workshop
The Pony And The Ark by Lyndon Blue
The Used by Jessamy Baker
We Are Not Your Neighbours by Lyndon Blue

Urban
Behind The Curtain by Emcee Able
Frontline by Matthew Curran (Dialekt)
Give Up Money For Music by Robert Sazdov (BSYDE)
One For The Road by Scott Kent (Wolverine)
Remember My Name by Sunny Roy (Roy-Al)

World & Folk
If I Was MacGyver by Matthew Keep (Merle Fyshwick)
Kaya by Charmaine Bennell (Warangka Band)
Memories Aren’t Hard To Find by Glen Rose
Mon Arive by Grace Barbe & James Searle
Writing On The Wall by Natasha Bouchard

GRAND PRIZE
As judged by the competition judging panel from all category winners.
Feel by Roly Skender and The Tonics

MOST POPULAR SONG
As judged by Sunday Times and PerthNOW Entertainment Staff from all nominees.
Give Up Money For Music by B-Syde

Hailing from Perth, Bravo Inferno are a new rock/pop band making music that they love. Bravo Inferno are energetic one song, cruisey the next, and are absolutely always passionate. Featuring sensational lead guitars and catchy heartfelt lyrics, Bravo Inferno are a band you’ll want to crank up loud and sing along with.  Guitarist Glen Strindberg caught up with Justin Middleton for this exclusive interview.

I asked Glen to give us a little bit of a history of the band and how the members got together to create Bravo Inferno. “The band got together with Lee (McDonald, vocals) and myself jamming in a tiny lounge room for about a year on some ideas. We decided we wanted to create a sound that we liked. We were not looking to break musical boundaries, we wanted to create music that would excite us. Something we would enjoy listening to time and again.”

“After recording our EP ‘This Balloon‘ it became obvious that if we were to push this musicial gamble further we needed to get some other musos in on action. After looking for the right people for the role Wayno (Clayton, Drums), Gardy (Mike Gardiner, Guitar) and Christy (Fok, Bass) joined with thier own stlye and influence, hence Bravo Inferno exploded onto the scene.”

Asked what bands have had the most influence on the band and your music, Glen replied “There have been many bands that have influenced our sound. All of us “Bravo Inernites” have different bands we like. Interpol, Maximo Park, Foo Fighters, Powderfinger, Frans Ferdinand, Kings of Leon and many more. Currently Vulture St by Powderfinger is rotating in the car stereo.”

I asked Glen to list his top 5 Perth bands of all time. “Mmmmm tricky one. All time Top five Perth Bands would have to include Birds of Tokyo, Jebediah, Kill Devil Hills, The Dirty Secrets and John Bultler Trio. For thier musicianship and stage presence.”

Glen says “Live shows for us is about sharing with people what we hear every week at practise. Solid catchy songs with exciting lyrics. When we play live to 5 or 500 people we want them to feel that we are giving our best.”

“Crowd interaction does mean a lot to us. Crowds respond to being acknowledged. We aways make an effort to mingle before and after the gigs to show our appreciation and to hear feedback. Lee always give his 110% to the songs and the crowd when on stage. All you have to do is look and see the sweat dripping off us in the first few songs to realise how hard we work to entertain. We jokingly have said we need roadies to run out and mop our brows after each song.”

Asked whether he had to give up alcohol or playing music for 6 months Glen replied “Haha is that a trick question? Give up Alcohol without a doubt. You get the same high playing music and watching total strangers nodding their heads to your songs than anything Alcohol gives you. Plus theres no hangover in the morning and no beer gut!”

Bravo Inferno are playing the following gigs coming up:
Friday September 19th at the Railway Hotel
Saturday October 11th at the Rocket Room
Friday November 21st at the Hyde Park Hotel back room

For more info visit www.myspace.com/bravoinferno

Saturday 16th August 2008
Amplifier Bar, Perth
Trial Kennedy
Mere Theory
Grim Fandango

It was a cold night in Perth that saw a healthy crowd descend upon The Amplifier Bar to see three exciting bands put on a show that felt more like a local gig than a touring show. Parking next door, the music was pounding and I regretted running late but luckily the line outside was short so it took no time at all to get inside. Local rockers Grim Fandango were on stage as I entered but there was no sound. Everyone was running around looking a little stressed out and a little angry. Just then the band announced that even though it was half way through their set, the guitarist had blown the amp and could not go on. Quite ironic that an amp was blown at The Amplifier.

The crowd gathered closer to the stage as Adelaide’s Mere Theory started playing their no nonsense rock that exploded onto the audience. The bass player had everybody watching him as he violently started swinging his bass around him knocking over speakers, almost hitting lead singer, Chris Mellow, and just looking like he was out of control. Apart from that craziness the band did a great job entertaining all that were there with solid rock music. And it turned out later, after I saw him walking around with a walking stick, that the bass player was blind. Not blind drunk, but actually blind.

The whole place was buzzing as Trial Kennedy jumped on stage and got straight into showing everyone how good their debut album, New Manic Art, is. The band did a good job in trying to get on the local crowd’s good side dedicating three separate songs to three separate local bands, in Calerway (calling them great mates), Gyroscope (calling them the best band in Australia) and Karnivool (calling them cunts, as a joke). The big crowd pleasers were Neighbours, Colour Day Tours, Sunday Warning and The Great Escape. It was a fantastic gig and Trial Kennedy impressed everybody that was there, hopefully there will be many tours by these fellas very, very soon.

An unprecedented 23 bands from the University of Western Australia will be fighting it out in the National Campus Band Competition (NCBC) this year. The bands are competing in NCBC heats throughout August, with the winning bands playing in Semi-Finals across Perth against other Western Australian universities and TAFEs. The State Final will be held in early October, featuring the cream of this year’s crop of campus bands, and the winning band will walk away with over $2,000 in prizes.

NCBC, now in its 19th year, is the largest live band competition in the southern hemisphere. The competition showcases up-and-coming bands to wider audiences and has helped launch the careers of acts such as Eskimo Joe, The Vasco Era and Jebediah. Last year’s competition saw WA band Will Stoker and the Embers take out the national title, while Black Market Babies, the top UWA band, played alongside Karnivool and Bluejuice at the UWA O’Day concert this year.

Competition between the UWA bands has got off to an early start, with an online ‘People’s Choice Award’ poll showing some clear leaders before the heats have even begun. And, with genres ranging from Indie Rock to Shoegaze/Psychedelic, Alternative/Fusion and New Age Folk Electronica, the 2008 UWA NCBC heats are set to be some of the most entertaining and diverse live music shows in Perth.

The four UWA heats will take place at the UWA Tavern on August 8th, 15th, 21st and 22nd; all at 3pm. Entry is free (18+ ID required). For the running order and details of the bands playing, check out www.guild.uwa.edu.au.

Final Dates
Semi # 1 – Fri Sep 5th Railway Hotel
Semi # 2 – Fri Sep 12th Swan Basement
Semi # 3 – Fri Sep 19th Rocket Room
State Final – Sat Oct 4th Hyde Park Hotel, backroom

Prizes:
The winning band will receive $2000 worth of gear from Kosmic Sound, plus 2 days studio time from Sumo Sound Studio and all the backline needed for studio recording from Lounge Backline. All other prizes can be viewed online at the NCBC West Myspace (www.myspace.com/ncbcwest)