Video: The Panics – Don’t Fight It (live)

Live Review: College Fall At The Broken Hill.

There’s a division between the cover and original bands in this town. A lof of people on the original scene are against covers in a big way. The thought of making money from playing other people’s music, to crowds that aren’t always interested unless you play ‘Run To Paradise’ or tunes of that familarity, is not something appeals to many local, original musos.

However, in pubs that don’t normally count as original venues, there can be songwriters going through 3 hour gigs, playing 3 sets. Often part of the Champion Agency stable, who book a lof of pubs around town, acts like College Fall, Nathan Gaunt and Leena often combine orginals with covers. Covers increase towards the end of the night, when pub goers (not necessarily music punters in this case) are intoxicated. and answer the call for requests by9 shouting obvious (the afore mentioned choirboys song) and the not-so obvious for an acoustic act (Rage Against The Machine).

Sundays this month, sees College Fall do a residency at the Broken Hill Hotel In Vic Park. A pub which was one of those old cassic pubs, that were dodgy, that your trendy mates would go ‘ew’ and would never drink there, has been renovated into one of those ‘we’re going to try to be trendy like the Brisbane’ types. Only the pub went to far and forgot, while it’s near South Perth, it’s Vic Park.

The inside is a bit arificial, the beer garden is actually quite nice.

Anyway, ‘The Fall opened their first set with the two main songs off their ‘Three Letters’ album – the songs were ‘Gravity’ and ‘Built An Empty Home’. Both very autobiographical, honest songs, these were songs that the two core members of CF wrote about each other as part of a concept album about their love life.

In between originals they dipped into the covers, playing a nice version of a Cyndi Lapur 80s song ‘Time After Time’ which can be found on an early College Fall Demo.

Switching between male and Female vocals it made for a variation on pop songwriting, which can be a little vanilla flavoured, in the sense it’s not hugely original in the song structure or sound. However tunes win the day in this case, and the strong pop songwriting of the duo won over more fans tonight, evident by the selling of a few albums in the break.

Set 2 held more covers and originals – including Musto playing songs from his previous bands, The Nordeens and Showbag.

A nice way to spend Sunday Afternoon. Enjoy a sunday session at pubs like this with some quality original music. Don’t be ashamed to call for Chisel or Crowded House either. Or Rage Against The Machine. Yes, this acoustic duo, do a cover of RATM’s most famous song ‘Killing In the Name Of’. Needs to be heard by Rage fans, it’s definitely an unique version.

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News: The Next RTR Event – Seriously Sound System – Sat Dec 20, 2008

Interview: Gavin Crossley (Twin Cities FM)

Gavin Crossley (Twin Cities FM)
Interview by Leo Abbs

How did you get involved with Twin Cities?
Staight out of high school I joined 897, in the semi empty depot studio (it’s hard to believe we got by, on what we had back then). I started doing producing for Dave Cosentino and Donna Hiftle (I fluffed my trial test broadcast, also the station manager didn’t like me much so I was made their bitch). I got the call-up a fortnight and the rest is a cliché’ and a long list of shows…..

What shows are on currently on Twin Cities FM?
Western.Oz (Tuesday Nights from 6pm) Western.Oz: Friday Nights (Friday Nights from 6pm) and The WA Top 10 (Friday Nights from 7pm).

What can you tell us about Twin Cities FM move to ECU Joondalup?
It was long winded, and hard work for us at 897, we are a bare bones operation, ECU did most of the intial setting up for us (they had professionals build the studios from scratch)…but we did the wiring of the equipment and installed the desks and ran as automated radio for 3 months while set everything up. I personlly couldn’t do much until the stuff was installed, because i’m terrible at manual handling stuff.

When we got set in, I did my job. I love the new studios, they’re not stuffy, they’re MUCH bigger and the new equipment is nice and makes me sound like i’m actually a good anouncer…which is hard to do.

You host the show ‘Western Oz’. Can you tell me a bit about this show?
Western.Oz is two WA Music shows weekly on 897FM. I host the pair of them. There is also The WA Top 10 is new intiative for Western.Oz, it’s our own Top 10 countdown based on the airplay of WA Music for that week on 897FM.

Doing these shows is an honour. The 897 staff love the WA Top 10. I think bands like being number one too!

You received a Community Broadcasting Association of Australia ‘Commendation for Contribution to Local Music’. What does that mean to you?
It’s my single greatest achievement in my radio career. Myself and my department worked our arses off to get that one. We were pipped for the major award in 2007 by a show who had presented Australian Music for 20 years or something. We won’t be attempting get the award this year due to our 3 months break. Look for us to win in 2009.

You have worked in community radio and also have had a stint on commercial radio. How do the two compare?
Actually i’ve had 2 stints full time and I also did panel work for 882 6PR as well.
They’re vastly different. Community on the most part has little to no funding, we have no funding for our show, I spend a lot of time on my own cash on that show, not that i’m complaining because I can think much worse things to spend money on.

Commercial Radio is having no control as an announcer, you can be entertaining, but you do release your creative control over your work, for a paycheck. But at the same time, it’s cool to just step into the studio and do that job. I love radio broadcasting, I just hated the town of Kalgoorlie which is why I’m back in Perth. Kal is a place if I never see again it’ll be too soon.

How far away can Twin Cities be picked up?
Warwick to Two Rocks….but it’s best to tune in online @ http://www.twincitiesfm.com.au

Why do you support local music?
I love it, I love the people, I love the high standard of music, I get to play. We are truly blessed in Perth. This scene makes my job easy. I would still buy local releases if I wasnt doing this show. Especially the stuf i’m a big fan of.

You have judged competitions such as Next Big Thing and Campus Bands. How important do you think competitions like those are to young bands?
The best people to ask are the winners, but Ben from Project Mayhem told me the winning of NBT has changed their musical lives. It’s incredible leg-up to win NBT or NCBC, you get good gigs, video clips, studio time and more. If you think you have the chops have a go next year.

Who do you think is a Perth act to look out for?
The Transients…they’re incredible, slick and professional. It’s only a matter of time before they’re the new Presets or Midnight Jugganauts. They will be HUGE!

www.twincitiesfm.com.au

Farewell – The Avenues

Farewell – The Avenues
Review/Photos by Dylan McArdle

If you’d asked me three or four years ago who my favourite local band was – I probably would have answered without hesitation “The Avenues”. While there’s been many strong pop/rock bands on the scene, The Avenues had something that made them stand out for me; perhaps it was Cain Turnley’s sweet vocals or Andy Lawson’s ability to let loose with the guitar on stage.

Having not played in some time, I’d kinda figured the band had gone the same way as Cain’s previous band Cartman and was in extended hiatus until I found out about Saturday’s CD launch.  Unfortunately, The Avenues weren’t ready to take on the world (as it said in the Amplifier newsletter) as this was also their farewell show. Given that, it was a show I had to make it down to.

Andy Lawson	Cain Turnley
Shaun Sibbes	Guest vocalist Steve Parkin

(click thumbnails for larger images)

Unlike previous CD launches, there were no support acts under obscure aliases, but instead we were treated by a great performance from a band I’d not seen before – The Preytells.  A combination of strong vocals and tidy guitar work means that this indie pop act is one I’ll definitely look out for in the future.

But as good as The Preytells were (for those inside to see them), the night belonged to The Avenues.  Some CD launches and farewells are all about getting guests up on stage to join in and this was no different, but it was the way it was well organised that made it special. On the older Avenues tracks, the “current” lineup made way for Tom Craig and Nic Jonsson and it felt like we’d gone back in time – especially hearing classics like “Company” for the first time in who knows how long.  The band members, new and old, were far from rusty too and I think the pre-launch practice sessions must have paid off.  It was like they’d never been apart.

For a band with a decent number of original tracks – a couple of familiar covers in “History Never Repeats” and “Taxman” were also highlights of the set.  The later featured another favourite of mine – ex Autopilot front man Steve Parkin on vocals.

It was fitting that after an hour or so on stage that the last song of the night was indeed strongest track – “Gold and Grey” and as I remembered from times before Andy Lawson cut loose on stage.  Sadly though, this would be the last time and despite the fact the band never really archived everything it could of done their career did end on a particular high and memorable note.

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For the complete gallery of photos from the night, please visit:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47611&l=619f6&id=586678946

Music As An Insomnia Remedy a Joke?

I found this article on the internet. I thought it was interesting. Another indication of the powerfulness of music. Leo Music As an Insomnia Remedy a Joke? By Cazza Burke

There is a different insomnia remedy to be used in different conditions, such as remedies medications, relaxation methods, mechanical devices, and set routines that can relax the mind so the person can get to sleep each night. One treatment method that is often used is using music as an insomnia remedy.

Why Use Music?

Using music as an insomnia remedy has been used throughout history for many different types of sleep disorders. When persons of royalty had difficulty sleeping, they often called for musicians to play music that was relaxing and soothing until they could go to sleep. Today, mothers sing their kids soothing songs to lull them to sleep and many people choose to sleep with their bedside radio on a radio station that plays soothing music to help them get to sleep. Using music continues to be a popular method for easing a person into sleep.

There are a number of different musicians that play music that can be used as a remedy. Some of these songs can be bought at local music stores or retailers that have a section for music in their stores. Because this type of music is not really popular on radio stations, many people choose to purchase a CD of the songs to play at night to make it easier for them to get to sleep. The type of music that the person chooses depends on their personal preference of what type of music would be the most soothing as an insomnia remedy.

There are many different types of music that can be used. The most popular choices are instrumental melodies that are soft and calming to the mind. These songs will typically have no words in the song to break up the flow of the melody and the music is designed to clear your mind to the point where all that you hear is the calming nature of the music.

Some instrumental melodies use gentle sounding instruments, such as pianos, saxophones, and flutes, to creating relaxing music that can be used as an insomnia remedy. There are no harsh sounds or loud instruments to reduce the relaxation of the music and the tone of the music will flow gently in and out with the melody. The music will release the tension of the muscles in the body and relax the mind enough so the person can have a deep and restful sleep for the entire night.

Cazza Burke is a full time beauty consultant in San Diego, CA. Check out these great Cures For Snoring or more specific Snoring Remedies advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cazza_Burke

Punter Profile: Samantha Wass

When did you first start going to see local Perth bands?
I think it would have been about 2000. I was about fourteen when I made HQ my regular hangout spot, all the pop bands used to do all ages gigs there!

Favourite local releases for 2008?
Schvendes – sweet talk your enemies
Kill Devil Hills – hungry and down
Abbe may – howl and moan

Are you involved in the music scene besides going to gigs?
Yes, i play in two very different bands, one called institut polaire and one called jack on fire!

Which venues do you like and why?
i love the bakery, the rosemount was always close to home (although i’ve heard bad things recently?) but i think the hydey would have to take the cake – so many memories!

Who are your favourite local bands and why?
The kill devil hills are one of my favourite local bands – they’re amazing and they just keep getting better! the city watch are another awesome band that i discovered before i moved to melbourne. expect big things from those boys! some other favourites of mine include the leap year, the tigers, mongrel country, abbe may, felicity groom…. there’s too many – perth is full of exceptional bands.

What is the best gig you’ve ever seen?
i saw band of horses earlier this year in melbourne. they were fantastic – i had goosebumps for the whole set. although, my ultimate gig is coming up in january – neil young and my morning jacket… ask me this question again after that killer gig!

What do you drink at gigs and what brand?
I know it aint too classy but i really am a carlton draught girl…

Are there any new local bands you have discovered lately?
I haven’t checked out a lot of new Perth bands since i’ve moved away, but i guess i could mention the City Watch again… i’ve heard great things about Josh Fontaine’s new band – oh, and umpire!! i’ve never seen them play, but check out their myspace. They have some stunning songs.

Why support local original music?
because i think being from perth we are so lucky to have such a high standard of local music. in the last couple of years, perth has really discarded that image of being an indie pop specific town and there is such a broad spectrum of bands achieving different things. i don’t think i’ve ever been to a city where there is such a high ratio of good talent. it’s so important to support these people and to be involved, at least so that we can ensure we can maintain it!

You currently live in Melbourne. What do you miss about Perth?
i miss a lot of things about perth, but mainly the familiarity. there’s nothing like walking into the hydey after being away for a few months and having that feeling of being surrounded by people you know, bands you know, bar staff you know – and of course the barfly’s you know! it’s a comforting thing.

Video: Harlequin League – Again And Again

This is the lead track from Harlequin League’s new EP, ‘We Used To Be Gods, Now We’re So Plain’.

Video: The Devil Rides Out – Slow Gun