1 December 2014
Let us all rejoice in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the one, the only, the band-name-defying super stars of punk rock … ladies and gentlemen, The Meanies. 25 years is a long time to be doing anything. Let alone punk rocking across the universe, always going forwards because they still can’t find reverse.
30 November 2014
While many resist it, change is one of the best ways to bring in something new to your life, or even venue, and it’s proved to be just what The Grovedale needed. After joining his father in managing The Grovedale Hotel, Joel Taylor convinced his dad to reinvent the old sports bar into a beer garden fit for the laneways of Melbourne.
28 November 2014
Once upon a time The Oblivians were the kings of underground garage rock. Ask those who dig their tunes, and many will say they’re still the kings. Formed out of Tennessee, the band’s original run was between 1993 and 1998 and with their blues-infused garage punk they inspired a new wave of down ’n’ dirty garage bands.
28 November 2014
Tickets still remain for Rick Astley’s show at GPAC on November 30. The Together Forever tour sees Astley return to our shores for his second visit in a short time, the last time being 2012. Born in the small coal-mining town of Newton-Le-Willows, Astley released a little single called ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ in 1987.
28 November 2014
It’s not uncommon for cafes now to have their front counter filled with an array of brightly coloured, and sugar filled treats, though not many can claim they’re all made in house like they are at Darriwill Farm Café in Highton. “Everything is made in house – or as much of it as possible. That means sauces, soups, as much as we can, the only thing we can’t do is bake our own bread here,” head chef Josh Beaumont says.
27 November 2014
If you’ve been umming and ahhing about taking music more seriously than you have, the people at Oxygen College in Geelong are the best at putting your career to a great start. Enrolments are now open for full and part time courses in music performance, music business, electronic music, sound production, photography and art. It’s time to take things seriously.
27 November 2014
What can we say about Geelong’s Motor City Music Festival that hasn’t been said before? Steven Tyler says: “Yeeeeow! Man, this is some kind of cool-ass s**t”, while Steven Seagal says: “Yeah, mumble grumble. I like it. Star dust.” That bit may be made up, but we’re pretty sure they would love it – and how could anyone not?! The basics are it is an all-out music extravaganza boasting over 50 acts performing across three days on five stages.
27 November 2014
2015 will kick off with a bumper tour from Matthew Colwell, a man you probably know better as 360. His name has been popping up a fair bit recently. First, a few people got their knickers in a twist for comments he made on Q&A. The Herald Sun chimed in, god bless their little hearts, which he responded to wonderfully. Then some prankster claiming to be 360 got the better of 3AW. But let’s just let his rhymes do the talking.
27 November 2014
Here we go for one last time, my friends. One final look at 2014’s Queenscliff Music Festival. You know all about the line-up, so we’ll just fill you in with all those little things we feel you should know. That way, all you need to do is dress yourself. And surely not even you can screw that up.
27 November 2014
Greater Geelong Declaring a Year of Action to Tackle Ice. Work has progressed since a successful August 14 – 15 IDEAS Summit, where over 60 selected people from a cross section of the Geelong and Barwon communities came together to brainstorm and come up with 12 direct action community projects that will be used to raise awareness and prevention initiatives in readiness for the Declaration Day.
27 November 2014
Musicians taking time out from their bands to explore new ideas: it’s not an unfamiliar scenario. In 2008, Simon Bailey and Kris Emond took a breather from their usual gig to jam out some ideas. Recruiting Anth Dymke, this trio would christen themselves Pony Face. They have, in their relatively short life, released an EP and two albums, but their latest venture is something special.
26 November 2014
Australia Day in 2015 means we’re getting another run of the Havaianas Thong Day Challenge. In 2015 they’ll say goodbye to single digits and celebrate the big 1-0. For those not hip to the square, the day brings together thousands of people through family-friendly activities.
26 November 2014
As the year rockets to its end, we are beginning to look ahead to what treats are in store for 2015. We made a brief mention of this one last issue, but here we take a closer look at the Family Fun Day coming up at Bendigo’s Music Man Megastore. So why is it family fun? Mega family fun, dare I say?
25 November 2014
Darryl Barba, John Coulehan and Brian McLeod were once part of the grunge band Pigeon Hole. When their guitarist bailed, Darryl stepped out from behind the kit, picked up a guitar and started writing songs with John and Brian. The all-important band name was next on the agenda, with Roymackonkey getting the tick of approval.
25 November 2014
2015 will kick-off with a tour for songman Kim Churchill. A new year can bring many things, including those nagging resolutions, but for Churchill it gives a chance to welcome new single ‘Single Spark’ to the live stage.
24 November 2014
There is nothing like going out with a bang, and that is exactly what the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club does at the end of the year. Saving the best for last, the Sleepy Hollow crew is behind the Bluestone Blues Festival, a New Year’s bash where blues is on the menu. 2014/2015’s line-up features Brian Fraser, Stringybark McDowell and Rusty Bonnet…
21 November 2014
REMINDER: For over ten years the music, the look, the feel and the power of KISS has been channelled by Kisstroyer. Formed by brothers Andrew and Stephen Kyriacou in 2001, Kisstroyer has worked its way up to the top of the tribute band pile., Kisstroyer is a fire-breathing, blood-spitting, devil horns rock ’n’ roll ride. It’s not just a show. It’s an experience Sphinx Hotel, Geelong – November 22.
20 November 2014
You had better hold on tight as the red-neck preacher at the shotgun wedding between country and blues is on the loose. Who in tarnation am I talking about? His name is 8 Ball Aitken, and he comes packing heat. 8 Ball has been a part of Australia’s festival scene for over a decade now, though in recent times he has called Nashville home.
19 November 2014
Here at the Forte office we’re constantly listening to music and, by no surprise, we have piles and piles of albums in the office. Though there’s one that’s missing – the possible second EP from local musician Imogen Brough. Now you may be thinking, how can something be only possible?
18 November 2014
It has been one hell of a ride for Ballarat darlings the Hunting Grounds, so you can probably forgive them for packing away their gear. The six-piece has announced that they will be calling it a day after a final run of shows.
18 November 2014
A guffaw; a chuckle; a chortle; a cockle; a giggle; a howl; a roar; a snigger; a belly laugh – you will find it all at the Halt Comedy Benefit. A bunch of funny folk has decided laughter is indeed the best medicine, or at least a darn good one. For those unfamiliar, HALT stands for Hope Assistance Local Tradies.
17 November 2014
Songman Claude Hay has added another string to his musical bow by finding some living, breathing musicians to make music with. However, we’ll focus on him as a solo musician for this one. As a solo muso, well, he can pretty much make a full band sound by using live looping – something he is very good at.
16 November 2014
Over the years Broderick Smith has developed into an Australian music icon. As a member of the Adderley Smith Blues Band, later The Dingoes and in addition to his solo work, Smith has played with just about everyone. It’s been five years since his last release Unknown Country and his 2015 appearance at Motor City Music Festival will be greeted with a new album. Speaking from his home in Castlemaine, Smith is excited about “heading down the road to play”.
16 November 2014
Busby Marou are showing us their softer side with a run of stripped-back dates. Originally from Rockhampton, Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou crossed paths and decided the best thing they could do was play music together. In 2009 they became one of five successful Breakthrough applicants, a Federal Government initiative supporting Indigenous musicians.
