Friday 12 October 2012

Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes

With the release of the forth studio album 'Until The Quiet Comes' from LA's multi-genre experimental producer Flying Lotus comes his short film of the same name, directed by Kahlil Joseph. Stream FlyLo's whole album, featuring Thom Yorke and Erykah Badu, over at the Guardian.

Thursday 4 October 2012

Floating Points

Ah gigs, they're just one of the many benefits of the hotter months. And with all the good music entering our Australian shores in the coming months - we sit patiently, palms sweaty with anticipation!

American producer Floating Points will be performing as apart of Melbourne Music Week's 'Espionage feat..' night. Yet he's certainly not the only act.

Brace yourself.

Floating Points (Eglo/UK)
Alexander Nut (Eglo/UK)
Teebs (Brainfeeder/USA)
Africa Hitech (Warp/UK)
Fatima (Eglo/Sweden)
Sean Deans (The Operatives)
JPS (The Operatives)
Nam (The Operatives)
Edd Fisher (The Operatives)



Tickets available here.


Almudena Heredero Interview

With Melbourne Music Week emerging from the shadows this November I sit down with Face the Music guest and speaker Almudena Heredero. The Spanish native is one of the founders of highly successful music conference, the PrimaveraPro conference in Barcelona and that's just the tip of the ice cold San Miguel. I'm looking forward to speaking to the European entrepreneur tonight! To buy tickets to her Melbourne events click here.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Hanging Out with Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes)

Portable's 2012 Melbourne Curators Conference was a heady mix of music maestros, terrific techs, editorial-enigmas, media magnets et al. The Fitzroy Town Hall hosted a whole day of stories, experiences and lessons - a truly great day by the Portable staff.

One of the talks that really resonated with me was by Violent Femmes co-founder and bassist Brian Ritchie. Although originally from Milwaukee he now resides in Hobart where he curates annual festival Mona Foma. Every January Ritchie pushes the boundaries and in turn people's expectations of themselves and what they think they like.

January 2013 sees Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and St. Vincent as headliners. I sat down with Ritchie on his last day in Melbourne and talked about everything from the delicacies of his hometown to the Violent Femmes adoration of the Beatles.

Interview coming soon!

Sunday 30 September 2012

George Michael Cancels Tour

George Michael has cancelled his November concert tour of Australia, claiming to be suffering from lingering ‘‘anxiety’’ in the wake of a major health scare late last year. In a statement issued via his website, the controversial English singer announced the cancellation of his forthcoming Australian shows, adding that to do so ‘‘breaks my heart’’. The 49-year-old singer cancelled a concert in Vienna scheduled for November 21 last year due to what was initially reported as ‘‘a chest infection’’. At the time, his management believed he would be able to recover in time for a show two days later in Strasbourg. In less than a year, this is the second artist toured by Dainty Group that has cancelled. The first being Janet Jackson in early Nov 2011.

Saturday 22 September 2012

James Franco Releases Music

Renaissance man James Franco has teamed up with musician Tim O'Keefe to release an EP of original music under the name "Daddy". Named MotorCity, the EP is inspiredby Franco's trip to Detroit to film Oz: The Great and Powerful. It has an old school, Motown feel to it with the first single, "Love In The Old Days", being mostly spoken-word.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Interview: Brandon Block


"Drowning in debauchery is a rather misleading turn of phrase. It could lend itself to a situation full of hedonistic zest or one of a downward spiral whose end is met by pit of regret and bone-shivering comedowns. Brandon Block can relate to both – over the last 3 decades the veteran house music producer has journeyed through the eras that we merely hear about...But this isn’t the obituary of one of Ibiza’s lauded players; it is the story of his return from abyss." Full interview here.

Thursday 13 September 2012

SPRAY & WIPE - Northeast Party House

Spray & Wipe are hosting a party of epic proportions. On 21 Sep St Kilda's The Espy will be heaving with music-heads and party animals. With Northeast Party House as the headliner and Oscar+Martin, Dune Rats and Drunk Mums all on board - this is sure to sell out. Ten days later, Dune Rats and Drunk Mums come together once more for the I Oh You Halloween party. 
Clear the schedule!!!

Tix here.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

I OH YOU

The boys from record label/ party machine I OH YOU are never one to sit back and smell the flowers - their reputation is one of loud, raucous fun and it's what has made them so successful. As a Melbourne-based collective the 20-somethings have worked hard and along the way signed Dune Rats and most recently Melbourne's City Calm Down.

To get a taste of what the boys have to offer check out their Halloween party!


Monday 10 September 2012

Almost Midnight Listen



Shlomo is Leeds-born beat producer known for pioneering original beat-boxing techniques.

He has worked with artists such as Björk and his own hip hop crew Foreign Beggars.

Saturday 8 September 2012

Review: The XX - Coexist

I struggle to keep my eyes open while my ears work on over-drive. They are my tools and the XX's sophomore studio album is l'objet d'amour. Though after spending a little over half an hour listening to the post-dubstep, surly, electro-rock offering I'm not convinced. Elements of their debut weave throughout but nothing captures me. Nothing arrests my attention - interrupting my train of thought.

It's disappointing but I'm not surprised. There's a reason why the crowd loves a soul singer - we love to see the strain in their face because we want to see the music as much as we want to hear it. Watch an XX liveshow and you'll get little more than pursed-lips between verses.

4/10 on this Saturday afternoon.

Thursday 6 September 2012

The Cure VS Digitalism ... In Cairo


Anyone who loved 'Fire In Cairo' off Digitalism's Idealism should hope the German electro-house duo gave thanks The Cure before pressing finish. The track is a re-edit of The Cure's Fire in Cairo and one of the stand-out tracks on the 2007 debut. Digitalism's re-edit:

Lupe Fiasco Opens A Book and Closes the Door to Music

Mr. Wasalu Muhammad Jaco aka Lupe Fiasco has decided to close the door to the world of music and open a book. Today the rapper well known for hits like 'Kick Push', 'Superstar' and most recent 'The Show Goes On' declared, via Twitter, that he was ready to embrace his long-life passion of literature.

Perhaps this recent collab with Guy Sebastian had something to do with his change of heart?

?

Tour Announced: Boys II Men

Ah the early 90s. A time of big hair, big eyebrows, slow jams and smooth r 'n' b! With a bevy of charming love operators, it was all about heartthrobs and a capellas... and Boyz II Men were in their prime!

So what better way to relive those light-hearted fluttering feelings than by purchasing a ticket to their up-coming Australian tour this November.

Their 2011 album, Twenty, celebrates the two decades the group has spent in the industry since releasing their genre-defining debut, Cooleyhigharmony back in 1991. Twenty features some of the group’s first original material in almost ten years, as well as remastered versions of their classic '90s hits like Motownphilly and I’ll Make Love To You.

Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Rihanna & Jay-Z to Preform at the Paralympics

So we already know RiRi will be gracing the stage at the VMA's but what about the Paralympics?

I mean why not? If not for the money (she's already got enough of that), the fame (I think she's pretty popular) then why not for the sake of good-will?

Entitled Festival of the Flame the 9 September event is said to feature Coldplay, Jay-Z and now, bad girl herself, Rihanna.

The festival is based around the five elements: earth, fire, wind, ice and water and will mark the end of the 2012 Paralympics.. And with that sort of line of I will most definitely be tuning in.

Review: An Evening with the New Yorker


Five seated New Yorkers share the stories from their Manhattan office. More after the jump..

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Big Mike AKA Michael Clarke Duncan Dies






















Michael Clarke Duncan was most famously known as the burly prison inmate in Tom Hanks' Green Mile. It's the movie that bought him to fame and the one that lead to staring roles in The Whole Nine Yards, Sin City, Planet of the Apes and Kung Fu Panda.

Clarke died today after being treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, for a heart-attack. Condolences have flooded the Internet with many tweets coming from celebrity pals, including: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnston.

A lot of people don't know that the industrial-size actor first came under the spotlight as Notorious B.I.G's body guard. It was the fateful night of the shooting that led him to quit his job and pursue his life-long dream of acting. He also worked as a body-guard for Will Smith and Jamie Foxx.

He leaves behind his fiancee Reverend Omarosa Manigault.

Azealia Banks - 90s Revival


In the short while since '212', Harlem rapper Azealia Banks has embraced a complete dress change. For the new '1991' Banks channels '90s Vogue - a black two piece suit, maroon lipstick, slick wavy hair..

It's hello Janet Jackson a la Rhythm Nation and Naomi Campbell a la EVERY 90s magazine cover.

The Justin Mitchell-directed video also shows a dash of Crystal Water's "100% Pure Love" for good measure.

Sound: think M-People.

The 22 century 90s diva continues to ride the wave with the Rankin-directed follow-up 'Vogue'.

It's lip-smacking good!

Friday 31 August 2012

British India - I Can Make You Love Me


British India- I Can Make You Love Me from Oh Yeah Wow on Vimeo.

British India's newie 'I Can Make You Love Me' is a foot stomping, show-stopper and it's the perfectly infectious song to help them get back into the game.

Although a polished and a mature song from the Melbourne boys it's also radio-friendly - without sacrificing its sincerity. YEA!

Directed by Melbourne's OH YEAH WOW.
Also responsible for: - Gotye's Easy Way Out.

I'll also be interview Director Darcy P from Oh Yea Wow over at Profile Pub.

++ You'll like this if you like: Foals - Spanish Sahara.

New Album: Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon


August 2012 serves up the sophomore album from North Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club.

I spoke to the boys while they were riding on the wave of 2010 acclaimed debut Tourist History, and after listening to the 11-track offering it seems the lads are just as unaffected as they were back in 2010.

Expect the same jangly-guitar pop with military drum-stylings. It's their trademark uplifting sound just a little more mature than the last.

French boutique label Kitsune once again released their second album.


Friday 24 August 2012

NY Finds Yet Another Way to Seem Relevant

Why not take photos of the location where a photo was taken?

What may have once seemed STUPIDLY insincere is now not so, thanks to technology.

Sarcasm aside, taking a photo of the location where an album cover was shot, is a pretty novel idea.. It had me hooked for at least 3 mins. 3 mins on 1 web-page? That's pretty good for the Internet.

Marvel at someone else's creations below:






Via Buzzfeed.

Saturday 18 August 2012

David Bowie - Let's Dance



Recently saw Labyrinth while on a week long holiday in Tasmania. A friend had bought it for the bargain price of $10 from the local Safeway and after watching it I was no longer confused by its price-tag.

True I'm not a fan of musicals or mullets BUT the only way I can take this late 80s movie seriously is by believing that it is a complete and utter joke. Yes, it made its way into the pop-cult dictionary with references peppered throughout my Facebook timeline but I don't see what all the fuss is about.

It's one of those things that you have to of least say that you've seen.

So I've seen it.

Anyway, David Bowie as an actor -maybe not. David Bowie as the curator of this album: 'Let's Dance'. YES PLEASE.

Enjoy!

Friday 10 August 2012

Friday Flashback - Sugababes

Even with their constant swapping and changing of members, UK's the Sugababes have certainly made a mark on the pop industry. Friday Flashback!

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Interview: Ulterior Motive




































The UK's Ulterior Motive set the standard in the drum 'n' bass scene. Their words + mine here.

Sunday 29 July 2012

GUNG HO - New Band

Brisbane trio Gung Ho are just that!

They'll make you glad you ever had ears.

And they'll remind you of: The Clash and Talking Heads.

 

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Everguide Review: Design:Made:Trade




































As an opportunity to embrace the works of emerging artists and designers alike,Design:Made:Trade saw Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition centre abuzz with curious observers and makers.... more after the jump.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Interview: Ricky Powell


I speak to acclaimed hip-hop photographer Ricky Powell ahead of Melbourne's Carbon Festival.

Interview: Shigeto




































I catch up with Brooklyn-based experimental artists Shigeto.

Full text here.

Monday 9 April 2012

Jenny Leaves the Block - Dance the World tour!

It looks like everyone's favourite girl from the block is FINALLY making her to Australia. After more than a decade in the music business I actually cannot believe that this will be J.Lo's first visit?? Her acclaimed Dance the World tour will see her visit all the capital cities this December!

We loved her in Maid in Manhattan, we supported her during her Ben Affleck 'phase' we congratulated her on her twins with Marc Anthony and bemoaned their break-up. But the girl from the Bronx kept climbing, first to American Idol and now onto a plane destined for down-under.

Fancy a meet-and-greet with the latin lady herself? $850 will get you there! I'd pay it.

Some of the favs we're looking forward to.

 




What are you looking at?

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I am more than prone to monologues; however, this is solely due to the manner in which they compliment a witty anecdote and their ability to resemble concrete evidence when it is so obviously lacking. I often wish I could emulate that aloof character who coolly stands in the corner smiling mysteriously as if she has a secret. However, I fear resisting the temptation to involve myself in other people’s conflicts and responding through body language rather than verbose banter may come across as contrived and arrogant. And, I am not willing to take that chance.

Ye Faithful