Darren Middleton, Northcote Social Club

The talented Darren Middleton performing at Northcote Social, to celebrate the release of his new album ‘ Tides’ .

Behind the lens Monique Pizzica

 

 

The Superjesus, The Zoo

The defining  album  ‘ Sumo’ for the Superjesus recently celebrated its  20th anniversary. The massive two hour set was the perfect way to celebrate such an achievement.

Behind the lens Tam Schilling.

 

Taylor Swift, Marvel Stadium Melbourne 

Taylor Swift arrives in a plume of smoke, dressed in a black bodysuit, sparkling and larger than life. Having released  her defining album ‘ Reputation’ in 2017 Taylor is here to set the record straight. 

Having copped a battering in the press and nasty bullying from Kayne West and  Kim Kardashian, Taylor is a shining example of how to turn disaster around and own it. Snakes adorn the screen in a blatant snub to Kardashian and West by making light of the damage to her reputation.

Opening the show with a video introduction featuring news clips of media stories she bursts straight into action with a flurry of dancers around her as she belts out  ” …. Ready for it”  to kick off the show. Every second is perfectly timed as dancers flip, lift and fly across the stage in impressively choreographed routines. 

As the stadium is a glow with LED wrist bands designed so that Taylor can enjoy her fans having fun, inflatable snakes encompass the arena, red eyes flashing in a hypnotic dance. Inviting support act Charlie XCX onstage as confetti cannons explode for the smash hit ‘ Shake it Off’ as Swift dances in a rainbow colored sequin dress. 

Moments of vulnerability shine through at times as she slows things down for acoustic numbers ‘ Dancing With Our Hands Tied’ and ‘ I’m only Me When I’m with You’ – a song written when the star was a mere thirteen years old that remains a strong fan favorite. 

Its back to business for ‘ Blank Space’  and the crowd is soaking in every moment as wrist bands are thrust into the air as high as possible in sheer enjoyment, smiles reflecting the star on stage. 

Making her way back to the main stage via a large snake skeleton for ‘ Bad Blood’ dancers abseil down the front of the arena in impressive death defying moves as the song transitions through to ‘ Should’ve Said No’ and back again. Her costume changes are seamless and her performance is flawless. 

For a woman that has written an album based on the concept that a reputation is merely another person’s interpretation of yourself Taylor has excelled in the art of profiting from pain. She has the ability to take all that is bad and turn it into positiveness – something she needs to be recognized and commended. 

Words and images by Amanda Lee Starkey

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Darren Middleton, Northcote Social Club

Its a dimly lit atmospheric Northcote Social Club where Darren Middleton picks up his Les Paul to play a intimate gig in Melbourne’s outer suburb. The stage is low bringing the singer closer to his audience. 

Having recently released ‘ Tides’ an album slightly different from his previous releases, Middleton is back on our radars and the relaxed casual atmosphere of the venue is the perfect place to host his latest offerings.  

Middleton is a songwriter that provokes thought with his deep meaningful lyrics, yet as he performs there is a slight boyish charm that shines through and its refreshingly to witness. There is no air of arrogance, just a truth and honesty to the performance as he switches between his Les Paul,  Fender Stratocaster and Maton with ease. 

Running through new tracks ‘ Ghosts and Memories’,  and ‘ Just let me go’ he manages to surprise the audience with a beautiful rendition of ‘ The Meter’ a song he wrote about ” Footy players, eating Vegemite and the meter of time”   the violin performance from Kelly Lane is a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment. 

Bringing out Ash Naylor to help him with the Split Enz cover of ‘ I got you’ the whole room erupts into a sing a long as everyone bounces along to the iconic track. 

Under the blue lights of the stage Darren Middleton has put on a beautiful performance this evening, and as he leaves the stage to greet awaiting fans, a pleasant calm hangs in the air. 

Words by Amanda Lee Starkey

Behind the lens Monique Pizzica 

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CHILDISH GAMBINO FORCED TO CANCEL SOLD OUT AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Grammy, Golden Globe and Emmy-Award winning and multi-talented recording artist and innovator Donald Glover, a.k.a. CHILDISH GAMBINO, has been forced to cancel his upcoming SOLD OUT Australian Tour due to a foot injury he sustained at a Dallas concert last month. Childish Gambino is not confident of being able to perform at his full capacity and deliver the shows he had been planning.

Childish Gambino released the following statement:

 “I’m not ready to put on 100% shows. apologies to the fans. i will be back soon”

Live Nation is working with the artist to try and reschedule the dates for a new time period, we ask fans to please stay tuned – any updates will be available on Live Nation’s website, Facebook and Twitter. 

CHILDISH GAMBINO
Australia 2018

HBF STADIUM, PERTH 
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL, MELBOURNE
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT, SYDNEY
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15

Live Nation is working with the artist to try and reschedule the dates for a new time period, we ask fans and media to please stay tuned – any updates will be available on Live Nation’s website,Facebook and Twitter and will be communicated to media.

Today, Pierce Brothers have released their debut album ‘Atlas Shoulders, so to celebrate the twins headed down to Bourke Street Mall where it all began to play for the lunch time crowd.

Atlas Shoulders Tour
w/ Garrett Kato

Fri 9th Nov
The Forum – Melbourne, VIC
Tickets | RSVP
Selling Fast

Fri 16th Nov
Oxford Art Factory – Sydney, NSW
Tickets | RSVP
Selling Fast

Sat 17th Nov
The Zoo – Brisbane, QLD
Tickets | RSVP

Fri 14th Dec
Kingscliff Beach Hotel – Kingscliff, NSW
Tickets | RSVP

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Today, Pierce Brothers have released their debut album ‘Atlas Shoulders‘, stream onSpotify here!

“It’s been a long road from Bourke Street Mall to the world, and back again. Every year we’ve played, promised, and worked toward our debut album. Today we finally release the record, Atlas Shoulders.” – Pat & Jack Pierce.

Pierce Brothers are going to be playing this album on their upcoming tour this November – December, joined by Garrett Kato.

123 Agency and Lemon Tree Music present:


Atlas Shoulders Tour
w/ Garrett Kato

Fri 9th Nov
The Forum – Melbourne, VIC
Tickets | RSVP
Selling Fast

Fri 16th Nov
Oxford Art Factory – Sydney, NSW
Tickets | RSVP
Selling Fast

Sat 17th Nov
The Zoo – Brisbane, QLD
Tickets | RSVP

Fri 14th Dec
Kingscliff Beach Hotel – Kingscliff, NSW
Tickets | RSVP

‘A MILLION DEGREES’ ALBUM OUT NOVEMBER 30 THROUGH 
CAROLINE AUSTRALIA & UNIVERSAL GERMANY

If there’s a description that, personally and professionally, fits Richard Z. Kruspe like a Savile Row suit, ‘fired up’ would be it… and today, he is bringing news of the new Emigrate album to the world with single and video ‘1 2 3 4’ featuring Benjamin Kowalewicz! The new album ‘A Million Dregrees’ will see its release on Friday November 30th, released in Australia through Caroline Australia and the rest of the world through Universal Germany! 

Pre-Orders for ‘A Million Degrees’ are live now at https://caroline.lnk.to/AMillionDegrees and single ‘1 2 3 4’ is live for streaming and purchase now at all digital stores and streaming outlets. 

Featuring 11 tracks, a fresh production team plus vocal contributions from Rammstein’s Till Lindemann & Billy Talent’s Benjamin Kowalewicz this latest release is less a successor to ‘Silent So Long’ and more a re-booted take on the overall concept, continuing Kruspe’s desire to craft something personal. He writes the material, including new single / video ‘1234’ (spotlighting Kowalewicz), sings the bulk of the songs (in English) and works hard – sometimes in the face of adversity – to keep everything rubber-stamped as ‘special’, fashioning a body of work that will appeal to both existing supporters and those who appreciate the power of a great song delivered from heart above head…

As a member of Rammstein, the music world’s most explosive live act, Kruspe has been part of a ground-breaking global success story that continues to build and to ignite; along the way, he’s turned his attention to a number of parallel projects, such as constructing a new studio (and a new home) in his native Berlin, but it’s his decision to launch the Emigrate set-up that has given him the greatest chance to satisfy creative instincts outside of the parent group. In many ways, it’s an anti-dote to the parent group!
The first Emigrate album appeared in 2007 (a self-titled record that went Top 10 in Germany, with single / video ‘My World’ appearing on the soundtrack to the third ‘Resident Evil’ movie); ‘Silent So Long’ followed in 2014, featuring guest vocals from such high-profile artists as Marilyn Manson, Jonathan Davis, Peaches and the legend that will always be Lemmy; and now there’s a new / third album, ‘A Million Degrees’, scheduled for worldwide release on November 30th…
For more information about Emigrate, go to http://www.emigrate.eu. Pre-Orders are live now for Emigrate’s ‘A Million Degrees’ at http://caroline.lnk.to/AMillionDegrees for release Friday November 30 through Caroline Australia and Universal Germany.

Single ‘1 2 3 4’ featuring Benjamin Kowalewicz is live for streaming and purchase now at all digital stores and streaming outlets. 

ARCTIC MONKEYS

WILL BRING THEIR STELLAR LIVE
SHOW TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
IN FEBRUARY & MARCH 2019

British rock royalty Arctic Monkeys have ushered in a spectacular new era with their sixth studio album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, and now Frontier Touring is over the moon to announce the band’s return to Australia and New Zealand for a mammoth run of arena shows in February and March 2019.

Alex Turner and co. will kick things off in the west with a show in Perth, before crossing over to Melbourne and heading up the east coast with shows in Sydney and Brisbane with the final leg across the Tasman in Auckland. Joining them at all shows will be friends and collaborators Mini Mansions, the LA trio featuring members of Queens of the Stone Age, and The Last Shadow Puppets.

The news comes fresh after the Arctic Monkeys announced a new two-track digital bundle, featuring a previously unreleased b-side ‘Anyways’, out 30 November (through Domino/EMI Music Australia). The band have also shared Warp Speed Chic, a short film directed by Ben Chappell and originally shown as part of the band’s AM:ZM exhibitions in London and Sheffield alongside the photography of Zackery Michael.

On Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Domino/EMI Music Australia), Arctic Monkeys left behind the thick guitar riffs that defined their previous record AM, opting instead for more piano-driven, suave, lounge pop atmosphere set in a hotel on the moon. Their most surprising release to date slows down the swagger, and was written largely by Alex Turner on piano in self-imposed isolation. Fed by obscure soundtracks, cult films, European songwriters, and vintage sci-fi, the album was recorded across LA, Paris, and London with long-time producer James Ford. Think velvet jackets and brocade slippers, smoky organs, cinematic art deco visuals, and Alex Turner’s trademark lyricism exploring consumerism, politics, religion and technology.

The Sheffield band have now released six studio albums. Their debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, was the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history, winning the Mercury Prize for best album. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino became their sixth consecutive #1 debut in the UK, the country’s fastest-selling vinyl in 25 years, and their fourth record nominated for the Mercury Prize. They’ve won seven Brit Awards and been nominated for three Grammys, have headlined festivals all over the world, and are truly second to none.

Appearing as special guests at all shows will be Mini Mansions. Founded by Zach Dawes (The Last Shadow Puppets), Tyler Parkford, and Michael Shuman (Queens of the Stone Age) during a break from Queens of the Stone Age touring in 2009, they’ve put out two albums and three EPs, including the newly released Works Every Time. They’ve toured with Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood, as well as performing at festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and Bonnaroo, and will be sure to add to the cinematic atmosphere of each and every show.

Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is a perfect example of Arctic Monkeys’ special brand of creativity and desire to keep the world guessing. Their live show has evolved once again to make room for the exciting new material, making these shows unmissable events. Grab your tickets now before they all disappear.

ARCTIC MONKEYS
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR
FEBRUARY & MARCH 2019
With special guests Mini Mansions
Presented by Frontier Touring, triple j (AUS) & Under The Radar (NZ)

Saturday 23 February               
RAC Arena | Perth, WA
All Ages*
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

Tuesday 26 February          
Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne, VIC
All Ages*
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

Friday 1 March       
Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney, NSW
All Ages*
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

Sunday 3 March          
Entertainment Centre | Brisbane, QLD
All Ages*
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

Wednesday 6 March      
Spark Arena | Auckland, NZ 
All Ages*
ticketmaster.co.nz | Ph: 0800 111 999

*You must be 16 years of age or older to access the GA standing floor and may be required to show ID to verify. 

With less than a month until the release of his debut album Sunrise Chaser on November 9 via Dew Process / Universal Music Australia, today Joyride drops the new track ‘On The Level.’

‘On The Level’ is the fifth song to be lifted from Sunrise Chaser, and his most stripped down and intimate offering. The song sees Joyride go deep on this beautiful, woozy ballad, paired with a piano and cello, as well as a gorgeous guest vocal appearance from leftproject’s Sarah Corry. The combination of the two voices creates an affecting dynamic, reinforced by the adorable video they shot in a video game arcade.

‘On The Level’ follows in the footsteps of current triple j favourite ‘6am,’ and the big vibes of ‘Aunty Tracey’s Cookies,’ two songs that have revealed Joyride as an artist in his own distinctive lane.

The song is the next chapter in the Sunrise Chaser saga, which Joyride explains as, “a collection of stories about being 20-something legends on the weekend in Sydney’s Inner West. It explores different genres like a Bluetooth speaker on a bend. It explores the emotional spectrum that exists between Friday and Monday, including the bits we maybe try not to explore all the time.”

‘On The Level’ is arguably the soul of the album, hinting at the melancholy undertones of the aforementioned weekend lifestyle.

The album features some of Australia’s most interesting vocalists and producers, from Nina Las Vegasto Hermitude, Handsome to Holy Holy’s Oscar Dawson. 

The video for ‘On The Level’ was created by Joyride himself, and features Sarah Corry and he waltzing through a Timezone, performing a “karaoke” ballad with the backdrop of arcade games and strength testers. 

With only a couple of weeks until Sunrise Chaser is released (November 9, weather permitting), ‘On The Level’ is the last taste before the full, 15-song album is finally shared.