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27 Listicle Series, News

Progfest Special: Circles ( Ben Rechter)

Featuring progressive bands of all styles and genres, from prog, post, psychedelic, art rock, metal and everything in between, PROGFEST is about showcasing bands that think for themselves; bands who rather than following the latest trends, have decided to challenge themselves musically and create music with depth and vision. 
Before Progfest kicks off we caught up with the talented Ben Rechter  discuss his favorite guitars in his collection and his favorite guitarists

Australian alternative progressive rock powerhouse Circles are the next step in the evolution of heavy music. The intricacy, the emotional heartstring pull of the lyrics, the precision, and the sheer force of their output places them in a class of their own. The Melbourne-based, world-class outfit will unleash their highly anticipated new album “The Last One” worldwide on August 31st 2018 through Wild Thing Records (AUS), and Season of Mist (EU/USA).

 

 

1: ’89 MIJ Fender Stratocaster
Why: This guitar was given to me by my uncle before he passed. He’d been holding on to it for a few years, but didn’t really play, so when I started getting serious about music, he gave it to me one Christmas. Beyond the fact that it’s a fantastic guitar, it’s my reminder of the beautiful and generous person that he was. This is my main guitar that I use for teaching and just noodling at home.
Sound: Sounds exactly like you’d expect a Strat to sound! I almost always keep it on the neck position, it’s essentially the signature neck single sound that pretty much every guitarist knows.

2: Fender Telecaster American Standard
Why: I bought this from a friend that I used to work with, he owned it for a couple of years but didn’t really like Fender’s, so when the time was right, I convinced him to part with it. I already had a Tele, but at the time, I’d just joined Circles and that was to become my Drop B guitar. This is my main E Standard/Drop D guitar these days (outside the house, at least.)
Sound: It has a Seymour Duncan Little 59 in the bridge, which is absolutely kickass. It’s full without getting too thick, bright but not shrill, hot but not quite a metal pickup. The neck pickup is a Twisted Tele, which is pretty much a Tele trying to be a Strat. If I could get a version of this guitar in a baritone, I’d be a happy guy.

3: Paul Reed Smith 277 Baritone
Why: After playing a Tele in Circles for about 6 months, I decided I wanted something longer, so that I could smack it the way I wanted to without it going sharp or having ridiculous strings on it. I’ve always loved PRS guitars ( still dream of a Private Stock) and I trust them, so I grabbed their baritone, and haven’t looked back. It sounds great, can withstand being beaten, and is just a solid, well made, and relatively cheap guitar.
Sound: The stock pickups in this aren’t too bad. Bit of grunt, but not limited to being heavy. They could use a little more definition, which is why I’l probably swap out the bridge at some point, butit’s gotten through well enough for the past 2 years. I put an SD Quarter Pound in the neck position, because I love singles for clean, and it hasn’t disappointed. It’s pretty loud for a single, a bit darker, which I chose to try to match the bridge, and it’s doing well.

4: MIM Fender Nashville Telecaster
Why: I wasn’t feeling the love with my previous guitar (Fernandes Dragonfly, great guitar, but not right for me), and decided to venture into Fender territory, which until that point, I didn’t think I would. It ended up being my number one for about 5 years in my old band Glass Empire, and then at the beginning of my time in Circles. For now, it’s my Drop B guitar for home.
Sound: There’s a Dimarzio Super Distortion T in the bridge, a Texas Special Strat in the middle, and a Twisted Tele in the neck, so it covers a fair bit of ground. The Dimarzio is probably a bit too compressed and dirty for me these days, but I used to be all about it. It’s still a great, versatile guitar.

5: Warwick Corvette $$
Why: I was playing bass in a funk/soul band in my late teens, and wanted something a bit more pro then what I had. This popped up 2nd hand from Bass Centre, and jumped on it. Although I haven’t played bass in a band for close to 10 years now (besides a one off Mark Tom & Travis Show set!), I still play it heaps at home and in lessons.
Sounds: Pretty much whatever you want! It has 2 hum buckers (hence $$), each of which can be configured to be parallel, series or split. So it can get the Stingray grind pretty well, then switch to smooth Jazz bass kind of vibes.

Favourite guitarists (no particular order)

Mateus Asato
This guy just has such an incredible ear for melody. Although the guy can probably outplay most people I can think of, his virtuosity never gets in the way of his musicality. He makes it all look effortless, too.

Drew Goddard & Mark Hosking (Karnivool)
What i love about these guys isn’t their technical ability or shred speed, but how they are all about creating texture within a song, quite often stepping back and suggesting interesting atmospheres for the other instruments (or when necessary, the other guitarist) to express ideas over.

Chris Cheney
Not only can he shred with the best of them, but he’s one of the most interesting songwriters I’ve ever come across, at least from a musical standpoint. His playing taught me heaps about melding different keys together in creative yet smooth ways, and then melting faces over the top in a classy way.

John Mayer
Like Cheney, Mayer taught me a lot about keeping guitar interesting while writing good songs, although in a different way. A lot of his songs are easy to listen to, but it’s all the hidden layers and little fills in between vocals that make it so damn good.

Matt Bellamy
All about the riffs! Origin Of Symmetry, Absolution, and Black Holes & Revelations are still some of my favourite albums, with some of my favourite riffs on them. He ventures just far enough into Tom Morello territory with his leads to catch the ear (check out the solo for Invincible) without alienating casual listeners, and whilst still serving the song.

 

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Progfest is the ultimate annual gathering for progressive music fans, and prog as a genre is one of the nation’s fastest growing.
27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: Elsen Price

5 Double Bass Players That Influenced Elsen Price

Elsen Price is an Australian Double Bassist and composer based in Sydney, Australia. As a featured artist, Elsen has performed both locally and internationally at BassEurope (Prague), Yilan International Art Festival (Taipei), Audio Foundation (Auckland), Sydney Festival, Vivid Festival, MONA and Woodford Folk Festival. Having just released his new single ‘Birth: The Spirit Begins’ a lead single from his album ‘Death of the Spirit and the Rise of the Pointless’ we ask Elsen to list his top 5 Double Bass players that have influenced him.

Edgar Meyer:
Edgar Meyer is possibly the most successful and influential double bassist on the planet. a Multi-Grammy Award Winner, who from the beginning of his career has re-defined the role of double bass in Bluegrass, Classical Music, Jazz and World Music. His entire discography from the highly successful to the obscure, is a great insight into the development of his huge capacity as a performer and innovator. Its fair to say hes possibly the only double bassist in history to perform in front of a 10000 person size festival audience, with most of the audience familiar with his work and understand his importance to music as a whole. This album, ‘The melody of Rhythm’, is something of a template on how the double bass should sound when recorded, not to mention its performance of the highest calibre, ive been fortunate to record with sound techs Richard Lake at A sharp Studio and George Sheridan at Music Feeds Studio in Sydney on a number of successful recordings, who have been able to capture the sound of the instrument in a similar way. Edgar is performing in Sydney this year so i hope to see him perform live this year.

Victor Wooten:
Whilst being an electric bass specialist and not specifically double bass, i personally feel there is alot of cross pollination between the instruments in this day and age, and Victor Wooten is without a doubt a very important part of musical history, with a noticable change in how the bass is used globally before his rise as a performer, and after. I had the humble opportunity to perform at one of his Australian workshops when i was around 18 years old, which helped support my own development as a player for 2 reasons, being confident in being a creative performer, something which isnt sold or supported at an elementary professional level, often cited as being a ‘pipe dream’ or unstable approach to a performance career, whilst after 10 years of professional performance and various experiences, being continually creative in your practice as performer is not only essential, but develops all the other aspects of your career, creating both opportunity and interest. The other reason is Wooten has had a strong effect on me, is his wonderful capacity of holding an entire audience, both large and small, in the palm of his hand for the full duration of his performance. I experienced this the first time seeing him live and really set the bar high for performance expectations for both myself and when watching other performances. Not to mention i believe he was extremely jet-lagged on that specific performance, though didn’t show it in the slightest. This track ‘Classical Thump’ is one of his works which redefined bass playing for players all over the world, in the similar manner Jaco Pastorius’ ‘Portrait of Tracy’ did to the world of music a generation before.
David Heyes:
David Heyes is a Performer, Educator, Composer and Publisher based in the UK. I started pursuing solo performance in 2012 whilst still studying, and in 2016 i had the wonderful opportunity of being in contact with David, which has opened up an entire new world of double bass music and performance. David is a tireless advocate of double bass playing and performance, with literally seemingly weekly International Premieres (performing new commissioned compositions), New Composers being found and published, and giving constant double bass workshops and education seminars, which inform the public, amateur bassists and professional bassists about the new, the exciting and the traditional. Heyes finds double bassists and composers from all over the world, and gives their music access to the rest of the bassists around the world, something which i believe is fueling and the backbone of the current renaissance of bass playing globally, with the standards of double bass playing and the awareness of double bass music at the highest its ever been historically. As a performer, Heyes is highly recognized amongst his peers, being a regular performer and collaborator at leading double bass festivals. This is a performance by Heyes in Spain performing his work ‘L’Alborada’, which was a world premiere. To some not familiar with presenting new works in a live classical music setting, its not the simple luxury of a hypothetical pop band releasing a single on Spotify, seeing if it does well, then moving on whatever the outcome. Presenting music like this is a combination of creative talent, confidence and a huge amount of organization, to then present music never heard before to the audience present. Heyes does a perfect performance of this wonderful innovative work here, and without a doubt, probably premiered many other works in the same concert to the same very high standard.
With over 20 years experience as a bass player, Elsen has performed alongside
Josh Groban (Multi Grammy Award Winning), Mike Patton (Faith No More), Lee
Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) and many others.
‘Death of the Spirit and the Rise of the Pointless’ will be released 24th January on
Itunes and Spotify. Accompanied by a Sydney album launch to be held on the on the
same date at Johnston St Jazz, 81 Johnston St, Annandale NSW 2038. $15 Entry –
$20 entry with album purchase.
This album was composed and performed by Elsen Price and recorded at Music
Feeds Studio, with mixing and mastering done by George Sheridan.

Bruce Cale:
Ive had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Bruce and performing alongside him in the last couple of years, which have been a truly wonderful experience. In short, Bruce is easily one of Australia’s most Internationally present double bassists, with starting his career travelling to New York and performing/collaborating with the leading jazz artists of the time, to composing orchestral works that have been recorded by some of the worlds leading orchestras, to in the 80s setting the bar for Australian Jazz with highly successful recordings, performances and residencies with the leading jazz artists of the time, to inspiring an entire generation of jazz musicians, many of which who are leading jazz artists of the current time, to now semi-retired and still performing regularly, which im lucky to be a part of. Cale was even commissioned to write works for bass to be performed by the Melbourne Symphony, and with no bass players available or able to play the music at the time, he performed the works himself. This track ‘Rolling Thunder’ is awesome.

Teppo Hauto-Aho:
Teppo is an extraordinary performer and composer. Ive performed his work ‘Multi Bass Fiddle Story’ on 5 occasions since August last year both in Australia and overseas, and on every occasion it was a musical delight for both audiences and me. Teppo is a classical musician, jazz musician, experimental musician and highly celebrated composer, and has the incredible ability to conceptualize all of his experience into his works. I had major spine surgery this year which put me out of performance for 5 months, after 2 months of no playing, i had the very brilliant Sydney Luthier Richard Greenup (The Bass Shop) modify the instrument so i could practice whilst still unable to carry the instrument. ‘Multi Bass Fiddle Story’ was a work i was determined to play despite limitations at the time, and as a result i premiered it the first day i was able to perform publicly again. The work was very important in my returning to performance quickly, as a result recording this album. I highly reccomend checking out any of Teppo’s recordings or compositions. This is Teppo performing in duo form

27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: Animal Feelings

Animal Feelings is the moniker of well known Australian producer Oli Chang. Chang is known for a variety of work under different aliases, notably ‘High Highs’, which was a collaboration with fellow Sydney local Jack Milas. Throughout his career, he has found himself touring with the likes of Vampire Weekend, Empire of the Sun and Sky Ferreira. Animal Feelings focuses a lot on collaborating with an eclectic range of artists, this has helped him emerge even further as an artist, and now delivering us an exciting new EP ‘Soft Touches’.

My Fave Musicians by Animal Feelings 

Steve Reich
I love Steve Reich because his music sounds like you’re traveling through rich timeless dimensions. He pursues a mediative state that elevates my spirit in a non-new age fashion. It’s a utopian sound that uses classical instrumentation that brings an elevated texture to my ears. I want everyone at my funeral to close their eyes and listen to music for 18 musicians.

 
Jon Hopkins
Few tread the line between banging emotional techno and modern classical music as well as this guy. Beyond this ability to genre bend he seems to have a deep urge to bring euphoria to his listeners. Euphoria is hard to do do well. It can easily become sentimental or cheesy so you need to be skilled but also brave to attempt to do it. Nobody wants to be called cheesy and Jon Hopkins is definitely not.

Seb Wildblood
I only like 1 song of his – “The One With The Emoticon” so while I wouldn’t call him my favorite all time artist this track speaks to me in a pretty profound way. It makes me feel like I’ve escaped the party zone in Tulum and am now chilling with a lover on a cenote in the biosphere. It’s ponderous and peaceful.

Tiger And Woods
I love how these guys have reinvigorated deconstructed nu-disco. Sonically its rich and exciting and it doesn’t rely on song writing to make you want to dance. They don’t deal with notes and melodies in as much as they deal with little objects of sounds. They create mosaics with these little object that create a super sexy vibe. If you’re djing to a really diverse crowd their songs always deliver.

 
Aphex Twin
Richard D James is who formed me most as a musician. I love how he never perfects anything he just creates while making mistakes and the result of this experimentation is what he releases. This ethos is everything to me. It liberates the creative process and allows you to be prolific. A good life is varied – nobody wants to be stuck in ground hog day. Why should making music be any different? Life changes, music changes and if you don’t release it no-one will ever know it existed. So I think the most important thing for me is to make mistakes while making music. Then it’s other people’s business if they choose to listen to it! 🙂

‘Soft Touches EP’ is out now on Tinted Records.
27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: The Marion Cranes

The Marion Cranes are a gay pop duo which started in 2017 by two housemates Dane Yule and Glen Prins. They released their self-produced EP ‘Sexy Motivation’ in 2017 which instantly garnered radio play and a wave of support from taste-makers across the globe.

Five Favorite tunes from horror films by The Marion Cranes

 

Jennifer Love Hewitt

How do I deal

I Still know What You Did Last Summer

Although not as good as her track Bare-naked (which is in our DJ set), ISKWYDLS speaks to a time in our lives when our pubescent weekend nights were spent watching people get nailed with fish hooks. JLo Hew actually has a decent set of pipes, and it’s typically 90’s ‘contrite for the sake of it’ lyrics makes this a sensational sing-a-long. A great follow up to a smashing tween pop career in Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skwGTJx7Ab0

 

The Time Warp

Rocky Horror Picture Show

This is probably the best musical that was ever made. Except not towards the end, where it gets a bit boring. But this track is amazing. There’s something about the brass that makes me want to wiggle my tight little ass.

 

Buffy Summers

Walk Through The Fire

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What is life after death? If you ever wanted to know how it feels to die 3 times, perpetually stuck trying to save the world – this is the song for you. Very relatable. Lots of us hate our day jobs, it seems the Slayer is only human in this respect. Watching Buffy truly stop caring is such a scary thought. Not really a song you’d hear at The Bronze but it must’ve been nice to take some time for reflection before diving back into the hellmouth. We should try and be more like Buffy.

 

Love Spit Love

How soon is now

The Craft

Love Spit Love is a band that we’ve never heard of except for one song. I think this song was iconic when it was by The Smiths but I think it’s more iconic in it’s femme horror one-hit-wonder form. We’ll give this one extra points for it’s ties to females kicking ass.

And also… Charmed. The power of three will set us free. What a great theme song.

https://youtu.be/qbOjbF1iIm4

 

Dokken

Dream Warriors

Nightmare on Elm St 3

Back to the 80’s! NOES3 is my fave horror film ever. The only one where they got the horror/humour balance right – and the last time Freddy was truly scary. A welcome acting debut from Patricia Arquette, some great VFX and a hair metal theme song – this is a real belter! FYI there was a Will Smith one from NOES4 to check out if you’re interested:

 

The duo will be releasing an accompanied video for ‘Wondering’ early next year and
collaborating with Princess Superstar on their next single.

27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: Blackeyed Susans – Phil Kakulas

The Blackeyed Susans have built a reputation for their moody romanticism and op-shop stylings. Declared national treasures by Rolling Stone magazine, they have toured the world, played with the likes of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen and released numerous albums of occasional beauty including a retrospective box set entitled ‘Reveal Yourself’ in 2009 charting the band’s illustrious history. Boasting members of The Cruel Sea, Dirty Three, The Triffids, The Jackson Code, Augie March, The Drones and Hungry Ghosts, the group’s credits read like a who’s who of Australian alternative music.

 

Five favourite Leonard Cohen lyrics by Blackeyed Susans – Phil Kakulas

1. Here’s to the few who forgive what you do

And the fewer who don’t even care

(The Night Comes On)

2. Give me crack and careless sex

Take the only tree that’s left

And stuff it up the hole in your culture

(The Future)

3. So we’re dancing close, the band is playing Stardust

Balloons and paper streamers, they’re floating down on us

She says, you’ve got a minute left to fall in love

In solemn moments such as this I have put my trust

And all my faith to see her naked body

(Memories)

4. Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in

(Anthem)

5. I knelt there at the delta, the alpha and omega

I knelt there like one who believes

And the blessings came from heaven

And for something like a second

I was cured and my heart was at ease

(Light as the Breeze)

CHRISTMAS SHOW DATES: Friday 14 December – Caravan Music Club, East Bentleigh VIC | Tickets Saturday 15 December – Spotted Mallard, Brunswick VIC | Tickets Sunday 16 December (matinee) – Spotted Mallard, Brunswick VIC | Tickets

27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: Inovo

 


 Inovo are a three-piece Alt-Prog band based in Brisbane , Australia, who formed in 2015, are constantly reaching new heights with their unique and captivating sound. Their emphasis on fear-based storytelling is complemented by irregular rhythms and haunting tonalities. 

 My Top Five Music Videos by Declan Nicholls – Inovo

 

In no particular order:

 

1: Molten Light – Chad VanGaalen

 

This music video will always give me goosebumps. Chad VanGaalen’s artistic style is rich and vibrant in such a liquid and dream-like way, and matches this song to a T. It follows the story the lyrics tell very closely and illustrates it in a more vivid way than anyone’s imagination could have wanted to. The moments of bizarre shock and body horror that are glazed over with the bright colours, hallucinogenic scenes and charming music make this clip more than a little unsettling and completely delightful.


2: Fantasy – DyE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5nLtfsW224

 

Probably the best known video on my list, and for good reason. Deeply disturbing, difficult to watch and discomforting to the nth degree, I interpreted the clip as a depiction of the corruption of innocence, especially in adolescents discovering their sexuality, maturity and the social/peer pressures surrounding these experiences. It brings these insecurities and primal fears into the physical realm with a tinge of the familiar, only barely covering the mortal madness and depravity bubbling just beneath the surface. The song remains at a consistent level through the entire clip which lends a normality to the ensuing chaos; hinting at what goes on behind closed doors and smiling faces. Plus I love body/lovecraftian horror, which drives this right up my alley.

 

3: The Ghost of Stephen Foster Squirrel Nut Zippers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sxFyu_U2go

 

This clip is just massively fun. I absolutely love this old-school animation style and the song is a cracker that brings the energy of the clip to a ridiculous level. The big band style of the track is overwhelmingly upbeat, and the clip matches this with the weird and wild journey of a haplessly innocent couple through the Hotel Paradise, hounded at every turn by the bizarre and somewhat threatening concierge. The video is endlessly charming, matches the music perfectly, and the fluid animation is a pleasure to watch.

 

4: Postcard from 1952 – Explosions In The Sky

 

The only live-action music video on my list, and it really hit me hard the first time I saw it. I’m a huge Explosions In The Sky fan; they’re so incredibly good at telling a story without a single word, and this video continues to exemplify that. It elevates the emotional resonance of the song and tells a story of a life lived to the fullest. The song itself captures the essence of life, with each section seamlessly transitioning into the next, and the clip reflects that in such a beautiful and poignant way. Every time I watch it I am captivated by the way the video brings me so much nostalgia, inviting memories of family, friends and change. I’m not crying, you’re crying.

 

5: The Raven That Refused To Sing – Steven Wilson

 

This song is so effortlessly beautiful, emotional, enlightening and melancholy, and the video manages to match those same qualities with its simplistic art style and vivid themes. Steven Wilson is a storyteller at heart, and the clip is such an accurate portrayal of the tale he created with this song that it almost seems like a classic fable to match that of Aesop or the Brothers Grimm. You feel so strongly for the old man and understand his pain, and being the physical embodiment of grief and loss, he is something everyone can relate to in one way or another. This song is transcendent, and the way the clip so perfectly illustrates every movement of the journey is a testament to the power of music videos as an art form.

27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: Hanz Gable

Wassup world! My name is Hanz Gable, I am a US rap artist, and here are the Top 5 artists that have inspired me.

My Top 5 for 27 Magazine have a lot in common including their versatility and ability to adapt to any genre and audience, and stay relevant after many years in the industry:

1. BIGGIE SMALLS – I’m going to have to go with the very versatile Biggie Smalls. I love how he can blend being commercially appealing but also hard-core hip-hop and at times political. I think he’s got the perfect balance of an exciting artist with all the right elements, in my opinion!

 

2. JAY Z – I’m from Brooklyn so I’ve got a strong link! Jay-Z is one of the sickest MCs of all time! He can take his bars everywhere – from street talk, to relationships, and he consistently hits you with club bangers!

3. PITBULL – Pitbull is a classic dance artist! He mixes different styles, can incorporate both English and Spanish, and has many chart hits under his belt. What I respect about Pitbull is that he used to be a battle rapper! Through battle-rapping he embraced his individuality and just did what worked for him moving forward in his career. He is a spectacular artist!

4. DRAKE – I’m a huge fan of Drake. He’s a very talented and adaptable artist. He can rap and sing, and the best thing about him is that he stays true to himself. I staying true to yourself is the key to a long career.

5. 50 CENT – 50 Cent is a genius at what he does and remains one of the most gifted artists in the game. He consistently appeals to different generations; whether that’s through social media, his music or other projects he’s working on (like starring in and being a co-executive producer in the TV show POWER). LINK: 50 Cent – Many Men (Wish Death) –

You can check out my single Hanz Gable – I’ll Drink To That:

27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: The Jensens

Are you sitting comfortably? Strap in and prepare to be launched into the cosmos with The Jensens and their new jet propelled single ‘Coma’. ‘Coma’ is a glimpse into the latest musical chapter from the Brisbane five-piece’s ever-evolving tale. The Jensens​, known for their electric live performances and distinctive brand of new
wave indie rock. Bonding over both listening to music and the craft of creating music,
The Jensens have released two EP’s, the youthful Everybody Talks and the melancholic
Sexless​, along with their sprawling epic single ‘Emotion’, which saw them headed in a
more authentic direction.

Our Fave Books by The Jensens 

 

Joseph white:

Unknown Pleasures by Chris Ott, part of the 33 and a 3rd book series.

Ian Curtis has always intrigued me, wondering what demons lay behind those sad eyes and even sadder lyrics. While this book is about the band that was Joy Division it is Ian’s harrowing tale that dominates these early years. The book covers the time before and after this monumental album and is a great read for casual and super fans alike.

 

Nathan Kendall:

There is a chapter in Zero K where, in a pursuit for immortality, a woman named Artis is reborn as little more than a consciousness in a vacuum. In the deep inner abyss, she holds a nightmare inducing dialogue with herself, that goes something along the lines of “I am here. I know I’m here. But what is here? And who am I?”. Aside from being a complete existential nightmare, it’s an interesting look at the relationship between the experiencing self and the narrating self that operate within all of us. It also made me think a lot about identity and how much of our personalities are shaped by the surrounding environment and the interpretation of ourselves by the people around us. Dense, ambiguous and beautiful.

 

Phillip Fabros:

Cerebral. Sinister. Jocular.

Shaun Tan’s “The Lost Thing” is an open ended delight whose infinite layers left me enraged. During my time as an exasperated prepubescent pro athlete, Tan’s masterpiece has re-aroused my love of fine art and literature in a time when the world needs it most. It is also a picture book.

 

I give it nothing out of nothing because such a fine piece authorship should not be confined to an arbitrary number.

Jordan Aston:

If you’re even somewhat into physics and the ‘quantum realm’ but don’t know big words, Gary Zukav has written this book in laymen’s terms for the curious dummies like me.

Bodi Lowrie:

‘Sapiens’ by Yuval Noah Harari

 

Sapiens is a book that each member of the band has either read or is currently still reading. The book gives you great knowledge and understanding of the human race and the timeline of events since our earliest ancestors but is written in a way that gives you a new perspective of the modern world.

The band have been locked away in the studio experimenting and recording for the better part of a year. They are now preparing for a return to the live circuit, with a new set of songs that delve into lyrical themes of isolation, anxiety, fear and control, venturing into new sonic territories.

 

27 Listicle Series

27 Listicle Series: Dan Howls

Dan Howls is an appropriate name for an artist with such a bellowing roar. Big, gritty and acidic, it is a voice that belongs to the blues… a human being merely wields it. Tried and tested through years of live performance, Dan has finally unveiled his stunning debut album, A Dime a Dozen. 

Dan Howls Top 5 – Things we miss when away from Freo while touring

#1 Our band: Julia and I tour Europe, India, the east coast and many other places as a duo mostly due to budgeting for tours. We miss our beast of a drummer Josh with his happy smile and fresh Dad jokes (He’s recently become a dad and has the most adorable child in the world). We miss our crazy keys/sax player Ben and his ridiculous antics and heart of gold and we miss our witty cheeky bass player Callum. Coming home and playing shows together is always an amazing reunion and feels like home. We have started putting plans in place to take the band on the next couple of over seas tours including Japan and possibly Europe.

#2 My motorbike: Running as deep as a passion for music I (Dan) love old Japanese motorcycles. I recently had my old 1977 kawasaki beast stolen and have replaced it with a 1984 Suzuki. Nothing beats going for a ride down the coast or through the hills with The Black Angels or Brian Jonestown Massacre blaring in my helmet. I met Julia through having my bike at a festival and she needed a lift back. She now plays in the band and tours everywhere with us 🙂

#3 Tasty taste laksa from Fremantle.s infamous “uppys” food court: What can I say. Ya boy loves noodles. Nobody does it like them. Spicy warm coconut broth with steamed veggies and hunks of tofu. My secret tip is to ask for it with wanton noodles 😉 Also if you’re reading this and are a noodle fiend try “Kitchen Inn” in Kardinya. They hand make their noodles 😉

#4 The live music bars: Mojos, Clancys, The Aardvark. Fremantle’s live music culture is pretty hard to beat in terms of the venues and the familiar faces you see there. Going back for a drink and bumping into 50 people you know and love is a pretty great felling returning home from a harrowing and debauchery tour. We’ve been to many many music bars and cafes in our time and these three little gems are up there on a world level. They got soul and have a family of people surrounding them and ensuring that live music lives on.

#5 Our friends and family: I grew up in Perth but made the jump to Freo when I was 18. We have so many beautiful friends and family that nurtured and continue to support our dream of music. It’s great making a ton of new fans but nothing beats your closest friends and Mum and Dad dancing front row at your shows or when you can start to comp them festival tickets so they can come along for the ride. It’s always a discussion Julia and I have while we’re away on tour. “Man lets catch up with this person and this person and this person and have a potluck dinner with wine and games”.

Universally understandable, Dan Howls’ sound is a passport to anywhere in the world. With his band, he is eager to tour anywhere and everywhere, starting with his own backyard. Soon to embark on a regional tour of Western Australia, kicking off with an appearance at the Wave Rock Weekender, the band’s focus will be on building a national tour of Australia, taking their bare knuckle brand of blues to music lovers in every corner of the country.

Debut album A Dime a Dozen out now via Firestarter Distribution
iTunes – Apple Music – Spotify – Google Music
27 Listicle Series, News

27 Listicle Series: Aikonawena

Aikonawena (‘Eye-konna-where-nah’) is a new Sydney-based electronic, brother/sister duo from Bondi. They have recently released their new single ‘City Of Ghosts’. Their track ‘Covering Me’, was recently featured in documentary ‘Turn It Up: Finding Sydney’s Sound’. On December 8th they’ll be joining Ross Henry & Sparrows at Staves Brewery in Glebe.

Themba details his favourite club nights below.

Top 5 Sydney Club Nights 

1. Purple Sneakers – The Abercrombie, The Gladstone, The Gaelic

As a teenager, stepping out into the Sydney nightlife for the first time, finding Purple Sneakers felt like a magical place full of kindred spirits. With music that was just left of centre, it brought an atmosphere of people ready to dance their hearts out. The Abercrombie was its spiritual home, The Gladstone had the perfect mix of dirtiness and elation and The Gaelic brought live bands to the forefront of the experience. It was a sad day when Purple Sneakers finally stopped its club night parties and unfortunately, The Gaelic soon followed it. Memories include embarrassing myself by fan-boying out too hard as Bloc Party’s lead guitarist did a DJ set right in front of me.

2. Rare Finds – Oxford Art Factory

Rare Finds was an important mainstay of the Sydney music scene and helped launch a multitude of amazing Australian artists. It was also soon launched into an east coast tour circuit, further helping up-and-coming artists play interstate. You could always go to a Rare Finds show and see some amazing home-grown talent. Through the years it would see the likes of Winston Surfshirt, Glades, Rackett, Genesis Owusu and Clypso.

3. Sosume – Beach Road Hotel

Sosume was THE mainstay in Bondi for live music. They would bring the best bands from across the country in to play for free every Wednesday night. Through the years we saw Cloud Control, San Cisco and Bag Raiders among many others.

4. Hot Damn – The Exchange Hotel

The filthiest fun you could have in Sydney. Your feet stuck to the floor, there were French fry vending machines (not surprised those bit the dust) and it was the centre piece for punk and hardcore music in Sydney. Some nights you could see live music in three different rooms, across two different floors. Oh what mayhem is was!

5. Otto’s House Party – The World Bar

Otto’s has become the place to play for both upcoming Sydney acts, as well as bands touring through. As Sydney has gone on hard times, World Bar continues to carry the flag for exciting independent acts.