BIGSOUND Live - Thursday Night Recap

While Jo and Matt soaked up some Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra fun times at The Tivoli, Nayt and Katie were running around The Valley and catching all the hottest acts on the second night of BIGSOUND Live! So, prepare yourself for Nayt's busy, busy night. You get to read all about it below!

BIGSOUND LIVE 2013 - Night Two (12/09/13)

Nayt's Second Time

by Nayt Housman

Wednesday night I lost my BIGSOUND Live virginity and last night I was back for more. This time, confident with my abilities, more prepared (comfortable shoes? CHECK!) and ready to take on anything in my way, or so I thought…


Being super prepared I thought I’d get the earlier train so I could get some food and settle in to the night gently. “Oh hi there drunk old man at the train station. What’s that? You’re going to buy weed from a 73yo woman? Wow sounds like you’re going to have a great night… oh damn the train is here and I have to get on the carriage as far away from you as possible, nice chatting though.”


Public transport always provides such entertaining characters… Now lets get to BIGSOUND! “Attention passengers it appears the brakes are locked on and there may be some delay while we try to sort out the situation.” What? “Attention passengers we are going to turn off all power.” Urrrrgh 20 minutes later… “Attention passengers we’re going to be pushed the rest of the way by the train behind us.” YAY!
No time for dinner, arriving at 8:03, I had to make it to three bands in 20 minutes, get photos and potentially videos, I think I’m going to die! I need me some Berocca and Tic-tacs. Now who’s first? Shit! Okay Rainbow Chan here I come!

Arriving at The Rev, sweaty and tense, I’m greeted by a wall of sounds and pure joy that could only be described as glitter, ballons, polka dots, pop rocks and bubble gum trapped in a rainbow with Hello Kitty. Rainbow Chan was a ball of bouncing energy and a welcome beginning for this grumpy old man. Photos? Check! Video? Check! Now on to the next…


Elizabeth Rose! Where are you? Bakery Lane? Follow the sound! Dancey, pop-tastic, this girl was bouncing off the walls with energy but sadly I only got to see the last song. Must put Elizabeth Rose on my “to watch” list.


Gossling at Black Bear Lodge was sooooo not a good idea. Packed like sardines I managed to make it in only just past the bar. Click click! Got a couple of bad photos and I’m out. Sorry Gossling! Next time. I’m going to see what Spender has to offer.

WOW! Spender is TALL! I’d say pushing 6'6" and very handsome. Thankfully I made it in time to hear his current single 'Never Again' and I was not disappointed. This guy is amazing, kinda in the same realm as Gotye but jazzier and more electro pop-ish plus that voice WOW. Spender I love you and did I mention how handsome you are? Marry me? No seriously, marry me and play me that sweet sax while I fall asleep on your lap. Moving on…


Who’s this Saidah Baba Talibah at The Zoo? Sounds exotic so I went for a wander and on the way some lovely young chaps decided to pee in front of everyone. So Saidah looked FIERCE, leopard print stilettos, cut off denim shorts, sexy jacket over a revealing top, white dreadlocks and partially shaved head. OH the SOUL! Saidah’s voice is incredible. “I am Saidah Baba Talibah. Now say it with me! SAIDAH! BABA! TALIBAH! Now say it like you love me. Ssssaidaaah! Baaaaabaaaa! Taaaaliiiiibaaaaah!” Getting the audience involved in your performance is always a winner and combined with her killer voice and badass band (two of which she’d only met two days prior) they set the stage alight, even when she fell A over T she just laughed it off while her band all joined her on the floor in sympathy. I left with a huge smile on my face and ready for the next band.

The next on my list was Mt Warning and I’ll admit I only went to see them for two reasons - 1. They are named after a mountain that was a prominent feature in one of my fave movies, Fern Gully, and 2. They are a GOOD-looking band, like hot. They played with fervent abandon and the singer’s enthusiasm was infectious especially when he jumped amongst the fairly still crowd and whipped them all into a moshing frenzy. Not what I was expecting but dammit I was impressed.


Next up was Thelma Plum at Black Bear Lodge and I new it would be packed so I arrived 15 minutes early to a line at least 10m long that was not going anywhere. Eventually I was ushered in as “media” HA! Unlike at Gossling, I managed to force my way almost to the front to be rewarded with one of the sweetest performances from this barefoot fairy that in her delicate tone introduced her next song, “This is a song about my dog Rosie. I love her.” Beautiful Thelma, just beautiful, I’ll be coming back for more of you. The night was getting close to finishing and I didn’t even have sore feet!!!! WOO!

Nat Dunn is another name I had never heard before but her bio looked interesting so I toddled off to Coniston Lane to see a woman so in charge of her vocal prowess I was gob-smacked. Hard as a rock and light as a feather was the first thing I could think of to describe her. Something like Joss Stone but with more of a Tina Turner appeal and conviction. Nat Dunn you made me happy to find you down the end of that awful laneway. Soulful gold.


I began getting that yo-yo feeling again as I trundled back down to Electric Playground to see Ginger And The Ghost. After only discovering them through their BIGSOUND bio I was already excited, but arrived to an almost empty venue. “Why is no one else here?” I didn’t mind too much though because I wanted their beautiful left-field pop (think Goldfrapp, IamamIwhoamI, Florence And The Machine) all to myself. These two from Sydney, dressed like a snow angel and a tribal heartthrob, performed as if they were in front of a sold out show and only showed their vulnerability when they pleaded for everyone to join them in front of the stage. The crowd eventually swelled and so did their sound with their beautiful single 'Where Wolf' among others and the handful of us in there was treated to one of the best shows of the night.

It was nearly the end and I didn’t feel like walking anywhere again so the last show of the night at Electric Playground was Bec and Ben. Man alive what a bunch of firecrackers! Especially Bec who bashed those drums like a woman possessed and sweated up a storm. They were kinda like the White Stripes boy/girl lead vocals, girl-drums and boy-guitars scenario and had a lot of crowd support but unfortunately even though I enjoyed them muchly, I couldn’t keep up with their energy levels and it was time for bed.


Now it’s all over, I feel used, bruised, hungry and battered. I’d met drunk people, got called gay, saw penis, got offered $50 for my BIGSOUND pass, saw some of my fave bands and plenty of new bands who were all quite impressive in their respective genres and a few have been promptly added to my play list. Was it worth it? HELL YESSS! It’s probably the most bizarre music festival I’ve ever been to but this chocolate sampler box of music is a must see event.


My highlights were The Trouble With Templeton and The Orbweavers, Ginger And The Ghost, Spender, Saidah Baba Talibah with honorable mentions going to Rainbow Chan, Lanterns, Jess Ribeiro And The Bone Collectors, Nat Dunn and Cub Sport. I missed a lot and I’m sure there were many other great gigs which makes me look forward to what next year has to offer.


Now I’m going to sleep for two days…


Jo and Katie will be back with more over the weekend and you can also check out some videos and pics on the It's My Kind of Scene Facebook page. You should probably like it too. Cheap plug! 

Gig Review - Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra

Stolen from Jo!

Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra

Live @ The Tivoli, Brisbane (12/09/13)

Supported by Die Roten Punkte and Jherek Bischoff

Review by Matt Bond

Oh, Amanda Palmer. You're so fine. You're so fine you blow my mind. Amanda Palmer. End of review. But not really. The long wait for Palmer to return to our shores and perform tracks from the brilliant album Theatre Is Evil came to an end last night, as Jo and I made our way to The Tivoli for some fun times with the Grand Theft Orchestra. 

Before AFP took to the stage, the audience was entertained by Berlin's brother-sister duo, Die Roten Punkte. Palmer continues her winning ways in selecting awesome support acts with these guys. They are funny. Laugh out loud funny. Astrid and Otto Rot also delivered some awesome pop-rock songs in-between all the laughs. 'Burger Store Dinosaur' and its hidden subtext that tells the story of a boy dinosaur meeting a girl dinosaur and having lots of dinosaur sex (oldest story in the book) and 'Second Best Friend' were fantastic. But the standout had to be the Astrid penned 'The Situation'. It's a true story, a short one, but a true one that she had to run home and write down immediately. It involves a stranger placing their finger somewhere on Astrid's body, preventing her from sitting down. Yep. I was so caught up in the fun of everything, I didn't even question that IT WAS ALL A LIE! They're not German at all... They're Australian! They're taking the piss out of the White Stripes (their name is translated to The Red Dots) and they're not related and "Astrid" plays the drums and "Otto" plays the guitar and... they're still the funnest supporting act I've seen in forever. 

Jherek Bischoff treated us to two songs, one a banging, looping bass jam and the other a quieter, looping ukulele number. The "shhhhh" noises from some dude started all the ocean noises coming out. Seagull humans. Wave humans. All that was missing was someone making the foghorn sound. A missed opportunity, Brisbane. 

Then came our main event... Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra. They did not disappoint. Things escalated quite dramatically from the opening lines of 'Do It With a Rockstar', with Palmer leaping into the crowd and getting The Tivoli to mosh it up with her. She must have made her way through the entire ground floor before briefly contemplating returning to the stage, instead choosing to run up the stairs to the balcony as a cover of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' started to play. She straddled the rail, I thought she'd jump... I wanted to look away but couldn't. This was already a rock show to remember. As Palmer made her way back to the stage she pointed out that even if she had wanted to jump, no one would have been ready to catch her. There was a sea of camera phones being held up from the crowd below. 

Now, you'll have to forgive me. Instead of thinking of what I'd say in a review, I opted to really enjoy the show and it now seems like a surreal blur. What follows might not be in the right order and will probably just be a random stream of thoughts that are hitting me as I'm writing. All of the songs performed from Theatre Is Evil were fantastic. 'The Killing Type' and 'Want It Back' had The Tivoli singing along as loud as they could. With the focus back on the stage, you could see how much The Grand Theft Orchestra (Jherek Bischoff, Chad Raines and Tarzan Thor Harris) were enjoying themselves. Bischoff was even sitting on Raines at one point as they continued to play their guitars. The banter with the crowd was suitably playful, with the band turning a request for a song about the seaside (in a return to the Bischoff debacle - seriously, Brisbane?) into a small Jimmy Buffett 'Margaritaville' cover. Raines telling seaside man to, "be careful what you wish for. Jerk." was worth the price of admission. 

My personal highlights were always going to be Theatre Is Evil faves 'The Bed Song' and 'Bottomfeeder', so with bias I declare them the tracks of the night. You could feel the collective hearts of 1000 music fans breaking as AFP played through 'The Bed Song'. Someone must have been throwing cups of water around the crowd or something, because hearing it live for the first time and at approximately exhibit E, I could feel just a little bit of water on my face, specifically in the eye region. Yep. Cups of water were being thrown around that night. For 'Bottomfeeder', Palmer donned a massive cape before falling into the crowd and covering them in the ocean-like material. 'Lost' wasn't quite the singalong I was expecting from those in attendance, but it definitely had everyone bopping around the place. 

'Astronaut' and 'Leeds United' represented the Who Killed Amanda Palmer? era, with the Grand Theft Orchestra's take on Leeds being another gig highlight and fun singalong moment. The ukulele was brought out for a rendition of 'Gaga, Palmer, Madonna', which I think caught everyone by surprise. Palmer's been spending a lot of time thinking about Miley Cyrus apparently, so the song was busted out for her sake. Or something, it's all about artists being free to do what they want. Or something. AFP's housemate dance onstage during Leeds (those fake Germans were there too) and performed a song of her own with the Grand Theft Orchestra. Oh... and Jo got to hold Amanda Palmer's hand and dance around to a cover of Pulp's 'Common People' with her. It looked like there was some intense eye contact going on there. There was also a cover of a track by one of Palmer's friends in Boston which was intended as a massive 'love' moment where the lights went low as everyone sang along to something about love or something. AFP herself pointed out that there would be some Australian guy at the bar thinking, "fucking hippies." But I wasn't at the bar.

There were some deviations from the setlist throughout (which is easy to read when you're in the front row - boom!), including the encore performances, with the scheduled 'Half Jack' being swapped out for a ukulele-tastic 'Map of Tasmania'. That left the always incredible 'Missed Me' and the second and final encore track, 'Girl Anachronism' as Palmer's Dresden Dolls tracks for the night. All in all, Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra delivered a perfectly imperfect set that stands as my favourite gig of  the year. The tracks performed off Theatre Is Evil were everything you would have wanted them to be and then some, the band pulled off a Nirvana cover (which is no easy feat) and made me dance along to a Pulp song (which is no easy feat). The talent on stage was extraordinary. So was the gig. Go see Amanda Palmer whenever you can. 

Gig Review - The Trouble With Templeton

The Trouble With Templeton

with Holy Holy @The Zoo (30/08/2013)

words and pics by Nayt Housman

Holy Holy are a five-piece band divided between Brisbane and Melbourne with the main players being Brisbane’s singer/songwriter Timothy Carroll and Melbourne’s guitarist/producer Oscar Dawson.


They delivered the current popular brand of acoustic folk-pop-rock with subtle controlled passion and the five piece band were so fashionable and good looking that I had a hard time looking away. Timothy was also quite captivating in his performance, serenading with soft but confident vocals and a beautiful vulnerability.

The set, which included Timothy’s gorgeous single ‘If I Were You’, went by quickly and the skill of each member was apparent, seeming quite effortless and natural. Though I was unfamiliar with most of their work it felt accessible and reminded me in moments of other popular 70s inspired folk-rock acts of the last few years (Noah and the Whale, Mumford and Son’s etc).

I think given some time the group will only grow stronger together as a band as they did come across as kind of new on stage, each owning their own piece of real estate independently but not quite yet as together as a band that may have been performing together for several years.

I really look forward to seeing how these talented folks grow together and refine their sound and although I came to know them a little late, Holy Holy will be added to my regular playlist from now on.

It's no secret that I love The Trouble With Templeton. In fact since discovering this musical creation of Thomas Calder, TTWT have become one of my favorite bands EVER.


I recently had the “out of body experience” equivalent pleasure of catching their final performance for the 'Rookie' tour at The Zoo in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley. But this time instead of writing a million or so words describing how great they are (as I have done several times in the recent past) I thought the best way to show off the performing skills of this “beyond their years” talented band is in the form of still and motion image.

“Didn’t want a leg to snap SO, spent six months in a cast OH, just to be safe.” The Show started in a blaze, opening with the popular single 'Six Months In A Cast'.

Tom's original two band members beautiful Betty and handsome Hugh exuding quiet confidence and super “cool as a cucumberness”.

Tom and sterling Sam, finger thrusting their stringed instruments like an extension of their own bodies…

“You are new! Never seen that face before. Punched in school. I guess that’s what those scars are for.” Ravishing Ritchie providing the backbones to lift Tom’s poignant lyrics.
 

TTWT started as Tom's solo project. With his powerful command over the "light and dark" of emotional performance, Tom sure knows how to hold his own on stage performing 'Secret Pastures' alone.

Gigging can be a hair-raising experience for everyone involved.

“I’ll get that for you Comrade!” Betty fixing up Tom’s guitar strap that has fallen off… It happened a couple more times after this. No biggie! Better a guitar strap than breaking a snare drum like Ritchie managed to do the last time I saw them.

Not just on keys, in the vocal department Betty sure can hold her own.

The treat of the night was a new song; 'I Want Love'

Sam was trying hard to think of a joke while tuning took place. It’s his thing and the cutest bit is he often can’t think of a joke. Adorable much?

“SEBASTIAAAAAN! SEBASTIAAAAAN!” Intense? You bet! 'Lint' is one of the most powerful songs and a great way to finish the set. Encore!


Tom’s ability to show complete vulnerability is what makes him special as a performer. In the encore performance of Bleeders at times it seemed he was close to choking up. REAL EMOTION!

If you ever have the opportunity to check out this band I strongly urge you to do so. They may be young and have only been performing as a band for a short time though it feels more like you’re watching a world-class band at the top of their game. They exuded confidence yet remain humble, each an essential piece in the talented, passionate puzzle that is The Trouble With Templeton.

BIGSOUND Live - Wednesday Night Recap

There's nothing quite like the BIGSOUND Live experience. Brisbane's Fortitude Valley transforms into the hottest destination for new music that will blow you away, as emerging and established acts alike deliver half hour sets that showcase everything there is to love about them. It's impossible to see everyone, but you run around from venue to venue to catch bands you might not have had the chance to see before and you'll end up loving others that you never thought you would. It's also the only time you're likely to go into venues like Oh Hello (as Katie pointed out, home of the former Mono-Rats), Alhambra and Coniston Lane... but's that neither here nor there. Jo, Katie, Nayt, Matt and some swanky contest winners that just so happen to own swanky soul stealers (cameras) were on site for night one, catching glimpses of each other as they rushed from one venue to the next. We'll have recaps from the ladies coming over the weekend (as well as a bucket load of fresh harvested souls/pictures to show you), but for now, you get to enjoy Matt and Nayt's BIGSOUND Live reports. So, yeah... enjoy! 

BIGSOUND LIVE 2013 - Night One (11/09/13)

Coffee, McDonald's and Definitely No Stalking

by Matt Bond

My night started as any fun filled party night starts for me these days... with a coffee. Nay, not Irish. Just a flat white. Team It's My Kind of Scene formulated a plan like no other ("do what you want with your life") and splintered off to join the music lovers that brought the Valley to life.

Walking into Coniston Lane, home of the supposed Channel [V] Stage, I was greeted with a sweet pop tune from Perth's Simone and Girlfunkle. My immediate reaction to 'Summer Rain' from the debut album, Hurry, Harry was, "holy crap someone's playing a clarinet!" My years of in-class music had certainly paid off as Heather Bex was, in fact, playing a clarinet. I'm only pointing this out because I think it's a nice point of difference for the band that immediately grabs your attention. When Bridget Turner started singing, I was sold on Simone and Girlfunkle. Her voice is sweet, but her impressive vocal range packs a punch too. The energy from the band was pretty infectious and you could feel it chipping away at the crowd who became more receptive with each track. The band, sans Sarah Tout now on guitar, left the stage while Turner and Tout performed 'Love Love Love'. I love, love, loved it. That was terrible, but the song certainly isn't. 'Secret' is being promoted now as their new single and it's an infectious indie-pop track that will get have your feet moving and body shaking. A great start to BIGSOUND Live, but I had to run after 'Secret' to catch...

The Audreys - Photography by Nayt Housman

ARIA Award winners, The Audreys at Black Bear Lodge who drew a very impressive crowd that was ready to hear some new tunes. 'Ballad For the Fallen' was a standout amongst the new tracks; bluesy guitar work alongside Taasha Coates' soulful voice drawing you in. There a bit of mystery surrounding Coates as she sings and it's hard to keep your eyes off of her. Some old favourites were busted out too, with perennial favourite 'Small Things' getting a lot of love from the Black Bear attendees.

I then made the trek (about 200m) to... Oh Hello... for some triple J Unearthed approved tunes courtesy of Adelaide's teen rap sensation, Tkay Maidza. Now, sometimes people like to talk about explosive performances. Tkay was so good, the sound system blew up or caught fire or... something happened during the second track and it was awesome. Tracks like 'Brontosaurus' and 'Got That Hype' propel Maidza to a level in the rap field we haven't seen before in Australia and it's really, reaaaallly exciting. She's only going to get better and better over the next couple of years and is destined to change the way the world looks at Australia's rap and hip hop scene. triple J are already showing support for a young lady that is definitely an artist to watch from here on out. When you get a chance to see her live, do it! As a side note, I was standing in front of a wind machine and clearly looked amazing.

Busby Marou are one duo that I always have something on when they're playing, so tonight I was determined to make my way to Bakery Lane to check them out. I wasn't disappointed. Thomas Busby worked the crowd like a pro, getting everyone involved and dancing along to a host of new tracks like 'Get You Outta Here' from the upcoming album Farewell Fitzroy and old faves like 'Underlying Message', which when I say is a really nice track, I mean it without any condescension. When I hear it, I wish it was the weekend. When Jeremy Marou got the chance to show off his talents on the guitar he ran with it and the appreciative audience ate it up. I think I'm a little bit excited about their upcoming album now I've had the chance to see them live. I'm pretty sure they're out on tour to promote Farewell Fitzroy, so look that up... go see them too. 

 After Busby Marou, my initial plan was to head straight to The Zoo and await the arrival of Adalita. However, because I am stalking Patience Hodgson was excited about the possibility of seeing Patience Hodgson from The Grates performing with Chance Waters, I cautiously ascended the stairs to The Tempo. And I'm glad I did... Chance was fantastic and he DOESN'T STOP SMILING. That's a conspiracy theory post waiting to happen, but at BIGSOUND Live, he had the crowd dancing around to 'Young and Dumb' and his Like A Version cover of 'Little Lion Man'. Waters was dancing too, as was his band and possibly his new laptop Bruce Willis. Their previous laptop, Liam Neeson, sadly passed away. Three songs in, it was announced that Patience would not be in attendance. I'll get you one day, Hodgson! And by that, I mean I enjoyed Waters solo on the most excellent new track 'Looking For Something' and then gracefully made my way to the door. 

Adalita was in the midst of sound check as I entered The Zoo. It was packed, as is to be expected with an act of Adalita's standing. If her inspiring set proved anything, it's that she is the best pure rock act in Australia right now. She doesn't even need a full band backing her. Just Adalita Srsen and a guitar is enough to keep a full house's attention firmly on her incredible music. Playing tracks from her sophomore solo album, All Day Venus (out next week), she was a consummate professional. Standout tracks included 'He Wrote', introduced as a sad song with the lyrics, "love of my life, in the blink of an eye, it's over, love of my life, at the end of the night, it's over," and the current single 'Warm Like You'. I said it earlier in the week and I'll say it again, every young rock act should have gone out of there way to see this showcase. 

At this point I was hungry, because I hadn't had dinner. Want to know what I had? McDonald's... a quarter pounder meal. Moving right along... 

Meeting up with Katie, we made our way to Alhambra Lounge for Gay Paris. I wasn't really scared until Katie started asking if I was "ready for this" and then they started playing and I was somewhere between amazed, horrified, mystified, impressed and throw in a little bit more amazed. We'll get this out of the way early... Alhambra has a terrible sound system. But Gay Paris' performance was so insanely good I didn't care. People in the audience were stage diving, carrying the guitarist on their shoulders into the crowd, clothes started disappearing (into Katie's bag), Wailin H Monks was stage diving, one of the guitarists kept celebrating like he'd won a medal and the band kept demanding people buy them drinks and give them all their money. It was awesome and I couldn't think of a better way to bring night one to a close. Boom.

Nayt's First Time...

 by Nayt Housman

Last night I lost my virginity. I didn’t know what to expect so I over prepared, though my nerves weren’t calmed. It was exciting, awkward, I felt lost, not knowing where to go first, fumbling with my phone hoping to get directions (thank you smart phone!) but I finally made it in. Each new “venue” impressed and some “venues” had me coming back for more… BIGSOUND Live 2013, you will always be my first.


What is BIGSOUND I hear you ask? Well it’s a ol’fashun shindig of music industry big wigs and artists who all dive into a melting pot of music, info, love and two massive nights of live acts that equate to the chocolate “sampler box” of music.


After spending all day familiarizing myself with bands and deciding which artists to see, my IMKOS compadres and I set off into the depths of The Valley. Before we even made it to pick up our passes we were approached by a scalper trying to pull the “cute” angle with us. “Ah sorry honey, we’re media!” I wish I’d actually said that… This was going to be a doozy of a night.

Lanterns was the first act on my tour starting @ The Rev. I like this heavenly spray of dreamy electro pop and oh is that Dean McGrath of Hungary Kids of Hungary? He popped in for a quick number with the boys and together they all put on a good show despite some technical issues (being the first band must suck) nearly resulting in a couple of deafenings.

Lanterns - Photography by Nayt Housman

“Apparently, you’re gay.” Says a random on my way to the next venue. Thanks for that stranger. You’ve got eyes, now get outta my way!


Hello Black Bear Lodge, who ya got there? The Audreys! A band whose first album I adored seemed promising. Taasha Coates was like a saucy 1950s lady of leisure and delivered their beautiful brand of bittersweet folk with aplomb. Though half an hour is too short and I didn’t get to hear any of my faves. Oh well. It was lovely, but on to the next one!


Cub Sport (previously Cub Scouts) here I come! Now where the hell is Coniston Lane? Up and down the streets, nope passed it again, maybe this way? “Oh hi there, The Trouble With Templeton, why yes I do look different coz I had a haircut, thanks for noticing!” Shit, focus! Coniston Lane???????? WHAT?! I was standing in front of it several times while looking for it… Urrrrgh. “Thanks for coming guys, we’ve got two songs left.” Dammit. At least I got to see Cub Sport play 'I Told You So' and 'Evie'. Now get me out of this place!

Jess Ribeiro and The Bone Collectors @633 Ann, show me what you got! Oh girl, you got some sweet pipes and tunes! Kinda like a folky, bluesy version of Paula Cole. “We’ve only rehearsed three times. I hope we’re okay.” Nerves are apparent but I like what these kids have. I’ll put you in my “watch” list.


Owwwwww, my feet hurt! Why did I wear my tall person shoes?


Who’s next? Willow @ Press Club. Yay I know where that is! Oh they’re playing Amy Winehouse? Wait no it’s Willow! Where’s the toilet? I’m thirsty… Okay I think I need a sit down. Thanks for your retro pop Willow but I have to get to the next gig.

Now here’s a familiar bunch of kids, The Trouble With Templeton. “Hi Tom, Betty, Hugh, Sam and Ritchie!” I’ve seen them so many times now they feel like a comfy pair of slippers and I forget my sore feet, I’m in this one until the end. As usual it’s a blazing performance from Brisbane’s best band (my opinion, but totally warranted) and the audience certainly enjoyed hearing their big singles 'Like A Kid', 'Six Months In A Cast' and 'You Are New'. Also the frenzy of photographers was comical (myself included). Good game, TTWT!


“Oh hey Andy from Cub Sport! Having a good night? Yeah me too. See ya round like a rissole!”


I’m pooped, who’s next? Cosmo’s Midnight! Sounds dreamy I hope they don’t put me to sleep, back to The Rev I go… Oh hi there cute, curly, blonde brothers, so you’re Cosmo’s Midnight ay? Dancey, dancey! As long as you guys don’t mind me not dancing… Can someone swap shoes with me? Actually I’m feeling surly, I think it’s rock time Adalita @ The Zoo here I come.




 
I remember Magic Dirt though didn’t like them much but Adalita has it goin ohhhhhhnnnnn. Just a woman and a guitar in front of an adoring audience like PJ Harvey circa “Rid Of Me”. Note to self - “Buy Adalita’s solo album.”


I feel like a yoyo! Back to The Rev for Jonti… The audience here is awkward but this guy knows how to string some beats and samples together and I love the live violin. Nice touch Jonti but I don’t think your request for the audience to dance up on stage with you was very well received.


YAY! Last band of the night!

The Orbweavers fresh from Melbourne look like they’re going to party like it’s 1899. Each of their bizarrely beautiful folk songs about their greyhound Fern, the Merri Creek, a family farm and Melbourne’s textile history are introduced by a little story that feels like being told a fable about ye’olde times. Their small audience warmly welcomed their quirky folk with lyrics like, “I always sew with a double thread around my neck, keeps me strong, keeps my head, I always sew with a double thread.” Definitely making The Orbweavers one of the most unusual, intriguing acts of the night.


It ended, my feet hurt, I feel like I’ve been in a musical washing machine though incredibly satisfied and excited for the happenings of BIGSOUND Live 2013 night 2. I must remember to wear sensible shoes…

Bring on night 2 - tonight! - starring Thelma Plum, Megan Washington, Spender, Gossling, The Jungle Giants, Grizzly Jim Lawrie and a whole bunch of talented people that will sing songs to you and make you dance and stuff. 

10 and 1 - BIGSOUND Live 2013

Woah, BIGSOUND Live kicks off in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley tonight. Tonight, I say! If you haven't got your tickets as yet... double-ewe tee eff are you waiting for? It's the biggest and best showcase of live Australian music for several reasons. 1) The bands/singers are awesome. 2) You don't have to stand out in the stinking sun all day and/or have some sweaty, overweight man without a shirt on shimmying all over you in a dance tent. There was nowhere to move and you ruined The Presets for me, you sweaty bastard. 3) Drinks are affordable and if you're at a venue like the Black Bear Lodge, they are amazing. 4) It costs about $70 for two nights of bands/singers and if you return to point 1, you'll see that they are awesome.


It's been a long, long time since we've busted out a '10 and 1', but the concept returns for a special BIGSOUND Live feature that will help those in need of some program guidance. Having trouble figuring out to see because there's just too many awesome acts taking over the Valley? Well, here's ten you really need to do yourselves a favour and see. As is required, we'll discuss the one act you can give a miss. But if you've been around these parts for awhile, you'll have figured out already that it will be a cop out answer because every act is worth seeing at BIGSOUND this year! So... who should you see?

THE 10:

Wednesday, September 11

Mama Kin

8:00 - 8:30pm, Bakery Lane

Mama Kin brings her care of Freemantle indie-soul sound to Brisbane and I can't think of a better way to start your BIGSOUND Live experience. You can prepare yourself for Danielle Caruana's gorgeous vocals by checking out Mama Kin's new album, The Magician's Daughter. 

Cub Sport

8:50 - 9:20pm, Channel [V] Stage @ Coniston Lane

Cub Scouts Sport will always be a 'must see' act, regardless of what name they're going by this week. You'll always be Scouts to me! Stupid Scouts Australia. Who does scouts these days, I mean, honestly? Anyway, you'll be able to see these Brisbane music makers playing songs from the awesome Paradise EP at Coniston Lane, which is apparently where Woodland used to be.

Tkay Maidza

9:10 - 9:40pm, triple J Unearthed Stage @ Oh Hello

Look, I hate Oh Hello as much as the next person that isn't a wanker, but if there's one act that's going to make me venture into that pit of despair, it's Adelaide rapper, Tkay Maidza. Have you heard 'Handle My Ego'? It is nice. It is very nice. This set should be the BIGSOUND rap/hip-hop highlight of the entire event. 

Adalita

10:30 - 11:00pm, The Zoo

Australia doesn't have too many bonafide rock icons still standing, but Adalita Srsen is one of them. With a new album, Venus (out September 20) to preview at The Zoo, Adalita will do what she always does; deliver a standout rock performance. Not only should you and I go to this, every rock act that's free should make their way to see this showcase. They might learn a thing or two.

Gay Paris

11:40 - 12:10, Alhambra Lounge

Because if I don't say Gay Paris... Katie will go all Liam Neeson and hunt me down. 

Thursday, September 12

Gossling

8:20 - 8:50pm, Black Bear Lodge

Gossling is on top of the world right now, with the phenomenal response to new track 'Never Expire'. You can hear that brilliant track live with some other new songs from the anticipated album Harvest of Gold which is out November 1. And she's performing at the Black Bear Lodge which is just the best.  

Grizzly Jim Lawrie

8:20 - 8:50pm, Press Club

Jim Lawrie will take the stage at the Press Club with his band and promises a night of "good songs played by good people." I think that's a pretty big understatement. If the songs are like 'Midnight Run' they'll likely be fantastic and Jim Lawrie seems pretty rad, so maybe it should be 'fantastic songs played by rad people'.

Thelma Plum

10:00 - 10:30, Black Bear Lodge 

Oh, Thelma Plum. Her 2013 EP, Rosie, is easily one of the greatest pieces of work you'll hear this year. Listening to the songs performed live will be even better. Singalong to 'Around Here' and 'Dollar' and be blown away by 'Breathe In, Breathe Out'. Maybe we'll even get to hear some tracks off her reported upcoming EP too!  

Ginger and The Ghost

10:50 - 11:20pm, Electric Playground

There is something about Ginger and The Ghost I find incredibly intriguing. Their focus is on visual elements as much as it is on creating catchy, quirky tunes that you can't help falling in love with. Ginger and Ghost (that's their names, right?) must have something big planned for their showcase. You won't want to miss it. 

Jeremy Neale

11:40pm - 12:10am, Black Bear Lodge

Is there a better way to close out night two? Nay. Hang out with Brisbane's most popular male artist and dance around to some banging pop tunes like 'In Stranger Times'. Maybe Go Violets will join him on stage. But probably not, because they're on their own tour and not in Brisbane. So that's not going to happen. 

THE 1:

Major Leagues

8:20 - 8:50pm, triple J Unearthed Stage @ Oh Hello

I would actually love to see Major Leagues. But if I'm already running between Gossling and Grizzly Jim Lawrie between 8:20 and 8:50pm... There's just too many great bands at BIGSOUND Live! Major Leagues will deliver an excellent set, so if you're digging 'Endless Drain', go and see them!

Don't forget, you can still get tickets through Oztix and QMusic, or rock up on the day and buy tickets from the Oztix shopfront on Ann Street.

Top 25 - 10 September, 2013

Songs of the Week, 10/09/13 from itsmykindofscene on 8tracks Radio.

1. Lester The Fierce - Howl


 


2. Cosmo Black ft. Natalie Foster - Waking Up The Same (NEW)


 


3. Gossling - Never Expire
4. Janelle Monae ft. Miguel - Primetime

5. Lime Cordiale - Sleeping At Your Door (NEW)


 


6. Eminem - Berzerk


 


7. Go Violets - Wanted


 


8. M.I.A - Come Walk With Me (NEW)

9. Arctic Monkeys - Stop The World I Wanna Get Off With You (NEW)
10. Thelma Plum - Breathe In, Breathe Out
11. All The Colours - Shame


 


12. Lady Gaga - Applause
13. Rainy Day Women - Ain't It Time?
14. Sam Buckingham - Follow You


 

15. Haim - The Wire
16. Chance Waters ft. Patience Hodgson - Looking For Something (NEW)


 


17. Phebe Starr - The Worst Part


 


18. Jordan Rakei - My Time

19. Sleigh Bells - Bitter Rivals (NEW)


 


20. Astrid and The Asteroids - Autopsy
21. The Preatures - Manic Baby


 


22. Private Life - Escalator (NEW)


 


23. Cub Sport - Paradise


 


24. Karen O - The Moon Song (NEW)
25. Woody Pitney - You Can Stay (NEW)