Pop Culture #623

Considering that Shaun Micallef is basically a one-man comedy factory, it’s at least slightly strange to realise that The Ex-PM – his new sitcom, in which he plays the titular Ex-PM – is only his second ever sitcom. Seriously, the only name that even comes close to Micallef’s output is Working Dog, and there’s five of them.

Atreyu: Long Live

Atreyu have been in the scene for a while, there’s no denying that, and it really show through in their newest release, Long Live. It’s an audiol punch to the throat, with plenty of guitar riffs, breaks and thought out lyrical content to listen to.

On the Road with Fergus Linacre (Kingswood)

Kingswood are one of the many bands who have mastered the art of touring, and sharing his knowledge with your lucky selves, is Fergus Linacre. As part of the Telstra Road to Discovery Masterclass Series, Fergus will be going live at 8pm with some secrets to the biz in his class on ‘Touring and Live Gigs’ alongside Anita Nedeljkovic and Daniel Sant.

Lorne Film Festival: Director Darren Markey

Lorne Film is more than just your average festival. In its third year, it is delving into the world of stunning local and international feature films, shorts, live readings and a forum. Designed to be the next step in the evolution of the Australian film industry, it has been titled ‘Making Waves’ as it brings together our nation’s creativity with the beautiful surf coast.

Jackson Firebird

Jackson Firebird are back with their highly anticipated second record, Shake The Breakdown. Guitarist and vocalist Brendan Harvey (or ‘Harvs’ as he is better known) is basking in the sunshine on Williamstown Beach as we begin to chat about the new release.

Skipping Girl Vinegar

The sheer power of showcasing at Melbourne’s roots festival the AWME (Australasian Worldwide Music Expo) is phenomenal.

Boy & Bear

Boy and Bear have become a familiar face in the touring scene. It’s their shtick and they do it well.

A Dedication to Chrissy Amphlett

Chrissy Amphlett is a legend for many, and it would be hard to find an Australian who says otherwise. She owned the stage like no other and unfortunately her time of doing so was cut short. Honouring her memory in two shows is Michael Stangel.

You Am I

Having just played the Barwon Club, we sat down to chat with You Am I about their new album and how things in the biz have changed.

Last Dinosaurs

There was a time for most of us growing up where The Strokes had some sort of impact on our lives. Listening to the crooning of Julian Casablancas as he matched the heavy guitar in ‘Reptilia’ gave it’s fair share of epiphanies to the young teens who sat in wonder. For Last Dinosaurs, The Strokes were the catalyst that started it all for the band.

Punk! #623

So yes, the Brown Sound IS officially back in Sum 41! Awesome news. Good to see him on social media talking the band (and its plans) up. I’ll take all the reassurance I can get!

13 Useless Facts About Super Mario Bros

In the US, footage of the game first appeared in the movie The Wizard, which was used as an advertisement for the game’s eventual release.

Montaigne Q&A

Triple j may have unearthed Montaigne into the world, but everything she’s done has been a result of her pure determination to succeed and passion for what she does.

The Night Vibe #623

Well kids, it’s about that time of year where we start pulling out the Christmas Tree and all trounce into the backyard for a big game of cricket on Boxing Day. But before all that happens, there is a little business of choosing what the best albums of the year for 2015 are.

Voltaire Twins: Milky Waves

As soon as ‘I’m Awake’ kicks in you’re taken on a journey to some, synth-laden, ’80s, sci-fi dream. It’s such a distinctive sound and one that just simply isn’t captured quite the way Voltaire Twins have. ‘Goodnight, Spirit’ is a highlight on the album, with a slight tribal beat but still heavy on the synth it’s a song you can’t help but groove a little in your seat too.

NaranaFest: Yirrmal

Narana means “listening and learning”, and at this year’s NaranaFest, held by the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, locals are able to do this by embracing the exquisite sounds of Indigenous music.

JOY.: Ode

Haven’t heard of JOY? Time to rectify that, as single by single she’s slowly taking over the music world – at least it certainly feels that way. Ode is the creation of 17-year-old producer JOY, aka Olivia McCarthy, after she locked herself away for a week in May consuming lots of coffee and doughnuts and making this incredible release. Entirely made by her. Self-produced bliss. All at 17, feel unaccomplished yet?

Little May: For the Company

From the album artwork down to the very last song that plays, Little May’s debut album is perfect. There isn’t any other word that accurately describes it; it’s soft, emotive and seems to sift through the air. ‘Sold’ is a highlight for its harmonising and slow building nature, it’s the kind of track that plays in the background as you’re slowly reaching your destination, making a realisation or awakening in some shape or form.

Love Ludie

Love Ludie creator, Jenna Hutchison and I meet on a perfect candle making day. The wind is hot, the kind felt at the peak of summer but it’s only spring. If anything, the 34 degree temperature is almost too hot for candles.

Sal Kimber

Sal Kimber is busy mixing her new record Southern Lights with renowned producer Shane O’Mara as we begin to chat about her upcoming appearance (with The Rollin’ Wheel) at the Bendigo Blues and Roots festival to be held over the first weekend in November.

Guy Pearce and the Gateways Short Film Contest

The Gateways Film Festival of Amazing Shorts, or the GAFFAS as its more commonly known, have officially been launched by Gateways Support Services with famous Geelong actor, Guy Pearce, generously putting his support behind the initiative.

Nicky Crayson Trio

Nicky Crayson is one of the finest jazz singers in the country. Taking influence from some of the greats including Billie Holiday and Betty Carter it’s helped Crayson develop a unique style to her performance.

To the Max(i)

Maxi skirts have always been my go-to when the sun is out, particularly when I’m white enough to blind someone, and frankly, when I just can’t be bothered shaving my damn legs.

A Few Things I Love About Melbourne

Melbourne is a seriously cool, beautiful city, and one I have a serious crush on! Being only an hour away from Geelong, I’m awfully lucky to be so close to the Victorian capital. It is incredibly easy to get to, and is patiently waiting to be explored by fellow Victorians, as well as eager visitors.

 

Subscribe to the
Forte newsletter

Stay up to date with everything going on around your region.