Year: 2018

The Industry Observer Awards list Spotify, Bluesfest, Ruel and more as winners for 2018

The Sydney Cricket Ground hosted the inaugural industry awards hosted by The Industry Observer overnight, where retailers, publicists, managers and more were recognised for their work within the industry over the last year. While live performances from Adrian Eagle and CXLOE (pictured) turned heads, the main awards also drew the numbers into the awards room on Tuesday evening. Ben and…

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Interview: Benedict Goold from UK’s Ghouls on their first Australian tour & taking a break from social media

UK Alt-Punk Rockers Ghouls are heading down under for their first Australian co-headline tour, sharing the run will be Australia’s own Foxblood. Starting in 2013, the band consists of Benedict Goold (Lead Vocals and Guitar), Sam Mussell (Bass), Ben Maz (Saxophone), Russel Spencer (Trombone) and Jay Swinstead (Drums).

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When Willie Nelson throws a party at his ranch, it’s not a festival. It’s a reunion.

The annual event Luck Reunion returned to Willy Nelson’s Ranch in Luck, Texas earlier this month, delivering an afternoon of incredible performances, food and drink in what was the event’s sixth year. But describing exactly what Luck Reunion is to someone who hasn’t been is hard. And just to be someone who’s been is hard…

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Interview: Jeremy Workman and Matt Green on the making and meaning of The World Before Your Feet

There are very few documentaries out there that can offer the very of-the-now perspective The World Before Your Feet can. The latest film from Jeremy Workman focuses on subject Matt Green and his endlessly interesting, definitely obsessive, and slightly odd “project”. Anyone who follows his blog would already know; Green has taken it upon himself…

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Film Review: A Wrinkle in Time (USA, 2018) aims valiantly for the stars, but falls flat on its face

Fantasy films aimed towards children can be a very tricky proposition. Usually, films of this type aim to entertain the entire family but for ones that specifically aim for children, how does one critique a film like this? Judge the film for what it is? Or judge the film through the eyes of a child?…

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Win a copy of Sweet Virginia on DVD

In remote Alaska, a former rodeo champ Sam (Jon Bernthal) befriends Elwood (Christopher Abbott), an unhinged fellow Virginian, who has a propensity for violence and a dark reason for visiting the town Sam calls home. Written by the China brothers, Sweet Virginia offers a terse and dark journey part neo-noir thriller, part latter day western…

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Winners of the 2018 Indie Book Awards announced

The winners of the 2018 Indie Book Awards have been announced, with Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor becoming the first children’s book to take out the main prize in the Indies’ ten year history. The awards recognise the important role indie booksellers and bookstores have in the success of homegrown authors, by engaging with customers, recommending works outside the…

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Book Review: Follow an ageing reporter through the murky world of tabloid journalism in Craig Sherborne’s Off The Record

Callum Smith, the Wordsmith, ‘Words’ for short, is a journalist of the old school. An expert manipulator, he spends his days flirting, drinking, and chasing stories. But when his wife leaves him, Words’ devotion to the big story begins to spiral out of control. Desperate to keep her and his son in his life, he’ll…

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Book Review: The Stripper Next Door by Emma Lea Corbett reveals the exotic dancer turned business entrepreneur!

Kicking off her book The Stripper Next Door with her days as a yoga instructor, it was hard to believe what the past would reveal for Emma Lea Corbett.  Corbett was seventeen when she answered an advertisement in the newspaper seeking dancers and hostesses offering “great $$$ potential“. Looking towards a future as a home…

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Review: Seth Lakeman steals the show as Robert Plant adds some rarities for his Opera House debut

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant returned to Australia this week, for his first visit since 2013, and he marked the occasion with three shows in Sydney ahead of his visit to Byron Bay Bluesfest. For the second of these shows, Plant and his band, The Sensational Space Shifters, descended on the Sydney Opera House for his…

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The Palais Theatre Community Fund launches; submissions for first round grants now open!

This is a pretty cool one for the Melbourne music and arts community – the creation of The Palais Theatre Community Fund has seen Live Nation and the City of Port Philip link up in creating an opportunity for locally registered non for profits, charities, and businesses to thrive and generate more long term benefits for…

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Music Video of the Day: Leon Bridges “Bad Bad News” (2018)

Leon Bridges is currently in Australia, touring the east coast ahead of a highly anticipated Bluesfest appearance over the Easter Weekend and man, are we glad to have this Texan back down our way. With a new album – GOOD THING – on its way this May, Bridges has continued to get us hyped with the release…

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Interview: We meet Sam Lewis at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion in Austin

While at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion festival earlier this month, we got to catch up with country artist Sam Lewis! Named as one of the new faces in the genre to watch through 2017, it’s been evident that Lewis’ music and subsequent shows have definitely been meeting the hype. Listen to our full interview up at…

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SXSW Interview: Rizz of LA-based Aussie group Vowws talks new album Under the World, Horror scores, and Australian tour plans

The many different textures hidden under those dark synth lines and scuzzy vocals tied together for one of the highlight sets at The Aussie BBQ at SXSW this year. Sydney-to-L.A death pop band Vowws were responsible, showcasing their brand new album Under the World and kicking off a big North American tour which is currently…

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Interview: Husky prepare to hit the road with “Walking in Your Sleep”

Long standing favourites of the Australian touring scene, HUSKY return to stages next month with their brand new single, “Walking in Your Sleep”. Between Husky Gawenda and Gideon Preiss, another piece of rich and gorgeous instrumentation has been crafted, one we’re definitely keen to see performed live. Ahead of the tour, Husky gives an insight into what it’s been…

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Win a double pass to an advance screening of Sally Potter’s ensemble comedy The Party

Directed by Sally Potter, the new film The Party may just feature the greatest British ensemble of all time, headed by Kristin Scott Thomas, Patricia Clarkson and Timothy Spall. The film conveys sharp and timely commentary about politics, feminism, long-term relationships, same-sex families and human behaviour through fast-paced comedic dialogue. Ahead of the release in…

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Tech Review: Logitech CRAFT Wireless Keyboard: Working hard

Logitech have made a name for themselves in the world of simple, workman-like office PC peripherals. Their keyboards are often no-frills affairs, designed to be slotted into a business environment without a fuss. It’s not that they’re pedestrian by any stretch, just that they tend to focus on practicality over flashiness. Their newest high-end wireless…

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Deadpool 2 packs a flurry of hilarious punches in its newest trailer

Following the hilarious and wildly successful Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds is back for another ride in this heavily anticipated sequel, as Deadpool 2’s latest trailer brings the violence, and more importantly, the fun. The latest trailer is arguably the juiciest yet, not only introducing us to Josh Brolin’s heavily anticipated performance as Cable, but introducing us to X…

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Interview: Rapture director Ben Selkow on 2 Chainz, artistry and hip hop

Gearing up for the new Netflix and Mass Appeal collaboration, Rapture – a docuseries analysing hip hop through the perspectives and lives of several artists across generations – we stopped by the red carpet preview at SXSW Film Festival to catch up with a few members of the cast and crew. The series, which premieres…

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Blockers director and former 30 Rock scribe Kay Cannon on bringing her debut film to cinemas

We recently spoke to director and former 30 Rock scribe Kay Cannon at SXSW about her directorial debut for Blockers, the latest comedy starring John Cena, as she touches on what making a funny, heartfelt film that viewers can not only laugh at but take seriously at the same time. Watch the full chat here: Blockers hits…

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Sunaana: Could this new festival in Portland, Maine be the U.S. answer to Iceland Airwaves?

Consider the size and scope of a “discovery” focused destination event like Iceland Airwaves. The reputable decades-old showcase festival has grown to such an extent that it now spreads not just through, but beyond Reykjavik and has become not only a platform for rising talent in live music, but also a way to highlight the…

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Review: AVANI Metropolis Residences adapts premium hospitality to social media in Auckland, New Zealand

The newly opened Avani Metropolis Residences in Auckland’s CBD marks a significant debut for the hotel and resort brand in this part of the world. Along with an even newer Australian property on the Gold Coast, the reputable Avani name has officially stepped onto the Trans-Tasman scene, looking to bolster Minor Hotels’ steadily growing portfolio…

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Vans hook up with A Tribe Called Quest for expansive sneaker collection

You on point Vans? The renowned sports and apparel brand have this week announced a special collaboration collection with none other than the legendary A Tribe Called Quest, hooking up with The Thread Shop – a merchandising company from ATCQ and Sony Music – for sneakers which celebrate, pay tribute and honour the style, art…

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Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants announced for 2018: Gaggan tops list for fourth consecutive year

Gaggan Anand’s progressive Indian restaurant in Bangkok has once again topped the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants following a lively ceremony which celebrated and named the finest dining destinations across the continent. Although it was unsurprisingly Japan that emerged as the country with the most entries, including Tokyo’s highly awarded Den in the second…

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Review: McDonalds’ 100 per cent Australian Wagyu beef burger isn’t all that special

McDonald’s have moved on up from Angus to something a bit more expensive, introducing a burger that they say is made with 100% Australian-bred Wagyu, upping their already stacked “Gourmet Creations” range with the Wagyu Beef Burger. Though it sits at almost double the price of a Big Mac, offered from the menu for a…

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10-day food festival Tasting Australia is planning an epic Kangaroo Island event (Adelaide)

Returning with an extended program this year, Tasting Australia will once again thread through the majestic surrounds of Adelaide beyond with a culinary experience led various chefs, winemakers, distillers and producers. The unique multi-day gastronomic celebration, which highlights not only South Australia’s exceptional beauty but also tastes from around the country, will include various events…

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World’s Best Steak winners Jack’s Creek sign retail distribution venture with Harris Farm

Jack’s Creek are a big name on the steak scene right now. The New South Wales producer first rose to global recognition when they won the World’s Best Steak competition in 2015, following that up with another win in 2016 and a win for the World’s Best Fillet Steak in 2017. High demand was expected,…

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Single of the Day: Sophisticated Dingo “Yuppies” (2018)

Howl about this one, y’hear? Sophisticated Dingo return with a blistering new single in “Yuppies” and as is just dose of garage punk we needed this week. The song is catchy, guitars bounding off tight percussion, while after listening to this one a few times through, you’re guaranteed to be spouting “Yuppies, baby” in no time. “We…

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Music Video of the Day: Kailee Morgue “Medusa” (2018)

Kailee Morgue‘s latest release – an acoustic version of her Medusa EP – is out now, though the title track is a great hit of pop that has had us hooked for weeks. “Medusa” is an excellent tune, drenched in hypnotic melody and clever pop instrumentation. It’s Kailee’s breakthrough track and it’s no surprise as to why…

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Could the Download Festival take Soundwave’s place? We look at some highlights from the inaugural event in Melbourne

Saturday saw thousands of metal, punk and heavy music fans pour into Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse for the debut of the Download Festival. The first time the renowned music event has been produced in Australia, the line up boasted an eclectic mix, from Amon Amarth to Prophets of Rage, through to Good Charlotte, NOFX and Limp Bizkit. With the Australian music festival scene…

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