Author: Jodie Sloan

Living, writing, and reading in Brisbane/Meanjin. Likes spooky books, strong cocktails, and pro-wrestling.

Exclusive Video Premiere: Ellery Cohen “Demons”

Alt-pop artist Ellery Cohen is about to drop latest single “Demons” and we’re stoked to be able to bring you an exclusive look at the track’s music video! “Demons” was a long-time coming for Ellery, who emerged from the Melbourne lockdowns with a newfound approach to both life and music. Working with No Frills Twins’…

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Theatre Review: Robyn Archer: An Australian Songbook brings a new repertoire to Queensland Theatre

After a delayed start, Robyn Archer: An Australian Songbook has finally made its way to the Bille Brown Theatre stage and, happily, it was more than worth the wait. Setting aside the assumed Aussie repertoire, An Australian Songbook explores the history of our country through a rather unexpected collection of Australian music, anchored by the…

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Robyn Archer takes a trip through Australia’s melodic history

National treasure Robyn Archer has set up home at Queensland Theatre for the next couple of weeks. Alongside her long-time band members, George Butrumulis (Zydeco Jump), Cameron Goodall (The Audreys) and Ennio Pozzebon (Keating: The Musical), she’ll be taking audiences on a journey through Australian song – and it won’t always be the tracks you’re…

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SXSW to head to Australia in 2023

SXSW have announced an annual Asia-Pacific installment, with Sydney set to host in October 2023. It’s the first time the iconic conference and festival of creativity has expanded beyond North America since its inception in 1987. A joint collaboration between the NSW Government, Destination NSW, TEG, and SXSW, SXSW Sydney will bring together the world’s…

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Book Review: An Echo Through The Veil is the best yet from Bonnie Wynne

The sorceress Ailbhe Ahriddin is continuing her onslaught. As plague ravages the land, she has thrown open the gates of Death, setting her demons loose to claim the corpses left behind. For Gwyn and her comrades, still reeling from the events of Jhabahabi, it’s yet another huge setback. But all is not lost. Deep in the…

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Woodlock “Sunday Drive” (2022)

Today we’re sharing the exclusive video premiere of Woodlock‘s “Sunday Drive“! It’s the third single to come from the trio’s upcoming Bermuda Sea EP, due for release in early August. Woodlock, consisting of brothers Zech Walters (guitar/vocals), Eze Walters (guitar/vocals), and friend Bowen Purcell (drums,), describe the new EP’s theme as “yearning”, of wanting to…

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Exclusive Album Premiere: Matthew Gilbert, Getting Over All Of It

Let’s us help you get through Hump Day with some new music! Today we’re sharing an exclusive look at Getting Over All Of It, the latest from indie-folk singer-songwriter Matthew Gilbert. Funded by Gilbert’s fans through a Kickstarter campaign, the sophomore release was penned and produced during the Melbourne lockdowns last year. Mixed by Jacob…

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Book Review: Tom Watson’s Metronome is a compelling dystopian debut

For twelve years, Aina and Whitney have lived in exile. Imprisoned on an isolated island, their lives are measured by the clock in the kitchen that dispenses the pills that keep them alive. Hobbies keep them busy while they await their release. Whitney tinkers, sculpts, maps the island. Aina does jigsaws, gardens, writes music. But,…

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Exclusive Single Premiere: Josh Needs “Silver Sheets”

How about some brand new music to help celebrate the long weekend? Today we’ve got the exclusive premiere of Josh Needs’ “Silver Sheets”, a grungy slice of post-punk that we’ve not been able to shake since our first listen. “Silver Sheets” is the latest glimpse we’ve had of Needs’ upcoming EP Fault Line, covering one…

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Theatre Review: Theresa Rebeck‘s Bernhardt/Hamlet lights up the Bille Brown Theatre

It is 1899 and the world’s most famous actress, Sarah Bernhardt, is rehearsing for Hamlet. But, to the horror of critics and the delight of the Parisian gossip mills, she won’t be reprising her role as Ophelia. Nor will she be embracing the age appropriate Gertrude. Bernhardt craves something more audacious, something bold. Something that…

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Guest Playlist: Yoste provides the perfect soundtrack to accompany new track “Violet”

Brisbane’s Yoste has just dropped his third EP, Never The Same, a six strong collection that showcases the very best of the alt-pop artist. It’s a gorgeous release, packed with earnest song-writing and irresistible hooks. Of the EP, Yoste – otherwise known as Kurt Sines – says: “This record is focused on growing up, but…

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Exclusive Single Premiere: JaZZella “Quit Bitchin'”

Today we’re stoked to be premiering the new track from JaZZella! “Quit Bitchin’” is the latest from the travelling musician, showcasing a playful, soulful sound that’s the perfect antidote to the current cold snap – even if those cheeky lyrics bite just as hard as the wind! “Quit Bitchin’” is the third glimpse we’ve had…

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Theatre Review: Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years comes to life at La Boite

Intimate, heart-breaking and occasionally very funny, Jason Robert Brown‘s The Last Five Years has taken to the La Boite Roundhouse stage under the direction of Darren Yap. Chronicling two 20-somethings as they fall in and out of love, the musical navigates the years of miscommunications, crossed wires, and heartfelt attempts to salvage something that perhaps…

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Track by Track: Lewis Goldmark takes us through debut solo album Cut and Flash

Belles Will Ring‘s Liam Judson, otherwise known as Lewis Goldmark, has unleashed a glorious mix of vintage haze, experimental pop, and indie-disco on the world, in the form of debut solo album Cut and Flash. Judson did it all, writing, producing and engineering the entire project from his Blue Mountains studio. Well, almost – we’ve…

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Track by Track: Jem Cassar-Daley takes us through debut EP I Don’t Know Who to Call

Singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley has been wowing us with her talents since last year, with tracks “Letting Go,” “Changes,” and “Like it More” showcasing a soulful indie-pop sound, backed by stunning vocals. Today, it’s all coming together with the release of debut EP I Don’t Know Who To Call. Of the release, Jem says: “This project is very close…

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Diana Reid, Anita Heiss, and Hannah Kent get nods as ABIA announces 2022 shortlist

The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) have today announced their 2022 shortlist, with a star-studded awards ceremony set to take place in Sydney on June 9th. The gala event will take place at ICC Sydney, hosted by actor, singer, and musical theatre star Alinta Chidzey, and with Wendy Whiteley, The Wiggles, Michelle Law, Peter Fitzsimons,…

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Hedy Blaazer “Lying Flat”

We’re stoked to be wrapping up our Tuesday with an exclusive look at the new video for Hedy Blaazer‘s “Lying Flat” – and after late 2021’s haunting “Fluorescent“, which quickly made its way into rotation on ABC Rage, we’re more than ready to wrap our ears around Hedy’s latest. Teaming with Marcella Tonini, Jo Pall,…

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Filipino and Aboriginal rapper DOBBY releases new single “Walk Away”, featuring The Merindas

Multi-instrumentalist and rapper DOBBY today released new single “Walk Away“, a commanding indictment of the lingering after effects of colonialism, and the years of systemic racism and cultural erasure suffered by Indigenous Australians. Otherwise known as Rhyan Clapham, DOBBY is a proud Filipino and Aboriginal musician, whose family hails from Murrawarri and Ngemba lands. Stints…

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Explore the Australian Museum after dark with Nights at the Museum

Museum-goers will finally be able to live out their Larry Daley dreams, with the Australian Museum keeping the doors open a little later every Thursday throughout May and June. Not only will you be able to explore the AM’s current exhibitions after dark, but Nights at the Museum will also be offering a stacked roster…

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Queensland Theatre announces Bernhardt/Hamlet, starring Angie Milliken

Queensland Theatre‘s second production of 2022 sees Australian screen and stage legend Angie Milliken return to her Brisbane roots. And she won’t be the only theatrical icon in the building when Theresa Rebeck‘s Bernhardt/Hamlet opens later this month. Set at the turn of the 20th century, when famed French actress Sarah Bernhardt staged a performance…

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Young Henrys teams with Byron Bay’s The Rails for Best Served Loud

Free up your Saturday nights, Byron Bay, because Young Henrys is taking over The Rails for the latest edition of Best Served Loud, a huge series of free gigs kicking off this weekend. Presented with Tiny Minds Agency, Best Served Loud champions some of the best in emerging and established Aussie music. Expect great music,…

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The Leviathan

Book Review: Encounter an ancient evil in Rosie Andrews’ The Leviathan

As civil war tears 17th century England apart, Thomas Treadwater returns home, summoned by his young sister. Esther, concerned by the growing closeness between their father and a new servant, has spun quite the tale. And Thomas, though glad of a reason to escape the battlefield, thinks little of it. But when he arrives to…

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Carriageworks unveils incredible music line-up for Vivid Sydney 2022, including Perfume Genius, CHAI, TOMM¥ €A$H, and more!

We can finally welcome international stars back to our shores, and Carriageworks has bagged some of the brightest for their Vivid Sydney line-up. The Carriageworks precinct will come to life over two weekends in June, celebrating theatrical live performance and honest self-expression from across the globe. Visitors can expect incredible live music, large-scale light installations,…

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The Sorrow Stone

Book Review: Kári Gíslason’s The Sorrow Stone is a compelling re-imagining of a violent Icelandic saga

After a vicious act of revenge, Disa and her son are on the run. Desperately seeking safe passage to the home of her brother’s wife, Aud, Disa looks back at her life, and to the litany of passions, tragedies, and betrayals that have led her here. At once brutal and elegant, The Sorrow Stone is…

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Umbrella Entertainment and Yarra City Arts announce free open air cinema program at Linear Park

Fitzroy North residents can enjoy Aussie classics under the stars, with a free open air cinema program launching at Linear Park next month. Running on Fridays throughout March, the project – dubbed Neighbourhood Watch – is a collab between film distributor Umbrella Entertainment and Yarra City Arts. Locals will be able head to Linear Park…

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Sheilas

Book Review: Meet the badly behaved women making history in Eliza Reilly’s Sheilas: Badass Women of Australian History

The old adage that “well behaved women rarely make history” has never been truer than here in Eliza Reilly’s Sheilas: Badass Women of Australian History. Gathering together a batch of bonafide badasses in bonnets from across Australian history, Sheilas is a witty and engaging introduction to some of the country’s most interesting – and occasionally…

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The 2022 Furphy Literary Award opens for submissions

Pens/keyboards at the ready – the 2022 Furphy Literary Award has opened for submissions! Named for Joseph Furphy, author of the 1903 Aussie classic, Such Is Life, and “furphies” – the yarns spun on the back of Furphy water carts during World War One – the award celebrates writing with a distinctly Australian focus. Writers…

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The Wedding Singer

Calling all WA writers: the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award is open for entries!

Submissions for the 2022 City of Fremantle Hungerford Award opened late last week, inviting WA authors to submit their manuscript for a chance to win $15,000 and a publishing contract. Writers have until midnight March 20th to put their work forward, so if you’re thinking about it, better move quickly! Sponsored by the City of…

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Indie Book Awards announce 2022 shortlist

The Indie Book Awards have today announced a 24-strong shortlist, celebrating the very best in Australian literature, as chosen by the booksellers who have made a year of lockdowns and isolation a little more bearable for many. Established back in 2008, the Indie Book Awards recognises the contributions made by Aussie booksellers, and the impact…

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Interview: Sunshine Coast’s PHIN on “Mistakes”, songwriting and The 1975

Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter PHIN has just released latest single “Mistakes”, the first look at upcoming EP Wasting Time. With previous track “Losing My Doubts” amassing more than 30,000 Spotify streams, it’s certainly an exciting time for the young artist! “Mistakes” is a deliciously jangly slice of indie-pop exploring the beauties and burdens of young life…

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