SXSW Film Review: The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson (UK, 2015)

In January 2013 musician, Wilko Johnson was told he had ten months to live. In The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson, English filmmaker Julien Temple (The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle, The Filth & The Fury) chronicles Johnson’s humble farewell tour and album as well as how the patient refuses chemotherapy treatment in order to live…

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Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Saoirse Ronan and a wedding proposal mark the North American Premiere of Lost River at SXSW

A surprise appearance from Eva Mendes and a wedding proposal helped make for a memorable Q&A at the SXSW Film Festival tonight following the North American Premiere of Ryan Gosling’s film Lost River. Following a disappointing response to actor Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut at Cannes last year, it proved to resonate better with American audiences…

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SXSW Film Review: Ex Machina (USA, 2015)

It’s not a new concept by any means, but films about artificial intelligence can still cut deep into the human psyche. Ex Machina is no different – following the narrative of Caleb, a computer programmer who wins a mysterious competition at his work, and is rewarded with a week long stay in the secluded and…

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What to Watch: The Iris’ Weekly TV Picks (16th – 18th March 2015)

Kimberley gives us her take on what to watch in the coming days, including a couple of drama shows, and some thought provoking films… Monday 16th March 2015 Sherlock Holmes: Elementary – Ch. 10 – 10:00pm AEST Have you been watching Sherlock Holmes: Elementary? In a modern twist on the classic British detective story, it takes…

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SXSW Film Review: Petting Zoo (USA, 2015)

To the untrained eye, Petting Zoo presents itself as your typical coming-of-age story told through the perspective of a pregnant teenager – a trope that has been documented countless times in today’s cinema. However, this film explores the issue of teenage pregnancy through an impoverished Texan youth, delivering a perspective that is separated entirely from…

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SXSW Film Review: Twinsters (USA, France, South Korea & UK, 2015)

Two young women from two continents live apart for a quarter of a century. Twinsters is the story of these two identical twin sisters who were separated at birth, adopted by different families and their subsequent reunion. This documentary is heart-warming, emotional and unique. In February 2013 LA-based actress, Sam Futerman received an odd Facebook…

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SXSW Film Review: For Grace (USA, 2014)

For the love of food. For Grace is a documentary that follows world-acclaimed chef, Curtis Duffy as he embarks on a journey to open his dream restaurant called Grace. The film is an insightful look at the highs, lows and the meticulous and determined attention-to-detail that is required in opening a fine dining establishment. It…

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SXSW Film Review: Ned Rifle (USA, 2014)

Ned Rifle is the final instalment in an American, satirical trilogy by writer and director, Hal Hartley. It fails to stand up as its own separate film and it is difficult for newcomers to follow (as Hartley gives little away and it has been so long between the release of this and the earlier instalments,…

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SXSW Documentary Short Review: unmappable (USA, 2014)

How do you look at someone that’s committed a reprehensible act? Can they be forgiven, are they the devil and what do you do if they’ve achieved great success prior to this event? These are the sorts of questions that are raised in the documentary short, unmappable, which is about Denis Wood. The film is…

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Album Stream: Nantes "Limbo" (2015 EP)

It’s dark, dynamic and infectiously catchy. Alternative rock band Nantes are back with another addictive EP that’s sure to be on repeat for the rest of the week. Produced in Sydney, mixed in Glasgow and mastered by Frank Arkwright of the famed Abbey Road in London, Limbo is the exceptional product of tireless work.

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President Obama Reads “Mean Tweets” on Jimmy Kimmel Live”

It’s important to remember that Presidents are people too. From time to time, Jimmy Kimmel gives celebrities a chance to read some of the mean things people tweet about them. And tonight, he extended that same courtesy to America’s Commander in Chief. Please enjoy the all President Obama edition of “Mean Tweets.” ———- This content…

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switchfoot

Tim Foreman of Switchfoot(USA) talks Fading West, Soundwave and the band’s journey

Famously known for acclaimed tracks such as “Dare You To Move” and “Meant To Live”, Switchfoot are coming back to Australia in a few weeks to touch the hearts and souls of many with their empowering rock music. The band have explored many avenues that have helped their music connect with many people around the world,…

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Stumbled Upon #029 – HYLA (Perth)

In the 29th installment of ‘Stumbled Upon’, we meet Perth’s HYLA and chat about their second EP and working towards a full length album. Band Name: HYLA Website / Social Media: Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Garage, shoegaze, dream noise pop Members & their roles: Rob -bass, Mike -guitar, Darren-drums, Alex -guitar/vocals What music or artists…

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Photo Gallery: London Grammar + Wet + Until The Ribbon Breaks – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (12.03.15)

Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion has seen some stellar line ups over the years, and they can certainly add this incredible concert to the top of the list. Highly sought after UK trio London Grammar brought along with them two very rapidly rising acts in Wet and Until The Ribbon Breaks, delivering an incredible concert to attendees….

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Travel News: Victoria’s Yarra Valley Gains a New Luxury Spa and Bathhouse

Hidden away in the beautiful Yarra Valley is Victoria’s latest gem – Spa de Marrakech. The all new Moroccan Spa and Roman Bathhouse retreat has recently opened its doors and aims to provide an authentic Moroccan beauty experience that is as nourishing as it is opulent.

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F&L News: Biggest Agave conference in Southern Hemisphere hits Sydney for two days, celebrating Tequila & Mezcal

Next weekend will see Sydney host the biggest Agave conference in the Southern Hemisphere. The two day conference aims to be a networking event between growers, producers, bartenders, spirit professionals, regulatory councils and, of course, enthusiasts alike.

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Listen to Luca Brasi's Tyler Richardson 5 Favourite Songs

This week, we’re excited to present a special playlist from bassist and vocalist Tyler Richardson of Tasmanian rockers Luca Brasi, who are currently on tour around Australia celebrating the release of their Loose Threads 7″ EP. He has chosen five of his favourite songs for the special show, plus one of his band’s own. The…

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Interview: Illusionist Cosentino (Melbourne) on cultural differences, performance mishaps and more!

Having been awarded the prestigious honour of being named Magician of the Year in 2013 by the International Magicians Society, New York (the International Merlin award) and with 4 prime-time specials under his belt having aired in over 40 countries; Australia’s favourite performer Cosentino returns with his new live show Twisted Reality – which promises…

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sleeping with sirens

Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens (USA) talks new LP, career progression and more

Being the new addition to Epitaph Records, post-hardcore five-piece band, Sleeping With Sirens, have really challenged themselves to be the band they want to be. With Madness due for release shortly, Kellin Quinn reflects his journey with the band and how this record has taught him many things about responsibility, and has provided him with a sense of awakening as…

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cedar boulevard ep art

Album Review: Cedar Boulevard – Cedar Boulevard (2015 EP)

The world of pop punk music is a competitive one and the smartest strategy you can ever have is to fuse it with something else. Cedar Boulevard are no ordinary happy-go-lucky band; they are a band that acquaints post-hardcore elements into their music as well. Balance is always key and it’s safe to say they have achieved…

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F&L News: Australian Turf Club Launches Star-studded Autumn Racing Program

Autumn racing has never been so glamorous, with the Australian Turf Club launching their Sydney Racing program for 2015. The eight week program will see world-class racing and social activities from Saturday February 28 to Saturday April 18, including two premier racing events the Golden Slipper Carnival and The Championships.

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NANTES announce new single, new mini-album and 'The 7 Tour'

Alt-rock band NANTES are back with a bang, announcing exciting tour news, a new single and a new EP! The 7 Tour will see the outfit play seven shows on the East Coast in support of their new single “7.” NANTES are hitting up a variety of specialty locations including Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel, Rad in Wollongong and Newtown Social Club, among other shows in Melbourne and Brisbane.

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KISS is bringing their 40th Anniversary World Tour down under!

With 44 albums under their belts, over 100 million albums sold worldwide and decades of record breaking tours, it goes without saying KISS need no introduction. The legendary rock’n’roll band will be returning to Australia this October as part of their current world tour. KISS will be celebrating their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014 as well as their 40th anniversary as a band.

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TV Review: The Mindy Project, Season 3 Episode 19 “Confessions of a Catho-holic” (USA, 2015)

Stephen. Freaking. Colbert. With new beard! Playing a priest! He was easily, without a doubt, the best thing about this episode, and his guest spot has got to be one of the best of the whole season. Mostly because of how funny he is, but also because he’s STEPHEN COLBERT. Here he plays Father Michael O’Donnell who,…

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Film Review: Top Five (USA, 2015)

Chris Rock has always been a clever comedian, but one should never doubt his flair for a bit of dramatic acting. For those who remember him as Pookie from the classic New Jack City, Rock has always been able to bring depth to his characters, masked by his always animated persona. It’s these acting chops…

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the AU interview: Leo Sayer (UK) on touring, DJs, and the importance of powerful songwriting

Leo Sayer has a career that has spanned over four decades. He’s written for artists such as Roger Daltrey, Dolly Parton and Tina Turner, and had numerous classic hits such as the Grammy Award winning “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, “When I Need You” and “More Than I Can Say”. With the new tour…

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Photo Gallery: First Aid Kit – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (11.03.15)

First Aid Kit returned to Sydney tonight, playing the Enmore Theatre in what was their biggest ever headline show in our city. Gwendolyn Lee was there and brings us these photos:

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the AU interview: Katie Noonan (Sunshine Coast) talks touring, crowd funding and favourite studios

On Thursday morning Vanessa Ronan-Pearce had the pleasure of meeting the lovely, humble and talented Katie Noonan on the eve of her upcoming tour. They caught up in Sydney near the Channel 7 studios early in the morning before Katie went in to do some filming. With a successful and prolific career that has, so…

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The best ways to get to Texas from Australia (and back again)

With SXSW just around the corner – which takes place in Austin, Texas – we’re often asked the best ways to take the journey to Texas from Australia. Some are from people in a rush, others are from people who want to take the time to get there. Here are a few of the best…

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the AU interview: Luke Escombe (Sydney) talks vintage records, diverse tastes and kids' shows!

Luke Escombe‘s latest album Creeper Vine is a vintage-sounding homage to artists like Chuck Berry, Freddie King, and Elvis Presley while traversing the themes of modern-day life. This splice of eras is fresh and unique, emphasizing the singer-songwriter’s innate sense of fun. Touring Australia during March and April, Escombe is ready to rock n roll….

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