Chicago rapper Noname’s excellent album Room 25 — technically her debut following the critically acclaimed 2016 mixtape Telefone — was released exactly a week before tonight’s sold out show at The Forum. That she barely touched on the new material … Continue reading Noname – The Forum, Melbourne (21/09/2018)
The 800 capacity Corner Hotel was, unsurprisingly, sold out, and as soon as the support act, Exhibitionist, quit the stage, after reaching a triumphant high point with the new song ‘Being A Woman’, the crowd pushed forward as one. It’s … Continue reading Kimbra – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (19/07/18)
Even when it was together it was falling apart. Marshall Allen dropped his arm and the horns landed in unison on command, the dual alto, tenor and baritone saxes, the trombone and two trumpets creating a sound that was at … Continue reading Sun Ra Arkestra – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne (06/05/2018)
At this stage in his career Big Boi is left to fly the flag for one of the most celebrated hip hop acts of the ‘90s and early 2000s while Andre 3000, his partner in OutKast, rests in semi-retirement. The … Continue reading Big Boi – 170 Russell, Melbourne (13/03/18)
The Supernatural Amphitheatre seemed impossibly lush upon arrival on Saturday. The springy green grass seeming to contradict the already blazing sun and dust that was blowing persistently through the air. The buzz of excitement could be heard and observed across … Continue reading Golden Plains 2018 – Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Victoria (10-11/03/2018)
“Haha, it’s so funny…seated,” said Cosi Jaala, looking apprehensively out at the quietly expectant rows of faces at the Melbourne Recital Hall. “Devoid of crust and familiar smells.” Jaala’s nervous discomfiture at playing to a reserved theatre hall did not … Continue reading Moses Sumney + Jaala – Melbourne Recital Hall, Melbourne (01/02/18)
170 Russell was packed to the walls and from the very first beat, the entire crowd was cheering for more and singing back every line. In truth the promoters could have easily upgraded to a bigger venue and sold more … Continue reading Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals – 170 Russell, Melbourne (07/02/18)
Having seen Father John Misty play in the somewhat inappropriately formal setting of the Recital Hall last year, I was looking forward to the Californian guru’s return to The Forum. Hitting the stage right on time, and backed by a … Continue reading Father John Misty – The Forum, Melbourne (09/02/18)
Having emerged fully formed in 2013, the success of Run The Jewels is a remarkable feat of marketing and complimentary personas. Presenting themselves as a classic hip hop duo, with all of the swagger and energy that comes with that … Continue reading Run The Jewels – Festival Hall, Melbourne (5/1/18)
The early morning rise; the obligatory line for toasted sandwiches in the servo; the not-yet-quite-awakened festival goers that are as excited as they are bleary eyed. For many Meredith Music Festival represents one of the most hotly anticipated musical experiences … Continue reading Meredith Music Festival 2017 – Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre (8-10/12/17)
Seeing Paul McCartney live in 2017 is a propositioned weighted with history, a history perhaps more widely known than that of just about any other living musician. However, despite the nostalgia factor, McCartney has remained a competitive commercial force, continuing … Continue reading Paul McCartney – AAMI Park, Melbourne (5/12/17)
There was a lot on at Face The Music this year – almost 40 events were listed over the two-day program, including panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops and speed meetings, not to mention the live music component. Here are the … Continue reading Top 10 Nuggets of Wisdom from Face the Music 2017
