2018 was a big year for Ravyn Lenae; in January she celebrated her 19th birthday and two weeks later released her third EP, Crush, a laid back collection of funky R&B and modern soul. The EP’s first single ‘Sticky’ had … Continue reading Ravyn Lenae – Howler, Melbourne (6/2/19)
Annika Schmarsel, known professionally as Alice Ivy, is almost bouncing with enthusiasm on her end of the line. Although she has played in touring bands since high school, the Melbourne artist/producer has only been crafting her brand of electronic pop … Continue reading Interview: Alice Ivy
“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)
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 something quite surreal about the entire event. Hanging over the celebratory nature of the show was the sad knowledge held by all that this was a farewell to a much-loved band. A group that had toiled at their … Continue reading The Peep Tempel + Batpiss – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne (03/11/17)
On Sunday night I stumbled into a strange and foreign world – a pop concert by the US singer Kehlani. We found The Forum completely packed upon arrival, with the 22-year-old Californian already on stage and the similarly youthful audience … Continue reading Kehlani – The Forum, Melbourne (27/08/17)
“A Decade of Dickhead. And just to make it clear, we’re the dickheads,” says Joel Morrison, gazing around at the interior of The Old Bar. “It’s just amazing that three dickheads can run a bar for this long.” It’s only … Continue reading Interview: A DECADE OF DICKHEAD – THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOEL, LIAM & SINGA RUNNING THE OLD BAR
LCD Soundsystem proved several things tonight, not least that music designed for dancing can also be vital, dynamic and filled with flawed human emotion. Another is how loud and detailed a band can sound in a stadium if they invest … Continue reading LCD Soundsystem – Marriage Equality Arena, Melbourne (26/07/17)
Angie McMahon’s powerful and surprisingly deep vocal filled the Melbourne Recital Centre, even if the majority of the seats remained unoccupied. The singer’s lyrical content and charmingly nervous between song banter revealed her youth, but this didn’t really matter once … Continue reading Father John Misty + Angie McMahon – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne (24/07/17)
words by watts 