THE FUNKOARS

The Quickening

The Funkoars are set to hit Airlie Beach to officially launch their new album THE QUICKENING!

After smashing Sprung Festival to bits last month, The Funkoars are coming back around to give QLD a second helping of that 'Oars badness. Fresh off the back of releasing their thumping first single ‘Where I Am’, The Funkoars are proud to announce “The Quickening Album Launch Tour” which will see them hit Magnums Hotel on Sunday the 19th of February.

Known for having one of the most dangerous shows in the business, The Funkoars will be performing an all-new live show incorporating songs from The Quickening as well as their claaaassic material that forged them one of the biggest cult followings in the country.

Tickets are $25 or $30 on the door. Available from Magnums or by clicking the link below.

Get your tickets online www.moshtix.com

Funkoars, Magnums Hotel - Airlie Beach, 19th February 2012

AUSTRALIA DAY

Free party!

Thursday, January 26th is Australia day so Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free..... and love to party!!!

With the Aussie spirit at heart, magnums hotel is going all out and putting on a "free for all" that is free for all!! (Free entry, free food, games and top live Aussie entertainment!!!)

Doors open at 10am, the day will be action packed with features such as JJJ's Hottest 100 streamed live from the net. Free aussie bbq and pizza, free pool tables and ping pong, bikini models, free face painting & a Didgeridoo show / competition (win a Didge) as well as other surprises.

After the JJJ's Hottest 100, live and exclusive on the boardwalk outdoor stage, Magnums Hotel presents The Coalition Crew (live aussie hip hop, obese records, big day out, park live bris). You can view there bio here.

The party will then move inside to our nightclub with Fear of Dawn (DJ & percussion duo, mixed for ministry of sound & one love, syd) You can view there bio here.

M.C. PARTY WARRIOR (Resident Magnums, Whitsundays)

Hosting the biggest, wettest and hottest wet t-shirt competition Australia has ever seen with $1,000 cash up for grabs will be M.C party warrior. Lastly will be resident dj Adam Woods.

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE, OI OI OI!!!

Magnums Hotel – Airlie Beach, Thursday 26th Janurary

SCHOOL'S OUT

This years "School's out party" should defo be 'kept out of reach of children'!!! You don't have to hide from the head master behind the toilets to kiss a girl or have a smoke at this one.... strictly adults only!

“Why should schoolies have all the fun!!?”

Very soon thousands of schoolies will be descending on Airlie Beach for a whole week, taking over the town & making us not want to leave our front doors like we are on detention in our own homes.

After this happens Magnums night club & party warriors events are putting on an adults only dance party (no schoolies) featuring STEVE FRANK fittingly named.. Schools out!!!

Featuring the Australian DJ legend, doing an exclusive set at Magnums, Airlie Beach for one night only – Steve Frank. Voted #16 in Australia by IN THE MIX, resident DJ @ Sydney's super clubs The IVY & SOHO) Also feat DJ'S Chris Coast (Whitsundays), Adam Woods (Whitsundays), Beat Box Boy (UK, doing a totally unsupported & acapella Beat Box Show, no 2 shows are the same)

Naughty school girl podium dancers will bring it!!!

Night hosted by MC Party Warrior who will be giving away a major cash prize for the best dressed prom king & queen so use your imagination. Sports jocks, head masters, professors, teaches, naughty librarians or school girls etc. will all impress the judges! Doors open at 8pm 25th of November. Only $5 on the door & Free VIP upgrades for the really ridiculously cool people.... because we love you :)

www.facebook.com/djstevefrank?sk=info
www.stevefrank.com.au/Steve_Frank/Steve_Frank.html
www.youtube.com/DJSteveFrank
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117815718329455
www.magnumshotel.com.au

THE LAST KINECTION

Fiercely proud of their culture and history, The Last Kinection are extraordinary: uncompromising in their worldview, but with optimism and an outstretched hand. From the self-assured 'Find A Way' ('Ngai Wudhim Marigurim Ngai Yirinbu: I am afraid but I'm still strong'); to the commanding 'Together' ('If you could only spend a day in my shoes, maybe then we could talk, maybe then we could walk together'), Next of Kin is strikingly insightful.

It's the second album from the trio made up of brother and sister Weno (vocals/producer/2nd year medicine student) and Nay (vocals), belonging to the Kabbi Kabbi people of South East Queensland as well as DJ and producer Jaytee.

Created in the aftermath of a horrific car accident in 2008 – where Nay was pronounced dead at the scene before her brother Weno noticed the blanket that covered her move slightly. Ultimately the incident became the subject of a Crash Scene Investigations program. It truly is a tale of triumph over adversity: staring down the utterly devastating prospect of never walking or talking again, to making songs with such a perfect storm of power and melody.

This is a record of defiance, laughter and reflection – beautifully articulate voices bringing an Indigenous experience into sharp focus with a blazing set of banging hip hop beats.

Already they've achieved an impressive tally of five Deadly Awards ('Best Band' and 'Best Single' in 2011; 'Most Out- standing Achievement in Hip Hop/R&B' in 2009 and 2010; and Nay was 'Best Female' in 2010). Guests on the record include some of Australia's most lauded MCs, including Trials (Funkoars) and Briggs from the Golden Era label, Ozi Batla from The Herd, Rival MC from Impossible Odds, Lotek and Omar Musa. Simone Stacey, Nay's former partner in Shakaya, appears on the lead single 'Are We There Yet?'

Saturday 19 November, At The Jack (Cnr Spence & Sheridan St)

BLUEJUICE

No-one wants to be alone, but company is a complicated idea. Whether you're talking about romantic, social or professional life, sometimes you've got to work together to get things done.

On their third album, BLUEJU!CE were driven to exceed expectations. Working with the best session players and co-writers in Australia, the five piece group expanded the instrument list and put everything on the line in order to produce the energetic, modern pop record they've always threatened to make, but never previously delivered. Until now.

New album "Company" sees the band trawl any and every avenue for inspiration, from classic hits radio like Phil Collins, Thin Lizzy, Steely Dan, The Style Council, Eurythmics, Steve Winwood and Billy Joel; to RnB and dance, from Boyz II Men, Mark Morrison and Cameo; 90's house acts like E.M.F.; 60's Stax and Motown, and inspiring modern pop and rock like Spoon, The Strokes, Phoenix, Litle Dragon and LCD Soundsystem.

The effect is an album that is steeped in love for the genres and traditions of pop music, ulising studio tricks and techniques to embellish the energy that the band is known for.

Jake Stone and Stavros Yiannoukas trade lead vocals, matching and harmonising their opposing vocal tones. Musical director Jeremy Craib brings his innate mulri-instrumental facility to a variety of songs built around a strong foundation of piano and keyboards, while bassist Jamie Cibej and drummer James Hauptmann introduce electronics, drum replacement and other new toys to help motivate the dancefloor and beat back-beat boredom.

Somewhere between their ARIA-nominated previous release "Head Of the Hawk" and this one, BLUEJU!CE needed to grow. That doesn't mean dropping the sense of humour that keeps the members together, but learning to record at a higher level was a necessity - BLUEJU!CE had to become a studio band as well as a live proposition.

"Company" is released on November 11, 2011 through Dew Process/UMA. First single 'Act Yr Age' is available digitally now.

THE GRATES

They say that time changes people, but the latest album from The Grates, proves that this is true for bands as well.

John Patterson, guitarist for The Grates spoke about the challenges of music writing, changing the sound of the band, and the thrills of touring.

Secret Rituals is the 2011 album release for The Grates. The new tracks are more than just a cluster of beats and vocals; they're a compilation of lyrical genius. The Grates demonstrate that they've experienced Change and have been Moving On from their previous sound styles.

With their album maturing from the party track 19-20-20, the sound could be compared to that of fellow Australian musician Washington.

“When it's a smaller show its less pressure and you can have more fun.”

"There's a lot more bass, which makes the music sound a lot fuller than it did in the past," says John.

The changes are consistent throughout the album, with the group's attitude to music being based on their fans.

"You never want to do the same thing over and over, it's easy to, and you feel yourself doing the same thing over and over then you feel gross."

If you've been wondering where this Brisbane originate band had gone to in the last few months, it's because they resided in New York for some fresh surroundings to trigger musical inspiration. And with Secret Rituals being the result of this move, it's definitely paid off. "In Brisbane it's easy to sink into suburban life, but in New York you just get swept up in everything that's going on."

The big apple was quite a lifestyle adjustment for The Grates. The inspiration wasn't one massive tidal wave of amazing though, John says the good lyrics and rhythms come in small bursts, while the rest of the stuff that doesn't come naturally is real effort.

The wait for this album has certainly been worth it, as the group has created tracks which just by listening to, you can feel are strongly structure, as you're left craving more.

Evidently there is a secret about this album which creates it unique resonance.

"It's more planned from the ground up, in the past when we were writing we'd fill it all up with drums and guitar and anything else we'd just pile on top of it. We think about arrangement so everything's playing off each other at the same time."

With The Grates eager to show audiences their new sound, October cannot come soon enough. Next month see's the group starting long hours of rehearsals for their national Summer's Breath tour. The Grates will commence touring on October 27 and will be "whipped up into a frenzy" for the following four weeks.

John says a larger crowd gives exhilarating feedback from a great show; however the nerves leading up to enormous performances get his knees knocking.

"When it's a smaller show its less pressure and you can have more fun."

The touring is set to be filled with high-energized, entertaining performances with songs like Young Pricks testing the endurance of the band.

"We always just try and change the way we attack things, so we're not always doing the same thing."

It's a bit tongue-in-cheek to say the album is 'great' but let your musical soul indulge in this captivating fresh 2011 album, you definitely won't be Crying All Night.

The Grates play The Venue Townsville Saturday 19th November

FULL NOISE 2011

Full Noise is quickly becoming North Queensland's largest festival, and for it's third year the promoters have assembled a huge homegrown cross-genre lineup. Kate Martin & The Shallow Sea Choir were the first act to brave the main stage and a less than stellar crowd but the band churned through material and played a solid set. The local acts continued right throughout midday with DNA being the first act to get a reaction from the scattered punters who had arrived early.

Ball Park Music are the first big act to hit the main stage, "I'm fucking starving, does anybody have any candy" deadpans vocalist Sam Cromack. It hardly looks like the band is in need of a sugar rush, sporting a pepped up demeanor as they frolic around the stage. It's ironic given their distinctly self-depreciative blend of indie pop. Black Skies is a highlight with its rambling melodies and eccentric trombone part, but iFly is the clear favorite. As the song approaches the final verse, the band pause to heighten the tension and Cromack rockets off the stage, stumbling awkwardly in the process.

As the temperature soared, so did the quality of music on offer. After an eclectic and rocking set from Melbourne band, King Cannons, next on the Main Stage was Sydney band Faker, who after the more commercial success of their last album Be The Twilight, gained a solid following. This is particularly after the success of singles This Heart Attack, Are You Magnetic? as well as Sleepwalking, which had the majority of the crowd singing along to every word. They also continued their solid and energetic set with older tracks like Hurricane and Love For Sale off their debut album.

Receiving an impressive turnout, Brisbane's Dead Letter Circus uniquely progressive take on alt-rock deservedly gets them a rapturous crowd reaction throughout their short slot. Lead by vocalist Kim Benzie and the heroic bass work of Stewart Hill, tracks from the group's debut This Is The Warning sound as expansive and impressive live as they do on record. The dance tent remained somewhat lifeless during the festivals proceedings drawing its biggest crowd during Illy and Bag Raiders who battled against the talent at the main stage.

Gypsy and the Cat followed on the main stage, and this duo were astounding live, with hits Jona Vark and Time To Wander setting people in their paces. Their electronic synth sounds were powerful and catchy, and even those who were trying to sleep ended up waltzing back from campsites in their sleeping bags, even if it was to just sit and watch.

The Vines emerged on stage next with cigarettes and alcohol in hand before launching into Outtatheway. The set found balance between old favorites and the new material; tracks like Anysound, Highly Evolved and Gimmie Love followed. Fuck the World closed the set and in keeping with the nihilism of the lyrics, vocalist, Craig Nichols took to the drum kit with his guitar, destroying the bass-drum skin, followed by a beer bottle and his mike stand. Hamish Rosser continued drumming undeterred, having presumably endured the ritualistic stage destruction countless times before.

Festival favorites Grinspoon and Eskimo Joe closed out the evening on the main stage playing through hits, new tracks and lesser-known songs. Grinspoon's enigmatic lead singer, Phil Jamieson, captured the audience as he blasted through the tracks and by the end of the bands set, the audience was satisfied and very few punters left the venue disappointed.

JIMMY Z

With an impressive career spanning two generations of clubbers which has seen him hosting nationwide radio shows, running television channels and selling multi-platinum CD's - 4PLAY creator Jimmy Z can now add "What's Up (Dj's from Mars Remix)" reaching #1 on Beatport's online charts to his list of achievements.

Touring Australia from top to bottom and side to side, the Godfather of Australian dance, Jimmy Z and his 4PLAY Dj's will be finishing 2011 on a strong note with a number of select shows throughout QLD continuing the charge of 4PLAY's current single "What's Up?" and WILD's latest release WILD REUNION.

Having come a long way in the last 12 months following the successful release of 4PLAY Volume 10 and the brilliant reimagining of the iconic Four Non Blondes hit "What's Up?", 4PLAY and Jimmy Z are continuing their meteoric rise in late 2011 – and with select shows featuring former World Beat Boxing Champion JOEL TURNER, and a spooky special 4PLAY Halloween Party, these shows are not to be missed.

Friday November 18th - 9pm, Bully's Nightclub

SHARK NIGHT 3D

A sexy summer weekend turns into a blood-soaked nightmare for a group of college students hunted by blood-thirsty underwater predators in Shark Night 3­D, a terrifying thrill-ride featuring a red-hot young cast. Arriving by boat at her family's Louisiana lake island cabin, Sara (Sara Paxton) and her friends quickly strip down to their swimsuits for a weekend of fun in the sun. But when star football player Malik (Sinqua Walls) stumbles from the saltwater lake with his arm torn off, the party mood suddenly darkens. Nick (Dustin Milligan), a shy pre-med student, finds himself taking charge—administering first aid and informing Sara they don't have a minute to spare to get Malik to a hospital on the other side of the lake.

Setting out in a tiny speedboat, the college friends quickly discover the lake has been stocked with hundreds of massive, flesh-eating sharks. When the boat malfunctions in mid-trip, marooning them without medical care or a way to call for help, they are shocked to find that it has been deliberately sabotaged. As they face one gruesome attack after another, it becomes frighteningly clear that someone is engineering a deadly plot aimed at killing them all. With their options for rescue dwindling, Sara and the others struggle to fend off the sharks, get help and stay alive long enough to reach the safety of dry land.

Shark Night 3­D stars Sara Paxton (Superhero Movie, Last House on the Left), Dustin Milligan ("90210," Slither), Chris Carmack ("The O.C."), Joel David Moore (Avatar) and Katharine McPhee (The House Bunny). Only at the Movies November 10, www.iconmovies.com.au

Full Noise

Townsville Rugby Grounds, Saturday 8th October

WIL ANDERSON

Ando the Comedy Commando

2010 was a pretty big year for Wil Anderson. His Helpmann Award-winning show Wilful Misconduct played to sell-out audiences right across Australia and New Zealand, was nominated for best show, and won the People's Choice, at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

2010 also saw Wil's TV career go from strength-to-strength. The third season of his AFI-award winning show The Gruen Transfer was the ABC's highest rating regular series, and the spin-off election specials Gruen Nation were the highest rating shows on the network since Kath and Kim in 2003.

Wil was also nominated for a Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian television, and was named GQ Magazine's Media Personality of the Year at their annual Man Of The Year awards.2010 also saw Wil launch his new podcast TOFOP (30 Odd Foot Of Pod) which was named by iTunes as one of the best new podcasts of the year. Wil also spent part of the year doing shows in the USA, including regular appearances on Chelsea Lately and headlining the world famous Hollywood Improv.

“Would you believe that the only day off from recording Gruen I have to sit here and do all these interviews”

You may also know Wil as the former host of ABC's The Glass House, the co-host of the breakfast show on Triple J, or drive show on Triple M. He wrote the popular Sunday Roast column in the Sunday magazine for six years, and is the author of two books Survival of the Dumbest and Friendly Fire. He has also released a stand-up DVD called Wilosophy.

So when my editor called me last week to see if I was keen to interview him for the upcoming North Queensland leg of his Man Vs Wil tour not only was I finally nervous about doing my job I was completely excited because I got to interview one of my heroes. My fears were put to rest within the first 30 seconds of the phone call. Possibly the most busiest comedian in Australia at the time is very down to earth and keen to chat about almost anything you can throw at him

"Would you believe that the only day off from recording Gruen I have to sit here and do all these interviews" he said with a laugh. "I am very excited to be taking my show on the road again. It basically entails my views on topics and what I think of other people that have different views to mine."

I have heard rumours that the majority of stand-up comics are suffering from some form of depression. Wil didn't confirm or deny this one, "I think it could be a mixture of both depression and arrogance, depression because as a comic you want people to like what you've got to say and you feed off that. Also arrogance, you expect people to pay money to sit down and listen to you talk, you know what I mean?"

If you don't already know Wil is a cricket tragic, so I asked him how the Aussies were going to go this summer considering their recent run of questionable form. "I think as long as Shane Watson fires in the top order we'll be right!" So there you have it top advice from Australian cricket biggest armchair sports fan.

Written by Chris Hayes

Catch Wil Anderson at The Venue Townsville Saturday 15th October

"CARNIVALE MASQUERADE" Feat. VANDALISM

Proudly presented Party Warrior Events in conjunction with REEF FESTIVAL after party venue Magnums Hotel

As a follow up to Airlie's past "Brazilian Carnivale" partys, this time they are upping the anti, giving party people the chance to "dress up from the neck up" and literally put on a mask to become any one they wish to be.

As per usual at Magnums "A" quality themed events, we are bringing only the best "A" list entertainers, so performing live, exclusively and direct from Melbourne we bring to you....

VANDALISM!!! (Vicious recordings)

Australia's leading Electro/Dance outfit Vandalism has been enjoying success as one the most sought-after electro artists in the world. With the increasing demand for their distinctive live show, they have been touring across the globe with their 'in-yer-face' performances, featuring Andy Van tearing up the decks and vocalist Cassie Van with her head-turning live performances. They have completed over a dozen international tours in the last 3 years, which included gigs at the world's leading Clubs & festivals in London, Nth America, Ibiza, Greece, Zurich, Sweden, Moscow, Canada, Korea, Poland, Ireland & New Zealand, to name a few. They've performed alongside some of the world's leading DJs & acts, including David Guetta, Eric Morillo, Steve Aoki, Prodigy, MSTRKRFT, Boys Noize and many more.

To date Vandalism have released a barrage of top-shelf singles, including She Got It, Throw Your Hands Up, Smash Disco, Never Say Never, Hablando, Bucci Bag & some of the biggest remixes in Clubland over the last 5 years, including Creeps , Rise Up, Heater, Toca's Miracle, Blue Monday, Get Shaky, Right In The Night, I Believe, What's It Gonna Be, He Not In, Girls & Boys, Back Once Again & Automatic Machine, most them achieving #1 positions on Beatport, Djdownload.com & other DJ download sites

http://www.myspace.com/vandalismgroup
www.facebook.com/vandalismgroup
www.youtube.com/vandalismgroup

Supported by
DJ CHRIS COAST (Resident) & DJ ADAM WOODS (Resident)
MC PARTY WARRIOR who will be giving a way a major prize for the best mask so don't be shy to go all out...... People wont know who you are anyway. Have a look in the local Puzzle shop at Whitsunday shopping centre for some great costumes and masks.
Doors open @ 7pm, $10 on the door (Free VIP upgrades for the really ridiculously cool people.... because we love you :) Free masks for the first 100 people through the door.

For more info head to the facebook event page or 'friends of magnums' home page.

THE SMART

"The Smart. Live at the HiFi bar. 3d show," the ad read. I glossed over the 3d bit – a clever way of saying live twice. All live bands appear in 3d, don't they? Speaking to Paul the bass player while setting up that show, he dropped the 3d bit again so thought I'd better ask. I should've known, I was around for the 80s telly premiere when our folks bought the cardboard glasses and we watched pingpong balls being thrown at us on crappy Rank Arenas.

“I think when you chuck 90s rock in with 80s sync you get an interesting mix.”

Turns out The Smart have some affection for the 80s too. Big rock teamed with electro minor chords, I ventured. "Our keyboard player Johnny, he definitely likes everything 80s. Me and Jeremy the singer, we're very 90s guys, I love my 90s rock. I think when you chuck 90s rock in with 80s sync you get an interesting mix." So I was spot on. And Paul didn't seem to mind my 80s reminisce via Corey Hart (but not that bad) all the way to Depeche Mode. I asked whether this made them a hit with lots of different age groups. "Definitely – we get a wide range of people into us anyway, which I think is cool." And it is.

The Smart are doing their first NQ coast run, kicking off about now and pretty stoked about it too. "We've done a few one-off shows in Cairns and Townsville but this is the first tour. Last time was probably about two years ago and we were playing at a bunch of skateparks. This the first time in all these venues and we're very excited about it." I felt I had to mention the Pub-like nature of the venues, and NQ in general – very different from the HiFi Bar, but this didn't seem to phase the cool bass player either. "We've just done a whole tour in South East Queensland and outwest a little bit, all in the pubs....you get a local crowd as well as the people there just for the show. It's worked really well actually."

From pubs to stadiums, the boys now know their eggs. After winning a MMM radio listener voted competition with their single 'City Lights', The Smart wound up in front of thousands of Bon Jovi fans as their support act. "It was a big year for us," observed Paul modestly. Certainly was when you consider it was only their third year of gigging as a band. The audience chose them over five other bands and the rest is history.

But back to the future. Friday night at the HiFi bar, the punters were about to be presented with a set of old skool red and blue glasses at the door. "We've hired a huge projector and we're just gonna project a bunch of 3d animations throughout the show. We've always wanted to do shows where we have live animation synced up to our tracks, so tonight's the first time we're going to do it. Veeery excited." If it went off, then it's a taste of things to come for future tours.

For this tour, it'll just be the human 3d version but not too shabby either. "High energy, crazy outfits! Come out, if you want something different and exciting." So check em out live before they turn 3d for the next one. Wouldn't that make them 4d...?

Rhesa Menkens

The Devil Wears Prada

Australia vs America "The people are more crazy… and less fat"

If you don't like 'heavy music' then go away. Seriously! Don't bother reading any further and continue living under a rock with your closed mind, judgemental nature and disgraceful dancing.

Ok now that they are gone we can talk about some sweet, sweet metalcore. The Devil Wears Prada are such a metalcore/hardcore/metal band and are a fine example of how superb heavy music can be. The dynamic 6 piece hailing from Dayton Ohio in the good ol US of A are on top of their game right now. A new full length record, a world tour and to top it off, guitarist Jeremy DePoyster got to….ready for it…. chat to me. The way I see it, to know where you are, you must know where you have come from.

So what tunes did this guitarist/singer listen to as a young tacka? "When I was a real young kid I was into (Led) Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Joe Walsh, and a lot of that kind of stuff, like Nirvana and Alice in Chains. Then I got into hardcore, metalcore and metal. Underoath, Slayer, (Iron) Maiden and on the other side Judas Priest." What about now days? "It's got pretty eclectic of late I have been listening to post rock, any effects driven stuff." So when did he decide to be in a band. "Well I got a guitar when I was 10 and my brother got a drum set a couple of years later when he was 11. We just started jamming with that. My other cousin played guitar too and so I started singing, I was in a choir, musicals and drama club at school and everything."

“It's really raw, it's really aggressive, it's really angry and passionate.”

Fast-forward a few years and a young Jeremy and his bass playing friend spotted an ad looking for a guitarist and bass player. Bet you can't guess who that was! They decided to respond and as fate would have it that was the day that changed his life, and his frequent flyer miles forever. However had he been given the time again he would have chosen a different name. "I wasn't in the band when they named it, neither was Mike our singer or Andy our bass player. I don't know why we were so foolish that we decided not to change our name back then, but now, now we are stuck with our name and we hate it and don't really care. Back then we were really adamant on (keeping) it but now we have put up so much stuff, it focuses more on the meaning, that the name doesn't really matter."

Names aside, The Devil Wears Prada are one of the most prolific recording artists in existence and if they continue at the rate they have started at, no doubt they will set some sort of record. "We put out way too many records in way too short of a time. We have always had people whispering in our ear. It has been the business plan these days almost to put out an album a year. It's not been a big deal right? But we had 3 full records before I was old enough to legally drink in the United States." Cheers to you Jeremy. This new album is a hummm dinger though. The darker tone the band is taking Jeremy attributes the mass amount of positive feedback about their previous release Zombie EP.

"When we put out the Zombie EP it did so well and fans loved it. We were so stoked on that. It was not just fans but also people who where like "you know this band was kinda *makes throwing up sound *" but now it's cool, it's heavy, it's dark and it means something. When we look back at our old stuff we were like "what were we thinking?" We are so stoked on this new darker heavier stuff." It's fairly clear from speaking with Jeremy that TDWP is all about live raw sounds, rather than the polished, processed crap we are all fed in this day and age.

"We were always like, don't just listen to a record, go to a show, and experience it. This record is the first one that brings into a studio what we have done live. It's really raw, it's really aggressive, it's really angry and passionate." So get passionate about your metal guys! Don't judge this band by their name, get down to their upcoming shows and get down to the pit. \m/

Nicholas Gregg

The Devil Wears Prada play Wednesday 26 October – The HIFI, Brisbane – U18 & Thursday 27 October – The HIFI, Brisbane – 18+

MISSION BEACH EVOLVE FESTIVAL

More than just your boring run of the mill Fest!

Mission Evolve Music Fest is a celebration of life, focussing on creating a platform for artistic expression, nurtured in a vibrant, inspiring, peaceful environment where we all come together and celebrate the awesome creative energy Far North QLD has to offer!

MEMF is not exclusive to music & open to all mediums of artistic expression. The event encompasses everything from live music, DJ's, workshops, sculpture, percussion, roaming performance and circus spaces to market stalls and delicious food. Set in the lush tropical forests of Dundee Pk, Mission Beach, this is a family friendly event with camping available throughout the weekend.

This year's festival will boast 3 stages, the 2 main alternating stages as well as the 'Evolving Stage'. This 3rd stage is for anyone and everyone to get up a have a go. There will be chalk boards, showcases as well as improvised jams! So be sure to bring your instrument, talent & enthusiasm!

“We're excited about playing Evolve, it's important to promote local festivals and gigs to help get the music industry back on its feet in north Queensland”

Songwriters Showcase. This year we will kick off Saturday morning with a showcase of our talented songwriters, hosted by Channel Free. We encourage songwriters to register before the day to perform 2 to 3 original tunes, though if there is space left we will take registrations on the day. Channel Free will be there for support and back up if need be!

One of the acts at the festival this year will be Cairns ska outfits Jobstopper, who are developing quite a large following all over Queensland. I was lucky enough to catch up with lead guitarist and keytarist extraordinaire Andrew "Fanatical" Hamilton on the eve of the bands adventure to Brisbane for a quick catch up and a few sneaky beers to have a chat about the festival. "We're excited about playing Evolve, it's important to promote local festivals and gigs to help get the music industry back on its feet in north Queensland. We're absolutely stoked to be a part of it."

2011 has been a busy year for the 'Stopper boys, they released an E.P "These Ones" at the start of the year. Both their songs "Dig" and "Bommodore" have had airplay on Triple J and countless gigs all the way down the east coast of the state plus a few birthday and bucks parties in between. If you're heading down to mission beach for this festival, do yourselves a favour and get a bit of ska in to ya while you're there!

Written by Bob Devon

Mission Evolve Music Fest is October 7 – 9, Dundee park, Mission Beach

FLO RIDA

Cabana style Nth Qld show

Recent news of American Chart Topper Flo Rida bringing his show to Jupiters Poolside on October 23 has North Queenslanders in a frenzy for tickets.

Managing Director Sean Knights said Jupiters was excited at the prospect of bringing such a high calibre artist to North Queensland. “It will be a concert like no one has ever seen in Townsville and I am expecting North Queensland will show its support for such a premium international artist,” Mr Knights said.

“We are the premier entertainment destination in North Queensland and we plan to continue to bring international acts to Jupiters,” he said.

“We will have especially themed luxury Cabanas set by the pool that will really add the wow factor to the event”

SEXY female DJ and a singing and dancing sensation Havana Brown, along with Australia’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance performer, Timomatic will open for Flo Rida at the Cabana style concert.

There will be three levels of tickets for purchase to the concert including general admission, VIP and Cabana. “General admission tickets will go on sale for $80 and will grant ticket holders access to the poolside lawn that will have a great stage location and will also feature large screens so no one misses out on the action,” Mr Knights said.

“The VIP tickets will cost from $150 and will give fans poolside access allowing them to enjoy the concert inside or outside of the pool,” he said.

But it’s the über-exclusive tickets into the Cabanas that will set the tone for the event. “We will have especially themed luxury Cabanas set by the pool that will really add the wow factor to the event,” Mr Knights said. “Each Cabana will cater for 10 guests and will include a four-hour beverage package and canapés as well as some of the best views of the stage. The Cabana’s will start from $1800 each and we expect these to sell out very quickly.”

Flo Rida and Havana Brown play Jupiters Townsville October 23

Tickets to the concert are available from the Box Office in person, online at www.tecc.net.au or call 4771 4000

For accommodation enquiries at Jupiters Casino Townsville call 4722 2333

Amanda Palmer

Inspiration from Down Under

Last time she was speaking to Aussie audiences Amanda Palmer was furious with her label and hell-bent on leaving the confines of Roadrunner Records. Now, some several years later...not much has changed.

"That has been a long and painful divorce," she sighs. "It looks like the light is shining at the end of the tunnel."

So is she heading in the direction of being her own boss and accountant?

"For the time being that would seem to be the way to go," she agrees. "I'm certainly never against partnering up with people but I'll certainly be very cautious the next time around." It may be that she really embraces new technology – release things digitally, go the Radiohead route, follow the Ash path.

"I may do one or all of those things," she says cryptically. "You never know exactly what's going to happen. The way the music industry is going is totally bizarre and it's a complete free-for-all. I find myself looking at my situation and my pile of songs and my schedule in life and thinking that since there are no rules anymore I should become very clear within myself as to what it is that I want to do. Otherwise I'm just going to be constantly trying to polish a turd. That may mean releasing songs one-by-one, it may mean giving a bunch of stuff away for free, it may mean selling some stuff to just pay the bills – pretty much like everyone else I'll just figure it out as I go along."

“I've got a fucking Map of Tasmania! It's a well-manicured Map of Tasmania – the shore line is not too rocky, it's all good."”

While she's been busy touring, her stockpile of songs are relatively small, but she is hoping that the tour to Australia really sparks her creative juices.

"My hopes for recording in Adelaide is to make a quick and dirty EP of songs that are all Australia- and New Zealand-related," she says. "I already have a handful and when I sat down one day and was sorting through my whole pile and list of songs I thought 'wow, how cool would it be to do a mini-concept of Down Under', so I think that's what I'm going to do! I've been thinking about this, and some of my favourite artists are from down there, and I was thinking about slapping on a couple of cover songs. I have a song called "Australia", a song called "New Zealand", and a song called "Map of Tasmania"."

What is it about the southern end of the world that's inspired the songwriting?

It's warm, and I really, really love being warm. They're all inspired by different things – "Map of Tasmania" was inspired by playing a show in Tasmania, and I was hanging out with my friend Anna in Hobart, and she was explaining what 'MOT' meant when I shouted it out of car windows, as in 'Show us your map of Tasmania'. That inspired a ukulele song that I wrote backstage before the show which I then played that night that became an instant hit, and I've gotten requests up the ass to record that song...no pun intended."

Of course, most women these days seem to be going with the Brazilian look rather than the fully fledged 'Map of Tasmania".

"I've got a fucking Map of Tasmania! It's a well-manicured Map of Tasmania – the shore line is not too rocky, it's all good."

Exciting things are afoot, with a new era set to begin for Amanda Palmer and the Dresden Dolls. "It feels like I'm coming out of a minor dark night of the soul in a lot of ways," she says in summation. "I've also been really, really lucky constantly – no matter how bad things have gotten with my record label there's been fantastic things going on in different departments, and in general I'm not complaining. I have a fantastic job, I'm really healthy, I'm getting married to a man I love, and I really don't have a lot to complain about.

"Brian and I stopped touring right about the time we were really, really making ourselves too miserable to continue, and then I got really refreshed working on my solo record and touring behind it. I'm happy as long as I'm creating, and I haven't stopped creating so I haven't been unhappy."

By John Morris

JOSH THOMAS

50% Man 50% Biy 100% Gansta!

At the age of just 17 Josh Thomas was the youngest ever winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's RAW Comedy Competition in 2005. "I was always going to the Powerhouse in Brisbane to watch comedians and they made it look really easy. All they would do is stand up in front of everyone and talk and everyone would laugh. I thought to myself hey I could do that. I've now learnt that it isn't easy and it isn't always fun." He also made the finals of So You Think You're Funny, Edinburgh's equivalent to RAW Comedy. He thought he was the King of the world. His next gig was in a scary you-might-actually-die-when-they-stab-you style Tavern in front of 12 comics and a man sitting at the bar crying into his beer.

“Belgium is so boring! It's got to be, like, the most boring country on earth!"”

Josh has performed solo seasons at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Melbourne and Sydney International Comedy Festivals, as well as the invitation-only festivals, Smithwicks Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Ireland and the Geel Comedy Festival in Belgium. "Belgium is so boring! It's got to be, like, the most boring country on earth! The whole time I was there it was rainy and cold." He is also the curator of the Brisbane Comedy Festival. Expanding his TV dance card, Josh has become a regular favourite on Network Ten's Good News Week, has performed stand up on Rove Live and is the Generation Y Team Captain on Network Ten's Talkin 'bout Your Generation.

In 2007 Josh, picked up the gong for the Melbourne Airport Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, for his first ever solo show, Please Like Me. This was followed by a 6-week tour with the Comedy Festival Roadshow and an invitation to perform at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal in July.

Speaking to Josh from his home in Melbourne it was very quick to see he was bored with the usual run of the mill questions that he gets asked every time he does an interview. So with that, my questions got thrown out the window and basically the interview didn't happen - we just took the piss out of each other.

“I really don't know, I guess I'd take a lot of naps, I'd bake a lot and I'd pat my dog who is by the way 50% cavalier spaniel, 50% poodle and 100% gangster!”

Finally after 15 minutes of talking crap about his dog, and facebook stalking, the conversation turned to death threats he received from very cranky My Chemical Romance fans. Fans of Talking 'bout Your Generation may remember one episode where Shaun Micallef asked Josh who he was dressed as. He replied, "the lead singer (Gerard Way) from that emo band My Chemical Romance." Josh explained further, "for months afterwards I was getting death threats from MCR fans. Some of it was quite graphic like, 'I want slit your throat and drag you across the floor by your ankles and then throw you off the balcony.' It was quite scary for awhile." In between Josh's ramblings on the standard of clientele at The Woolshed in Cairns, I finally managed to ask him what he would do if he wasn't a comedian. He answered, "I really don't know, I guess I'd take a lot of naps, I'd bake a lot and I'd pat my dog who is by the way 50% cavalier spaniel, 50% poodle and 100% gangster! John is the most rockin' dog ever!"

Finally after more ranting, I managed to slip in my last question about his show and what punters can expect from his stand up show. "Well, it's heaps different from what I do on TAYG, there's a lot more swearing, I tell personal stories and yeah, well… don't bring your kids."

By Chris Hayes

Josh Thomas performs at Cairns Civic Theatre Friday 30th September & Townsville Civic Theatre Saturday 1st October

BLACK MUSTANG

Q&A

Black Mustang have played and toured relentlessly in recent times covering all corners of Australia while earning a reputation as Brisbane's own garage rock stalwarts. of their second full length album Loaded Gun released on July 15 on Plus One Records through Shock, is the epitome of a classic Aussie rock record.

Ebony Battersby: When are you guys planning on heading up to North Qld?
Starry (Dave): To be advised at this stage, we have recently over last year been up to north QLD extensively with Oz rock legends The Angels & loved it. Good people up that way People who appreciate their rock music for what it is & should be.

EB: What do you most like to see at one of your shows?
SD: Boobies preferably!! Nah, basically participation from the crowd, we don't play for ourselves, so if they're having a good time & joining us we have done our job.

EB: What sets Black Mustang apart from other upcoming Australian rock bands?
SD: Decadence & perseverance, we have been together near on a decade in various formats & where many bands try to short cut or continually search for "easy street," we prefer to hone our skills the way it should be done, on the road, on stage & not talking it up on Facebook or twitter. We like to let our actions & the music do the talking for us, you can't dispute or argue with quality when you see it live.

EB: Can you detail the best live gig you've played together?
SD: One particular night in Gladstone, as part of The Angels tour, everything just clicked. We were on from the first note & it was seamless. The nature of live music is it's hard to nail perfection, particularly if you, as an artist, is a perfectionist. That night the crowd's reaction confirmed how we felt on stage.

EB: Songs from both released Black Mustang albums have been featured on hit American TV shows such as Entourage and Californication. Any plans as of yet to run to the US?
SD: Yes, we are always looking for new territory to spread our rock'n'roll gospel. Wheels are in motion to do exactly that.

EB: Can you tell me about the band's history?
SD: Started 2004, two mates jamming at Brisbane Uni, acquired other half of the band spending next few years developing our sound, which lead to joining Plus On Record in 2007/2008. Having toured extensively throughout Australia supporting artists such as Wolfmother, The Angels, British India, Celibate Rifles to name a few. Along the way released an EP & now 2 albums, as well as becoming a household name on the Brisbane indie scene.

EB: What kind of creative process does Black Mustang undergo in order to spit out an album?
SD: It's all about embracing our sometimes diverse influencess to formulate our own blend of rock'n'roll. Throughout the album experience you can hear all 4 members influences shine through at various points & to different degrees. It's always very collaborative which keeps the band fresh, as every member is as important as the other.

By Ebony Battersby

Labyrinthine

Think local act global

Labyrinthine Productions is a student initiative and proposed not-for-profit organisation focused on reviving the live music industry within the Townsville community.

Created for a Creative Exchange assignment at James Cook University, Labyrinthine Productions presents a comprehensive project based on promoting and supporting local live music by establishing a Band Promotions Agency who's objective is to provide services such as demo recordings, promotion packaging and event promotion.

The project involves recording two local bands, Asylum and The Heathen Dogs, giving them the opportunity to advance in the music industry and help get recognition for what they do. The project will be launched on November 18, 2011 at The Venue, Townsville where a live music event will be held for the public. This will give local artists a platform to be heard and will show case four local bands. The event itself has an entry fee of $10 (or $15 at the door) and the money raised will go into the production costs of the event and into the set up of the organisation.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Labyrinthine Productions is a creative collective focused on creating a place for artists created by artists. The organisation will endeavour to find funding and support to create a stable platform for artists to present their work, being that of live music, live art or performance. The collaboration of live music and art is a main focus of the organisation as well as working to gather funding and recognition to hold larger live music events and festivals.

Once established Labyrinthine Productions will offer the community a place of artistic refuge, artistic services, prospected industry careers and opportunity to bring a larger musical and artistic culture to Townsville.