Another week, another battle of the bands – in fact, there are three this week. First off, Moyne FReeZA presents Push Start Event with six top-notch acts on the lineup. Hey Mammoth, Altered Minds, Tiosay Joy, Orlana and Mamoko, Dream Season and Three Wheels will be performing to make your Friday even better (plus entry is free). This event goes down Friday August 11 at St. Pat’s Hall, Port Fairy, from 6pm. On the very same night, we’ve got Hobson’s Bay Battle of the Bands at The Substation, Newport. Did you manage to catch Plaza-trg play at The Push Pop-Up Shop a few weeks ago? Don’t worry if you didn’t, these cuties will be playing at Hobson’s Bay Battle of the Bands alongside Josh and Max, Hollow December, One Sound, Arkadian and Annaliese Rose. The show starts at 6.30pm and entry is $10. Last but not least, it’s time for FReeZA Push Start Competition finale. If you didn’t catch the Push Start Competition heats, you can certainly come to the finals. Trucks, Lethal Sound Division, Good Wives, EMBE, Cassells, Butterfunked and Falling Infinite will be playing. The event goes down on Sunday August 13 at Karova Lounge, Ballarat Central from 2pm. Entry is $10.
Are you into jazz? If you are, come down to The Jazzlab, Brunswick to catch soulful singer Kristin Berardi and incredible bassist Sam Anning. Berardi was the support act for Al Jarreau and George Benson at Montreux Jazz Festival 2007. Moreover, Anning has worked with Australian jazz legends such as Allan Browne, Joe Chindamo, Aaron Choulai and many more. This show goes down on Monday August 14 at 8pm. You can purchase tickets at jazzlab.club.
Hot LP alert: have you heard of Declan McKenna? McKenna is an English singer/songwriter, gaining widespread recognition after winning Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition in 2015. Recently, the 18-year-old released his debut album What Do You Think About The Car? that showcases the most newfangled indie-pop throwback tunes ever. If you’re into the baroque-ish or art pop sounds of Vampire Weekend, you’ll likely find McKenna intriguing. McKenna is one of those sensitive young songwriters; he exhibits deep, thought-provoking lyrical content. McKenna’s very first single Brazil, which he wrote when he was just 15, tackles issue of corruption in the FIFA World Cup. He also discusses the suicide of a transgender teenager on Paracetamol. Moreover, McKenna explores the topic of law enforcement and Black Lives Matter on Isombard. McKenna has played many big festivals, including Glastonbury and Lollapalooza, and will also be playing Leeds Festival and Summer Sonic in Japan. Pretty impressive achievements.
