Looking back at some of Victoria’s greatest music festivals that are no more

Over the past few decades, Victorians have been lucky enough to host some world-class music festivals. From the era of one-day events reigning supreme to the prominent rise of multiple-day boutique festivals and ‘bush-doofs’, music festivals have quickly become the make-or-break moment for any aspiring artist’s career and a permanent booking in many young Victorians’ social calendar.

We won’t lie, the past few months have been tough for festivals. With extreme weather risks, low ticket sales, lineup struggles and more plaguing the industry, many punters have started to worry that the festival scene is at risk.

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Call us cautiously optimistic, but we believe that as long as people still want to dance, drink and party to live music with their friends, festivals will find a way to survive. The industry has endured so much since the early days and we’ve seen so many amazing events come and go, so today, we’re taking a retrospective journey through some of Victoria’s greatest music festivals that are no more.

What’s more, we called on punters to dish out juicy anecdotes that’ll make you miss festivals even more than you already do. Queue the nostalgia!

Future Music Festival (2006-2015)

“I went to Future in 2009, during my peak muzza phase. The day started with fake tan, vodka cruisers and enthusiasm, and was followed by shoulder rides on various topless muscleheads for the N.E.R.D. set, warm smuggled liquor, and a roll full of classic festival gal selfies.” – Lys.

Pyramid Rock (2004-2010)

“Oh it was so long ago! 2011, first camp-out festival I went to. I’d say it’s similar to Falls, back in the day, but a more funny mix of people ’cause it was in Phillip Island, so like ‘lotta country people with more camp interaction. I’ve seen Spiderbait quite a few times now but this was the first and they were so good. I did think the Scissor Sisters were a strange choice to do the New Years Countdown. My 2012 came in with ‘Take Your Mama‘.” – Jack.

Maitreya (2008-2015)

“Hmmm, it was the perfect blend between quality production and epic natural serenity, mixed with a real grungy, dark undercurrent, fused together with non-stop psytrance and uplifting techno. In short, it was fuckin’ epic.” – Nick.

Kennedys Creek Music Festival (2008-2019)

“Before that weekend of my first Kennedys Creek, I’d never heard of it. But all I can say is what a textbook example of music, camping and community. After that weekend I was annoyed I didn’t know of it sooner. I was equally as sad to find out the second time I went would be the last ever KC. Bloody hope not. Fav moment was Sunnyside were peak set and everyone’s heads were bopping in sync, that shit gets me every time.” – Jesse.

Soundwave (2004-2015)

“Where in the fuckin’ Australia are you going to see Judas Priest play to the crowd they fucking deserve? Fucking Soundwave, that’s where! Metal on metal, black on black, there is nothing else like Soundwave. We are starved of European-style open air metal fests, and this is as close as it gets for our distant, isolated land! Let’s hope it returns.” – Glenn.

Earthcore (1993-2018)

“Above the mayhem, the chaotic disorganisation, the sleepless nights, the questionable characters and the beautiful, psychotic maniac that ran the show, Earthcore paved the way for psytrance parties in Australia. Spiro [Boursine] had arguably the biggest impact on the Aussie electronic music scene. Earthcore went out the way it came in, a wild shit show that we all kept coming back for.” – Eden.

Stereosonic (2008-2015)

“Considering it was my first over-18s festival, it was pretty intimidating walking in surrounded by heaps of hectic muzzas that had obviously been there for numerous years. But as soon as I got to the first stage to see PNAU, all of my concerns instantly faded away. The day continued seeing acts that I’m now not so proud of saying I prioritised over others, namely seeing LMFAO and Afrojack instead of acts like Claude VonStroke and Mr Oizo.

The night finished with Armin Van Buuren (I think) and the light show was sick. All in all, the two years I went to Stezza were great. I just wish I had the music taste I have now because I missed out on some great acts, but hindsight is a beautiful thing.” – Blake

Push Over Festival (1992-2014)

“I guess Push Over was one of the first festivals I attended that there was a big crowd. My main memory is seeing Parkway Drive for the first time, packing out the tiny little outdoor courtyard area at the Abbotsford Convent. They ended up getting a huge circle pit going during ‘Feed Them To The Pigs’. It was crazy. That was not long after they’d released ‘Horizons’.” – Josh

Yemaya (2014-2017)

“In 2017 I attended the final Yemaya Festival in a grassless paddock just outside Serpentine. It was a long hot weekend of psytrance, techno, ambient and instrumental performances set between two stages.

I went into it thinking, ‘How am I going to listen 150+bpm for four days?’ but, instead, was offered a surprisingly intimate experience. It was my first time seeing the Australian staples Tetrameth and Terrafractyl and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the genre.

The highlight of the weekend was Yuli Fershtat (Perfect Stranger)’s extended eight hour set, from late Saturday Night to very early Sunday Morning. He showcased a variety of sounds into a seamless performance I’ll never forget.

Thinking back on it now, it was an absolute privilege to be there with friends dancing in the heat at my first and unknowingly last Yemaya festival.” – Misha.

Big Day Out (1993-2014)

“I was lucky enough to attend the annual Big Day Out festival from 2011 to 2014. It’s a sad sight to see that this festival has now left us, but the memories live on; such as watching Iggy Pop bark like a dog on all fours, sweating in the boiler room on a 40 degree day to Die Antwoord, getting bruised in the death pit of Violent Soho, having a boogie to Primal Scream, smoking a doobie to Snoop Dogg whilst running back and forth to Pearl Jam.” Michaela.

“Woah, what a nostalgic moment in time. I remember the first BDO I ever went to was 2012 – the night before was my 16th birthday and I had some friends over to celebrate. I knew about half of them were attending the next day and genuinely, I was excited for them. They must have known that because they all put money together and surprised me with a ticket so I could join the fun.”

Kanye West had released My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy’, Odd Future were fresh on the scene and ‘Yonkers’ was a huge track, Nero had some of the most hair-raising sounds, Foster The People released their album Torches and I probably knew every word to every song listed, plus a handful of other acts had me pumped up.

After enjoying 2012, I went the following years. In 2013 I saw some incredible acts that include Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Killers, Childish Gambino, Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses, Morgan Page, Crystal Castles, Grinspoon and Foals. I also discovered the stress of having two acts you love clash and making a clutch decision of choosing one.

2014 was much similar with huge acts like Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, Snoop Dogg and Major Lazer and, when reflecting on the lineup presented, it made me think about how any of the following acts would now headline a festival in 2021 if they haven’t already: Flume, Tame Impala, Mac Miller, Rufus, Violent Soho and The 1975.

What I loved most of the Big Day Out festivals was the diverse genres on the day. You could go from seeing a dance act to metal and then straight to hip hop and in between maybe catch Tony Hawk shred a halfpipe. I think, for this reason, it appealed to many and made it such a popular event over the summer. I hold some of the best memories with my best mates after seeing some of these musicians that some might not perform here in Melbourne again, It makes the memory ever more special.

Each time I hear a song I saw at Big Day Out, it takes me back to one of the best festivals there ever was.” – James

Still missing music festivals? Check out our list of 25 things everyone has said at Meredith. 

Battlesnake drops new single The Key of Solomon and unveils Australian tour dates

With their magnum opus, The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple, on the way, Australian seven-piece metal band Battlesnake have announced a sweeping tour of the nation.

They’ve also dropped a brand new single, The Key of Solomon, which channels the spirit of classic metal with its lumbering riffs, epic solos and the unmistakable sermon-like vocals of Battlesnake.

Battlesnake 2024 Australia Tour

• June 21 – The Northern, Byron Bay
• June 22 – Valley Loft, Brisbane
• June 23 – Vinnies Dive, Gold Coast
• June 28 – King St Bandroom, Newcastle
• June 29 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
• June 30 – La La La’s, Wollongong
• July 5 – The Night Cat, Melbourne
• July 6 – Jive, Adelaide

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

The track introduces listeners to a ghastly sorceress, dwelling in the catacombs of the Motorsteeple, brewing potions and reciting dark incantations from the lesser key of Solomon. It’s a testament to Battlesnake’s ability to conjure vivid worlds within their music, transporting audiences to realms both mystical and menacing.

Accompanying the release is a wicked music video set to premiere on the band’s YouTube channel, promising a visual spectacle to match the intensity of the music. Fans are eagerly encouraged to subscribe and be the first to witness the dark magic unfold.

The Key of Solomon follows in the footsteps of previous singles like Pangea Breaker, Motorsteeple and Alpha and Omega, offering a taste of what’s to come on Battlesnake’s highly anticipated new album. Set for release on the Winter Solstice, Friday, June 21, The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple promises to be a sonic journey unlike any other.

But Battlesnake’s reign of metal supremacy doesn’t end with studio releases. In a bold move, the band announces their first-ever tour across the UK and Europe, with dates in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. Upon their return, Battlesnake will embark on their Australian tour, bringing their electrifying performances to venues across the nation.

As mortals tremble and hail the ascent of Battlesnake, one thing is clear: the age of metal is alive and well, and Battlesnake leads the charge into uncharted territories of sonic sorcery.

Grab your tickets to see Battlesnake on tour here.

Video premiere: Felicity Cripps Band take you on ‘a gentle, psychedelic journey’ with Inside a Keyhole

Castlemaine based musician and the lead vocalist of Felicity Cripps Band (FCB) has released a heartfelt ode to the collective conscience in the band’s new single Inside a Keyhole. Born out of a need for community and meaningful connection, this single is the first taste of an exciting album on the horizon for 2024.

Amongst the throes of raising her newborn daughter, a newfound lockdown-altered reality, and running arts institution and venue Theatre Royal Castlemaine, which she owns and operates with her husband, Felicity wrote Inside A Keyhole to hold on to her sense of self.

Felicity Cripps Band’s Inside A Keyhole

• Inside A Keyhole is the first taste of Felicity’s upcoming album
• Cripps is the owner-operator of Theatre Royal Castlemaine
• Featuring a lengthy, highly talented line-up of collaborators

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

“Making this clip was a very organic process,” Cripps says. “We wanted it to unfold like the song did, which meant being mindful not to plan too much, but start with one idea and let things evolve naturally.

“Nature was an important aspect, as was the desire to morph from ‘reality’ into another more dreamy dimension. There’s a lot of symbolism with the images, it takes you on a gentle, psychedelic journey, which is exactly the feeling we wanted this song to evoke.”

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Inside a Keyhole delivers a driving and psychedelic backdrop to Felicity’s ethereal vocals, recorded by Nick Huggins (Dirty Three, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Jen Cloher, Alice Skye) and features a line-up of collaborators including Alex Scott-Douglas on backing vocals, Tom Norton on drums, Bones Sloane on bass guitar, Nigel Tilbrook and Tim Heath on guitars, and Nick Huggins on synth, electronics, and production.

Follow Felicity here.

Jess Locke announces Victorian tour to celebrate the release of Real Life

Alongside this release comes the focus track Everybody’s Going To The Same Place, a juxtaposition of carefree melodies with dark, contemplative lyrics that reflect on mortality.

Locke’s forthcoming in-store performance at Rocksteady Records marks the beginning of a regional Melbourne tour in July/August, promising fans an intimate experience with her poetic musings.

Jess Locke Victorian Tour 2024

• May 4 – Rocksteady Records, Melbourne (free entry)
• July 20 – Worker’s Club, Melbourne
• Aug 18 – Major Toms, Kyneton
• Aug 17 –Tanswells, Beechworth

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

In Everybody’s Going To The Same Place Locke confronts the inevitability of death with poignant honesty. “This song is sort of about death. When I sing ‘everybody’s going to the same place’ I mean we’re all going to die.

“I don’t say that to be a bummer, but to emphasize the commonality we all share. We’re just these weird animals and we aren’t going to be here for very long, so let’s just enjoy the moments we can and be good to each other.” A prevalent feeling in the community of the world right now.”

This sentiment resonates deeply in today’s world, where existential ponderings often mingle with the rhythm of everyday life.

Real Life delves further into themes of impermanence and alienation, as Locke grapples with the surreal nature of existence. Through introspective lyricism, she navigates through despair and darkness, ultimately finding moments of revelation and liberation. Locke’s journey of self-discovery echoes the collective human experience, urging listeners to embrace the present moment as the only reality.

The album showcases a range of sonic textures, from the fuzzed-out irony of Rocket To Ride to the transcendent beauty of The Place and the punchy energy of Uncomfortably Happy. With previous acclaim for her 2021 release, Don’t Ask Yourself Why, Locke continues to captivate audiences with her emotive storytelling and raw vulnerability.

Beyond the studio, Locke’s live performances are a testament to her stage prowess, having graced unconventional venues from backyards to cemeteries. Her eclectic resume includes supporting renowned artists like Paul Dempsey and Julia Jacklin, as well as appearances at major festivals such as Bigsound and Falls.

As Jess Locke invites listeners into her world of introspection and revelation, Real Life serves as a poignant reminder to embrace the fleeting moments of existence and find solace in the beauty of the present.

Keep up with Jess Locke here. 

‘I kind of feel like I’m muzzling my creative spirit by doing the same thing’: Ziggy Ramo on the making of Human?

When I call him, it’s morning in Perth and he’s got a flight to Sydney booked later that day. His debut novel, Human?, was released at the end of April. He’s got an album of the same name scheduled to drop later this year. He’ll be celebrating the massive release with a talk at the Melbourne Writers Festival, where he also works as a program curator, in case you were wondering. 

For some, this pace of life may seem unimaginable, but for Ziggy, it’s how he works best. “At the core of it, it’s just about having something to say,” he tells me. “For me, I kind of sit and stew on what I‘m thinking about until I feel like I can say it and then it’s just a big download and it all comes out pretty quick.”

Ziggy Ramo Melbourne Dates

• May 10 – Melbourne Writers Festival, Athenaeum Theatre
• May 17 – Resonate, Bowery Theatre
• Tickets are on sale now

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

He started writing both the manuscript and the album at the same time in 2021. Over three years, Human? morphed into a multi-media megalodon – a memoir/historical non-fiction novel equipped with bespoke visual art pieces for each chapter and a full-length album that sees Ziggy pivot away from his hip-hop roots.

Through Ziggy’s lens as a Wik and South Sea Islander creative, the project centres around the history of Australia through colonisation, the narratives we choose to leave untold and the way we can move forward to a brighter and more unified future. 

 

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“The whole idea is the different mediums allow you to absorb the message in a much more three-dimensional way,” he says.  “I feel like everyone should be a part of this discourse because we’re talking about our collective humanity and our country’s history, so the hope is that by putting this message in the three mediums, it really widens the pull of who can engage with it.”

After gaining recognition for the release of his 2020 album Black Thoughts, Ziggy became known for his punchy, politically-driven bars and old-school beats. However, on the upcoming album, he’s taken a pretty significant turn. “The music is very different than anything I’ve done. It’s a lot more folk, singer-songwriter-inspired,” he says. This is, in part, due to the process of writing a book and an album at the same time.

“Black Thoughts as an album was like 7000 words, which is very lyrically dense. The manuscript is like 70,000. I knew the chapters were saying so much, so in the music, it was more about capturing the emotion of what that feels like and allowing it to wash over you versus kind of punching it into you.”

Never afraid to branch out, the album sees him play guitar for the first time and lean towards singing rather than spitting. The album’s first single, Banamba (meaning ‘change’ in the Birri Gubba language) gives fans a first glimpse of this new direction, with harmonies provided by singer and model Guyala Bayles and a simple beat driven by clapping and steel string guitar. 

“I kind of feel like I’m muzzling my creative spirit by doing the same thing,” says Ziggy. “For me, going into different mediums and genres – what even are genres these days? I don’t know – but even going and exploring creatively is almost a necessity. By jumping into the deep end of writing a book or picking up a guitar and singing, taking those creative risks makes me really strip it back to ‘okay, what am I trying to say?’”

It’s quite fitting, then, that the theme for this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival is ‘Ghosts’. “For me, it was a metaphorical ‘ghost’ in the fact that we have these things in our closet, parts of our history that we’re ashamed about that we either ignore or actively don’t teach,” says Ziggy. In curating the program, he cast a wide net, reaching out to a diverse assortment of writers who inspired him. 

The result was one of the festival’s richest programs yet, packed with Pulitzer and Booker prize winners and some of our generation’s most exciting voices, including Ann Patchett, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Paul Lynch, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Bryan Washington and Andrew O’Hagan.

“With my book and album Human? The whole exploration is ‘Well, what happens when we bring those ghosts to the front and centre and actually create a space to talk about them?’” he says. 

“With generational trauma, the fact that we don’t talk about these lingering parts of our history, it compounds and then it’s felt today. These things that have haunted us from the past reverberate into the future and you can directly trace [that] it then comes into the present and is affecting our community and our country today.”

Find tickets to Ziggy Ramo’s Resonate showcase here and hear him discuss his debut novel at the Melbourne Writers Festival here.

Cinema Nova is celebrating acclaimed indie film studio A24 with a month of screenings

The Melbourne arthouse is celebrating the films of the acclaimed American independent film studio with a program of select A24 favourites, screening across the month of May, from May 2-29.

MAY24 Program (May 2-29)

Find Melbourne’s latest film, TV, literature and gaming news here.

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Since its establishment in 2012, film and TV distributor A24 has developed a cult-like following among cinephiles, and Melbourne movie-lovers are no exception! From the release of Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers at Cinema Nova in 2013, trailblazing cinemagoers have found themselves repeatedly drawn to the edgy and exciting projects A24 acquires for the US market. While their films are distributed by local film distributors in Australia, the A24 name carries enormous cultural weight.

Being Melbourne’s exclusive venue for the release of several early A24 titles, including, but not limited to Under the Skin, Ex Machina, and The Witch, and the highest-grossing Australian location for A24’s (and Roadshow Films in Australia) Best Picture winning Everything Everywhere All At Once, it is only fitting that the Carlton venue be the go-to location to celebrate the studio’s impeccable line-up.

For the full program, head here.

Sonic Youth icon Kim Gordon is touring Australia in July

Kim Gordon’s second solo album The Collective (out now on Matador via Remote Control) advances her world building with producer Justin Raisen’s (Lil Yachty, John Cale, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Charli XCX, Yves Tumor) damaged, blown out dub and trap constructions playing the foil to Gordon’s intuitive word collages and hooky mantras, conjuring communication, commercial sublimation and sensory overload.

“On this record, I wanted to express the absolute craziness I feel around me right now,” Kim Gordon said. “This is a moment when nobody really knows what truth is, when facts don’t necessarily sway people, when everyone has their own side, creating a general sense of paranoia. To soothe, to dream, escape with drugs, TV shows, shopping, the internet, everything is easy, smooth, convenient, branded. It made me want to disrupt, to follow something unknown, maybe even to fail.”

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Since co-founding the seminal Sonic Youth in the early 80s, Kim Gordon has remained at the nexus of music, art and (more recently) books and film. To quote Kathleen Hanna: “Kim Gordon is kind of like a shark, in that she needs to keep swimming. She needs to keep making art. It’s just who she is. What Kim’s doing is totally, absolutely normal. What’s not normal is when women or people who are marginalized in other ways have stopped making art for reasons having to do with ageism or sexism. We’re not witnessing a miracle, we’re witnessing what happens when the thing that’s supposed to happen is just allowed to happen.”

Kim Gordon’s debut album No Home Record (2019) received wide-ranging critical acclaim. Her artistic output includes her 2015 memoir Girl In A Band which debuted in the #1 spot on the NY Times Bestseller List; acting in Gus Van Sant’s film Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot; making music as one half of Body/Head alongside Bill Nace; opening multiple solo exhibitions at internationally renowned museums; and hosting a public sale of her iconic wardrobe, with all proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Centre in Los Angeles.

Find out more here.

Joanna Lumley is touring Australia for the first time: ‘I think it will be fabulous’

Joanna will take to the road for the 5-city tour on October 9 at the Concert Hall, QPAC in Brisbane and will then perform at major venues around the country throughout October.

Joanna’s new show Me & My Travels, will take audiences through her hilarious and interesting adventures from her incredible career spanning more than four decades, recounting some never heard before stories.  Later in the show, she will be joined on stage by friend and producer Clive Tulloh, who will put to Joanna the questions that you’ve always wanted to ask – submitted by the audience – making the show a unique and hilarious night to remember.

Joanna Lumley’s Me & My Travels tour

• Wednesday 9 October – Concert Hall, QPAC, Brisbane
• Friday 11 October – Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
• Wednesday 16 October – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
• Saturday 19 October – Riverside Theatre, Perth
• Tuesday 22 October – Sydney Opera House

Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

On announcing Me & My Travels, Joanna said: “The thought of this tour in October, travelling across Australia, has completely taken over my waking hours. It’s utterly thrilling to start planning the stories I can tell, and the rapture (and gratitude, to be fair) with which I shall greet the audiences. Nothing like this has come my way before, and I may have to be dragged off with a hook at the end of each show. Oh people! This is especially for you from me, with masses of love. I think it will be fabulous.”

Excited to be promoting Joanna’s Australian tour alongside Phil McIntyre Live Presents, Paul Dainty AO, President and CEO of TEG Dainty said, “Joanna Lumley stands out as one of the world’s greatest entertainers, audiences are in for an unforgettable and hilarious evening at the theatre.”

Joanna Lumley icon, national treasure, activist, comedy actress and all-round top girl is barely off our TV screens and appears to have been a permanent fixture in our sitting rooms since she burst onto our screens as Purdey in the New Avengers in 1976. Now in a nationwide Australian tour she will take us through the random journey that started in London in the swinging 60’s. Beginning as Jean Muir’s house model and muse, progressing to becoming a full-blown photographic model, featuring in knitting patterns, mini-skirts, toothpaste commercials and the occasional front cover.

From there Joanna will share her stories of her acting career that includes Coronation Street, On the Buses, Dracula and as a brainwashed Bond Girl in Blofeld’s lair in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Joanna’s breakthrough role was as Purdey, a part for which over 800 girls auditioned.  Purdey propelled her to instant fame and created one of the “must-have” hairstyles of the 1970s — the Purdey bob. She became a pin-up figure for a generation of British males who grew up watching her as the high-kicking action girl.

Alongside iconic hairstyles Joanna started to develop a nice side line as adventurer and activist; popping up all over the globe she was often seen gasping at the Northern Lights, turning her bra into espadrilles and finding the source of the Nile.

Then as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous she became a degenerate role-model for a generation. Winning two BAFTAs, Joanna emerged as one of the best comedy actresses of her generation. For 25 years the adventures of Patsy and Edina have sporadically lurched across our screens culminating in AbFab The Movie in 2016.

For more information visit:  https://www.tegdainty.com/

A new gallery specialising in collectible design is opening this month for Melbourne Design Week

The gallery, underpinned by a designer partnership model, presents the work of vital and dynamic designer-makers. Part of Melbourne Design Week, the inaugural exhibition Desire x Design will take place from 15 May 2024 to 15 June 2024.

Participating designers:

• Elliot Bastianon
• Danielle Brustman & Edward Linacre
• Jordan Fleming
• Lisa Gorman
• Trent Jansen
• Jay Jermyn
• Marlo Lyda
• Joanne Odisho
• Marcus Piper
• Dean Toepfer

Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

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Addressing a gap in the Australian collectible design market, Useful Objects was established to work with designers to tell compelling stories of our time through objects that challenge the norms of function and materials in sophisticated and unexpected ways. Dr Simon Maidment founded Useful Objects as a gallery, retail platform and interlocutor to the public; it will function as a point of contact, attractor, and advocate for the makers and their works.

For the opening show Desire x Design, desire is the subject of the first thematic exhibition. Through materials, ideas and forms, a group of influential designers flesh out the impulse to want – found at the heart of the Design Week prompt ‘Design The World You Want’ – and question whether the object of desire is the catalyst or endpoint of this fundamental force. The first half of the exhibition is a rejoinder to the influence the rampant drive has over the design industry. In contrast, the second half celebrates the sensation itself, as a source of meaning and transcendence.

Useful Objects will showcase a twelve-month program of exhibitions and present objects that engage with the issues and conversations of today, and contribute to the conversation about art and design in Australia.

The inaugural Useful Objects exhibition, Desire x Design, will open on 15 May 2024 and is part of the Melbourne Design Week program.

For further details, visit the website here.

Lorenzo Raganzini, Paolo Ferrara and more are coming to Melbourne this month

The European hard dance success story that is HEX is set to take Melbourne by storm as part of its 10-year world tour, scheduled for Saturday, May 18th, at The Melbourne Pavillion in Flemington.

HEX 10-year world tour in Melbourne

• Date: Saturday MAY 18th
• Time: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Venue: The Melbourne Pavillion, Flemington

List of Australian dates

• May 17 Fri – Sydney. Darlinghurst, Australia
• May 18 Sat – Melbourne. Kensington, Australia
• May 19 Sun – Brisbane. Fortitude Valley, Australia

The full Hex tour lineup

• Lorenzo Raganzini (IT)
• Paolo Ferrara (IT)
• Angy Kore (IT)
• Gabriel Padrevita (IT)
• Jason Cluff (UK)
• Pawlowski (FR)
• A selection of talented local artists

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Running from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM, HEX offers a lineup of international talent including Lorenzo Raganzini, Paolo Ferrara, Angy Kore, Gabriel Padrevita, Jason Cluff, and Pawlowski, representing Italy, the UK, and France respectively. Melbourne is just one stop on HEX’s Australian leg of the tour, with performances also slated for Sydney on May 17th and Brisbane on May 19th.

Grab tickets here.

DYEN, Callush are headlining a day party in Port Melbourne next month

The six big-name international DJs are being joined by local legends like Papa Smurf at the 5,000 capacity warehouse venue next month.

Dangerous Goods XXL 3.0

• Sat, 22 Jun 2024 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts)

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

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Lineup

• DYEN (Nl)
• Callush (De)
• Jan Vercauteren (De)
• Lokier (Mx)
• Needs No Sleep (Au)
• Nik Kastel (Au) Live
• Novah (Be)
• Papa Smurf (Au)

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

“Prepare to be transported into the heart of a techno revolution at Dangerous Goods XXL 3.0 – a 360 immersive experience like no other,” the organisers stated. “Get ready for an electrifying journey through sound, light, and motion as we push the boundaries of entertainment to new heights.

“Featuring an epic lineup of six international artists, Dangerous Goods XXL 3.0 promises to deliver a sonic adventure that will leave you spellbound. From pulsating beats to mesmerizing visuals, the production will blow your mind.

“With the last two events selling out in record time, Dangerous Goods XXL 3.0 is set to be the biggest event of the year. Get ready to lose yourself in a whirlwind of music, lights, and euphoria at Dangerous Goods XXL 3.0 – the ultimate celebration of techno excellence.”

Tickets here.

The Bright Autumn Festival heats up this weekend with its grand parade

Bright and the surrounding districts are blessed with the perfect climate for magnificent autumn colours.

The Bright Autumn Festival

• The 2024 dates run until Sunday 5th May 2024
• The highlight is the Gala Weekend
• There’ll be a market, music in the streets and a grand parade on Saturday 4th May

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

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The 2024 dates are Friday 26th April through Sunday 5th May 2024. The highlight is the Gala Weekend with a market, music in the streets and a grand parade on Saturday 4th May 2024. Other key events of the festival are the Wandi Nut Festival, the Open Gardens, Historical Tours and the Autumn Art Exhibition at the Bright Art Gallery.

The Bright Autumn Festival has been running since 1962 making it one of the oldest continuous running festival in Australia. In 1962, Bright celebrated its Centenary and the town organised various activities to mark the occasion.These included an art and photographic exhibition, visits to places of local interest and a Gala Day street parade.

Since that time, Bright has continues to celebrate each Autumn. The Art Exhibition has become very well known and is the largest exhibition at the Bright Art Gallery. The Gala Day Parade continues to be one of the highlights of the festival.

There’s a world-first underground light show and a fire festival coming to Melbourne in June

As part of the much-loved Firelight Festival, the ticketed Firelight Labyrinth experience will make its world debut in Melbourne, designed by international creative lighting specialists, Mandylights.

Transforming the underground space at Marvel Stadium, visitors will weave their way through a mythical maze of light and sound – through cutting-edge technology, dynamic audio and over 144,000 lights. The City of Melbourne’s free Firelight Festival will once again illuminate New Quay Promenade, Victoria Promenade and Harbour Esplanade in Docklands, offering a diverse range of tasty eats and entertainment.

Firelight Festival and Firelight Labyrinth

• Dazzling fire performers, African drumming, live music and storytelling
• Fire pits and drums, flame jets, fire sculptures and arches
• Food and drink offerings including dumplings, smoked meats, paella, hot chocolate and churros.
• Firelight Festival will spark into action as the school holidays begin, from Friday 28 June to Sunday 30 June
• The all-new Firelight Labyrinth experience will run from Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

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“Firelight Festival will once again set Docklands ablaze with activity in June, with a world-first underground light experience, dozens of fire performers and a smoking-hot line-up of delicious eats,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“The festival is a firecracker for the local economy – injecting $4.7 million last year in three days. We’re expecting to see double the support for traders this winter with the Firelight Labyrinth experience spanning 17 days.

“Unique and spectacular celebrations like Firelight are why Melbourne firmly holds the torch as the events capital of Australia.”

General admission tickets for Firelight Labyrinth will be priced at $37.50, and child tickets at $22. Concession and family discounts are available, and people will be given the opportunity to win free tickets as part of a unique, all-inclusive Docklands experience.

Exclusive pre-sale tickets will be available from Wednesday 1 May, with general sale beginning Thursday 2 May. To stay up to date, or to sign up for pre-sale access to Firelight Labyrinth, visit Firelight.

This former Melbourne landfill is set to be turned into a six-hectare new park

20 Wangara Road was a former quarry and landfill and the council admit that this limits what the land can be used for. Nevertheless, their vision is to transform it into six-hectares of passive open parklands for the community to enjoy. Many popular and viable community ideas in the draft masterplan have been noted.

Potential upgrades for the new park

• a natural path network for walking, running, all ability biking and exercise
• open grassed areas for community gathering, kick-about, reflection
• informal active play zones
• safe, fenced, secure off-leash dog area
• extensive planting of native vegetation
• native wildlife habitat and refuge
• BBQ areas, benches and picnic tables
• interactive community garden beds
• opportunities for public art
• provision for additional carparking

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

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They now want to hear what residents think about the draft masterplan. Visit Have Your Say to review the draft plan and share your feedback before the consultation closes on 26 May 2024.

The constraints-based draft masterplan is designed with consideration of the significant development limitations at the former quarry and landfill, and the extensive rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring required by the EPA.

The draft masterplan is designed to regenerate the six-hectares of land after we undertake actions in the rehabilitation plan. The masterplan will transform the former waste site into a tranquil destination and deliver a passive open space where native vegetation, wildlife and visitors can thrive.

Have Your Say here.

Savannah Sounds On The Reef: Local heroes celebrated during Great Barrier Reef’s first-ever live gig

Tickets weren’t made available to the general public for Savannah Sounds On The Reef. Instead, a nationwide competition earned 100 community-nominated local heroes a ticket to this once-in-a-lifetime floating music experience – the first live gig ever to be hosted on the Outer Barrier Reef.

Many on board demonstrated bravery during the devastating storms and floods connected to far north Queensland’s back-to-back tropical cyclones, Kirrily and Jasper, this past summer.

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Brett “Magoo” Little piloted a rescue helicopter during the floods, saving 16 people from the roof of the Lion’s Den Hotel.

At just 12 years old, Charlie Erlewein lobbied to local councils and businesses about the harmful effects of single use plastics on turtles and marine life. She has also raised thousands of dollars for wildlife rehabilitation centres by applying for community grants, and saving bottles and cans. Be more like Charlie, kids!

For those concerned about the effects of bass vibrations on the reef ecosystems, Savannah Sounds festival organiser James Dein has assured, “Everything was measured and planned with exacting detail.”

After a surprisingly turbulent trip on the Reef Magic vessel – yep, spew bags were distributed – we arrived at the pontoon. Once we board, it’s time for some in-water activities with snorkelling, glass bottom boat and semi-submersible cruises plus an underwater observatory available for all. While looking down to thread one raised leg through a wetsuit, we notice a plethora of fish swimming by underneath and note that the spacing between the slats is easily wide enough to swallow mobile phones. Note to self: take extra special care while taking snapshots.

We learn about the importance of reef-safe sunscreen. Branded reusable water bottles, which double as cool souvenirs, are distributed. Apparently local Cairns musician Drew Brauer, who co-founded and runs the Kick On mental health charity (also a MAFS Season 7 contestant) is on board lapping up the good vibes.

Before taking the plunge, we’re informed that Wally – an affectionate, vibrant aquamarine-and-yellow Maori Wrasse known for planting fishy kisses on unsuspecting cheeks – has been spotted in the area. But, sadly, none of today’s snorkelers that we chat with reported Wally sightings/smooches.

Savannah Sounds headliners Sheppard arrive via helicopter, landing on the nearby helipad, and wave to revellers while being transferred to the pontoon via boat.

Having crossed paths with the legendary Auslan interpreter Mikey Webb on the galley stairs, we already know today’s entertainment will be further elevated by his spirited signing and fully-committed dancing. A hero in his own right, Webb and his trademark manbun were regulars on TV screens in Australian households during the pando as he fronted countless press conferences with Queensland authorities.

Needless to say, many smartphones pointed Webb’s way to capture the magic throughout the course of the day. Sweating bullets while bopping away in full sunlight, Webb’s joyous presence is infectious as he not only translates lyrics but also captures each song’s essence through movement.

Kairos Kin’s “futuristic” Acknowledgement of Country draws punters away from their buffet lunches and upstairs to the performance area for the first-ever live music experience to happen on the Great Barrier Reef, kicking things off with some beats-enhanced didge – maximum bass vibration occurs early on.

One half of this electronic duo, Terry Cassels (aka Kazm), tells us Kairos King believes in “Manifestation of the good”. The pair also share some important lyrical messages throughout their set (eg. “Bring in the love, put down the guns”). Then Kazm observes, “Men should be looking out for their sisters,” which is timely given that Violence Against Women protest rallies are scheduled to take place all around the country this weekend.

We certainly appreciate Kairos Kin’s unison chorey, during which the unique styles of Kazm and Blue MC (aka singer/rapper Marisa Lock, who you might recognise from her stint with The Potbelleez) are celebrated, their individuality shining through. When The Robot is incorporated, some punters in the crowd even follow suit. Kairos Kin sprinkle contemporary flavour atop ancient culture and instrumentation. We also fully endorse their song about dancing away your demons as well. Be sure to check ‘em out when they tour your way.

“The shearing sheds and bending backs/ Australian dreams under battered hats…” – Lee Kernaghan’s music is in our blood. And his songs are the perfect soundtrack for this celebration of some of our nation’s unsung heroes.

After reminding us we’re currently partying on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Kernaghan enthuses, “It’s a privilege to be here on the Great Barrier Reef and an even bigger privilege to play for you.”

While singing, “We get high when the sun goes down…” Kernaghan mimes toking on a spliff – what a cheeky chappy! Also during Boys From The Bush, we clap eyes on one-to-watch country star Max Jackson – who’s up next, but also excels in her role as this event’s MC – singing along with gusto, a giant smile on her dial. Hat Town embodies the community spirit and generosity of country folk: “Have the locals pass the hat around and pull each other through…” – Kernaghan yodels during this one, then faces Webb, asking him to demonstrate the Auslan interpretation of yodelling. Webb completely nails it – somehow transporting us to the Swiss alps amongst the herders – and Kernaghan beams approvingly while patting him on the back.

Kernaghan’s wife Robby excels on BVs and their duet cover of Fire by The Pointer Sisters goes down an absolute treat. The ocker delights continue with Damn Good Mates (Kernaghan’s collab with The Wolfe Brothers), Let There Be Cowgirls – before which he initiates a toast for the ladies (“especially those from the country”) – and The Outback Club, where we’re all inducted as life members (“We don’t back down and we don’t give up”).

So that Jackson doesn’t have to introduce herself to the stage, twin sisters Stack and Mel Wilburn (from the TV show Travel Guides) do the honours. Wearing denim on denim, Jackson is accompanied by her husband Jeremy Minett (The Viper Creek Band’s guitarist) and has the It factor in abundance.

Her Little More Country covers series – which comprised countrified versions of Jimmy Barnes (Working Class Man), Queen (Another One Bites The Dust), Lady Gaga (Poker Face) and ABBA (Dancing Queen), to name but a few – blew up on TikTok and this arvo’s medley transforms Reef Magic’s state-of-the-art reef pontoon into mass karaoke.

“This is a song about country people and why I bloody love ‘em,” is how Jackson intros Someone In A Small Town: “Out here you’ll never be a no one in a crowd/ ‘Cause everyone is someone in a small town.”

Having charmed our socks off all day – we can immediately see why she’s been Tamworth Country Music Festival’s ambassador for multiple years – Jackson closes with Chasing Down The Dream, which is surely super-close to being realised. As 2024’s CMAA Golden Guitar Winner for New Talent of the Year, it’s fair to say Jackson’s future is blindingly bright.

Needing to find out more about Jackson, we tracked down an event publicist. She kindly agreed to a last-minute interview in the Green Room.

“I just can’t believe that we’re here playing on the Great Barrier Reef,” Jackson marvels while we find somewhere suitable to sit. When told we clocked her enthusiastic Kernaghan singalong earlier, Jackson gushes, “It was definitely people like Lee who inspired me to be doing what I’m doing today. I grew up in a little country town called Coonamble [NSW] and we were pretty much starved for anything – being a long way from everything. So people like Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys and Troy Cassar-Daley would tour to Coonamble [and perform at] our little RSL Club.”

During her own set, Jackson spoke about the heroes within her own family.

“I wrote this song called Someone In A Small Town about the fact that I think the thing that makes growing up in the country so different to anywhere else is that everybody plays such an important role in the community – everyone’s bringing something to it – and that’s pretty much how small towns survive, because of people like that.

“My pop was actually the fire captain, so if there were any bushfires he was out fighting them. And my grandma was a teacher and changed so many kids’ lives, was always just encouraging people. And my mum’s a hairdresser, so she would’ve known everything about everyone,” she acknowledges, laughing. “And she is just an absolute legend and the most trustworthy – she’d just lock it up and throw away the key.

“I always say in places like that you’re famous for something and my nan was famous for her Ginger Fluff Sponge Cake, the greatest cake you’ve ever tasted; honestly, I can taste it now thinking about it. But I just grew up around people who really cared for others – and really focussed on that community spirit – and I’m so grateful for my upbringing, ‘cause I wouldn’t be the person I am today without that.”

Post-interview, we join the dunny queue line behind aforementioned young hero Charlie. She expresses her concern that Sheppard are about to hit the stage, but thankfully no one’s spending a second longer than absolutely necessary in those cramped facilities. Charlie is later spotted front and centre, against the barrier, living it up during the Brisbane indie-pop trio’s headline set.

Absolutely everything about this sibling band comprising Amy, Emma and George Sheppard is extra and fancy: outfits (that snazzy sequined gold two-piece, though!), guitars (Emma’s a glittery silver and George’s all hand painted in swirly multi-colours) and hair colour (currently the trio’s chosen hues are musk pink, platinum blonde and a vivid aqua that almost matches the reef water).

From opener Coming Home, the band’s setlist rolls out bop after bop: (“Keep runnin’ with the…”) Animals, Kiss My Fat Ass and Edge Of The Earth, which pretty much describes our current locale. The latter, Sheppard’s brand new single, features anthemic choruses that make us feel like we’re flying rather than floating. Their cover of blink-182’s All The Small Things, with its pogo-friendly “Na-na-na-na” refrain, absolutely goes off, winning audience reaction of the day.

Whether or not you know anything about Geronimo, Sheppard’s closing smash hit hits the sweet spot – good luck extracting that chorus melody from your internal jukebox for the next week or so!

It just has to be said that the more tipsy heroes among us do enjoy blaming their staggers on the motion of the ocean.

Once safely back on board the Reef Magic vessel, seasickness-prone punters head straight to the outside lower deck for some fresh air and horizon gazing. An

Indigenous crew member points into the distance before (correctly) forecasting heavy rainfall. We brace ourselves.

There’s nothing quite like a dopamine-boosting live music experience in nature, with a little bit of adventure thrown in, to remind us of the importance of community connection.

During this event, it was also announced that all four Savannah Sounds On The Reef acts will join the lineup for Savannah In The Round, an annual three-day festival staged in Mareeba, Cairns, which runs from 11 – 13 October. Previously announced artists for Savannah In The Round 2024 include Kip Moore, The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus and Vika & Linda.

Savannah In The Round tickets can be purchased here.

Ross Wilson, Floodlights, Kaiit lead Reclink Community Cup lineup

This is a family friendly, dog friendly event that has something for everyone, including free sporting activities and face painting before the game, a Kidz Zone with cheap family fun and the epic showdown between community radio giants.

Reclink Community Cup 2024 lineup

The mighty Megahertz (Triple R 102.7FM & PBS 106.7FM) and Melbourne band royalty, the rugged Rockdogs (musicians). Plus tunes being spun all day but the dynamic duo DJ Lauren Taylor and DJ Simon Winkler from 3RRR’s Breaking and Entering.

East Gippsland Winter Festival has everything for the perfect winter escape

Dubbed one of the largest winter festival programs in Australia, East Gippsland Winter Festival returns for a fourth year, celebrating ‘How We Winter’ in the region through a dedicated program of art, performance, music and gastronomy.

As the winter solstice marks the onset of winter on 21 June, the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival invites visitors to the region for a winter escape full of cosy activities.

East Gippsland Winter Festival Details

• When: 21 June – 21 July 2024
• Where: Various locations across East Gippsland including Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Orbost, Paynesville, Swifts Creek, Marlo, Lakes Entrance, Omeo, Cann River, Metung, Buchan and Mallacoota

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Originally created in response to the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires by festival founder Adam Bloem, East Gippsland Winter Festival has become a spirited celebration in the community. In 2023, the festival saw 25,393 attendees explore the program which included 149 individual events across 33 towns.

2024 has a stacked program with over 100 confirmed events spanning the region, showcasing the natural splendour of East Gippsland. There is something for everyone with the festival coinciding with the Victorian school holidays. From family-friendly free events such as live music in majestic surrounds to lakeside wellness experiences and winter feasts, the 2024 East Gippsland Winter Festival is bursting.

Some highlights of the festival include a deliciously relaxing sunrise bathes at Hilltop Escarpment of Metung Hot Springs followed by a breakfast picnic overlooking Lake King on 21 June, the sword-wielding excitement of Medieval Winter Fire Festival at Bruthen on 22 June, and the whimsical world of illumination at Lake Lights: Enchanted Shore at Lakes Entrance Foreshore on 6 July. The lights continue in Paynesville for Water & Lights; a magical lantern-lit installation parading off the jetties, followed by a cosy outdoor cinema session and a food truck fair. Over in Orbost, dive into Deep In The Weeds, an annual music festival hosted by Sailor’s Grave Brewing.

The gastronomy guide is elevated with events from Guy Grossi and Sodafish for collaborative winter feast ‘Inverno’, and Moscow Willa Hut will be hosting a High Country Lunch presented by well-regarded local chef Stuart Derham.

This richly diverse festival is not one to be missed.

The 2024 East Gippsland Winter Festival will run from 21 June – 21 July. For more information including ongoing program updates head here.

There’s an awesome warehouse party happening in Thornbury this weekend

They’re partnering up with Totalno Zeleno for a day-long warehouse party in Thornbury this Saturday, with a killer lineup featuring the likes of Vanessa Worm and Genevieve Fry, the co-founder of the wonderful Eastmint Studios who’s performed with the likes King Giz.

Expect everything from gothic synth-punk to the best in Melbourne’s experimental club scene.

Cease And Desist X Totalno Zeleno

• Sat 4th May 2024, 4:00 pm – Sun 5th May 2024, 1:00 am AEST
• 260 Dundas St, Thornbury

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

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The fantastic lineup

• Tongue Dissolver
• Vanessa Worm
• Flame J
• Mike Midnight
• Local Woman
• Genevieve Fry + Blu Jay
• Rain Dogs
• Shock Corridor

Interstitial DJs

• Bridget Small
• Nick Ure Vartan

Tickets are available here.