Arts Alexandra Sinclair’s Pot Dispensary is an open kitchen of clay We spoke with the Chief Ceramics Officer about her unique business concept and the inspiration behind her work.
MusicLive Sam Boon Quintet - 'All In' (Be_Hear / Now) The world of jazz is one of music’s biggest. When we think of the genre, towns like New York or New Orleans pop into mind, but back home we’ve seen it grow thanks to the virtuosic work of saxophonist Sam Boon and his talented Quintet. There’s no question that the world of jazz is one of the most contentious, not too dissimilar to perceptions of classical, where many young people are turned off it without even listening to it. It could be said that elitists and older music fans have created a barrier to entry for the genre; meaning that the live jazz music scene here is synonymous with expensive admission charges, seated and suited gigs, full of jazz standards from 100 years ago. With most of experiencing a rowdy gig at a pub, where you’re rubbing shoulders with strangers, singing along, and having the time of your life. This is the kind of scene Sam wants to see jazz join.
MusicLive No Man’s Land - 'Black Hill' (Be_Hear / Now) Performing sets with her partner Swiss van Kalken, No Man’s Land's unique approach to music making through their mix of doom and drone gives an interesting flare to Be_Hear / Now. The music of No Man’s Land’s is heavily rooted in improvisation. The pair, who both come from rich backgrounds in the music and arts industry, have a great deal of chemistry and are clearly attune to one another, helping them create some memorable live sets on the spot. Creating music in the doom and drone genre lends itself to slower tempos, meaning connections between musical motifs and chord changes that are put forward by performers come forward with a much stronger emphasis.
MusicLive Grove - 'All In Due Time' (Be_Hear / Now) Some bands don't exist to be popular, successful, or even particularly good at what they do. Sometimes, a group comes along that challenges the idea of what a band should be, and in the process, tap into the true meaning of what music’s really about. Grove, a rather anonymous band from Ballarat, would undoubtedly baulk at the grandeur of that introduction. But when we sat down with their vocalist, Abby, in an interview that we never would have had the pleasure of, were it not for the Be_Hear / Now series promoting local artists, there was something inspirational about the way they describe their love for what they do.
MusicLive Skyscraper Stan - 'Those Were Days' (Be_Hear / Now) Plotting his third studio album during lockdown, Skyscraper Stan developed a "life changing" new skill that he showcases for Be_Hear / Now. In the first of our video series profiling Ballarat’s sensational Be_Hear / Now program, which provides local artists with professionally shot videos and industry mentoring, we spoke to a much-loved pillar of the Victorian music scene, Skyscraper Stan. Check out our feature interview with Skyscraper Stan here.
Travel Journey to Tasmania with EWAH & The Vision of Paradise EWAH & The Vision of Paradise were called back to their hometown of Tasmania because of its natural beauty. Thanks to Spirit of Tasmania, we road tripped through the island state to discover why it's become such a tourist hotspot. To take your own Tasmanian road trip, book fares via Spirit of Tasmania’s website: https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/
MusicLive Ball Park Music — 'Everything Is Shit Except My Friendship With You' (Beat TV Live) Indie rockers Ball Park Music get the Pier Bandroom crowd on their feet with an unusual ode to best mates.
MusicLive Butternut Sweetheart — 'Bury Me' (Beat TV Live) Butternut Sweetheart immerse Pier Bandroom with their delicious, dreamy indie pop for the latest edition of Beat TV Live.
MusicLive Wash — 'Incineration' (Beat TV Live) It got absolutely hectic when Aussie punk rockers Wash took over The Tote for a night of tunes, sweat and crowdsurfing.
MusicLive Tape/Off — 'Ithaca Pools' (Beat TV Live) Garage punk outfit Tape/Off got down and dirty at The Old Bar for the latest instalment of Beat TV Live.