{The Best Night of 'Work' in My Life!}

On Thursday night last week I went to my first official work (Radio) gig! That's right I was a guest on the door list! Didn't I feel like a VIP. Here's a snippet of my report on the night:

After a cider and some quick meet and greets it was time for the first band of the evening, local electronic indie outfit MTNS. Lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Eggert (of Cold and Need) started the set solo. Within seconds his hypnotic vocals had hushed onlookers, captivating the small crowd. Band mates Joseph Tiang (Drummer/ Samples) and Robbie Hellberg (Bass/Synth) joined him and despite some minor technical difficulties, they delivered a set full of beautiful undulating synths and mesmerising beats coupled with Melancholy lyrics. It was over far too quickly for me.

Co headliner, Sydney singer songwriter Iluka’s powerhouse vocals punctured the sedate mood left in the wake of MTNS’ performance. Her smoky, rapsy sound and mature onstage performance (as well as her look) were reminiscent of the greats of old. The influence of the music of the last fifty years was evident in her songs that still managed to achieve a new, different and more modern sound. She commanded the stage and while her band provided great musical support, all eyes were on the leading lady. To think that she is only twenty-one years old is mind-boggling and I can only conclude that she must be an old soul. The set ended with a bang as this enchanting young songstress delivered her latest single ‘Glory Days’.

Local sweethearts Avaberree were the final performers for the evening and evidently the crowd favourites with the venue getting closer to capacity for this final act. These girls won the hearts of many with their single ‘Lover of Mine’ that since it’s release in 2012 has enjoyed ample airplay. The sound check took what seemed like an eternity to this tired reveller but was well worth the trouble and wait – the sound was just suberb. Avaberre (Aimee, Genevive and Irena) delivered impeccable harmonies that were sweet and smooth like honey. I couldn’t help but feel that these girls were old friends given their cute and familiar on stage banter. The simple beats provided by an electronic drum kit and minimal synths were the perfect compliment to their harmonic vocals, giving their Acapella sound a modern edge. The night ended on a soaring high with the debut performance of their new single ‘Running Out’, a punchy track with a real 80’s vibe that had the crowd a bopping.

These three bands all rocked, go see them!! I've been spending the last few days taking it easy trying to knock a cold on the head before I head to the Snow on Sunday! Have the best week, i've updated the events and tunes for next week in advance, catch you the week after next!

Happy Friday,

KT

{Festivals Promising Snow and Grass Deliver Rain and Mud.... but Great Music}

I've been out of action for a while and I apologise, for some reason the call of the couch and reality TV has been very, very strong for the last month. So alas no blogging.... I did however manage to escape the comfy cuddling grasp of the sofa to enjoy more than one Music Festival over the last few weeks.

First up was Winter Fest at the Eaton's Hill Tavern. A Festival promising great music, real snow, igloos and snowboarding demonstrations. I'm a life time South Sider so this was my first visit to the venue that has been booking some big name musical acts of late (thanks to their new bookings agent, an ex Powderfinger member). When I left the Southside the weather was just glorious but as always the North Side let me down and it poured rain! Thankfully all the music at this 'Festival' (and I use the term loosely) was based inside in the Grand Ballroom which is a fantastic space (it's like a larger and more modern Tivoli).

There wasn't much not to like about this event - the ticket prices were low, the music was pretty good, they delivered on the Snowboarding despite the rain and drumroll.... they were serving full strength alcohol! My highlights were a band whom my love for is no secret The Trouble With Templeton (I even scored a pre set smile from Tom Calder as he walked past...) and the lovely long haired lads from Kingswood.

The Trouble With Templeton.

A day to recover, a day to pack and I was off to Volunteer at Splendour in the Grass! I met so many lovely people and the music was fantastic - Alt J were the stand out for me. I take my hat off to the sound and lighting techs - I couldn't fault their work at all and kudos goes to Lorde who stepped in last minute to replace Frank Ocean and delivered a delicious set!

Some fine looking ladies...

The distance between things, the poorly managed mud, the tent stage size vs crowd size, mid strength alcohol and seriously shitty phone reception were all let downs.... It's their first year at this new site so I hope it's only onwards and upwards from here. I'm looking forward to seeing how the stage set up changes as they continue to increase the number of tickets sold by 15% yearly.

As always the best bit was the annual festival catch ups with old friends! As I sit here experiencing the lows of the post Splendour blues after the soaring highs of the festival I take solace in the thought that I won't have to wait another 12 months to get my Festival on in Byron.... Falls is on it's way, yay!! Only 5 months to go!

Happy speedily fading blues... only one sleep till the weekend,

KT