The Backwater Blues and Roots Festival

The Backwater Blues Festival

19th-28th October

Adelaide and Regional South Australia

From the 19-28th of October across Adelaide and Regional South Australia, music lovers from all walks of life were brought together by the Backwater Blues and Roots Festival 2012. Featuring an array of artists sure to get you knee slappin and toe tapping, the remarkable line up on display this year was shared across the state with acts performing in Mount Gambier, Willunga, Lobethal, Whyalla and McLaren Vale.

On Friday the 26th of October the Old Queens Theatre, in Adelaide was brought back to life with performances from Tara Carragher and Genevieve Chadwick, as well as headliner for the night Mia Dyson. The venue was perfect; decor and lighting breathing energy into the somewhat restored old theatre warehouse, which you just know had seen so many performances and great times before then. Makeshift pop up bars and an eclectic collection of furniture with a silent video of The Rolling Stones projected onto the wall brought together the cool crowd, who were all there for one reason; to listen to good music.

The supporting acts of the night were raw and fantastic. Tara's voice was gorgeous and strong and Genevive rocked out on a guitar held together with gaffa tape and a single bass drum, starting a dance floor that would be grooving all night. Mia Dyson did not disappoint; her voice and the acoustics of her band's harmonies were brought out beautifully by this unique venue's layout.

And that is what is so great about the Backwater Blues and Roots Festival. South Australia is a hub for great music and music lovers alike and it is ideas and events like this that give us an opportunity to share, love and enjoy.

To describe the Backwater Blues and Roots Festival in more detail I've lifted this description from the event's facebook page:

"All great ideas come from a couple of beers, but only the crazy folks remember it the next morning. In 2007 we imagined something reminiscent of the makeshift bars of 1930s Mississippi where weary workers would unwind with a whiskey or a cold beer and dance to the rhythms of travelling blues men and women.

The Mojo Webb band were one of the
acts at this years Backwater Bluesfest

In 2008, Adelaide’s Juke Joint was born. The inaugural event attracted a like-minded audience of music lovers frustrated with the lack of blues & roots events in South Australia. Following such an overwhelming response, the event continued and evolved to become a 10-day celebration of blues & roots music throughout the state. Now in its fifth year, we are taking the blues to Mt Gambier, Whyalla, Lobethal, Willunga and McLaren Vale while also creating a pop-up Juke Joint in the centre of Adelaide at the Queens Theatre.

In true Adelaide fashion, the festival has been nurtured and developed for and by the public. The enduring appeal of the blues lies in its healing properties; the grinding rhythms and purging tales of trouble and strife with which anyone can empathise. It’s organic and real and spiritually uplifting for musician and listener alike. It’s the original dance music. And so, in an era of drive-thru lifestyles, social networking and manufactured musical confectionery, we bring you the elixir: the 2012 Backwater Blues & Roots Festival.

Hand-crafted by: Andrew Dundon & Rob Eyers with Meral Nieman, Tanya Schroeder, Emily Rice, Jacob Habner and the SA Blues and Roots community.

2012 Festival Line-up includes:

Interstate Artists

The Backsliders

Mia Dyson

Jeff Lang

Dallas Frasca

Collard Greens and Gravy

Genevieve Chadwick

Pugsley Buzzard

Brendan Gallagher

South Australian Artists

Mick Kidd

Nick Kipridis

Sweet Baby James & Rob Eyers

Dr Piffle & The Burlap Band

Louise & The Tornados

Jordan Ruru

Don Morrison

Cream Tribute Show

The Red Hot Blues Band

Rhumboogie featuring Chris Finnen

Tara Caragher

Bottleneck Slide Show

Harmonica Intensive with Snooks La Vie and Dave Blight

The Bakers Digest

Cal Williams Jnr

AP D'Antonio

Brenton Manser Duo"

"Mia has been on our dream list for the festival since its inception, so when we found out she was returning to Australia to launch her new album The Moment we jumped at the chance to create a soulful night celebrating the women of blues. Mia will be joined by the smoky, vivacious vocals of Genevieve Chadwick and Adelaide’s own rising star of the blues, Tara Carragher."

To learn more about the Backwater Blues Festival and keep in touch for next year, check them our on facebook, twitter or their website www.backwaterbluesfest.com

Gig Review: Mumford and Sons

Mumford and Sons

Mumford and Sons at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Monday October 15th

Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

Mondays don't get much better than this.  Willy Mason, Edward Sharpe and Mumford and Sons; all playing individually as well as together.  The Adelaide Entertainment Center has significantly improved in looks and atmosphere since recent renovations.   The concert featuring these talented musicians took place in the newest staging addition to the venue, the Adelaide Entertainment Center theatre - a room off set from the original venue, providing an intimate vibe felt by viewers and performers alike.

The support acts were welcomed by audience with generous applause and cheering non-stop throughout the evening.   Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros were nothing short of incredible.  With two drum kits, a brass trio, a fiddle and every other instrument under the sun - the band were fun, entertaining and just a cool bunch of kids.  Their rendition of "Home" was stretched out and pleased the groupies who had been waiting all set for the hit.  At one stage during this support act,  Marcus Mumford took to the stage to perform Edward Sharpe and his ensemble, giving the crowd a sneak preview of what was to come. 

The boys wooed the crowd, performing one song with
no technology at all.

When Mumford and Sons took to the stage their set came alive.  It is amazing what four talented young men from the UK can bring to a live performance and it's safe to say there was no room left for disappointment.

Playing tracks from their breakout album "Sigh No More (2010)" it was "Little Lion Man" that saw the room burst into light leaving the audience in awe in a truly magical moment.  The music, the lyrics and the crowd contributed to making that moment one that trumps other memories from the night.


The acoustics of the venue also allowed the handsome foursome to perform acoustically; beautiful vocal harmonies silencing the crowd.

The lighting completed the magical set

Also showcasing songs from their recent album "Babel (2012)," Marcus, Ben, 'Country' and Ted displayed exactly how talented and diverse they each are performing songs that had a bit more edge and a fuller sound.  It wasn't too long ago that a drum kit was foreign to the band, but oh how this has changed with the set ending in a jam reminiscent of The Beautiful Girls' live sets; a bunch of dudes just rocking out. 

The connection between Mumford and Sons and the Adelaide audience was truly something special and the reception and how humbling it was for the band.  This concert will stick with me for a long time.

Follow Mumford and Sons on twitter, or find them on Facebook.

Check out up coming gigs at the Adelaide Entertainment Center here.

Gig Review: Hey Geronimo

Hey Geronimo

Saturday October 6th

Jive, Adelaide

While outside the streets were teaming with the living dead, last Saturday Nat and I headed to Jive to see one of the band's I have been dying to see since first getting their hit "Why don't we do something?" in my head - Hey Geronimo.

Back in June, Hey Geronimo were the first band to Q and A with RTM and I'd asked the guys exactly what people should expect from one of their live shows.

"You can expect us to put on a high-energy, fun show. We're still learning our craft, but we want everybody to have a good time. Have a few drinks and bring your dancing shoes!"

Well, we certainly did bring our dancing shoes and we were not disappointed.  The band and their support acts, (including a super-cute Adelaide outfit called "Hurricanes," who were performing their first ever gig, - kudos guys!) definitely deserved a larger audience, but this didn't phase Hey Geronimo at all - or if it did you couldn't tell.  Opening with Carbon Affair, Hey Geronimo performed as if they were playing to a full house, each member more full of beans than the next.  

Highlights included a surprise cover of the Talking Heads classic, "Burning Down the House,"  giving Tom Jones and The Cardigans a run for their money - this performance was funky as, and the guys nailed it.  After the show when asked separately, the fellas from Hey Geronimo all said the same thing - that they'd had fun; and this was so evident when watching the band perform on stage.  The onstage chemistry between each of the members let's you know that these guys are going to be around for a while and their EP (available now) is only a small taste of the great great things to come from this Brisbane act.  The chemistry was not just displayed in the on stage interaction but also musically with powerful harmonies both vocally and instrumentally - Hey Geronimo are certainly talented musicians.  

While the band head to QLD for their last two shows, which I strongly encourage you to get along too if you can, - I for one can not wait to see these guys at a festival in 2013 or on their next tour.  

Nat with Ross from Hey Geronimo

Ran with Andrew from Hey Geronimo

You can follow Ran, Nat and Hey Geronimo on twitter, or find them on Facebook

7 reasons to get excited for summer

The sun is shining, the line ups are out and I for one can not WAIT to get amongst it this summer.  "It" being the amazing showcase of musicans that will be featuring in festivals throughout our beautiful, sweaty, hot, amazing Australian summer.

The artists traveling down under for this summers' festivals are of the highest calibre, not to mention the incredible homegrown talents that have launched themselves onto the music scene in the last 12 months.  Festivals seem to be popping up left right and centre across the states and what a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see their favourite bands and artists as well as expose themselves to some more.  In case you live under a rock and are unsure of what music festivals I am referring to - Behold!

7 Reasons to get EXCITED for summer!

1. Falls Music Festival
www.fallsfestival.com.au/

Tickets have been sold and received but do not let this dishearten you! There are always genuine people having to sell their tickets for whatever reason.  A friend of a friend - you know the drill! But if someone seems dodgy on ebay - trust me they probably are! You can always try crashing as well - it's not like you'll get lost in the shrubbery or anything! (in case you can't remember; it happened - don't do it)  Angus Stone, Ball Park Music, Bombay Bicycle Club, Boy and Bear, Django Django. Jinja Safari, Lisa Mitchell, SBTRKT, The Hives and The Vaccines are a few names who will be featuring at this years wonderful New Years celebration festival.  A word to the organisers - please sort out the countdown this year.  or just someone to do it.   Falls Music Festival is set to be amazing once again with many of the bands already aurally pleasuring festival goers throughout 2012 and receiving rave reviews. 

 

2. Big Day Out
www.bigdayout.com

Returning to it's former glory, the Big Day Out has audienes excited once more after many were disappointed with the line up choices, with drawls and cut downs of last years music festival.  Boastin international acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Vampire Weekend, Bloody Beetroots and The Killers this year's festival will struggle to disappoint.  Of course there will be Australian bands present with local acts featuring in each of the festivals cities.  Grinspoon, also be featuring as part the festival, will be an Aussie band to keep your eye on - the guys will be showcasing songs from their new album "Black Rabbits."

3. Soundwave
www.soundwavefestival.com.au

This Soundwave line up makes me both laugh and cry.  I loved The Offspring.  I used to listen to them on my discman when I was in Year 7.  I feel the same way about them touring as I do the Backstreet Boys with New Kids On The Block.  I was listening to them around that time too..

Metallica, Blink 182, Garbage, Paramore, The Amity Affliction, Cypress Hill and Tomahawk are a few of the other names that put together this huge Soundwave line up.  I'm sending resident reviewer Nat Brunoli out to this one on RTMs behalf (aka i couldn't afford a ticket) so keep an eye out and say hi!

Tickets are still available so if you're into loud music, head banging and gimp masks, hop to the website and get on it.

4. St. Jermone's Laneway Festival
www.lanewayfestival.com.au

With the pre-sale beginning today, Laneway Festival hits the mark when it comes it chilled our indie pop music featuring the talents of acts that have been prolific this year including Alpine, Alt-J, Bat for Lashes, Chet Faker, The Rubens and Yeasayer.  General tickets are on sale on the 5th of October - so don't miss out!

 

5. Stereosonic
www.stereosonic.com.au

Do you think Calvin Harris is the new David Guetta?  Admittedly I heard of Calvin first, but he's been doing so many collaborations lately it's only a matter of time before Flo Rida ft. Calvin Harris or vise versa hits the charts...if it happens you know you heard it first here.  That said Calvin certainly has earnt himself the spot on headliner at this years Stereosonic Music festival, Featuring alongside names such as Tiesto, Avicii, Example, Major Lazer - the name behind this years smash hit "Get Free" and also that popular beat from Pon De Floor you may also recognise in Beyonce's "Run The World".  Also gracing festival heads are Laidback Luke, Martin Solveig, Diplo, Flux Pavilion, Bingo Players (who better to drop Rattle then these guys themselves), Tommy Trash and Beni.

6. Summadayze
www.futureentertainment.com.au/summadayze

The same group that put together Parklife have put together this stella line up which I'm sure will capture summer days (har har) perfectly Fredde le Grand, Knife Party, Kimbra, The Chemical Brothers, Mark Ronson, M.I.A, Disclosure, Icona Pop and festival favourites Stafford Brothers, Timmy Trumpet will be back in action.  Get your neons and dancing shoes on for this one people!

If this song doesn't take you back to circa 2005/2006 i don't know what will...

7. All these other gigs!

Check out your local gig guide for more info :)

September

Parklife (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth)

Counter Revolution (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)

Village Fair (Sydney)
October
Jazz in the Vines (Hunter Valley, NSW)

Manly Jazz Festival (Sydney)

Stonefest (Canberra)

Rewind (Kembla Grange, NSW)

The Boroughs (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney)

Counter Revolution (Adelaide, Perth)

Fat As Butter (Newcastle)

November

Queenscliff Music Festival (Melbourne)

Shine On (Melbourne)

Foreshore (Canberra)

Stereosonic (Sydney, Perth)

Blues at Bridgetown (Bridgetown, WA)

Harvest Festival (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane)

December


Falls Festival (Melbourne, Hobart)

Meredith Music Festival (Melbourne)

Stereosonic (Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane)

Peats Ridge (Glenworth Valley, NSW)

Pyramid Rock Festival (Melbourne)

Homebake (Sydney)

Woodford Folk Festival (Brisbane)

Good Vibrations (2012) (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)


January

Big Day Out (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth)

Southbound (Perth)

Rainbow Serpent Festival (Melbourne)

Summafieldayze (Gold Coast)

Summadayze (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)

Soundscape Festival (Hobart)

Tamworth Country Music Festival (Tamworth, NSW)

St Jerome's Laneway Festival (Brisbane)

Thredbo Blues Festival (Thredbo, Victoria)

February

St Jerome's Laneway Festival (Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth)

Riverboats Music Festival (Vic/ NSW - Murray River)

A Day on the Green (vineyard-based events - Victoria, NSW)

National Festival of Australian Blues Music (Sydney)

Soundwave Festival (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)

Earth Freq (Sydney)

Between the Bays (Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula)

Clarence Jazz Festival (Hobart)

March

Future Music Festival (Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide)

MS Fest (Hobart)
Soundwave Festival (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)

Corinbank Festival (Canberra)

Nannup Music Festival (Nannup, WA)

Port Fairy Folk Festival (Port Fairy, Vic)

Brunswick Music Festival (Melbourne)

love ran xo