When I saw Frank Ocean

On June 25th, 2013 Frank Ocean performed at the Brixton 02 Academy in London.

In my initial attempt to review Frank Ocean's performance I found myself rushed and unable to truly articulate what it had been like to see this incredibly talented and young performer live on stage.  As time past I thought to myself, why bother, it happened a week ago - who wants to know?  Almost exactly a month later, on July 26th, Ocean had no choice other than to cancel his Australian Tour, including 5 sold out shows, as well as his highly anticipated headlining set at Byron Bay music festival Splendour in the Grass, due to a torn vocal chord.

The official statement read:

"After last night's concert in Melbourne at Festival Hall, it was necessary to seek medical advice due to vocal issues Frank Ocean experienced during the show. It has subsequently been confirmed that Frank has suffered a small tear to one of his vocal cords and has received medical advice that he must rest his voice." 

 "This makes the completion of his remaining Australian dates impossible. Unfortunately due to Frank Ocean's tight tour schedule it is not possible to schedule replacement dates, however we will be working to confirm a return to Australia as soon as is practical."

And it is now I find myself reflecting on that first performance in Brixton.

Frank Ocean - Brixton 02 Academy London. source: clash music

Although the venue was dramatic, with an interior reminiscent of an old outdoor theatre, Ocean's stage was minimal and simplistic.  Each of Ocean's band members we dressed in dapper black tie suits, with Ocean in a casual, yet stylish, ensemble.  Basic stage lighting was matched with a large projection of various footage timed perfectly with the set list.  The majority of the video footage displayed was a car driving through the desert, and it just took you with it; lost in the music and Frank Ocean's voice and lyrics. 

Frank Ocean is no diva.  Whilst every song was performed flawlessly, Ocean himself seemed unable to fathom his own fame and the fans that have come to love him.  Clearly humbled, he was sweet, honest and almost shy when thanking the audience for coming out to see him.  Whilst there have been media that have shared the opinion that Ocean may require improvement in his on-stage presence and banter it was evident to me that the real fans weren't there for the celebrity; they were there for the music and the poetry and it was there that Ocean not only delivered, but excelled.

Although Ocean is frequently associated with RnB superstars such as JAY-Z, Kanye West and Beyonce, his sound is unique and he is bringing soul back to a generation that may have otherwise lost and never found this genre, or who may have never actively sort out something new.  Whilst his sexuality is often commented on hand in hand with discussions of his music, the highest liked comment on Ocean's Youtube page shares what most people are thinking, saying, "Fuck his sexuality, realy who the fuck cares he makes great music that's what it's all about"

I always new Frank Ocean was an amazing musician but seeing him perform his songs live allows you to experience his rawness and honesty in every word expressed and note sung.  Not only do you hear but you feel - you feel love, you feel struggle - heartbreak and realisation.  It was a different show to any I have seen before, but it was touching, unique and has stayed with me since.

I sincerely send my wishes and hope Frank Ocean gets well soon;  and I equally sincerely hope my Australian friends that missed out this time round, are fortunate enough to one day to experience this refreshing star's music in the flesh.

___

www.frankocean.com

___

Gig Review: Parachute Youth (LONDON)

Parachute Youth
Friday 7th June, 2013
KOKO, London

On Friday the 7th Of June, Australian duo Parachute Youth took the stage at KOKO in Camden, to share with Londoners what Australian Indie-Electronic music is all about. 

Parachute Youth perform at KOKO in Camden, London. 

The atmosphere was electric, full of energy driven by the performance of Matt and Johnny. Performing on  a stage that has seen everyone from Charlie Chaplin, to Madonna and The Rolling Stones, the boys certainly rose to the occasion with smiles plastered on the faces of hundreds of dancing fans, wall to wall, on all four stories.

Parachute Youth sees Matt mixing it up while John rocks the keyboard and lead vocals (in fact, Matt and John are both on Keys and Matt uses a controller to sequence drums/midi) - which allows John to come out to the front of the stage and really interact and get the crowd going. 

Best known for their hit "Can't Get Better Than This," Parachute Youth took the opportunity to showcase more original material as well as covering Daft Punk much to the pleasure of concert-goers. 

"We're only a two piece but we make a lot of noise..." Aussies Mathew Gill and John Courtidis met at boring house party. They left half an hour later and started working on some tunes. Since they first met, Matt (a former airforce avionics technician – hence the group’s name) and John (a producer/muso in the band Def Starr) signed to Aussie label Sweat It Out (home to Ajax and Yolanda Be Cool).

Johnny from Parachute Youth

Throughout the high energy performance there was a sense of appreciation throughout the venue both and off the stage - the boys themselves saying they were "humbled" at the audiences' positive response.  With a lot of love in the room, all of the tracks performed were so well received that when the boys finished their set with a flawlessly performed "Can't Get Better Than This," we were all left wanting more. 

 Parachute Youth still have a number of shows coming up across Europe and if their KOKO gig was anything to go by I strongly recommend getting along to see them.  Whilst "Can't Get Better That This" and "Count to Ten" are their better known tracks, they are but a small representation of this duo's capability and experiencing the on stage chemistry and performance quality will, if not already one, convert you into a Parachute Youth fan.

Parachute Youth perform to a packed out venue (image: facebook)

I honestly cannot give Parachute Youth any higher praise for this concert.  As far as I could tell in the audience, the show ran smoothly, the sound quality was excellent and the energy was non-stop.  Admittedly, I did see them briefly at last year's Splendour in the Grass Festival at Byron Bay, but this show was truly on another level and if this is where Matt and Johnny are at this early on in their career, I have no doubt we can expect so much more from them in the future, both as individuals and together as Parachute Youth. 

 

For all upcoming tour dates check out Parachute Youth's website.  You can also Follow Parachute Youth on Twitter and Like Parachute Youth on Facebook.

Pre-Order/ Download Can't Get Better Than This - EP

Gig Review: The Beards (London)

The Beards

Everyone with an older sibling has the experience of their older brother or sister telling them about a 'cool' band that they should listening to.  "Not everyone knows them, but they're really good and they'll probably be really big one day!" OOoohh we say. tell us more!  I still remember when my sister told me about a cool band. "They only sing about beards!"

....

Um. Ok.  Cute! Catchy song, but surely it's just a joke, right?  Cut to a few years later (8 years to be exact) and I am on the other side of the world and find myself interning for the company that does London based PR for the very well known rock band known as The Beards.  I guess the joke's on me!

The Beards originally formed in 2005 "a dark time for the beards. It was a time when having a beard could mean unemployment, social isolation, and sometimes death. That’s when four defiant bearded men from South Australia decided enough was enough, and the beard revolution began."  The humour and catchy tunes produced by this passionate foursome has seen them score incredible exposure online via through social media and cheeky online videos as well as eventual airplay and a spot on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 2012.  Whilst some say The Beards are serious, and other's argue it's all an act, their's no denying that these fella's are set on bringing back beards and they sure can put on one hell of a show. 

On Monday the 20th of May I was lucky enough to score a pass to The Beards' London gig at the Hoxton Sqaure Bar and Kitchen.  If you've haven't heard of The Beards just yet, you clearly don't have one.  Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia The Beards are an incredibly talented and incredibly bearded foursome who write and perform rock-bluesy songs about their one and only passion of beards (and their loathe of those who don't have beards.)  Ever entainting with well known songs such as "If your dad doesn't have a beard,  you've got two mums" and "You should consider having sex with a bearded man," The Beards are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

At one point during the show, my (bearded) friend Jay observed The Beards' front man and turned to me and said "If he's pulling out a keytar solo in only the third song, you really do wonder what's going to come next!" What did come next were a kazoo, a saxophone solo, and songs that brought the house down, ballads that made lighters wave from side to side in the air, and many, many beard rubbing between men.  And it was perfect.

The thing about The Beards is that not only are their lyrics and characters hilarious, but their songs are an incredible mix of old-school blues and rock that is incredibly enjoyable to listen too.  Extremely talented gentleman, I am quite certain that this bearded group are in fact a group of bearded geniuses.

I could go on but I'm hesitant to as I believe this show is to be enjoyed in person.   All I can say is you are in for a treat - a good audience, great music and performers that will have you smiling right into the next day; and the whole 'beard thing'? - it doesn't get old.  The Beards have well and truly mastered their craft and I was so thrilled to see them have the reception they deserved in Hoxton, London.

For more information on The Beards and any upcoming tour dates, check out their blog, facebook or twitter.

The Beards at Hoxton Square, London.

Buskers of London: An Observation

Amy Winehouse once called Camden home

Camden town. A hub for creativity,  music, arts and home of the famous camden lock markets and the home of the late great Amy Winehouse.

This is a place I walk through every working day and on occasions on weekends and I can guarantee you that every time I stroll down that main street there is at least 3 or 4 buskers, rockin' out, doing their thang.  I've seen everything from solo male singers to beat boxers to girls singing soulfully with their guitars to a man with a drumkit a a digereedo.   You can practically smell the love for music in the air - either that or some weed wafting down from one of the apartments above the many many kebap shops.

Si Cranstoun has been signed by Warner Music and is
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And if it is their day off, chances are those musicians have still made their way down to Camden town, to smile and you, ask you what type of music you like and to shove a free cd sampling their work in your face.   Of course, the weekends are when the big guns come out, one band having a regular spot next to Starbucks and before the bridge passes over the canal  into the markets.   Masters of their craft you can see that this is what they live for - sharing their music with every day people.

But it doesn't just stop at Camden Town.

The underground stations throughout London are not only modes of transport but are in fact incredible opportunities to discover and delight in musical talents of people from all walks of life.   On the Picadilly Line a beautiful African girl sings her heart out with the tiniest of radios as her back up music.   On the Central Line outside Holborn station,  a man plays an incredibly eccentric collection of percussion in which he has surrounded himself with in a full 360 degree circle.

The Bakerloo Line hosts two artists with thick I-dont-even-know-what accents, covering acoustic sets of the likes of Crowded House.  Walking by Waterloo you may encounter a gentleman with a sax or perhaps you'll bump into the tuba player near Covent Garden whose tuba on occasion will breathe fire.  it is absolutely incredible to open your eyes and ears to discover this whole other side to London.  The the busy, busy hussle and bussle of this major city, it makes you simply want to stop. and listen.

So why do they do it - why busk? To practice?  to pay the rent? To hope Simon Cowell will walk by and offer them a contract? It could be any of these reasons but the one you cannot deny, is for the love of music.