Two Gigs. One Venue.

Venue Review: HQ. Adelaide

disclosure

There can often be a negative connotation associated with the two letters "HQ" in Adelaide.  Located a few doors down from one of the world's dirtiest maccas, HQ is arguably South Australia's largest night club, known for weekly dress up parties, burley bouncers, thumping beats and massive dance floors. Whether they are proud to admit it or not, most South Aussies have been to HQ at some point in their lives, and probably had one of the biggest nights they can (or can't?) remember.

As well as being a massive part of the weekend night life in South Australia, HQ has become a popular venue for concerts and gigs; from all genres from dance to hip hop to rock and roll.   Within the course of two weeks I was fortunate enough to attend two of these gigs and witness how the venue coped with different music and their respective audiences.

Foals. 24th September. 2013.

foals - sourced from the au review

Both concerts were spectacular in their own right.  Foals was a rock and roll concert unlike one I have ever seen before.  An all ages concert, the dance floor was a drink-free zone but this did not stop the fans from tearing it up. Front man Yannis Philippakis also go in on the action running around the venue and through the crowd all whilst playing his guitar.  The energy in the room was electric - this was possibly one of the best gigs I have ever been too.  And a fair bit could be attributed to the venue itself. 

The amphitheatre design of the HQ Complex means that short-asses such as myself have the opportunity to actually see a band in action, and not just dance facing friends accepting that the live music will just have to do.  Other venues in Adelaide such as the Gov and the Thebby Theatre do have outstanding acoustics and atmosphere, but there was something special about being able to see the main performance without being confined to seat 35E.

Disclosure. 3rd October. 2013.

Disclosure's performance was 18+ only and the alcohol was flowing.  There was no doubt a few people had already arranged the next day off work for a self-granted long weekend.  It did feel like the concert took a little longer than planned to get going but once the show was in progress it was one big party.  Credits to the lighting team who combined with the shows graphics took the performance to a whole other level.  There was no shortage of lasers at the Disclosure gig and it was the perfect fit.  There were those who tried to dance on the podiums throughout the concert but were quickly removed by security - much to the delight of those whose view were temporarily obstructed with an unwelcomed bottom or two.

Ultimately the staff at HQ are were great - and a lot more friendlier than I remember them being upon some earlier visits.  I thoroughly enjoyed the two concerts I witnessed at HQ and it certainly felt as though the audiences did as well.   Whilst HQ may get a bad wrap from time to time they certainly know how to run a performance smoothly, make sure everyone has a good night and that everyone makes it outside safely to get their late night dirty maccas feed.

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HQ Complex - www.hqcomplex.com.au

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HQ Sponsor Fresh FM

Check out The Quintessential Mix at

www.fresh927.com.au/thequintessentialmix

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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.

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www.frankocean.com

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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.

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter

"Loaded with guest starts and dazzling hooks, Random Access Memories is the long-anticipated return of Daft Punk. For their latest album, the French duo calls of a list of collaborators that's every bit as unexpected as the music itself, including legendary Italian electro producer Giorgio Moroder, vocalist/producer Pharrell Williams and Singer Julian Casablancas of The Strokes."

So, that's what the description on iTunes tells us, but have you heard the new Daft Punk album?

The album 'leaked' online earlier this week, and sure enough shortly after the album was available for streaming online across the globe whilst the duo launched their album at a celebrity filled shindig at The Shard right here in London Town.

Random Access Memories Track listing:

1. Give Life Back to Music feat. Nile Rodgers
2. The Game of Love
3. Giorgio by Moroder feat. Giorgio Moroder
4. Within feat. Chilly Gonzales
5. Instant Crush feat. Julian Casablancas
6. Lose Yourself to Dance feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
7. Touch feat. Paul Williams
8. Get Lucky feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
9. Beyond
10. Motherhood
11. Fragments of Time feat. Todd Edwards
12. Doin’ It Right feat. Panda Bear
13. Contact feat. DJ Falcon

And what did we all think of the music?  Well it's safe to say a fair few million of us were blown away.  Reminding us exactly why they are so awesome, Daft Punk's house music roots are evident throughout the track, with tracks injected with enough disco and funk to keep your body groovin' into the wee hours of the morning. (yes - "groovin")

Give Life Back to Music Feat Nile Rodgers - The song that featured on the Random Access Memories  teaser trailer - is almostly ridiculously epic but the build up is warranted being that is has been 8 years since the duo's last studio album. 

The Game of Love, the second track on the album is slow, passionate and deep but stays true to the signature sounds of Daft Punk.  Classic disco drum kit dance beats take you to a dark room where music is being played live and drinks are served on the rocks.  So many of these songs transport you to another place and time - Random Access Memories perfect mix of classic and modern music.  Timeless.

Daft Punk - Coachella - 2013

By now we've all heard the smash hit Get Lucky ft. Pharrell Williams and the funky riffs have a presence throughout almost all the tracks on the album.  Vocals aren't constant throughout the album, but even without the lyrical elements and even without the monoluges it is as if a story is being told through the entire album, and as well as individual songs.  Touch in particular takes you right back to another time. It's romantic and beautiful.

Giorgio's monoluge is gorgeous though, inspirational and passionate. He speaks of disco techs and the desire to create music with the sounds of 50s, 60s,  70s and the sound of the future.  Enter the syntheniser -  the sound of the future, the sound of Daft Punk.

STAND OUT TRACKS? Runners up to Get Lucky include Lose Yourself To Dance and Doin' it Right.  Clearly the best tracks on the album.*

There are so many good tracks on this album - keep an eye and an ear out for remixes which no doubt will be hot on the heels of the album release, happening 17th May 2013.

Can't wait till then? stream the album here

Also, check out interviews with all the collaborators on Random Access Memories
at www.randomaccessmemories.com

*according to Zach Camilleri.

A few funny things from the Adelaide Fringe

With numerous festivals happening throughout the state simultaniously, it's not suprise the locals refer to it as "Mad March."  The Adelaide Festival, The Clipsal 500, Various music festivals such as Future Music Festival and Womadelaide as well as numerous food and wine weekends and pop up bars and cafe have once again brought vivid life to the Adelaide City Streets.

Artist bar; Pru, Nat, Official Fringe Ambassador
 Paul McDermott and Ran!

Some would argue that the main event of course is The Adelaide Fringe.  Often compared with the world famous Edinburgh Fringe and Comedy Festival.  Showcasing some of the finest comedy, dance, art and theatre that Australia, - and many other countries, - have to offer, the Adelaide Fringe is quirky, eclectic and ever entertaining. 

"Unlike a curated festival, the open-access nature of Adelaide Fringe means that anyone with a show, exhibition or cultural event is able to register and be part of Australia’s largest arts event. The result is one of the most diverse arts festivals in the world, renowned for fresh ideas, spontaneity and fun.

Artists from around Australia and across the globe participate alongside home-grown talent, in art forms spanning cabaret, comedy, circus, dance, film, theatre, puppetry, music, visual art and design."

www.adelaidefringe.com.au

Once of the main venues of the Adelaide Fringe is located at the east end of the city - The Garden of Unearthly delights; affectionately known by locals as "The Garden."

An outdoor stage, various market stalls and enough food stalls to feed a small village come together to create the garden as well as fair ground rides and games and of course the many stages for the many fringe shows.

Fortunate was I to get along to Sammy J's show "Potentially" - which was held within the Garden of Unearthly Delights at the Umbrella Stage.  Sammy J is more commonly known for his musical routines in which he duets with a purple puppet called Randy (his best friend from University) however in this show Sammy J was refreshingly performing alone, allowing the audience to get to know him on a more personal level.

Sharing a combination of captivating stories and cheeky songs Sammy J was both charming and hilarious.  Although the show wrapped perfectly we were all left wanting more.  As many comedians do, Sammy J met with the audience afterwards assuring no face was left not smiling.

Sammy J was charming and hilarious

It has to be said that one of the fantastic things about the Adelaide fringe is how all the participating artists are often floating around and more than happy to chat to fans and fringe goers everywhere.  Especially perhaps those aspiring themselves to be artists, comedians or actors.

Newcomer to the Adelaide comedy scene Patrick Meynell has been performing at various gigs as part of the Adelaide Fringe.  Last week Patrick took some time out to chat to Ran Type Music about his experiences so far.

RTM: You're relatively new to the Adelaide Stand-Up Comedy scene in Adelaide - how would you describe the comedy community here in South Aus?

PM: It's amazing. It's very close knit so everybody knows each other and we're all good friends. About two years ago one of Adelaide's funniest comedians, Michael Bowley, established Monday night open mic competitions at Rhino room so the scene has exploded since then because it was one of the first times there was an outlet for up and coming comedians to have a crack in front of a real comedy audience. A lot of them will be well known individuals in the coming years, I have no doubt. The talent here is crazy.

from www.au.timeout.com

RTM: How did you get involved with performing at the Adelaide Fringe?

PM: There are a number of variety shows and showcases on around town that i was lucky enough to be offered a spot in. They are basically a compilation of young comedians who all get to do a 5 or 10 minute set. Some of them run throughout the year also so they are a great opportunity to hone your jokes. Somehow I was also selected to perform in the Raw Comedy state final in late Feb in front of 450 people at the Arts Theatre which was absolutely the most fun I've ever had in my life. The winner of the night, Demi Lardner, has a fringe show on at the moment with another state finalist (Bryn Adams) called 'No?' which I can't wait to see. They are both hilarious. Good people too.

RTM: Have you managed to see any other Fringe performances?

PM: I've spent pretty much every waking minute at Rhino since Fringe started and they've just finished the first half of the festival, so this week is where the changeover happens and the new acts begin performing. In the first few weeks I got to see a bunch of Adelaide's favourites (Dave Campbell, Angus Hodge, Fabien Clark, Georgie Carrol) and other interstate and international acts. I saw Dayne Rathbone last week and he floored me. There are some amazing acts coming up too that I can't wait to see.

RTM: You've said that 9 months into your comedy career you have "met people you have been watching on TV for years" - who have you met? have they given you any words of wisdom?

PM: It's been mad. I met Arj Barker the other night. I was pretty drunk but I remember him being pretty freaking cool. Greg Fleet has just finished his run at Rhino (his show was maybe my favourite of the festival so far) and has been hanging out there pretty much every night. I was lucky enough to meet him earlier in the year and he is legitimately one of the nicest people I've ever met. And he just doesn't know hot to not be funny. His show was really honest and sad, dealing with some of his major addiction struggles and problems over the years, but it never stopped being hilarious either. He does the type of comedy that I would love to be doing one day. He gave me some advice when I first met him that I haven't forgotten and I've used every time I've written a set since: "Put your second best joke first and finish with your strongest bit". It seems like simple advice, but it opened up so many new ideas for me when I was writing. He also hosted a night that I performed in a few weeks ago and when I had finished he told the crowd that he "knew [me] when I was less good". I'm taking it as a compliment. Although, he did a 3 minute intro for me describing how I used to be a hired killer, so I don't know whether to believe him or not.

RTM: What would you say the best part of the Adelaide Fringe has been?

Newcomer to the scene, Patrick Meynell

PM: Apart from all the great shows I've seen, just the atmosphere. Particularly at Rhino. Once the performers are off stage, they just become one of the crew, hanging around and drinking. Hannah Gadsby was tending bar on Friday night for who knows what reason. it's just such a great scene to be a part of.

RTM: Tell us a bit about your routines - who do you think would enjoy your shows?

PM: I really have no idea how to answer that. I just try to write things that amuse me. What i really like in a comedian is honesty. The truth is often sad and depressing and to me, that is hilarious. So I have a lot of material about things that hurt me in some way. A good bit of heartbreak is worth hours of material. You do need to remember to put jokes in though. Otherwise it just sounds like you're reading from your suicide note.

RTM: What would you say to anyone considering giving stand up comedy a go?

PM: The concerned asshole in me would tell you to fuck off. We don't need the competition. There's already way too many funny people. The nice guy in me that I try to silence would say that if you think you're funny, go for it. You'll find out pretty quickly if you are or not.

RTM: Finally, any upcoming gigs?

PM: I'm performing in a variety show Wed 13th at The Ed Castle. That's officially my last set during Fringe, but I seem to pick up random sets here and there. I did a bit on Sunday during a friends Fringe show cos it was her final night and she was doing an 'anything goes' kind of thing. That was fun so hopefully I'll get a chance like that again. After Fringe it's back to hitting up Rhino every Monday night and doing spots around town whenever people are nice enough to book me. My goal is to have a show next Fringe with a friend of mine. He started about 2 months after me and we make each other laugh constantly with our sets. Also, he's a lot funnier than me so I'm going to ride on his coat tails.

Follow Pat on Twitter @PatMeynell

For more information on the Adelaide Fringe visit www.adelaidefringe.com.au and www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au

Pat in action