Festival Review: St Jerome's Laneway Festival

On February 8th, 2013, Adelaide Laneways were graced with the likes of The Rubens, Flume, The Japandroids, of Monsters and Men, Bat for Lashes, Chet Faker, Alpine, Alt-J  and many many more musicians, both local and international for the St Jerome's Laneway Festival. 

A smorgasbord of indie / folk/ rock acts assured that the event was a sell-out with many punters arriving before 5pm to enter the venue, suss out the situation and plan their attacks on how they would venture from stage to stage to see their favourite acts. (time of course would assure that this was not up to individuals but rather the incompetent security staff and systems put in place by event management.)

The Divine Fits - up close and personal

Nat and Brit - Awesome!
 Follow @natbrunoli on twitter.

But first; the music.  Whilst many were unfortunately unable to access stages to watch musicians play (we thought this is what the $120.00 was for?...) this music blogger, was more fortunately familiar with the venue and "laneways" and was one of the lucky ones.  Alpine were first on the agenda - drawing in a reasonably sized crowd it was clear from the get-go that many festival goers were those who listened to entire albums rather than the singles alone.  Dancing and singing along was madatory and the Alpine singers Phoebe Baker and Lou James were flawless - the bands live rendition of their biggest hit "Gasoline" was pure bliss to listen to. 

Next, we caught Yeasayer, Cloud Nothings, Chet Faker, The Rubens, Of Monsters and Men, Flume, Japandroids (AMAZING), A little bit of Alt-J, a little bit of Bat for Lashes and finished then night with the Divine Fits - Cudos to Miss Natalie (who often writes album reviews for RTM), who managed to sneak backstage to hang out with non-other than front man Britt Daniels.  

image: boudist.com

All artists were incredible, performing to a tee - This was the fourth time I had seen The Rubens (although at about 5'5" I use the word "seen" loosely) and the boys did it again, melting hearts or girls (and likely guys!) everywhere.

Unsure of what Flume would play and how he would perform, it quickly became evident that this young DJ has established his own sound signature as well as cult following.   His mellow beats and remixes are surprisingly refreshing in comparison to the dance music played on commercial stations, and it's for this reason it's a safe call to say that the best of Flume is yet to come.

Japandroids were my personal highlight and I think it was because this was an unplanned band to see - although in the lead up, many people had nothing but good things to say.  I was so impressed by the stage presence that the two (yes only TWO) band members gave off, and the racket of rock and roll noise they produced. 

the not so great wall of weslo.

Overall the music was fantastic and the line up did not disappoint.  The venue, security and management of the event however was poorly executed and even behaviour from SAPOL was misunderstood by the crowd, who by comparison to other music festivals were not that bad.  I witnessed one of the two arrests on the day which "required" 3 police officers and 2 security guards to aggressively pin down a young male who did not appear to be resisting in any way.  It was unclear why this arrest took place, including by fellow policemen who were clearly more flustered and panicky than general crowd members.  Further  embarrassment to the Adelaide festival is highlighted in today's Indaily, which reads:

"The locked gates meant the smaller stage inside Fowlers Live emptied out quickly and Brooklyn punk act The Men played to no more than 15 people on their first trip to Australia."

How the crowd control was conducted remains a questions for the authorities, however this was clearly a foreseeable problem considering the calibre of acts performing, in the highly condensed time table, in incredibly small locations.  An alternative to the City West Campus? Perhaps the Adelaide Show grounds.  Sure the "Laneway" concept is novel, however realistically this is people's safety we're talking about, and providing a product that is promised upon purchase of the ticket.  And the Showgrounds have plenty of "Laneway-esk" nooks and crannys more suitable for a 4000 people event.

Scathing reviews of the festival's management have flooded the internet with many vouching that next year they will be attending the festival in another state. 

The Divine Fits

I always say an event is what you choose to make it.  I enjoyed Laneway.  I had a good time with my friends listening to great music.  Money's worth? Perhaps not.  Unfortunately, I believe the Adelaide leg of this festival failed to deliver in many areas for both audience and artists, but I put this as a challenge to the event organisers and look forward to seeing how they will improve this 'boutique' festival in 2014.

Big Day Out 2013 - Back, Bigger and Better

Last year it was easy to rip into what some may call Australia's "first music festival", the Big Day Out.  From headlining acts pulling out weeks before scheduled concerts and stages being replaced by skate ramps, for many it appeared to be the beginning of the end of this much loved celebration of music. 

Vampire Weekend were one of the first
confirmed acts of 2013's lined up

But prayers were answered, complaining blogs were read and Ken West, one of the key organisers of the BDO promised that in 2013 the original music festival would be back to its former glory.  Early leaked line ups had social media commentators skeptical at first but it wasn't long until acts including major names The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend and The Red Hot Chili Peppers were confirmed as headliners for 2013s tour. 

Whilst Sydney experience it's hottest day ever on record for the Big Day Out at a whopping 46.5 degree peak, this reviewer hit the Adelaide Show Grounds for the first time in a few years, to see if the Adelaide BDO could compare to the big guns along the east coast.

The Friday before the Australia Day long weekend certainly set the tone for the festival with festival goers either partying hard or taking the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun and some tunes.  With the main stages offering well known acts throughout the day, many found a nice patch of grass early and settled in for the afternoon. 

Grinspoon were one of the first acts on the orange stage and with patriotism and nostalgia in full flight, Phil and the guys had the crowds moving in no time to their rock and rolls melodies - as with many bands, showcasing some of their new work - as well as having crowds belt out the classics together, flawlessly playing "chemical heart" and "no reason" amongst many.  As regulars of the Big Day Out it must be handed to Grinspoon - the energy was high and despite being one of the earlier acts in the day, this translated to the crowd.  Once Grinspoon were done festival goers wanted more.

Of course, the fantastic thing about music festivals like the Big Day Out is the number of stages showcasing both local and international talents.  One can simply stroll up to a stage and immediately be educated in indie rock, dubstep or dance, hip hop, reggae or blues.  But whilst the genres vary, the musicianship always remain quality.  Friends of the RTM Full Tote Odds featured on the Red Stage, whilst international Comedian/Up-and-coming Hip Hop act Childish Gambino took his flavour to the Converse Essential Stage, playing with a live band featuring one bad ass violinist.  Not bad at all Childish, not bad at all. 

Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
 took no prisoners

Band of Horses were the smooth cats of the day on the main stages, entertaining the substantially smaller crowd that hung around for their set.  Regardless to this they were not disheartened interacting with the audience and taking the opportunity to showcase their talents across their broad range of bluesy instruments.  The crowds we however present for Vampire Weekend and they certainly got the crowd moving.  It seemed even those who weren't familiar with Vampire Weekend (yes - there were some who had emerged from their rocks) couldn't resist the urge to run around in circles during songs like A-Punk and their breakthrough hit Cousins.

Mainstage antics continued with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs bringing down the house - Karen O's insane voice proving that their is room or real rock chicks in this day and age.  The dirty gritty deep pitch Karen creates works perfectly with the instruments in the band contributing to the overall finesse of the band.  Only days after their new album cover art caused a stir online, the band showed no signs of moving backward and reminded everyone why they were headliners for the 2013 Big Day Out.

Crowds gathered together for The Killers, who were set to perform immediately before The Red Hot Chili Peppers.  While the girls were swooning over Brandon Flowers and his pearly whites, The Killers showcased every song they were known for and did so effortlessly.  With fireworks and confetti guns, festival performances don't get much more spectacular than this.  As someone who remembers when The Killers first emerged, there was something quite satisfying about seeing them perform as band that had truly mastered their craft.  

Finally, the Red Hot Chili Peppers hit the stage and if The Killers had mastered their craft, the RHCP had created a whole new level for their own.  Seeing the Chili Peppers was a personal treat; Chad Smith has been an idol of mine from a very young age, which was emphasized by how old all the members of the band looked.  Looks aside the RHCPs smashed our their set, with riffs, grooves and solos in between to demonstrate what years of playing music can lead, inspire and allow you to create.  The sing alongs were a plenty - anyone who has heard Triple J's live recording of Under the Bridge will know that almost all Australians know (almost) all the lyrics to this and almost all other Chili Pepper songs.

The Big Day Out was exactly that, and I forgive you, event organizers for last years almost disaster.  The festival seemed to have been reminded of its roots and what real musicianship and talent is.  However whether this is a one off or a promise that will be maintained is only something time can tell.  In the meantime we have a whole year of festivals coming our way so stay tuned for all you're festival updates right here on Ran Type Music.

QandA with...Full Tote Odds

Full Tote Odds

Adelaide has become synonymous with the genre of music known as "Aussie Hip Hop," since the Hilltop Hoods made it big on the commercial scene with their hit single "Nose Bleed Section" (2003.) 

Since then, more hip hop artists have come to surface and the genre has been prolific; now a common feature on music festival line ups, and with sharp lyrics and catchy beats, are often the soundtrack to summer for Australian youths every where.

Now, a new group from the Adelaide Hills are making their own impact on the music scene. The four piece group, "Full Tote Odds" are regulars on radio stations both local and national and are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. With the launch of their album "Place Your Bets" happening in a number of days, Levelheaded, Slats, Eslev, Ross Read and DJ Hacksaw took some time out to talk about their craft.

RTM: How did  Levelheaded, Slats, Eslev, Ross Read and DJ Hacksaw all get together to create Full Tote Odds?

FTO: Levelheaded, Slats and Hacksaw started Train Of Thought in 2000. They released a Demo in 02 and a full length LP Moving Heads in 04. Eslev and Mix Zagger joined in 09 and FTO was born.

RTM: Is there a story behind the groups name?

FTO: It's mainly about taking a gamble in music. We have invested a lot of time (10 years) and money into this art and we just hope it pays off... Kinda like gambling.

RTM: Aussie Hip Hop has blown up in the last decade.  What do you think it takes to stand out as an aussie hip hop artist?

FTO: Production quality. A lot of solid MC's aren't getting the recognition they deserve because their music is not at the level it needs to be to compete on the national stage.

RTM: How would you describe Full Tote Odds' sound?

FTO: Soulful, funky Hip Hop with a twist of boom bap.

RTM: Do Full Tote Odds' follow any formulas when coming up with new tracks?

FTO: Not really, every track is so different, they all come together randomly. The only formula is to continue working on a track until we love it. 

RTM: To someone who had never heard of 'aussie' hip hop, what would you say is its' core? How would you define it?

FTO: The core is truth. You need to be honest and tell it how it is...

RTM: What are the boys from Full Tote Odds' most looking forward to with the release of 'Place Your Bets'?

FTO: Getting out on tour.

RTM: Full Tote Odds are scheduled to tour early 2013 - what can people expect from your live shows?

FTO: Expect a big sound. We have 3 mcs, 2 singers, a DJ and a sound engineer ready to blow the speakers. We are headlining schoolies festival on the 18th and playing Hombake festival on the 8th December, followed by a full national tour in Feb/March 2013.

RTM: Where do you hope to see FTO at this time next year?

FTO: Touring extensively and punching out a new album.

Full Tote Odds are:

Levelheaded

Slats

Eslev

Ross Read

and DJ Hacksaw

Connect with Full Tote Odds on Facebook, Twitter and Triple J Unearthed

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: 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

Drift away with Traveller and Fortune

As we head into Spring and leave August behind,  the high of the Adelaide International Guitar Festival is still lingering in the air.

For those looking for that next hit of indie folk music and strummin' banjos, let me introduce you to Traveller and Fortune.

There's something both refreshing and familiar about Adelaide indie-folk group Traveller and Fortune. Their songs are beautifully constructed melodies and harmonies, with lyrics equally as thought out and just as touching. Each song by the band will take you away to a different place, and it's certainly somewhere you don't want to leave in a hurry.

With a growing fan base in their home town of Adelaide (South Australia), Traveller and Fortune are about to take their music over the borders to launch their new single "Little Plastic People."  With a fair bit lined up for the coming weeks, including performing at the BIGSOUND conference in Brisbane later this month,  Tom West from the band took some time out of packing his bags and harmonica to chat to Ran Type Music about the music, the single and the upcoming gigs...


RTM: In your own words, how would you best describe the music of Traveller and Fortune?

T&F: We like to have songs that sound a bit like stories, with ups and down. They're generally bittersweet and we like to use a lot of different instrumentation to create moody soundscapes. We like to showcase the song's lyrics that we hope are always interesting and tell a unique or unexpected story!

RTM: What are you looking forward to most with your upcoming tour?

T&F: We're most looking forward to playing some really fun shows in front of new crowds. We're also really excited for the BIGSOUND conference where we are playing two showcases and meeting up with some really cool industry people.

RTM: "Little plastic people" is your new single - what's special about this track to Traveller and Fortune?

T&F: Yep, its our new single but its actually quite an old song. It featured on our EP from a few years ago, but we've decided to re-jig it with the new band dynamic,  its a bit more hillybilly this time around. We still love the song cos its fun to play but we also like the 'idea' of the song.

RTM: What can people expect at one of your shows?

T&F: A diverse set, highs and lows and lots of harmonies.

Traveller and Fortune are touring as of September 8th; to find out more about when you can catch them check out their Facebook Page.   You can also listen to their music online on Soundcloud
and Triple J Unearthed.  I'll be at their gig on the 15th at Jive in Adelaide - See you there!

Traveller and Fortune are:

Ally - Vocals, Ukulele, Sax, xylo

Tom - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Mandolin

Emily - Vocals, bass, Keys

Ryan - Vocals, keys, drums

Todd - Bass, Banjo, Lapslide, Vocals

A huge thank you to Traveller and Fortune for their time,

Ran.

QandA with...Loon Lake

Three brothers and two mates make up the garage-pop band from Melbourne Loon Lake.  

Loon Lake - 3 bros and 2 mates

Since forming in 2010, "Loon Lake," - comprising of Simon, Nick, Sam, Dan and Tim, -  has become a well known name within the Australian music scene, with hits such as "Bad to Me" featuring regularly on national radio station, Triple J.   The group have also been prolific performers, performing at Big Day Out, Groovin' the Moo as well as touring with UK band, Kaiser Chiefs.

One day before they perform their sold out show in Adelaide, Simon from the band took some time out to answer a few quick questions about the music industry, the journey so far and what we can expect from their new EP "Thirty Three".

RTM: The band Loon Lake formed in 2010 and since then you have conquered everything from festivals such as Pyramid Rock and Big Day out right through to touring with artists such as Bluejuice and Kaiser Chiefs.  What have you learnt from performing alongside such seasoned performers?

LL: I think having the opportunity to play alongside those guys who have obviously been doing it for so long, shows how far you can take it and how much you can improve. One thing that I noticed with touring with the Kaiser Chiefs was the level of professionalism, every night and through every detail. They seemed to have a great amount of respect for their fans, every show they did was to their full capacity to what I could see. I think what you have to remember when being a live band, no matter where you play is that every time you can win one new fan over. And that's important, no matter what the gig is you should play like its your last, because punters can detect when you are not enjoying it or giving it your all. High profile bands are seasoned at that - they have played shitty gigs too, but they get to the position they are by persistence dedication and handwork.

RTM: You are currently headlining your own tour, promoting the new Loon Lake EP "Thirty Three" - what can people expect at a Loon Lake gig?


LL: Every time this question gets asked I find it really hard to answer, as I guess I have never seen a Loon Lake gig. In comparison to our previous headline shows we have definitely stepped the production side of things up. We have spent more time and effort on presenting more of a 'show' to the punters. Within our limits though I guess - we don't have a revolving drum cage hovering above stage. Yet. Musically, we have definitely got some more treats in store, obviously with a new EP comes new songs to play, which is exciting for us. We are yet to play our song 'Cherry Lips' live yet, which will be fun for us to see how it goes down. I feel we are playing a lot tighter at the moment too.

The boys will be performing in Adelaide tomorrow night,
as part of their "Thirty Three" tour.

RTM: How would you describe Loon Lake's music to someone who had never heard it before?

LL: I would probably describe it is 'garage pop' music, that has a penchant for melodies and hooks. Not sure though, I think its best to listen to us and make up your own mind. People might hear it completely different to what I do. That's the good thing about music, it subjective. Some might like it, some might hate it.

RTM: Talk us through the name of the EP - Why "Thirty Three"?

LL: Ok, firstly that is the name of one of the tracks on the EP. In particular that song is about someone who has got to that age and sort of realised 'what am I doing in life? Do I need to change/settle down kind of thing?' Then after we recorded the EP, we realised there was kind of an underlying theme throughout the songs, basically it is about change, and getting to a particular point in your life and working out what you want and need. It was something we all agreed on and we felt that was an apt title.

RTM: Three brothers in the band...how is it traveling and performing together?

LL: It's all fine. We are good friends and we hang out a lot so there are no real dramas, and if there is they usually dismissed very quickly. There are obviously moments where you get under each others skin, but I think this is common within any close relationship. I guess you can't really hold a grudge for too long, as at some point in time you have to go home and hang out with the rest of your family. They don't want to hear your petty band problems.

  


RTM: I love the Pic of Last Dinosaurs singer Sean wearing a Loon Lake t-shirt!  Do you feel a sense of community in the Australian music industry - particularly amongst up and coming musicians?

LL: Yeah that was great hey. We played with them a couple of times and they are top lads, he really liked the shirt so we gave him one.  It was cool to see that he was wearing it in a press shot. They are a top band too, I really like some of the licks their guitarist uses. I do think there is definitely a sense of community amongst the young bands, everyone is appreciative of everyone and definitely trying to help each other out. At the same time I guess you are all doing your own thing and trying to pave your own road, but generally all the bands we come across are great to each other. You have to be as you run into each other all the time. I think the elder statesman in Oz rock are cool too. The Jebediah crew were some of the nicest dudes I've met.

RTM: After the "Thirty Three" tour, what's in store for the boys from Loon Lake?

LL:  After the tour we are really concentrating on writing more songs as we are thinking about our debut album. I mean the writing has already begun, but I think we really need to make a concentrated effort to work hard on making a very good and cohesive debut album. I feel the debut album is one of the defining moments of a bands career, it's definitely important to do the very best you can with that.

In terms of live shows, we have a couple of things like Bigsound and Queenscliff, we are obviously hoping for more summer festivals and supports and stuff. But generally that is where we will be for the next year, we may go a bit quiet as we concentrate on the album.

To find out more about where you can catch Loon Lake on their "Thirty Three" tour, head to their website.

You can also connect with the band on Facebook and Twitter.

Loon Lake are

Sam; Vox, Guitar, Keys

Sime; Guitar

Dan; Guitar

Timmy; Bass

Nick; Drums

Ran with Simon from Loon Lake