Hey folks! I’m writing this week’s column from the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles before covering the NAMM Show, the annual musical instrument trade show. It kicks off on Wednesday here in the States, and you can follow my adventures on Twitter at @iheartguitar. In next week’s column, I’ll share any particularly rock or metal-pertinent news, especially from an Aussie standpoint. There are always lots of Aussie artists hanging around and plenty of Aussie gear companies too.
WHAT’S ON AT THE BENDIGO?
At the Bendigo Hotel on Sunday January 25, StruttA PR presents a massive Australia Day Eve show.
Barbarion: Fire, smoke, skulls, weapons and other battle/heavy metal-themed props, leather, flesh, fur, war paint, helmets, drinking horns – it’s all there, a spectacle you will not forget. Dark Earth: No need for conversation, their live show is one you need to see because the music does all the talking. Horizons Edge: Melodic power metal with ‘80s style big choruses, high screams and shredding solos. Abraxxas: A Teutonic inspired thrash assault. And Rum Runners: Discovering a new island full of treasure in 2014, they bring with them their tales of the sea, and of course, their rum.
JOE BONAMASSA & MAHALIA BARNES AT THE PRINCE
Joe Bonamassa has teamed up with Mahalia Barnes for a new album of Betty Davis covers. The project came about when Barnes was in the studio with producer Kevin Shirley and her dad, y’know, Jimmy Barnes: she popped on a few Betty Davis tracks as reference and soon the idea for the album sprung into being. So Bonamassa visited Australia earlier this year to track the album, titled Ooh Yeah – The Betty Davis Song Book, over three days at Freight Train Studios in Sydney. They’ll be performing at the Prince Bandroom on Wednesday February 4. Tickets on sale now from Oztix.
NEW YOUNG LIONS ALBUM
In early 2013, the Australian music scene was introduced to Brisbane five-piece, Young Lions, who owned their sound and instantly made their mark with their debut album Burn. What ensued was a band whose alternative edge has rapidly positioned them in the forefront of the rock genre. Now they’re gearing up to release the follow-up, Blue Isla, set to land on Tuesday January 27. “Burn was a record full of anger,” says bassist Morgan Castle. “Blue Isla is a huge step up for us. The record is one of beauty and maturity. Everything you’ve come to love about Young Lions – Passion. Truth. Relevancy. It’s in this record. We’ve matured a lot and so has our music.” The lead single is When Will We Be Free? and you can catch the band at Bang at The Royal Melbourne Hotel (18+) on Saturday February 28.
THE SMITH STREET BAND SAY WHAT WE’RE ALL THINKING
The Smith Street Band have announced a surprise new digital/7” single, Wipe That Shit-Eating Grin Off Your Punchable Face, in time for Australia Day. It’s a scathing attack on the Australian government’s treatment of asylum seekers, and the cover features Shaun Thatcher’s ghastly painting of Tony Abbott. The Smith Street Band return to The Corner Hotel, on Australia Day, Monday January 26, in support a great cause with some of their best friends The Bennies, Joelistics, Curse Ov Dialect, Fear Like Us and Stockades to raise awareness and much needed funds for The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, The Refugee Council of Australia and Oxfam. Running for its 5th year, the annual Australia Day fundraiser events have already raised over $25,000. The band and long time label, Poison City Records will donate 100 per cent of digital sales of the new single until the end of February, and a large part of 7” sales (including 100 per cent of all profits from records sold at the Corner Hotel on Australia Day) to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
The countdown is on. It’s mere days until the Ballarat Beer Festival. Ballarat’s soil is famous for being rich in gold and for the past four years since its inception, the Ballarat Beer Festival has bought liquid gold to the township in the form of craft and boutique beers. On Saturday January 24, Victoria’s original boutique beer festival, will yet again celebrate all things beer, bands, education, food trucks and great entertainment, bound to suit all comers to the picturesque Ballarat City Oval. Lyndell Pond (one of the event’s four Festival Directors) explains the philosophy behind the event: “What makes the event so successful is the contribution from the local community; sponsors, suppliers, volunteers, staff and of course our wonderful punters and brewers. The focal point is twofold, providing great entertainment in the form of music, a games garden and the kids zones to sit side by side the exciting world of craft beer.” The musical line-up includes Ash Grunwald, Way Of The Eagle (Jan Skubiszewski’screative collaboration featuring Dan Sultan and The Cat Empire’s Harry James Angus); The Delta Riggs, Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk; Buddha In A Chocolate Box, Timberwolf and the festival’s Homebrew band competition winner and Ballarat local Demi Louise.
