playlist #8

on current rotation…

1.      Barbra Bonny – Ava Maria

“ava maria”

2.      iSquare – Hey Sexy Lady (Skrillex remix)

“now get the fuck up”

3.      Stromae – Alors On Danse

“we all dance”

4.      Weezer – Memories (Feat. Jackass)

“i want to be there again…”

5.      B.O.B – Magic (Feat. Rivers Cuomo of Weezer)

“Pick a verse, any verse, I’ll hypnotise you with every line”

Gold Coast 600 (Day Three) @ Broadwater, Gold Coast (24/10/2010)

Only moments after Sunday’s premier race, the adjacent 600 Sounds concert at Broadwater Parklands kicked well into gear for the now fatigued revellers. Travelling by foot to the location, the final day of festivities did not seem as busy as the nights previous.

 

However, for eager fans, they were fortunately treated to local DJ’s Gerry Morales and Dane DFunk Herden sampling the best techno around. Hidden side of stage, the boys played the big names like ‘Faithless’, ‘Sweedish House Mafia’ and ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’s’ with incredible electro/fidget breakdowns. As usual, ‘Ducksauce’ had to make its appearance while the cold southern wind picked up from the sea and covered the crowd.

 

Hailing from Adelaide, the four piece known as the Funkoars set the stage on fire – in typical hip-hop form. Apart of the Certified Wise crew, including the Hilltop Hoods, the four members not only showcased old and new material, but also tracks they feature on or helped produced. Even an extended scratch-edit of ‘Killing in the Name Of’ featured in the set. However, the show did not flow as smoothly as hoped. Legal issues arose mid-set due to Queensland Law as live all ages performances must not include swearing. With several microphones turned off and an attempted police prevention to shorten the set, the boys were restricted with their own tunes. Luckily, it was heard that in the studio now and an album due next year, laws will hopefully not stop the Funkoars in the future.

 

While an elevated DJ booth hovered above a stage dominated by a giant LED backdrop, once the mist cleared Connie Mitchell and Angus McDonald emerged to the excitement of the crowd. One of Australia’s prominent dance groups and international successes, Sneaky Sound System have luckily graced the beautiful Gold Coast during their brief three show string for 2010.

 

Working with a diamond studded microphone, the stunning Connie Mitchell took control of the stage. With incredible stage presence and direct power over all, Miss Connie could not help but force all in attendance to dance wildly. Dance floor fillers ‘Kansas City’, ‘I Love It’ and ‘It’s Not My Problem’ saw the sea of fist pumps and frantic jumps to the beat. The audience participation of air guitar strumming to ‘Pictures’ and alien spotting during ‘UFO’ could not match the ecstatic vibe during new song ‘It Hits Me’.

 

On new material, Angus Mitchell tells us the best is yet to come. “If you liked that (It Hits Me), that’s only a sample. What until when the album comes out summer next year. It’s more electronic and banging than the other two. Also, we plan to have a completly new live show when we tour so look out for that.”

 

One of the most obscure and controversial acts to come from Australia, Empire of the Sun closed the 600 Sounds festival for 2010 with a bang. Taking the audience on one hell of a musical adventure, Luke Steel and his parade of mystical dancers dazzle the already astonished and amazed crowd. Though there may have been slight technical difficulties with audio, all was forgiven with the outlandish costume changes and hit singles complied with excessive visuals.

 

As lights glistened off Luke throughout the entire set, the cardboard guitars filled with LED’s for strings played during ‘We Are The People’ may have been the most obscure thing ever seen. Other hits such as ‘Standing on the Shore’ and ‘Half Mast’ were welcomed with great praise but it was the standout ‘Walking on a Dream’ which caused greatest pleasure. While the clouds opened and rain fell, fans continued to dance, sing and glow in the rich ambience. A true sight to witness.

 

With the weekend over, and headaches finally sneaking in, it’s sad to think that everyone must return to their ‘normal’ lives. For the past three days, the pure exhilarating nature from the motorsport and delightful attitude created by music is one that is rare to come across. For ones who were lucky enough to attend, you have witnessed history. For ones who unfortunately missed out, please do not underestimate just how much fun one weekend can be – it’s quite special if you think about it.

Gold Coast 600 (Day Two) @ Broadwater, Gold Coast (23/10/2010)

The Rock ‘N’ Race format, implemented at V8 Supercar events in Townsville and Sydney last year, is into its second day of festivities, and understandably the most thrilling night of all. With an estimated attendance of 58 thousand fans for 2009’s Saturday, tonight’s performances may see one of the largest crowds to ever attend an Australian motorsport event.

 

Promoting Australian rock, Saturday’s acts are all future hall of famers. Not only were the public lucky enough to witness guitar god Richard Clapton and Australian Crawl legend James Reyne, but Melbourne rock and roll band Mondo Rock, the original line-up to The Angels and the iconic Baby Animals. With this great range of Australian rock and roll, the dream line-up was not complete just yet.

 

Formed in Sydney in the 80’s, the heavily sexualised and adopted Australian Job Stevens and his boys in Noiseworks still know how to work a crowd. Utilizing that pure rock vibe, along with possibly the best voice in the game, Jon Stevens may be the coolest rocker around.

 

With a swagger of top 10 albums and a horde of top 10 singles, the older yet still energetic crowd knew every song word for word. Dancing and singing along to ‘Take Me Back’, ‘Hot Chili Woman’ and ‘Touch’, Noiseworks proved that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. The old charismatic attitude and wholesome 80’s is to die for. By the end of the set,  the one question everyone wished to ask the aged  Noisework boys is – you planned to return to the studio in 2008, so where is the album? Because we want it now…

 

But what we want more than anything is the headlining act for tonight. The headlining act of the entire festival – The Beach Boys.

 

In terms of singles and album sales, the Beach Boys are the #1 selling American band of all time. Sold in excess of 100 million records, and welcomed to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the group has had more than thirty six top 40 hits in the United States alone. With such rich history, the newly reformed band had been one of the most anticipated events on the Gold Coast calendar.

 

During the 60’s, the band creatively pushed the boundaries creatively and visually, and tonight was no different. Dressing the large forlorn stage in palm trees and surfboards, the cheesy novelties created cheeky grins rather than a tacky disbelief from the audience.

 

With a set list long enough to be three pages, the enthusiastic yet nearly depleted boys from the beach played hit after hit to the delighted and ecstatic punters. With the age range between toddlers to grandparents present, the showcase of dance-along tunes was only made better by the beautiful Gold Coast weather. To be honest, everyone in attendance had a smile from ear to ear and could not stop dancing the whole time.

 

Gliding through such fantastic classics like ‘Help Me Rhonda’, ‘I Get Around’ and ‘Good Vibrations’, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston frequently joked about their old age (“I could hit that note in 63” and using the microphone stand as a walking stick) and love for women (dedicating songs to the women in the audience). Whilst not begging for a nap or serenading women on men’s shoulders, the elderly rockers wooed the audience with great ease. Even game enough for an encore, the electric work from the backing band justified the promoter’s choice for selecting the Beach Boys as headliners.

 

In conclusion, while the fireworks filed the sky, the questionable choice of the Californian rockers have proved that they were not only well suited for this event, but justified their continual greatness and addition into music history. One thing is for certain but, with two nights down and one to go, will the last night be as good as this?

Gold Coast 600 (Day One) @ Broadwater, Gold Coast (22/10/2010)

 

Clocking up speeds of more than 260km per hour around the tight and narrow street circuit of Surfers Paradise, the annual super carnival of entertainment and racing has descending over the Gold Coast. Now in its 20^th year, held over three days with a host of on and off track entertainment, the festival which injects more than $60 million into the local economy has out done its self yet again.

 

Soaking up the weather and atmosphere during the day, the excitement continued well into the night as the Gold Coast came alive with 600 Sounds. Spilling over into the Broadwater Parklands opposite the track, fans were treated to a three day, star-studded parade of musical joy included within their ticket.

 

Hosting 16 Australian and international acts, the large scale-single stage in the luscious Broadwater gardens alongside the beach seemed almost too perfect. The serenity and angelic surrounds, with several elevated hills for viewing, could not have been a better venue choice for the first of what may be many incredible 600 Sounds festivals to come.

 

Just catching the last few tracks by The Only due to the increased traffic flow, crowd favourites Barbra Streisand and Tensnake’s Coma Cat saw revellers dance their way through queues outside the venue. Even patrollers and police officers could not help but hum to the infectious harmonies of Duck Sauce.

 

Hook N Sling – aka Anthony Maniscalco – is nothing but business. Controlling the stage with his incendiary club cuts and choice beats, the explosive dance floor edit of Miami Horror’s ‘Sometimes‘ struck the right chord. During mid sunset, tracks by Miike Snow, Example and Sweedish House Mafia provided that extra petrol to the already exhausted and sun soaked motor-heads of the day.

 

Wowing crowds for over 10 years now, the epic partnership of Kid Kenobi and MC Shureshock are arguable a force not to be reckoned with. Still yet to release a full record together, however with a future EP slated soon, the brothers in beats hit the town of Gold Coast to do what they do best – spit hot fire. As usual, the lyrical gold of Shureshock and killer tunes by Kenobi were a delight to the now fist pumping, intensely sweaty crowd. Deadmau5, Art Vs Science and a rather heavy dubstep take on House of Pain’s ‘Jump Around’ were guaranteed dance floor fillers.

 

The four-piece Irish/Australian electronic band The Potbellez are without a doubt a show stealing act. Looking Oozing in sex appeal, in an all leather outfit, vocalist Blu and IIan Kidron welcomed the rev-heads to the concert in the best way possible – live dance music. Several tracks from the yet to be released second album ‘Destination Now’ were promoted and welcomed with great praise, however the highly successful latest track ‘Hello’ caused the greatest frenzy. The strong raw passion from ‘Trouble, Trouble’, intense bass in ‘Are You With Me’ and energetic air guitar strumming along to ‘Don’t Hold Back’ easily justify that The Potbellez may just be one of the best live dance acts Australia has.

 

After 24 solid hours of touring, it seemed as if the scheduled 30 minute set did not justify the ability and talent of Static Revenger. Notoriously known for his outrageous headphones, the alienesque dj/producer, in a white Michael Jackson styled jacket, did not waste time before dropping his hit ‘I Like That’. Unfortunately, Luciana could not make her appearance on the night. So, with big shoes to fill, up-and-coming newbie Zoe Badwi was under great pressure from the audience. However, the ever-so charming and incredibly beautiful Zoe showcased both tracks ‘Free Falling’ and ‘Release Me’ to the extremely pleased punters.

 

Hurried onto the stage late, voices roared as Ian Carrey got behind the vacant decks. The American house DJ and producer, who has sold over an outstanding 10 million records worldwide, is quite a beloved tourist here down under. With double platinum certification and a string of massive hits, it would be safe to say that Australia wishes to adopt Carrey as their own. Performing cuts from the Bloody Beetroots, Duck Sauce and an unbelievable version of Flo-Rida’s ‘Club Can’t Handle Me’, Carrey dazzled the swam of screaming fans quite easily.

 

With the sea front fireworks well underway, the one thing still on everyone’s mind is that though tonight was epic – it is only just the beginning. There is another two days of this excitement and festivities, with another two days of great music. Who needs sleep anyway?

Boys Noize Records @ Ruby Tramp, Gold Coast (22/10/2010)

Mere months before the king himself, Boys Noize, drops in down under for some summer festivals, the German beatmaker has collected a parade of minions to start the party early. In another round of Boys Noise Records Nights, clubbers and fans at Gold Coast’s Ruby Tramp were lucky enough to catch Strip Steve, Rynecologist and Das Glow play up to their heavyweight titles.

 

For weeks now, this tour has seen the trio travel around Australia – playing in some of the most prestigious clubs out. However, with great speculation, hype and the new 600 Sounds festival the same night, the Gold Coast show could be seen as a risk.

 

And sadly, it did not pay off. Swiftly dodging the crowd of people gathered outside, first assumptions would be that the venue would be swarmed inside. However, unfortunately it was not. During ‘peak’ clubbing times, the vacant dance floor sadly only held a handful of ravers, while the bar and couches surrounding were social hotspots.

 

Following in the footsteps of label boss and studio mentor Boys Noize, the originally slated for an April tour, saw Das Glow, Rynecologist and Strip Steve work in their natural element. Eventually, the stage and DJ booth saw significant foot traffic from real fans. Keeping up with the techno, electronic and electro house vibe, the sweet tunes that bellowed from the speakers at least made most in attendance tap their feet.

 

While the Canadian DJ Rynencologist welcomed the crowd to soothing house, both French based master minds did not hesitate to drop the funk, the beats and the incredible remix’s the label has produced.  If only the crowd would not have been more appreciative and more aware of what exactly they are witnessing.

 

Working with swagger of cuts by Mr. Ozio, Daft Punk, Tensnake and the incredible helmet wearing geniuses Daft Punk, Boys Noize Record Night has successfully lived up to its expectations. However, sadly the unenthusiastic crowd did dampen the experience for all. If only the weekend was not as clustered or the dates where different, this event would have gone off. With the great potential, lets see round two soon.

One Many Party (Soulwax) @ Elsewhere, Gold Coast (17/10/2010)

Still fresh from Australia’s youngest, most energetic and brightest festival Parklife, Steve Slingeneyer from Soulwax has unofficially found his second home in Australia. On tour with his DJ persona of One Man Party, since the beginning of October, this self proclaimed party starting Belgian drummer has finally found his way to the Gold Coast for one hell of a night.

 

In a horrible attempt to ‘indie up’, the parade of over-dressed, 20-20 visioned natives outside Elsewhere swiftly produced strong embarrassment and isolation. Obviously flocking to their home away from home, the Coast’s most underground and fashionable club is stylishly hidden behind a derelict wooden door.

 

Upstairs a filthy narrow staircase, the crowd was one you would not expect at your local tavern or pub. Often abused by the public, you must hand it to the misguided crowd of ‘hipsters’ – they have brilliant music taste. Sure most would have raided their grandfather’s wardrobe an hour before, and the 3D glasses from when you saw Avatar might look cool, local boys Elke kick-started the night superbly.

 

Gracing the makeshift stage located at the far back, the youngsters were quick to create bliss. Their 80’s influenced synth pop tunes bought most to their feet in a flash. It is no doubt that while a misguided and unplanned stage dive bought the most applause, this live band will only get better as the days go by.

 

Mingling with the audience just like a local, Steve seemed to be in his element. Soaking up the atmosphere while behind the decks, the Belgium could not control his body during most songs. Dancing to Soulwax mixes of The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk, it was the reworked versions of classic Guns and Roses, Hot Chip and Beethoven which caused the greatest frenzy.

 

However, the night did not run all so smoothly. Plagued by constant problems with the decks and sound, Steve was often seen yelling and waving his arms frantically to the failing technology. Capitalizing with humour, several rap based chants like “Fuck Technology” and “Please Don’t Pour Drinks On to My CD-J’s” were sung through the speakers. Sadly, technology does not always work, but this the crowd were more than forgiving – it was Steve Slingeneyer after all.

 

Once dropping the headphones to the floor, the sea parted as Soulwax’s drummer made his way to – you guessed it – a drum set. Destroying the kit to a backing track, with guest vocals most of the overwhelmed spectators, an impromptu cover of ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ saw not just how incredible of a musician Steve Slingeneyer is, but how horrible the Gold Coast sings.

 

With ringing ears, aching feet and the sun finally rising, this celebration sadly had to come to its end. Thanks to one man, and his outrageous travelling party, he will be receiving invitations long into the future.

Peter Mays (of PNAU) @ Platinum, Gold Coast (08/10/10)

As Australians, it is un-patriotic to blast our impressive music scene. Whether it be rock or rap, this sunburnt country currently boasts some of the greatest acts in history. That being said, once the Gold Coast’s prestige nightclub Platinum announced that one half of ARIA-Award-winning PNAU was locked in, not even the torrential rain outside could deter the lovers.

Formed in the mid-nineties after meeting at school, the Sydney based dance duo consisting of Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes are one of the most influential, energetic and respected musical acts today. Fresh from the 2011 Big Day Out line-up announcement, a new album in production and work with Elton John, multi-instrumentalist and producer Peter Mayes has temporarily traded in the guitar and keyboard for a case of CDs.

Begging not to be reviewed, Mayes jokingly asked if no one could listen to him tonight. “I’m not even that good, honest,” he laughed while hiding behind his hands. However, taking control of the decks in the early hours of Saturday morning, the drowned crowd were welcomed instantly to an electro session of great proportions.

DJing with a cheeky grin, the crowd could not help but immediately fall in love with his charismatic nature and outstanding music choice. While massive club hits like Pon De Floor and Duck Sauce were received with the typical cheers, it was Avicii and Sebastien Drum’s My Feelings for You which caused the greatest applause.

Without warning, several circles formed on the dance floor with only the bravest entering. Highlights included an ill-attempted worm and the world’s worst robot, but the truly magnificent aspect was the obvious sheer enjoyment this bought to all.

Smiling from ear to ear, blinded by the lights and now currently deaf due to the bass, the beautiful audience inside the club could barely stand from dancing so much. You could easily blame anthems such as It Just Won’t Do, Miami 2 Ibiza and PNAU’s own Baby for this occurrence. With that in mind, remember this for next time – do not blame your shoes for the blisters, blame the DJ.

Still raining outside, and as dreary as ever, the now exhausted crowd leave the venue filled from the night’s scrumptious offering. While it may have not been the full band on show tonight, it was still an exhilirating set. If that was a taste of PNAU for the future, on behalf of everyone, “Bring on 2011”.

Godskitchen @ Electric Playground, Brisbane (02/10/2010)

Renowned by the world’s biggest and best DJs, the angel of trance that is Godskitchen has thankfully touched down in Brisbane to dazzle the eagerly awaiting fans. Located in the delicious surrounds of Brisbane’s premier club Electric Playground, headliners Andy Moor, John O’Callaghan, Marcel Woods and Wippenberg proved yet again that this international super-club brand is a force not to be reckoned with.

Originally starting out as a series of underground parties in the UK, Godskitchen is now seen as one of the supreme, undisputed dance powerhouses of today. Taking the world by storm with club appearances, global tours, annual festivals and sell-out compilations, there is nothing that this iconic and highly respected brand hasn’t achieved.

For close to a decade, the juggernaut that is Godskitchen has been travelling to our shores to deliver outstanding, unforgettable and unique arena spectaculars. Boasting world-class laser shows and state-of-the-art effects, the little white angel logo has become so notorious with punters worldwide, that many actually travel between countries just to attend these highly anticipated parties.

Recently landed, the current 2011 tour boasts an unbelievable multi-dimensional guided tour of trance in 3D. With state of the art glasses, revellers were to be thrust into a supersonic world of wonder, igniting all sensors literally. Unfortunately, this was not the case for the Brisbane leg of the tour, where a typical concert experience had to be witnessed rather than something extraordinary.

While Brisbane has recently been hit by near daily showers, upon first entry it was evident that the depressing weather sadly deterred most. To be fair, the entire city seemed quite eerie. However, the shocking realisation was quickly corrected once inside, as the Electric Playground stage looked more like festival crowd. With gleeful punters swarming the dance floor and spilling over the already packed bar, the audience mimicked the weather by continuing to pour in as the night progressed.

The party featured the angelic line-up of trance luminaries, Andy Moor, John O’Callaghan, Marcel Woods and Wippenberg, all working their magic until the daylight. And what better way to kick-start the night than catching Andy Moor in action, inside an industrial sized tent.

Hidden behind the club, entirely out of view, the outdoor stage thankfully had a roof. With the still consistent rainfall soaking ravers, the rest gathered under the lightly flooded tent to enjoy the sweet sounds from English superstar DJ/producer Andy Moor. The man behind club anthems like She Moves and The White Room successfully showcased his vast musical skills early on, while an astounding visual light show entertained the eyes of all. Begging for more, hidden behind a parade of smoke, Andy’s hits Halcyon and Crazy Lady were dropped on top of the already exhausted crowd. Needless to say, it only further ignited the already fuelled trance fire for the night.

Starting moments later inside the club, Wippenberg hovered three metres in the air, ready for his battle. With 15 years under his belt, the electronic mastermind from Germany packed the dancefloor in record time. Stumbling through the crowd with great difficulty, tension boiled as punters waited for this titan of trance. Regularly supporting the likes of Armin Van Burren and Tiesto, the talented DJ/producer Olaf Dieckmann made his mark the moment he stood behind the decks. Dropping massive club hits Pong and Neurodancer, the infectious tunes by Wippenberg whipped the entire club into a frenzy and explosion of dance. It was clear that this was going to be one long night.

Sprinting back outside to catch John O’Callaghan perform his last few tracks, the weather had cleared as more party-goers entered the grounds. Heading straight to outdoor stage for the Irish DJ, the last section of a typical high-octane mix did not disappoint. Instantly regretting the decision to miss most of his discography, the jovial crowd in attendance reassured us by raving – literally and figuratively – about John’s precise mixing abilities and aptitude during his entire set. The punters continued to praise John’s anthems such as Find Yourself and Exactly while hurrying off to Marcel Woods.

Direct from the Netherlands, bringing his unique mix of energetic dance music and stylish charisma, Marcel Woods acts as a puppet master above the crowd. Controlling the atmosphere and power, the raw passion and emotion Marcel puts into his set is truly magnificent. In a sea of ravers, most covered in glow-sticks from head to toe, the rare talent and sensation that is this smiling Dutch lad stirred the musical pot to close the set. Dropping massive tracks Zombie Nation and Comon by Tiesto vs Diplo, the crowd could not control their excitement when original tunes Tomorrow, Inside Me and Lemon Tree were blown through the speakers.

While the rain has left us, and the sun joins the now-ending party, the walk of shame has never looked so good. Covered in sweat, alcohol and last night’s showers, the less than beautiful crowd couldn’t care less about appearance. After witnessing Godskitchen, nothing is as delicious any more.