AFTER a delicious holiday down under I’ve returned and am ready to bring you the latest yarns in Aussie music from across the globe. I do return a little nervous as the great guest writers during my absence has made me realise I’ve got to maintain the high quality you readers deserve. But of course I always have…. Right?
Firstly, a big, big thanks to Tara Minton, Bonfire Nights, Chris Hawkins and Cathi Ogden for their entertaining and diverse pieces about Australian music in the UK. And of course a high five to Nick from BackpackSounds, for his article and organising the guest writers. And here I wanted to run repeats of Seinfeld in my hiatus.
So let’s go, it’s time for the latest in Australian music news and gossip… How do I do this again? Oh that’s right.
Aussie bands ripping up Austin for SxSW
The leading industry music festival South by South West (SxSW) finished up last week for 2012 and the week which engulfs the city of Austin, Texas always produces plenty of stories and hype with a few Australian bands getting attention.
First off, the hard to define but let’s call them ‘crazy rock’ Aussie duo DZ Deathrays loudly announced their arrival at SxSW in the first few days. Literally. Playing in the large trade hall where movers and shakers of the music world go to do business and swap cards, the guys from Brisbane were kicked off the stage for being too loud and disturbing the conference. One way to get talked about is have your music heard, a better way is to have it banned.
Rockabilly chick Lanie Lane drew (pictured above) some crowds with her tunes especially when a Mr Jack White (of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs) got up on stage with her. He is responsible for producing her tune ‘Ain’t Hungry’ and their scratchy, fast guitar sounds have similarities which gives sense to them working together. Other Australian bands and artists getting some props were Pond, Emma Lousie and Last Dinosaurs all who are UK bound in the next few months.
Finally, The Temper Trap chose the festival to showcase some new material from their upcoming second album. With the international success of their first album Conditions, these guys are being mentioned in the same breath as Gotye for world music domination this year.
Playground Weekender gets flooded out
Floods, we love them in Australia. They pay us a visit whenever they can. My home town of Wagga Wagga was so happy about my recent visit that they even threw one on for me in honour.
Unfortunately there are real consequences of floods and it was very sad to see the homes and businesses of people destroyed by the onslaught of water. Mother Nature also lay to waste the popular Playground Weekender festival at Wiseman’s Ferry northwest of Sydney.
Situated on a beautiful waterside spot, the threat of torrential rain and the inability to guarantee safe water levels meant the organisers were told by the State Emergency Service to cancel the event 36 hours before gates were due to open. With cars packed and costumes ready (the festival has a dress-up day) punters were told to stay away and wait for information.
Post festival, the news has got worse because without proper flood insurance the festival has suffered massive losses and is danger of being cancelled permanently while ticket holders are struggling for refunds as companies responsible claim they are not liable.
This would never happen at Glastonbury…
A bumper summer awaits!
And there we go, first Motherland column back and yes I need another holiday. However we’re sneaking into that sexy London weather time where every day feels like a holiday (besides the whole work thing). And music here and from the motherland will feature heavily, so stay tuned!
