{Jinja Safari Will Make You Wanna Jump! Jump!}

Ok, ok, so I know it's supposed to be Kriss Kross that make you wanna jump but Jinja Safari sure had the entire Hi Fi Bar in West End a jumpin on Friday night.

After an exhausting week of working days at my paid job and nights at Bigsound I was feeling a little flat but hopeful that my favourite live act would inspire all remaining energy to surface and get my tooties a tapping at the very least.

Support act Okenyo opened the evening. Their lead singer and namesake, Zindzi Okenyo provided some powerhouse, soulful vocals that were backed by psychedelic rock guitar, mystical synths and reggae-esk drums. They were good but after a few tracks I found their sound a little same, same and got lost in conversation with some lovely ladies (who have impeccable taste in music) that I unexpectedly ran into. The highlight was watching the truly unique and thoroughly entertaining dance moves of the guitarist.

Next was Cub Sport (formerly Cub Scouts). Their name might have changed but their music and live performance remains just the same... freaking awesome! These Brisbane sweethearts are just adorable. Their baby faced look, 90's inspired fashion, undeniable musical talent and infectious tunes had the crowd captivated.  The title track of their latest EP 'Paradise' and the song that started it all 'Evie' were stand outs.

Then it was the moment we had all been waiting for.... Jinja Safari took to the stage and they did not disappoint. The tootsies were certainly a tappin (I might have even managed a few jumps!)

The set was jammed packed full of energy and truckloads of fun! From repositioning the lead vocalist to the top of a table amongst the crowd, skilfully balancing on keyboard stands with keyboard held high above head, crowd surfing with said keyboard, seriously spectacularly sitar strumming and switching up instruments, this set had it all. The crowd went off and my energy levels improved ten fold. Jinja Safari still have a very firm grasp on the title of best live act for this music lover. It was all amazing but their cover of R. Kelly's 'Remix to Ignition' really went off. It was one big ol jar of awesomesauce!!

It was one hell of a night and the highlight of my weekend. Great food, great company and great live music! Next week is jam packed full of amazing artsy events with Brisbane Festival being in full swing. Make sure you head along over the next few weeks and catch some of the action. I'm off to see my favourite album of 2013 so far 'Not Art' by Big Scary performed live as part of the festival this Saturday night, Eeeeeee can't wait!!!

Suffering with Sundaynightitis? Why not check out next weeks events I envy and toe tappin tracks to lift your spirits!

Happy gigging,

Kt

{It's Official, I'm a TWT Groupie!}

Ok so it's no secret that there is a special place in my heart for Brisbane band The Trouble With Templeton. I've seen them play twice already and when the chance to head along to last weekends gig at The Zoo came up, I jumped at it.

I got to the venue not along after doors opened to see the band members along with other Brisbane music greats mingling with the slowly building crowd. A beer later and openers for the night and Triple J Unearthed High finalists Vancouver Sleep Clinic took to the stage. I was sitting when they started so they were heard before they were seen. The information my ears were getting did not compute with what my peepers eventually were seeing!

This band who have been compared to Bon Iver, have a mature and developed sound, like they have been at this for years and live they did not falter. When my eyes rose to the stage I was met with the image of five pre pubescent lads... I guess they are still in high school after all. They were amazing, angelic vocals, beautiful instrumentation and undulating synths, heaven to the ears and soul. I can only imagine what great things are yet to come from these lads. Haven't heard them? Have a listen now! https://soundcloud.com/vancouversleepclinic/vapour You won't regret it!

I'm writing this a whole week post gig (and the addition of tap king Lionel to my household) and as a result I can't actually recall who the second support act was... sorry, my bad. They were good, not bad but obviously didn't leave a lasting impression....maybe I was sooo excited for the TWT that I couldn't focus?

And then it was time for my favs to hit the stage! This was the best performance I have seen from them, they seemed at home playing in the Zoo and had the support of many - the gig was a sellout.

They started with well known track 'Six months in a Cast' and the crowd were singing their little hearts out in time with this rocking track. The set was over all to soon and as If I had some kind of unseen connection with Tom himself (I'd like to think we have a connection, he might disagree), they saved my favourite song off their album 'Rookie' till last. Keep and eye out for the release of single 'Lint' and see for yourself why I love this track so much!

It's a big week ahead for the Brisbane live music scene with Bigsound kicking off on Tuesday and you guessed it the TWT are playing!  They are keeping in good company with oodles of great acts joining the line up. Looking for something to do midweek? Come along and say hi, I'll be issuing wrist bands to all the lucky punters!

Happy Bigsound week, Gig on!

Kt

{The Best Night of 'Work' in My Life!}

On Thursday night last week I went to my first official work (Radio) gig! That's right I was a guest on the door list! Didn't I feel like a VIP. Here's a snippet of my report on the night:

After a cider and some quick meet and greets it was time for the first band of the evening, local electronic indie outfit MTNS. Lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Eggert (of Cold and Need) started the set solo. Within seconds his hypnotic vocals had hushed onlookers, captivating the small crowd. Band mates Joseph Tiang (Drummer/ Samples) and Robbie Hellberg (Bass/Synth) joined him and despite some minor technical difficulties, they delivered a set full of beautiful undulating synths and mesmerising beats coupled with Melancholy lyrics. It was over far too quickly for me.

Co headliner, Sydney singer songwriter Iluka’s powerhouse vocals punctured the sedate mood left in the wake of MTNS’ performance. Her smoky, rapsy sound and mature onstage performance (as well as her look) were reminiscent of the greats of old. The influence of the music of the last fifty years was evident in her songs that still managed to achieve a new, different and more modern sound. She commanded the stage and while her band provided great musical support, all eyes were on the leading lady. To think that she is only twenty-one years old is mind-boggling and I can only conclude that she must be an old soul. The set ended with a bang as this enchanting young songstress delivered her latest single ‘Glory Days’.

Local sweethearts Avaberree were the final performers for the evening and evidently the crowd favourites with the venue getting closer to capacity for this final act. These girls won the hearts of many with their single ‘Lover of Mine’ that since it’s release in 2012 has enjoyed ample airplay. The sound check took what seemed like an eternity to this tired reveller but was well worth the trouble and wait – the sound was just suberb. Avaberre (Aimee, Genevive and Irena) delivered impeccable harmonies that were sweet and smooth like honey. I couldn’t help but feel that these girls were old friends given their cute and familiar on stage banter. The simple beats provided by an electronic drum kit and minimal synths were the perfect compliment to their harmonic vocals, giving their Acapella sound a modern edge. The night ended on a soaring high with the debut performance of their new single ‘Running Out’, a punchy track with a real 80’s vibe that had the crowd a bopping.

These three bands all rocked, go see them!! I've been spending the last few days taking it easy trying to knock a cold on the head before I head to the Snow on Sunday! Have the best week, i've updated the events and tunes for next week in advance, catch you the week after next!

Happy Friday,

KT

{Festivals Promising Snow and Grass Deliver Rain and Mud.... but Great Music}

I've been out of action for a while and I apologise, for some reason the call of the couch and reality TV has been very, very strong for the last month. So alas no blogging.... I did however manage to escape the comfy cuddling grasp of the sofa to enjoy more than one Music Festival over the last few weeks.

First up was Winter Fest at the Eaton's Hill Tavern. A Festival promising great music, real snow, igloos and snowboarding demonstrations. I'm a life time South Sider so this was my first visit to the venue that has been booking some big name musical acts of late (thanks to their new bookings agent, an ex Powderfinger member). When I left the Southside the weather was just glorious but as always the North Side let me down and it poured rain! Thankfully all the music at this 'Festival' (and I use the term loosely) was based inside in the Grand Ballroom which is a fantastic space (it's like a larger and more modern Tivoli).

There wasn't much not to like about this event - the ticket prices were low, the music was pretty good, they delivered on the Snowboarding despite the rain and drumroll.... they were serving full strength alcohol! My highlights were a band whom my love for is no secret The Trouble With Templeton (I even scored a pre set smile from Tom Calder as he walked past...) and the lovely long haired lads from Kingswood.

The Trouble With Templeton.

A day to recover, a day to pack and I was off to Volunteer at Splendour in the Grass! I met so many lovely people and the music was fantastic - Alt J were the stand out for me. I take my hat off to the sound and lighting techs - I couldn't fault their work at all and kudos goes to Lorde who stepped in last minute to replace Frank Ocean and delivered a delicious set!

Some fine looking ladies...

The distance between things, the poorly managed mud, the tent stage size vs crowd size, mid strength alcohol and seriously shitty phone reception were all let downs.... It's their first year at this new site so I hope it's only onwards and upwards from here. I'm looking forward to seeing how the stage set up changes as they continue to increase the number of tickets sold by 15% yearly.

As always the best bit was the annual festival catch ups with old friends! As I sit here experiencing the lows of the post Splendour blues after the soaring highs of the festival I take solace in the thought that I won't have to wait another 12 months to get my Festival on in Byron.... Falls is on it's way, yay!! Only 5 months to go!

Happy speedily fading blues... only one sleep till the weekend,

KT

{Great Music is No Trouble For The Trouble With Templeton}

One of my most favourite Brisbane bands, The Trouble With Templeton have just dropped a new tune! The official first listen was on Triple J last night at 6pm, unfortunately the only music gracing my ears at the time was the repetitive hum of my trusty drill at work. Yuk!

Pre internet I would have had to have arranged for my sister to sit with radio cassette player, blank tape at the ready to hit record at the right moment (and I'm sure I would have owed her) ...Thank god for Soundcloud is all I can say! When I finally broke free from the daily grind and opened up the app on my phone there it was, sitting at the top of my stream like a smooth glass of red waiting to wash away my work day.

The tune You Are New is another shinning example of the musical magic that is Tom Calder. The track is a slow dance between the acoustic and electric guitar and drums, backed by beautiful vocal harmonies, with Calder's emotive vocals taking centre stage.

The lyrics, in true Calder style are clever and just a little obscure leaving them open to interpretation. 'Quiet askew, you are so deranged but well assured'. I can't get enough of this band, and this track which is slower and less punchy than prior offerings, really demonstrates the reach and talent they possess. 

Give it a Listen here! Their first album Rookie is released on the 2nd of August, I can't wait to get my hot little hands on it!

There is sooo much good music being released at the moment, check out this weeks toe tappin tunes for new stuff from Snackadactal, Boy and Bear, The Paper Kites and more! Treat you ears and have a mid week office boogie!

Happy discovering (and dancing),

KT

{The Southside Tea Room Satisfies the Senses}

First of all my apologies for being a total slacker last week, this winter weather has zapped my motivation in a big way. I'm sure no one noticed but this blog has been static for a week or so.... Sorry to any of you (or maybe none of you) who raced to check out the tunes and events last Monday and were left high and dry. Now on to the artsy stuff!

On Saturday I finally checked out what is a local venue for me The Southside Tea Room. It's been open for over a year now and is the baby of The Grates front woman, Patience.

Image from here

It was a freezing evening and we were glad to get inside this cosy venue to see Tori Lee and The Phoncurves hit the stage. The decor of this place is just delightful! It's full of little knick knacks and I would describe it as vintage meets kitsch (and my childhood!). There were benches made from old doors, a magic eight ball to help you make your drink choices at the bar, arcade games and a range of delicious looking beverages served in old jars.

We grabbed a seat at an old school desk (complete with tidy tray), talk about flash back! I was a little wary I might get detention for swinging on my chair... 'But I couldn't help it Miss, the music was just too good!'.. and it most certainly was.

I have harped on about the Phoncurves and their harmonies in an earlier post so I won't bore you with too many details... they were fantastic as usual and did the most hilarious cover of MIA paperplanes, if your haven't seen these lovely ladies perform yet, keep an eye out.

The Phoncurves, Tori Lee and my company, the lovely LK!

The real delight of the night for me was Tori Lee. I have never heard of her or any of her music before but it was just lovely, as was she. I'm sure she will be popping up around the traps of the Brisbane live music scene more and more in months to come so if the chance arises to see her make sure you snatch it up!

In short the Southside Tea Room is for me! Can't wait to head back there for one of the many events they host... live music, street fighter comps, clothes swaps, life drawing classes.. they really do have it all!

Have a great week, don't forget to check out this weeks tunes, what's happening in Brisvegas and the lovely artwork of a good friend of mines most talented Uncle,  Lew Brennan (turn to the left of your screen now.)

Happy chilly morning sleep ins,

Kt

{Sydney Shines Bright}

My first night in Sydney was a beauty thanks to Vivid. Vivid is all about music, lights, art and ideas. After dark the city lights up with installations, fireworks, projections and performances.

Whilst having dinner at Darling Harbour I was treated to a surprise fireworks show that is part of the festival. Every night fireworks are let off from floating pontoons in the middle of the Harbour. Fountains and lights also featured and the show was worth braving the wind and rain!

After dinner (still in the wind and rain) we headed down to the Rocks to see some of the light displays, it was amazing! The use of projections on iconic buildings was truly breathtaking. Here's some piccies I snapped of the installations, art and projections.

It's on until the 10th of this month so if you are heading to Sydney soon, treat your senses to this amazing display, the lights are on after 6pm each night.

Happy hump day eve,

KT