Julian Marley at Metro Theatre Sydney. Photo credits: Jackie TeAroha for Mosca Media.
The Metro Theatre is one of Sydney’s leading venues hosting an array of notable and emerging local and international artists across a wide variety of musical genres and more. But once you step foot into the venue, categories and stereotypes are no longer existent. People begin to embrace the music and one another. This was evident on Friday night at Julian Marley’s Sydney show (son of reggae legend Bob Marley). The Metro presented with a diverse range of individuals from the youthful to the old timers, cultures, from all walks of life and there was such a great sense of unison. After all, that is the essence of reggae music – ‘One Love’.
I must mention that the lady who stood next to me at the front row told me ‘this is the first time I’ve ever heard reggae music, I got dragged along to this show and I’m fucking loving it!’. Music is powerful, but reggae music can change your mentality!
Upon arrival, Sydney based 10 piece roots-reggae band The Strides took to stage with songs from their album Reclamation. Still rocking out since we last saw them perform almost two years ago at Notes Live in Newtown.
After The Strides it seemed like a prolonged set up time for Blue King Brown, however, it was well worth the wait. The audience was greeted by the ladies of Melbourne-based reggae-roots band Blue King Brown, with an acoustic set featuring lead singer Natalie Pa’apa’a and vocalists representing West Papua. With only three vocalists I predicted that this would be an intimate and engaging experience, and we were immersed in the rhythm of the music as well as the message that they wanted to share. Natalie illustrated a song about a couple that were separated due to the hindrance of bureaucratic red tape, however they were reunited again. At the end of BKB’s set I was left with a resonating message “Free West Papua” which was clearly stated on Natalie’s acoustic kickbox.
The crowd was anticipating Julian Marley and as he entered the stage, it was apparent that his father’s spirit continues to live on. Marley shared his Rastafarian faith, knowledge, music and of course his father’s life and spirit. There was a sense of nostalgia growing up to the Marley’s voices in my cassette player. No doubt Marley is acknowledged as an individual artist, but he is also an inclusive collaborator with his 12-piece Uprising Band, performing some original tunes as well as father Bob’s hits. Some memorable songs were ‘Boom Draw’, ‘Babylon Cookie Jar’ and Bob Marley’s ‘Kaya’.
It was refreshing to join some of the country’s most thriving reggae bands alongside Julian Marley, and no doubt they were aptly chosen to support him. With a combination of ‘Worldwize’ humanitarian reggae-roots acts, it became an insightful and memorable show. Although I could see that a larger venue could have easily accommodated a larger crowd.
Rating: 9/10
Click here to check out our photographs from Julian Marley’s Sydney show!
Single Review: Castlecomers – Rosie
Castlecomers latest single, ‘Rosie’ (directed and edited by Sean Dooley) expresses a fun and energetic foot tapping experience. Involving YouTube‘s famous comedian Superwog and a variety of different cultured people. This video will no doubt put a smile on anyone’s face and could potentially make you dance.
Starting the video with a question “how do you dance?” following through with some fun dance moves and psychedelic patterns to brighten up your day. To quote one viewer “it’s the kind of song I blast in my room while getting ready for uni, and dance stupidly on my bed!”.
This video clip definitely holds a sort of innocent and happy energy within it. This will definitely go viral quickly amongst the fans and fans-to-be of Castlecomers in the very near future. I can definitely see this clip spreading into the top 40 scene.
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Live Review: Birds of Tokyo + Regular John + The Guppies – The Enmore Theatre (17.03.13)
Pictured: Birds Of Tokyo at Enmore Theatre, Sydney (c) Natalie Gardner for Mosca Media
Birds of Tokyo took to the stage and the Enmore Theatre quivered with applause and screams from the crowd. This show marked the end of a tour for Birds of Tokyo with their new album ‘March Fires.’ They get straight to it with a song off the album.
The crowd, whilst not the most lively, are taken on a journey from the bands most recent stuff, to their early songs, and they are receptive.
Ian Kenny, the vocalist, keeps the front of the crowd moshing by dancing along to the tunes on stage.
The backdrop lights up in flashing images, telling a story to accompany each song.
A woman next to me leans over to her friend and says ‘what do you think?’ The friend replies ‘thank you SO much for introducing me to them. They are amazing!’ She then gets back to gyrating and head-banging with the rest of the crowd.
The big winners aka the most popular songs, ‘Plans’ and ‘Lanterns’ got a round of sing-alongs from the audience, and coming from such a large audience, this was a delightful experience.
Whether you’re a newcomer to Birds of Tokyo, or a seasoned fan like myself, you will love their live show.
Their new sound, while not a huge leap away from their previous albums, is slightly more melodic and careful. That said, though, I think anyone that is a fan of their previous albums will love ‘March Fires.’
You really can’t lose with this band, because they are simply such a fun night out.
The support act for the night was Regular John. You might have heard this band doing the rounds on Triple J lately with their tracks ‘Sky Burial’ and ‘Strange Flowers.’
If you haven’t heard of them though they are a red-hot, psychedelic, punk rock four-piece band from New South Wales.
Their set-list on the night consisted mostly of songs from their most recent album ‘Strange Flowers’ and some from their previous album ‘The Peaceful Atom is a Bomb.’
Regular John have made up a huge step up from their first album to their last and have evolved into a sophisticated hard rock band.
They are still slightly experimental, particularly with their latest album, simply in that no two songs quite sound the same, but that’s something that, personally, draws me to them.
These guys are a gold-standard support act and I definitely recommend checking out one of their stand-alone live shows.
The Guppies are your standard teenage-y-punk band from Newcastle, which I guess is not that standard. They are great, all the same.
They have a fluid musical styling with a penchant for easily-accessible, very catchy tunes, like ‘Never Liked Mondays,’ and ‘Bad Blood.’
As terribly cliché as this might sound, the three-piece just simply know how to rock out on stage and gave us all a ‘rocking out’ lesson on Sunday night.
I also have to recommend catching these guys live.
Rating: 4/5
Mac Miller + The Tongue – The Enmore – 20.2.13
A hot Wednesday night at the Enmore Theatre only got hotter once the night kicked off at 8pm. The Enmore was a choice venue for the event; its sloped floor perfect for a good view of the stage by all.
Macklemore + Ryan Lewis + Diafrix – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (15.02.13)
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis made way at their final sold out show at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney last night. They didn’t expect this kind of success for their single ‘Same Love’ from album The Heist to reach number one spots in Australia. Originally their show was to be held at the renowned (and average-sized) Oxford Art Factory in Sydney. However it sold out instantly, so a second show was held which also sold out ‘in the blink of an eye’. An upsize of the venue was necessary, and the Metro Theatre seemed sufficient, however, due to the overwhelming response from fans, the show was taken to the Enmore Theatre in Sydney! The fans were spoilt with many treats last night.
By 8pm fans had already packed the venue front and back in time to see the aptly chosen support act for the night (and only support act) Melbourne based hip hop duo, Diafrix. Although it seems that much of commercial hip hop promotes promiscuity and homophobia, excessive use of drug and alcohol, crime, money, fame with a heavy use of derogative language (all as a norm of societies across the world), Diafrix seem to break the stereotypes and misconception with a positive approach.
Their album Pocket Full Of Dreams is what could be described as a genuine compilation of narratives from cultural and personal struggles and exchanging it for more positive outcomes and a change in common attitudes and thoughts. So I am all for positive hip hop, and it’s one thing to immerse oneself into their pre-recorded music, but witnessing a live delivery of their album took me on a whole other level. Diafrix spread good vibes throughout their set leaving all to look like perspiring sardines. The front row were pushed up against the media barricades – sweaty, thirsty, had full bladders, but weren’t prepared to give up their spot on the floor. Security yanked out a few overheated (and a little intoxicated) fans from the crowd. Diafrix definitely owned the stage. Aussies definitely need to check these guys out live if you haven’t already done so. Any one looking for a live hip hop act, these are the guys to hit up.
The 30-40 minute wait was well worth it for Macklemore fans, as he made way to the stage and crowds roared in reverence to see the man himself, Ryan Lewis and the band. Fans joined in singing familiar songs from his latest release The Heist. Each track received the “same love” as his hit singles ‘Thrift Shop’ and – ‘Same Love’. Through witnessing various hip hop gigs in town, the crowd was well behaved for such a large cohort. Brilliant production work by Ryan Lewis throughout the album and at the live show in Sydney.
Fluid rhymes by Macklemore and his fans to match especially throughout ‘Jimmy lovine’. We got treated to the soulful voice of Ray Dalton who also joined Macklemore on tour with ‘Can’t Hold Us’, which got the crowd clapping and singing along like a gospel choir. We can’t forget the awesome trumpet playing by Macklemore’s official trumpeteer Owuor Arunga. But it was not until the number one single ‘Thrift Shop’ began to play, that the audience screamed with excitement. Shortly after it eased in with the second number one hit single in Australia ‘Same Love’ (renowned song that supports same-sex marriage). At one time I was wondering who the chick was with the long blonde hair that entered the stage. Yup, it was Mr Macklemore himself. Never once did he fail to entertain and constantly delivered great music and remained animated.
It’s about time Australia got to see the men behind the Thrift Shop song Macklemore, Wanz and production work by Ryan Lewis. It goes to show that if one is an artist of some sort, keep making art. You never know how far you can go. Macklemore sure didn’t expect to top 2 singles in the last few months in Australia. Looking forward to seeing him flourish worldwide!
Rating: 4/5
Click on the image below for photographs on the night taken by Liza Moscatelli and Jackie TeAroha from Mosca Media Australia.
Check out the links below for more info:
www.macklemore.com
www.facebook.com/ryanlewisproductions
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in Sydney tonight!
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis has recently scored number one spots across music charts worldwide including Australia with their single ‘Same Love’ featuring Mary Lambert.
Tonight we get to celebrate with them on having over 100 million YouTube views as they will perform live in Sydney.
After an overwhelming fan demand, the Sydney show was relocated from the Oxford Art Factory and Metro Theatre to the larger venue, Enmore Theatre. Last night’s show in Melbourne also sold out.
Check out the video clip (below) and stay tuned for our music review of the show this weekend!
‘THRIFT SHOP’ – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz.
‘SAME LOVE’ – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert
Mac Miller’s debut Australian Tour February 2013!
This February will bring the long-awaited first Australian tour of Pittsburg rapper Mac Miller, after his release of his latest album Blue Slide Park in late 2011, and mixtape Macadelic in mid-2012.
As his debut studio album, Blue Slide Park was extremely well received, achieving new levels of refinement and inspiration through which Mac has made his name. Macadelic only strengthens Mac’s character as a persona and a rapper, fully exploring his perspective on what it is to live life to the fullest.The success of these productions is a perfect lead up to a tour; there is huge anticipation among Aussie fans for this tour.
Tickets are available from Ticketek for the Sydney show, Ticketmaster for Melbourne, and Oztix for Brisbane and Perth. Be sure to get yours now!
Hey Geronimo – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
Hey Geronimo at Brighton Up Bar by Georgie Celestine http://georgie.nu/
Walking into the Brighton Up Bar, one would assume that the place was for storing drinks and maybe the occasional drink amongst four friends. But on Tuesday night, everyone squished in to catch Hey Geronimo fresh from the Big Day Out circuit.
The vibe picks up as soon as Hey Geronimo hit the stage and after the first few songs everyone starts to jump around. To quote one of the band’s members it was “intimate” dancing. I would say it was probably closer to intimate moshing, because, let’s face it, drunken dancing is usually closer to moshing than dancing.
Hey Geronimo are a sweet five piece from Brisbane (yay Queensland!) and they released their debut EP entitled “Why Don’t We Do Something” last year.
Since then the band have achieved an impressive amount of buzz and plenty of hits in the indie music scene.
The band put me in mind of a swinging 60’s American pop band with a bit of a folky feel – I want to grab my boardies and do the twist on a surfboard. They are great at engaging a crowd and are so upbeat it’s actually hard not to dance.
They have a really strong live set-list, which is predominantly due to a very strong EP, with songs like “Dreamboat Jack,” “Carbon Affair,” and “Why Don’t We Do Something.”
Although, songs like “I’ve Got No Money” worked best on the night because of the pub feel to it. Not too mention, a surprisingly amazing cover of Talking Heads ‘Burning Down the House.’
I definitely recommend checking out these Brisbane pop-mongerers. Check out the tour dates on their website.
Rating: 4/5
‘VENGABOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!’ – 2x DOUBLE PASSES TO BE WON!
Having taken Australia by storm in January this year, 90′s European dance/pop group the Vengaboys are bringing the Vengabus back for another round of partying in 2013!
The Vengaboys are originally remembered for a string of Euro-flavoured party anthems like ‘Boom Boom Boom’, ‘We’re Going to Ibiza’ & ‘We Like to Party (The Vengabus is Coming)’, the Vengaboys cemented their pop-icon status amongst party people with a slew of sensational sold out shows when they toured Australia earlier this year. Kim, Denise, Donny & Robin had so much fun they couldn’t wait to bring the party bus back to the beach for another round of summer fun! So get your fare – the Vengabus is coming back for a special summer surf safari hitting beach-side venues across the country and a few more party places in between.
Despite the make-up, glitter and sailor suits there’s no pretence with the Vengaboys: what you see is what you get – 100% percent, tongue in cheek, cheesy pop, performed with a zest for life and a genuine enthusiasm. And that enthusiasm is infectious with even the most cynical hipster party go-er wooed by the unstoppable energy and undeniable fun.
Also hopping aboard the Vengabus for the tour will be fellow Dutch party people Twenty 4 Seven. While the name Twenty 4 Seven might not immediately jump to mind, mention of their most famous track ‘Slave to the Music’ instantly elicits the inevitable “Oh-a nah-nah hay-a, nah nah-nah hey-a” choral response that indicates true recollection. The track itself dominated global pop charts, going Platinum in Australia, and conquering dance floors around the world. The act was one of the first to mesh traditional hip hop raps with female choruses and mainstream Eurodance beats and Slave to the Music’s legacy endures, having been remixed in 2003 by Nick Skitz and re-recorded and re-released by the act again in 2010.
There will also be a limited number of special VIP Party Bus tickets available in selected territories for the Bussing To The Beach Tour which will include a wild one-way ride with like-minded funsters on board, band merchandise, priority concert entry and more – available to fans of the Australian tour Facebook page three days before general admission tickets go on sale!
Over 10000 people saw the Vengaboys at nine sold out shows when they toured Australia earlier this year and with Twenty 4 Seven joining them this time around the party is only going to get crazier. So if it will be your first time riding the Vengabus, or you’re keen to climb aboard and make a return trip, make sure you get your ticket early!
Thanks to Kingdom Sounds & Off The Record, we are giving away 2x Double Passes to one of the shows of your choice at the Vengaboys Australian Tour in early 2013!
For a chance to score 1 of 2 double passes, follow these 3 simple steps below…
1. Like Mosca Media Australia facebook page www.facebook.com/MoscaMediaAustralia
2. Go to the event invitation here and click ‘Join’.
3. Post the YouTube / Vimeo link of your favourite Vengaboys video on the event invitation.
Don’t forget to invite your friends!
2x winners will be randomly selected to receive a double pass to any show at the Vengaboys Australian Tour in January, 2013!
Winners will be announced on Friday 4th January at 9pm!
*See below for more info on the Vengaboys Australian Tour and videos.
THE VENGABOYS AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2013
Thursday 10th January – The Esplanade Hotel, St Kilda VIC
Tickets available from www.espy.com.au, oztix.com.au and bigtix.com.au
Friday 11th January – The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay NSW
Tickets from the venue, oztix.com.au and bigtix.com.au
Friday 12th January – Selinas, Coogee Bay Hotel NSW
Tickets from moshtix.com.au and bigtix.com.au
Thursday 17th January – Hornsby RSL NSW
Tickets available from the venue & bigtix.com.au
Friday 18th January – The Hi-Fi Brisbane QLD
TIckets from thehifi.com.au & bigtix.com.au
Saturday 19th January – Metropolis, Fremantle WA
Tickets from oztix.com.au & bigtix.com.au
ISHU – Hand Made (2012 LP)
Hand Made is the ultimate gift for your mate who’s the chilled type. The newly released LP is produced, mixed and arranged by Melbourne-based producer ISHU. It’s also his second release. Its intricate and deep bass lines and electronic beats is enough to get you hooked. Definitely a bag of mixed goodies showcasing chopped sample based melodies and synth infused rhythms. The album features contributions from Mighty Joe (USA) and very familiar names such as Mantra, Jeswon (of Thundamentals), One Sixth, Candice Monique and Omar Musa.
The first track off the album is an instrumental track called ‘El Gato’ – Spanish for “cat”. It seems almost coincidental that it actually sounds as if a black stray cat is wandering through the streets and side alleys at night. Quite eery. But dope. Could definitely see it being used as a backing track to some sort of animation clip alongside the third track ‘Say Goodnight’.
We already know that ISHU produces his own music – but he also shows off his smooth singing vocals to the chorus from his first single off the album, ‘Way To Go’. It also comes with a nice hop hop beat and features smooth lyrical flows from the Mighty Joe (USA).
ISHU brings us with a sophisticated intro to the track ‘Right Or Wrong’ with the Spanish style mandolins. The track features the sweet soulful vocals of Candice Monique. I definitely felt a sense of nostalgia, as it reminded me of the time I saw her perform for the first and last time at the Oz Soul Collective launch earlier last year at Tone, Sydney (unfortunately it has closed down now). She was amazing. So it was great to hear her sing again on this album. Before that I’ve only ever seen her name on a poster on a Melbourne Street reading ‘Candice Monique and The Optics’ a couple of years ago.
‘Smokin Barrels’ comes with a catchy hook that features Jeswon of Thundamentals. Dig the beat work too. ‘Your Chamber’ features Mantra, an eloquent artist who has the capacity to tell us story well through his narrative-style rap on this track. It’s pretty deep storytelling, however he definitely does grab ones attention. ‘Eyes On You’ is definitely a favourite as I enjoy the lead up to the song with the soulful rhythm and vocals by Gary Dryza (the man himself, ISHU) and backing vocals by Melbourne soul and hip hop artist Syrene Favero also known as SYRENEYISCREAMY. I’m definitely familiar with Syrene’s work with runforyourlife and also the Oz Soul Collective. She’s got a powerful and amazing voice, however, it was nice to see that she was harmonizing subtly in the background to add to the main vocals. Beautiful combination of the two.
‘Maybe This Time’ has a more digitalised electro-soul feel to it and is well suited as 1/6 features on this track. I think the best thing about this album that each track is unique and one can’t simply pigeon hole this album into categories. It’s got hip hop, soul, electro, neo-soul, latin influences.
The final track ‘Ends With A Beginning’ has a nice balance of heavy bass line and the poetic and soothing narration by Omar Musa. I could listen to his poems all day. He keeps it simple and engaging leaving one to envision his insightful statement through poetry.
I love the album cover artwork by Adam Cicchini that I had to order myself a t-shirt. Which I’m wearing right now!
Check out what the fuss is about and get your copy of Hand Made via iTunes
Rating: 4/5
ISHU is currently working on an east coast tour expecting to launch in 2013. So keep your eyes peeled for more details!
For more information on ISHU and his music visit http://ishumusic.bandcamp.com/