australian rozie

Pivot @ the Oxford Art Factory

Originally uploaded by Australian Rozie

Supported by Kirin J Callinan - he was different, unusual. I actually found him to be quite entertaining, though it felt like he and his band may have not had many gigs before, if you know what I mean. It was kind of a cross between Boy George, Joy Division, Placebo and I don’t know what. I found it amusing when he couldn’t get the guitar strap on properly just before he needed to play a song and he screamed into the mic “freakin strap” or something like that. Dave said that it reminded him of a scene in 24 Hour Party People where the Hacienda has just opened and they have booked these odd avant garde indie bands to play but there are hardly any people attending.
Next up were Fabulous Diamonds - they were OK, sometimes the vocalist sounded a bit like Sinead O’Connor lite which wasn’t bad. The music was instrumental (keyboards and drums) and minimal. Wasn’t really paying attention at this stage as the room was filling up and getting crowded.
Finally Pivot came on (I’ve seen them about 4 times which is quite an effort for me - it must mean I like them a lot). They played mostly new stuff which was quite interesting. They seem to have got into a psychedelic, electronic with guitars style (sorry Matt, I am terrible at describing music). My favourite band member - the one who holds his guitar like Sting, now does some vocals as well. It was more like primal screaming with fx over it. I really like their podcast which seems like a mood board for their new album ‘O Soundtrack My Heart’. You can check it out here: http://www.pivotpivot.net/ Honka Princess came along too but she had a nap near the end.

Kota Ezawa’s The Simpson Verdict

Originally uploaded by Australian Rozie

During my “spare time” over the last two weeks, I’ve been to see a few exhibitions in Sydney. Here are some highlights:

Southern Exposure Works from the Collection of the San Diego MCA, 21 March - 1 June 2008.
Take a walk through the past four decades of contemporary art from America’s West Coast, with a new exhibition showcasing works from the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Jeremy Blake - Winchester Mystery House. I like how seeing an artwork leads me to find out about things I never knew about (random trivia?) such as the Winchester Mystery House.
Bill Viola - Eternal Return 2000 & Heaven and Earth 1992. Most of the Bill Viola stuff I have seen is very BIG & LOUD! These two works at the MCA were a bit different. One had two monitors facing each other with footage of his dying mother on one and his new born child on the other. It was a bit eerie looking at the poor old woman in such a state.
Jump by T. Kelly Mason and Diana Thater’s structuralist 16mm game involving jump-roping and a Bob Dylan song (Subterranean Homesick Blues). There were 4 different performances of the song in different styles such as folk and polka.
also at the MCA
Fiona Hall: Force Field 6 March - 1 June 2008.
This exhibition presents an in-depth survey of the work of Australian artist Fiona Hall from the 1970s to the present.

World Press Photo 08
This exhibition features the award-winning photographs from the 51st annual World Press Photo contest.
There were amazing images from war torn and poverty stricken countries as well as emotive portraits. One series I found striking was by Oliver Gulmann in the Comtemporary Issues section. It simply had photos of people watching TV, they were from varied places such as China, Morocco, USA, UK, Africa. What striked me was their expressions - zoned out, mesmerised and bored. It made me think about how mind numbing watching too much tv is!
I also liked the series by Travis Dove on images of Skatopia.

For a complete change the next exhibition I went to was Taisho Chic at AGNSW.
This exhibition explores the impact of the simultaneous clash and embrace of modernity and tradition on arts and design in Japan of the Greater Taisho period (1900–1930). 22 May - 3 August 2008. I really loved the artworks presented here, the modern meets tradition Japanese screens, prints and objects. I really liked the kimonos with modern patterns and I love art deco era hairstyles on Asian ladies.

While I was doing my Sydney Town Hall Steps thing on Tuesday, JTV were getting people to listen to and view some new tracks on an iPod. I went up to say hello to Rosie and introduced myself (Rozie meets Rosie!), then I ended up being interviewed. Rosie Beaton asked questions such as: Do you like it? Would you dance to it? What kind of fruit would this be? See some pics here. The first track was by Grafton Primary. I quite liked it (Relativity) and it has a cool video with trippy graphics in the background and I like the strap on keyboard/synth action. I mentioned it was a bit like The Presets (I’ve really been getting into them recently). Though I feel like everyone is channelling Dave Gahan through voice or image at the moment.
So I watched JTV today because I was hoping to see myself (I love myself on tv ) and there I was for a few seconds! Later on during the show, The Presets were on. I’ve read a few articles about them saying they used to go to clubs (like Club 77) and raves. I said to Dave that I don’t think I ever saw them around (back in the day), but they probably didn’t look so “outstanding” back then. Anyway, later on we went shopping in the city, while having a Max Brenner chocolate break in David Jones, one of them walked past us.

Because I am a-n-a-l, I have already done some research into this year’s Sydney Film Festival. The program isn’t launched until 8 May. Firstly, if you are so fortunate to be able to take 2 weeks off work and watch films all day and night, you can buy the daytime and evening subscriptions. You can even have a reserved seat at the State Theatre for the whole festival. How I would love if I could do that! AND How I would love if every cinema had reserved seating. I’ll probably get the FlexiPass 20 for $250 ($12.50 per film), although the FlexiGold (40 + 10 bonus weekday daytime) for $375 ($7.50 per film) represents even better value! Finally, you are able to redeem your Flexi passes online this year. Did the SFF organisers not realise how much it sucked to have to go into a ticket office, in person, to redeem the flexi passes??? The SFF sent out a survey at the end of last year (and you all know how much I love a survey) but it was crap because it was in PDF format. You were supposed to fill it out and send it back. I tried to type into the editable pdf but it got all screwed up.
Anyway - there is a sneak preview of a few things in this year’s program and one has already caught my attention:
Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story
Packed with interviews, archive clips (watch out for a pink-suited Otis Redding blowing the socks off a London audience) and reams of fabulous music (Booker T and the MGs, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes and more), Respect Yourself tells the unbelievably rollercoaster story of Stax Records.

This could be interesting:
Friday 2nd May
The Pioneers of Electronic Music
Archival performance footage by Morton Subotnick, Laurie Spiegel, Alvin Lucier, Pauline Oliveros, Mother Mallard, and Holger Czukay makes for an interesting investigation into the pioneers of Electronic music. Likewise, Paul Lansky’s private lesson with Theremin inventor Leon Theremin is an example of how non-user friendly electronic musical instruments could be, even to people who should have the best sense of how to approach them. Mu-Meson Archives Doors 7.30 for 8pm start $10 with supper.
Mu-Meson Archives at Crn Parramatta Rd & Trafalgar St Annandale at the end of King Furniture building up the steel staircase. Phone 9517-2010

Silvio

Originally uploaded by Australian Rozie

We headed down to the good old crusty, run-down, dubiously managed Mandarin Club on Saturday night for Paradise Lost. These guys put on heaps of parties so it’s not like we won’t be hearing from them again, but the venue is being sold and The Mandarin Club is moving to a new building. We’ve enjoyed many nights of food, birthday parties, Popfrenzy gigs, hip-hop, electro, disco, acid, techno and hip-house here!
Unfortunately, I was put in a really bad mood as soon as we got into the lift to go to the fourth floor. We ended up squished between about 10 drunk nob heads who were pushing, shouting and annoying me. The lift is very slow, we all know that and one of the idiots tells a girl to push Level 2 - for a joke, so it took twice as long. I don’t appreciate being pushed & shoved in a crowded lift. When we reached the front counter to pay they were still pushing us. I pushed back and yelled at one of them. Then Dave tells me that while we were in the lift, the guy in front of me said something about me like “oh I bet this girl behind me doesn’t even know what kind of party this is” - like I’m so new school!!!! That really pissed me off, those who know me will recognise how offensive that kind of remark is. I should have said to him, “Do you know who I am? I could get you killed!!” bwha ha ha. ;P
Anyway, back to the party. There were lots of people filling up the large space, the music was really great for the first 2 DJs. Mikey’s mixing was a bit shaky, but he had some great tunes. Brut 33 really got the crowd going with his dynamic disco tunes, then the next DJ whose name I don’t know… kind of killed it for me. It wasn’t that his music or mixing was bad, it was that the volume was a bit low and the style of music didn’t flow on from Brut 33. He played funk/hip-hop which I like, but not right then after Brut 33. We bumped into few friends which was great but we were tired and the party was in a bit of a lull. What also annoyed me was a few people were smoking inside. Like, hello - it’s banned inside clubs now and it stinks!!! (That’s what I mean about questionable security/management - people get away with it).
I heard that the party picked up later and there was much fun had until it closed.

Simon Le Bon

Originally uploaded by Obsessed With Lots of Things

On Friday, Honka Princess and I headed down to the Ent Cent to check out 80s legends Duran Duran. I have to admit that I didn’t know much of their new stuff, just the singles that have been released. We had great seats - first elevated section on the left, 3 rows from the front! I can’t believe I forgot my camera!!! I realised on my way to work when I saw a girl with a shark sticking out of her backpack. I was going to go home and get it after work, but decided that it was too much hassle and knew OWLOT would be getting lots of great shots from near the front.
The boys put on a great show, yes they have aged but not too badly. They opened with 3 new songs that I didn’t know well. I had the feeling that the majority of the audience were wanting hear all the oldies from the 80s. When they broke out with Hungry like the Wolf, the audience went wild. There was some cringe factor (this wasn’t a 80s revival night, it was a world tour to promote their latest album) with the retro nostalgia… their old tracks were absolute killers and the new stuff is so so. Though I don’t mind “Skin Divers” from Red Carpet Massacre - which I think they didn’t play. I could see the smirk on John Taylor’s face during the show (yes, we were that close).
In the 2nd half of the show they do a “Kraftwerk tribute” where the 4 remaining original members stand at the front of the stage ala Kraftwerk. This is the part I think John Taylor particularly didn’t like, because he had to put away his guitar. Anyway, they played lots of hits that kept the crowd happy - The Reflex, Planet Earth (my favourite DD track), Rio, Ordinary World, Save a Prayer, A View to Kill, Wild Boys, Notorious and Girls on Film. I hate their cover of White Lines (it’s so embarrassing) but they did it anyway. At least Simon Le Bon’s voice was better this time around. Nick Rhodes is starting to look scarily like Andy Warhol as he ages.
The first time I saw Duran Duran 5 years ago at the Enmore will never be equaled. I guess there was the anticipation of 20 years wait, a small venue packed to the rafters by truly dedicated DD fans, grown men and women screaming at the top of their lungs and being with 2 of my best friends from high school that made it much more enjoyable.
Overall Duran Duran at the Sydney Entertainment Centre was a great show (except for the blinding strobe light effect during some parts - it’s not an old skool hard core rave). All the MOR’s would have gone home happy too.


Other reviews here:
fasterlouder (obviously this person is not of the era and just didn’t get it!)
A bella on last.fm

sinead_ticket_2008

Originally uploaded by Australian Rozie

Last night I went to see Sinead O’Connor in concert. I have always liked her voice - it is strong and unique. I’ve pretty much like everything she’s done over the past 20 years. I really loved her first 2 albums: The Lion & the Cobra and I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. In the early 90s I caned those 2 CDs - the lyrics were so deep and her passionate singing inspired me. We even had a Cole Porter song, sung by Sinead at our wedding (You Do Something to Me)
As she is a bit “alternative” and it wasn’t cheap - I couldn’t find anyone to go with me, so I went by myself! Straight after work I went to the Surry Hills Festival Volunteer’s info night, then headed down to the State Theatre - a perfect venue for Sinead. This was her third concert in Sydney, so she can’t be that unpopular to have 3 shows here.
When she came out, I didn’t realise it was her, she was dressed very casually in jeans, black t-shirt and no shoes. She was wearing a black headscarf too. The band had 5 members who accompanied her and sang back up vocals. I felt really happy to see one of favorite female singers in concert and hear some songs that I love being sung right in front of me. Sinead’s voice was very strong but also subtle, her speaking voice was quite girly and sweet (who knew?) The highlights for me were the following songs.
I Am Stretched On Your Grave
Three Babies
The Emperor’s New Clothes
Black Boys On Mopeds - this song is deep, check out the lyrics
Nothing Compares 2 U
Fire On Babylon

Gucci

Originally uploaded by Australian Rozie

I was lucky enough to get an invite to the Gucci SS08 Fashion Event (my cousin’s friend is the PR director). Let’s call it: a luxury brand fashion parade with drinks & nibblies. I don’t normally get to move in these circles so I was really looking forward to seeing what it would be like. The set up was really impressive, they had fitted out a warehouse in Alexandria with a shiny catwalk, seating (long white cushy seats with simple black piping) and a bar. The hors d’oeuvres were really fancy (and there was plenty). Piper Heidsieck champagne was on offer. I was told to drink up and enjoy, but I had to pass due to my alcohol intolerance, such a shame! I did enjoy an apple & elderflower drink instead. There was a smattering of celebrities such as Natalie Bassingthwaighte & Sonia Kruger but I was hoping for a super A-lister such as Cate or Nicole. Other guests included “rich people” like Justin Hemmes, Gucci ladies, magazine editors, as well as models I’ve seen in Vogue. The parade itself was quite surreal, I felt like I was in TV, especially when they played the mini-doco of David Lynch directing the latest Gucci ad on all the walls surrounding the catwalk. The clothes were really nice, the palette of black, white & pink was my favourite. There was an Asian model who looked so, so miserable, I thought, if I had a body like that I’d be smiling! I met a guy who is a colour forecaster - what an interesting job!
Not sure who the DJ was, he played some non-offensive background dance music earlier but later on dropped some stuff I really liked: Chromeo, LCD Sound System, Annie, The Cure & INXS.
It was great to see Ms CM after so many years. When my cousin was at uni (and I was in high school), I used to hang out with them and be a “fake HK uni student” - we used to go to discos/student dance parties, the movies, French Riviera (when it was still in Double Bay)…oh those were the days. Now, I just daydream that I can afford Gucci.


Article from SMH here
More details on Vogue Aust site.
What’s sexy now?

Dizzee Rascal

Originally uploaded by Australian Rozie

I occasionally take photos for Inthemix and the opportunity came up for Dizzee Rascal’s BDO side gig. ITM contributors don’t get paid, they write articles or take pics for love (and to get into events for free). Most of the gigs I’ve done were DJ gigs or dance parties not concerts. I found it all a bit daunting when I had to fill out a photo pass application form from his PR agency & found out that we could only shoot for the first 3 songs and NO flash (eek) - I’m not used to shooting under pressure! I rocked up to The Metro and met Matt Booy who takes awesome pics for TripleJ - surprisingly he was really nice to me. There ended up being about 10 photographers in the pit: half were women (incl quite a few short Asian chicks). Dizzee Rascal was pretty good from what I saw - he had the crowd jumping and screaming. I’m not really happy with the shots I took - it was all a bit too intimidating not being able to use the flash and being at the gig by myself. Usually when I do these jobs I try to get a mix of the main acts, the crowd and portraits of the punters etc. Some guy came up to me and said take my picture, then proceded to try and pull his pants down - it was that kind of crowd.