Having earned their crown as Brisbane independent theatre royalty, The Danger Ensemble prepare to unleash their most provocative work to date, Sons Of Sin, at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts in May 17-25.
 


Sometimes shocking and always chaotic, Sons Of Sin traverses the turbulent terrain of a post-feminist era, using a magnifying glass and nine sons to set fire to manhood in crisis.

TO WIN ONE OF 5 DOUBLE PASSES TO THE 7:30PM PREVIEW PRODUCTION AT THE JUDITH WRIGHT CENTRE TOMORROW, THURSDAY MAY 16TH:
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A living legend of the Australian jazz landscape, Vince Jones will be heading north next month for the inaugural Brisbane International Jazz Festival.

Life on the road, performing to strangers — you obviously still get a buzz from it, is there much difference now in how you approach a show?
As far as playing music goes it feels better than when I was younger. I still get a buzz as you say. Five thousand gigs and thirty-eight years on the road; it’s obvious, I’m a birth to death musician.

Do you still get nervous prior to performing?
Yes I do. It’s a more contained nervousness these days. The fear of performing in front of people is overpowered by my love of singing beautiful songs and playing with the band.

The inaugural Brisbane International Jazz Festival... it’s a great addition to Australia’s jazz calendar, right?
Festivals are the best way to promote our music (jazz) to the masses. The music is portrayed in a respectful light in festival excitement mode. There is so much great music and so many great musicians in this country that need to be heard and jazz festivals are the best way to hear them.

Your idea of jazz; can you explain it in one sentence?
The key words are improvisation and interaction and soul. When you mix these elements with a song you will get an explosion of creativity.

Of all the brass instruments, the flugelhorn does standout for its appearance. Why do you enjoy the flugelhorn?
The bright sound of the trumpet doesn’t sit with me as much as the darker, richer sound of the flugelhorn. The flugel is called the horn of flight. I do love the tone of the flugel — it has a sad yet uplifting sound. I started out on the cornet in the brass band and when I was 18 I heard Miles Davis and quickly moved to the trumpet. When anyone hears Miles they get inspired to play or learn the trumpet.

The Vince Jones Band plays the International Jazz Festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse May 31.

This Saturday night 633 Ann launches from what was the Mustang Bar. Headed north for the celebrations is Melbourne hip hop duo, Diafrix. MC Azmarino gives us the freshness.

The summer so far for Diafrix; what’s been happening?
It’s been an awesome summer so far. We have been touring and playing at some great festivals that we haven't played before, like Rainbow Serpent, Homebake, Queenscliff and ‘bout to play at Bleach Festival; we’re looking forward to that.

You guys are headed to Queensland three times in February; when are you guys relocating permanently to the Sunshine State?
Maybe not appropriate after what happened over the weekend, but I would love to live in Brissie one day, but they have to step up their coffee game before I do. 

You’ll be in Brisbane to headline the launch of 633 Ann — anything extra special planned?
We are bringing Melbourne chief rocker DJ Kayz with us; we’re looking forward to this gig. We will turn it up to proper.

Are you guys still in shock that you’ll be supporting Macklemore & Ryan Lewis next month when they tour? 
Yes! We were very stoked to have scored the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis support... I mean they are great artists and I was really happy that they picked us for their east coast run ‘cause I’m sure lots of hip hop acts put their hands up for it. I also hope will get the chance to meet them and have a chat ‘bout Air Jordans.

Overseas tours; you’ve travelled before; are you looking at further international shows this year?
I will definitely be heading to Africa this coming winter because I can't stand the cold Melbourne weather anymore!

This time next year; if everything goes according to plan, where do you want to be positioned?
I hope that we would be at a better place and position than where we are  today — don't matter if it’s a big change or small, as long as it’s positive.

Away from the stage, what do you guys enjoy?
Momo likes to ride motor bike and I enjoy a good BBQ.

Diafrix, with support from Deux, Roman and Cutloose play the 633 Ann launch party Saturday February 2.

The West End music community lost a brother at the weekend with the passing of Ben Osborne.

Ben was a former Scene contributor as well as a well-respected DJ in the funk, hip hop, rare groove and soul scene. Ben was due to celebrate his 40th birthday with a special mashdown at his Sunday residency at Lock N Load November 25. The event will proceed with friends of Ben invited to celebrate his life. RIP, mate.

This week, Fortitude Valley will be swarming with music industry, as BIGSOUND returns for two days of frenzied conference action. Then at night, the keys to the Valley will be handed over to the artists for a glut of musical activity.

There, to make sure everything goes according to plan, is Graham ‘Asho’ Ashton, BIGSOUND’s Executive Programmer.

Firstly, congrats on being re-appointed as Executive Programmer for next year’s event ... you must be chuffed to get another 12 months in the role?
Thanks mate. I'm absolutely stoked for a couple of reasons. I have a very clear picture in my head on the direction for BIGSOUND 2013 and I think it's a great call for the event to have a handover period between the programmers [AIR General Manager Nick O’Byrne takes over in 2014].

On the eve of the 2012 event ... how’s it all shaping up?
Feels great. The conference has sold out way past capacity than last year. We still have some work to do to communicate to local music fans that BIGSOUND LIVE is the best value music festival around, but we are getting there slowly.

The Brisbane music community ... does BIGSOUND define the local scene? Or is it more an opportunity for Brisbane to showcase the city’s musical talent to the rest of the country?
The artists define the local scene and have done since the ’50s. BIGSOUND is just a bunch of passionate music fans having a crack at making a significant statement on behalf of Queensland and Australian music. It wouldn’t matter how hard we worked or how smart we were if the artists weren't great.

Over the last couple of years, the conference has mushroomed in popularity, both with industry participants and the general public ... how important is it that Australia has an event like BIGSOUND in its own backyard? And on that note, that it happens in Queensland?
It's vital that Australia has a proper gathering of the tribe for it's music community, and BIGSOUND has become that event and why not have it in Brisbane in the spring?

Brisbane as an important music hub ...  we're no longer the second cousins from up north?
It's cyclical and it comes down to the artists. Brisbane music shone brightly in the ’70s, ’90s and Queensland music is shining brightly again now. Some of the most exciting artists are coming from regional areas, which is really interesting to me.

Two nights of live music across numerous venues around the Valley ... it’s going to be pure madness for the music purists?
I see it is an opportunity to see a few songs each from dozens of artists that interest me. Kinda like dating before consummating.
Who are some of the unknowns this year who you expect to become household names over the next 12-24 months?
I certainly have my theories on that one, but will take the fifth.

The calibre of conference speakers and artists in 2012; you must be pleased to have such names on the bill: Ball Park Music, Clare Bowditch, Oh Mercy (Little BIGSOUND), David Bridie, Ian Haug, Ben Lee, Mark Poston (EMI)?
It's a wonderful line-up. You forget to mention MR STEVE EARLE.

From an international perspective, does BIGSOUND rate ... are we on the global musical map?
Absolutely! I travel all over the world going to these kind of events and I’m constantly humbled by the global reputations of BIGSOUND.

An event like South By Southwest in the US ... do you draw a lot from how it is organised and promoted when planning BIGSOUND?
It's like anything, you learn what to do and what not to do.

In five years; how do you expect BIGSOUND to have developed in that time?
I think consolidated growth is really important. I would like to see us eventually move over the other side of Wickham Tce and to extend to 150 bands over 15 venues. I would love to see 20 international bands make up that 150 and the event to continue to be the must attend event for good people of the global music community.

BIGSOUND takes place at numerous Fortitude Valley venues Wednesday and Thursday Sep. 12-13.

Name: Andrew Bartlett
As Heard On: Breakfast will Tear Us Apart
On Air Since: Originally 1982, until about 1991. Reappeared on air July 2008.

What originally attracted you to volunteering at 4ZZZ?
The chance to be more exposed to alternative music and the local music scene.

Why is independent radio important in 2012?
Diversity in the mainstream media is minimal and the use of media to push a commercial  agenda continues to grow. Independent radio provides an opportunity for alternative, independent, non-commercial and local views, culture and music to be heard and engaged with which would not otherwise exist.

Has the independent radio sector changed since you first joined 4ZZZ?
There has been enormous change in this sector, as well as in the wider media and the music and other cultural sectors, over the last 30 years - which makes ZzZ's ability to adapt and not just survive but continue to be relevant an even more admirable achievement.  There are so many more ways for people to access information, music and arts more broadly, as well as to produce and disseminate views and music.  There has been change from the vinyl era to CDs to downloads (with a bit of a vinyl revival along the way). When ZzZ started there was no such thing as email or the internet, let alone digital recording.  It is so much easier to musicians to record material and to distribute it, and there are so much easier for people to access it - but it's still a hard road making much money being a musician or artists.

How would you describe your time on radio in one word...?
Special.

Can you share one memory that stands out from your time at 4ZZZ?
Being a lifelong Joy Division fan, getting to interview two members of Joy Division when they toured as New Order back in 1984 is one of many great memories.

What does this year's radiothon theme 'Pump Up The Volume' mean to you?
That we as a community should be really proud of something as unique and vibrant as ZzZ - and let everybody know it.

One thing that concerns you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The viability of live music venues and the need to ensure the music scene isn't just something that happens in a few suburbs in inner Brisbane

One thing that encourages you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The enormous range of musical talent across so many styles.

Some words of advice for anyone considering volunteering in their community?
Don't feel your skills or views are any less valuable just because you're 'only' a volunteer,  but don't volunteer to do something and then not do what you said you would.

Name: DJ Ally Cakes
As Heard On: The Carmen SanDiego Show
On Air Since: 2007

What originally attracted you to volunteering at 4ZZZ?
I've been listening to 4ZzZ since about 1988 and the music we play has been part of my soundtrack.  Volunteering at 4ZzZ has made it possible for me to be involved in something that's always been a part of my city.

Why is independent radio important in 2012?
There is always a need to hear independent voices and I think this is more important in 2012 than ever, with our current political climate, and with the dollar bill being such a driver for music and culture.

Has the independent radio sector changed since you first joined 4ZZZ?
4ZzZ is the strongest we've ever been.  The quality of the broadcast has improved.  I also think that some of the ideas we agitate about have become more accepted as relevant to more people, meaning the community that we represent has broadened.

How would you describe your time on radio in one word...?
Fulfilling.

Can you share one memory that stands out from your time at 4ZZZ?
The Flaming Lips experiment in 2011 was fun and exciting.  The Carmen SanDiego Show is all about music from around the world so I have done live on-air crosses from FujiRock in Japan and from a road trip across the south of the US last year.  I visited all the music hotspots like Nashville, Memphis and Austin and recorded 4ZzZ station callouts from the bartender at the Troubadour in LA and the studio manager of Sun Studio in Memphis.

What does this year's Radiothon theme 'Pump Up The Volume' mean to you?
4ZZZ has made valuable improvements for our listeners in recent years and the time is right for us to take it to the next level together.  Let's crank it up!

One thing that concerns you about the future of music in Brisbane?
There are less live venues for bands to play and Brisbane's independent music scene has been built on the combination of a range of quality venues, and support from 4ZZZ.

One thing that encourages you about the future of music Brisbane?
The bands never stop coming.  We are spoilt for choice in Brisbane and there's something for everyone.  And we have 4ZZZ :)

Some words of advice for anyone considering volunteering in their community?
Volunteering for a community organisation gives me a sense of involvement and inclusion.  But it pays me back more than I can give.  Work out what you can offer, and give it a go.  You might just have a stack of fun.

Name: Garry Williams
Heard on: Film Club, sometimes World Beat & Breakfast
On-air since: 1988

What originally attracted you to volunteering at 4ZZZ?
I had been listening for 2 or 3 years. It was the '80s, the Joh-era, the time of pasty, formulaic synth-pop. 4ZZZ was the antithesis of that. It played the music that excited me at the time, the announcers sounded like ordinary folk not radio professionals, and the place was so accessible that you could ring up and make a request, or drop in for a tour of the studios.

Why is independent radio important in 2012?
The media has never been owned and controlled by so few people, all with a similar corporate and conservative agenda. And while the internet allows an infinite number of voices to be heard, it's so vast and diffuse that those voices can be difficult to find. What's needed is a focal point for audiences to come to, a way of filtering the clutter and putting the news, music and information in front of people that they might be looking for.

Has the independent radio sector changed since you first joined 4ZZZ?
Triple J going national was the biggest change (for an old-Zedder like me). All the alternative music stations felt an encroachment on their turf by a (comparatively) well-funded, youth-orientated, yet still non-commercial ogre. Independent radio has survived by sticking to its radical guns culturally, and reaching out to a broader, and older audience.

How would you describe your time on radio in one word...?
Rewarding.

Can you share one memory that stands out from your time at 4ZZZ?
Possibly the Market Days, especially in the early '90s before they began to attract police and council attention. Free (in all senses of the word) and casual, they brought together the whole Zed community and solidified the links between the radio station and its audience.

What does this year's Radiothon theme 'Pump Up The Volume' mean to you?
That we want people to pay more attention to what's coming out of their speakers by turning it up, and discovering more of what 4ZZZ can offer. The louder the radio, the more people it can reach. Sod the neighbours.

One thing that concerns you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The fleeting, impermanent nature of the live venues where local musicians can play to an audience. Demolition, change of ownership or management, economic or noise factors all work to thwart the crying need for reliable 'home' for Brisbane music. Other cities have venues that support the local scene for years, decades even. By comparison Brisbane feels like it's caravanning.

One thing that encourages you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The continual emergence of young talent, first-timers, wanting to do their own thing for the fun and the love of it.

Some words of advice for anyone considering volunteering in their community?
It will be more fun than anything you'll ever be paid to do. Do it.

The 4ZZZ Radiothon runs from August 18-26. For more info, head here.

Beer. Many would argue it as the single greatest achievement of mankind.

This week, Queenslanders will have the opportunity to celebrate, saviour, appraise and generally enjoy the amber gold, brown wine goodness via Queensland Beer Week (QBW). Mark Midro, co-publisher of The Beer Lover's Guide To Australia and the main organiser of QBW, tells us how to best tackle the seven day celebration.

What sort of events are planned for the week-long celebrations?
Queensland locals can look forward to a host of events which include dinners, tastings, tap takeovers, beer education, a beer festival, beer tours, meet the brewers, home brew classes and even a home brew world record attempt. Venues include some of Brisbane’s most iconic pubs as well as breweries, bars and home brew stores.

The aim of QBW... what do you hope to achieve at the conclusion of the event?
It’s well known that mainstream beers have declined in sales lately and Australians are drinking a wider variety of beers. Consumers want to know what’s available. And that’s where events like QBW provide a medium where consumers can get out and learn about what’s out there and learn about different styles and the types of beer, and more importantly, be able to taste and enjoy them.


Queensland craft breweries; how strong is the local industry for developing and introducing new players to the market?
Queensland is starting to really stamp itself on the Australian map as well as the international market. Recently the Burleigh Brewing Co. won a gold for their HEF at the World Beer Cup. Along with some great breweries, there’s a huge growth in good beer bars in Brisbane with many of these displaying a fabulous range of beers and great food as well.

Personally, what’s your favourite beer?
There are so many good beers to say one is my favourite. I think one of the highlights of events like QBW is that you can go to any of the participating venues and find a beer that you have not tried, or have wanted to try, and enjoy it. After all, you have a whole week to get to as many venues, and try as many beers, as possible.

Queensland Beer Week takes place July 16-22.

‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ had audiences the world over weeping with laughter, his turns on ‘Lets Make A Deal’ and ‘Don’t Forget the Lyrics’ made game show addiction an everyday ailment and his fast-as-gunfire improv comedy is unsurpassed — Wayne Brady is the boss of comedy.

At what age did you realise you had a special ability to do improv and make people laugh? I think I knew I had a little something when I could stop my angry grandmother from spanking me by saying something funny or pretending to be her yelling at me. She was so weak from laughing, she'd lose the strength in her arm to wield the belt properly. Because of her, I can handle any audience or network executive.

Give us a snapshot of the ‘Brother Down Under Tour’ — what can punters expect from Wayne Brady on this visit? Pure, fast and loose improv! No holds barred and uncensored. Don't think you're watching TV when I'm onstage! Anything can and will happen! Music and chocolate in the same place.

For first-timers to a Wayne Brady show, any warnings or advice you'd like to offer? Be aware that I bring the audience onstage! You could be next! And be ready to ask me any question you've wanted, I'll answer it if you can own up to it.

As an entertainer, what lures you to the stage to perform in front of others? It's my calling and all I've ever done. No other rush like it. Especially being able to do it globally! If you'd have told me as a kid, I'd be in Australia performing ... again ... I'd have laughed at you and gotten my angry grandmother after you.

Australia as a travel destination, it wouldn't be hard to convince you to jump on an iron bird for a 20-hour flight across the Pacific, surely? Not all! Lol! I want to be considered an honorary Aussie! I've fallen in love with the country.

You've won Emmys, been nominated for a Grammy, what's next for Wayne Brady to conquer? I have a new CD next year, a new improv show on ABC, I want to win a Tony, and I've gotta get my sitcom off the ground. Oh and world peace!

Where are you at with your next studio album? And how different is it, working on a project that doesn't have any comedic elements involved? Music is part of everything I do. I was Grammy nominated in 2008 and I'm looking forward to doing another CD now. Being "funny" doesn't play into because this about doing good music which is what I did pre TV before anyone knew me. It was actually easier then. Check it out on ITunes, or YouTube.

Your time at Disney World and the Universal theme park, how did that shape your career? Learning to think on your feet! If you can improvise while strapped in a hot-assed Tigger costume in 110F degree heat and humidity while fighting off Brazilian and Japanese tourists, then you’re awesome!

Drew Carey — what was it like to work alongside him on such a hit show as 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' Drew has been an amazing friend ever since we met on that show. I knew I was part of the gang when I made him shoot water out of his nose during a game!

The funniest moment you've had on stage? (Said as smooth Brother Down Under) All of them baby, all of them!

Catch Wayne Brady in his show ‘Brother Down Under’ at the Concert Hall, QPAC on July 14.

A staple of the Hospital Records stable for the better part of the last decade, UK drum & bass producer, Logistics, lands in Brisbane next week to unleash musical mayhem. Scene caught him before he headed out the door enroute to Heathrow.

You released your fourth album earlier this year; how does 'Fear Not' encapsulate Logistics the artist in 2012?

I feel it displays my tastes and influences at this particular moment in time; as I've progressed as a producer my music taste has broadened and hopefully the new album reflects that.

At the start of the project, did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to create musically?

Yeah, I was quite certain of how I wanted it to sound this time. With previous albums, I'd just go into the studio and bang out a load of ideas and run with the ones I was happiest with. With this album I spent quite a bit of time thinking about how I wanted it to sound before I even went in the studio.

The album is less sample based than your previous albums; did you actively go down this path?

Yes, one of the main reasons for that is that I always felt quite restricted when I was using samples. When you create everything yourself you are totally free to take the track where you want to take it. It definitely felt like more work doing it this way round, but I feel much happier with the results. One of the other reasons for working in this way is that sample clearance was always quite a lot of hassle and I really found it hard having to re-vocal tracks after I'd become used to the original mix of a song.

Your take on drum & bass in 2012... has the genre shifted much over the last few years?

I think it's always shifting, but right now it seems to be in a good place in my opinion. I think that dance music as a whole has gone through a big change over the last few years and I think it's great to see the genre boundaries blurring again — usually that's when the most forward thinking music will come about.  

As a producer, how enjoyable is it to work with all the technology that's now available?

I think it's definitely made things a lot more accessible for people — it's certainly cheaper to get a studio together nowadays! When I was younger I was looking at getting a loan of about £7000 to get a studio together; these days pretty much all I need is a laptop, some software and some monitors and you're away. 

The UK drum & bass scene; is it different from mainland Europe?

The scene here in the UK is second to none in my opinion. I love playing all over the world, but the UK just has this deep-rooted culture in dance music that makes it a really enjoyable place to play. Sometimes it feels as though the UK crowds are the hardest to win over because they're almost over exposed to club nights, but when it does happen there's nowhere else like it.

With modern technology, do you enjoy the interaction you can have with fans and other music lovers these days?

To be honest most of my time is spent in the studio or on the road so I don't make full advantage of it, but it definitely bridges the gap between the artist and their fans which I think is a really good thing. I also think it's great in that artists can now build a huge fanbase without needing a major label behind them, which makes it much more possible for anyone to become successful in music.

Having a brother who's also in the industry... how did that help, assist you at the start of your career?

It was a massive help in the early days. I learnt pretty much everything from him. Back when I started there wasn't the YouTube tutorials on how to mix down a tune or how to EQ a vocal, so that kind of knowledge was usually gained by knowing someone else who made music, and luckily for me my brother was already heavily involved in production. It also made things much easier in terms of networking as well so I definitely owe a lot to him. 

What's been the strangest or weirdest project you've been a part of?

I've just done a remix for Namco for one of the tracks from the Tekken soundtrack, which is something slightly unusual for me to do. As a big fan of Tekken growing up I couldn't resist getting involved. 

A decade into your career... how much has gone to plan and how much has been ride-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type stuff?

I've never been massively calculated with my career. I spend most of my time focussing on making the music I love and hoping that the rest would fall into place. There is obviously some planning involved with things such as touring and when to release new music, but for the most part I'm quite happy to let it evolve naturally. 

Your relationship with Hospital Records; obviously it's played an important role with the development of your career?

Absolutely. When I first signed with them I was relatively unknown as a producer and I guess they believed in my music enough for them to sign me up for an album deal. I think most people are aware of how professional they are as a label and I feel very lucky to have worked with a label that do much more than just release a few records here and there.

Logistics plays The Hi-Fi Thursday July 5. He’ll be joined by Sambora and P-Digsss plus Tali.

The Presets have unveiled the video clip to their new single, 'Youth In Trouble'.

Click here to receive a free remix of the track.