CHRISTMAS MATTERS feat. Warm Up Perth

Local 'Christmas' Matters is Grill’d Burgers community donation program that raises money for weird, wonderful and worthy local charities. Every month your local Grill’d will donate $500 to a local community. Their aim is to find & support the unsung heroes rather than the big groups who always get the limelight. This month Warm Up Perth has been selected as one of the three Charities in the Grill’d City Stores which are located on Shafto Lane, Brookfield place and Mt Lawley.

HOW IT WORKS

It’s a pretty high-tech system involving bottle tops, jars & counting… The $500 will be split amongst 3 local groups. Each group will be represented as a different jar. Every time a customer buys a burger they’ll be given a token (ok, it’s a bottle top from the peeps at Little Creatures). The customers decide who they’d like to support by choosing which jar to put their token in. At the end of the month, they’ll count up the tokens to figure out who gets what. They’ll split the money $300 / $100 / $100, so everyone gets something!

WHAT IS WARM UP PERTH?

Warm Up Perth was created by a constantly growing community of young Perth individuals who collect everyday necessities & distribute them directly to those in need. Leading the charge is my best friend Ashleigh Fanning! She’s taken a very hands-on approach to meet with young peeps on the streets to find out ways she/we can assist them. Whether it be finding employment opportunities, assisting them in being "interview ready”or distributing food & clothing.

HOW DO I TAKE HELP?

This December head into any of the city Grill’d stores, grab yourself a burger and drop that lil dardy token in WUP Jar. You’ll feel super full AND personally fulfilled that you’ll be giving something great to the peeps of Perth!

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"All & All" Art Exhibition

In late July 2015 I introduced Jamie Mack (Aolie/Alloneline) a budding street artist from Fremantle to my new found friend and illustrator Alison Draper... with a future project in mind! All our stars aligned n on Friday Evening (3 months from their first meeting) I was so very proud to announce, promote and present their first debut exhibition "All & All".

The exhibition's secret location was communicated to the invited guests via old skool snail mail in the form of an A5 matt finished colouring postcard collaborative design from Alison and Jamie. The exhibition boasted of over 45 original works; 10 skate board decks, 6 sculptures, 2 clocks, 12 sketchers, half a dozen canvas and 25 colouring books.

The night was filled with positive vibes, successful sales, wonderful wine courtesy of Oakover Wines and refreshing brews thanks to Little Creatures. The support for the artist was evident as the "pop-up "creative shared space could be seen busting at the seams several times throughout the evening. A huge complement for these two artist making their first debut dent in the local scene.

I want to take this opportunity to thank both Alison and Jamie for letting me be part of their artist journey! I learnt so much in an area that was new territory for me & I really look forward to helping other artist's in the future with End to End event management, Creative Communication Strategies and Social Media Activations.

Check out the full album of photo's from the All & All Exhibition here!

Follow Jamie on Instagram | Follow Alison on Instagram | Facebook

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NCT - Hold the phone, Holland is callin'

If you're like me the music discovery past-time is an invigorating journey. Those butterflies that come alive when you stumble across a release from leaving your Youtube browser open for a few hours. Only to return to your PC to find a lil bit of magic (in the way of a track)which opens you up to a whole new sub-genre, you never knew existed. We all discover new music in different ways but the sharing aspect from this point (when you find a banger) is what I LOVE the most! When you discover an artist you believe in, you sub-concicously create a kind of positive ownership over them. From purchasing & playing their releases you're supporting the artist on their musical journey. That's one thing. But then there's THOSE artist's that you can hardly contain your excitement for, you share the link to their tracks with YOUR like-minded music pals. From this moment you are both now engaged with the artist's future AND the relationship with you & your pal grows stronger, the more music your share together.

Axen is one of my trusted like-minded music pals. Lately he's been sending me some really fresh sh*t from all around the world. For many of us that live n love bass music we often find ourseves wanting more than just the tunes! With NCT, the upcoming Liquid Drum & Bass duo from the Netherlands, this has definitely been the case. Axen (being the little lord he is) has sent through some questions from Jeroen Nai Chung Tong on productions for NCT...

What's your favourite plugin to use and why?

I'm not sure if I really have one single favourite plug-in, although there are a few plug-ins which I can't produce without, so I'll give you a top 3 in no particular order; Lexicon's LPX reverb plug-in is perfect for my taste and I know it inside out so I can create any type of reverb with it, Serum is just a beast VST instrument with endless possibilities and 3rd I'd say FabFilter's Pro-Q which is in my opinion the easiest, quickest and most accurate EQ for surgical-equalising. I do prefer other EQs for boosting frequencies.

What's your biggest tip for producers trying to get their music heard?

Just do you. Don't go and make music to be heard, do it for you, so that when you've made something new you'll be jumping around in your little home studio like the first man that made fire. Your passion and love for music is what should be your motivation. When that's the case, and you grow in terms of production skill, people will hear that passion in your music and it will spread over time.

Another tip which adds to the first one; be patient. Becoming a skilled producer takes thousands of hours of failing, so dedication and consistency is very important.

How did you get into music production?

I was always very much into music, played the guitar and sang a lot. But never thought I could make it as a pop-musician, so I didn't really consider going for music as a profession. Then I discovered Boris aka. Netsky's music and a whole new world opened up for me, I never felt so utterly excited by music before. This made me think, since Boris' was quite young at the time, I can do this too.. So I started playing around with software such as FLstudio and Logic (I now work in Ableton Live), and things were so exciting I got addicted to writing music. As I got older I learnt that if you want something you can get it, as long as you set clear goals, know what you need to do to achieve them and work hard to do so. So that's what I'm doing right now together with NCT's 2nd half Alexander.

If you could do a b2b set with anyone in the world who would it be and why?

Ahhh this question; I've had it many times before and my answer changes now and then.. But right now I would go for the guys from Ivy Lab. All their tunes are masterpieces and I vibe harder to them than anything else.

Do you have any rituals for getting into the zone before a gig?

I always get nervous as hell, especially for the big ones, so you could say puking is one of my rituals.. hahah. Though lately I haven't been so nervous as I used to get, so I guess it's just something I need to get used to. But I have the best DJ in the world on my side, so there's not much to be nervous about.

If you could be any character on any TV show who would you be, what show and why?

Hahaha, that's a great question. I'm instantly thinking of the main character "Elliot" from the TV series Mr. Robot. I think he is so cool for everything he does, haha. But than I'm thinking, he's nowhere near sane.. So I'd probably rather go for something safe, like "Alan Turning" from the enigma code. Although he's more of a historical figure. He helped humanity take a big step.

Hopefully we'll see these Lords on your shores in the near future! Want more? Keep up to date all things NCT below...

Facebook | Beatport | iTunes 

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Jerome Davenport Giveaway

Meet Jerome Davenport, he's an Australian aerosol artist blurring the boundaries of graffiti, muralism and illustration with incredible colour and impact! I have been working with for the last few months, he masterly combines the unrestricted freedom of street art with portraiture, impacting a relatable vision that the general public can enjoy.

Growing up in rural Western Australia, Davenport’s career blossomed after studying Live Theatre Production. From which he obtained the skills and techniques, which empower him to turn any medium into a canvas. Inspired by nature, decay, beauty, and life itself Jerome’s loyal following and strong community support have allowed him to spread his passion statewide. Being influenced by culture, animals and geometry his style is characterised by his distinctive photo-realism, elaborate portrait pieces which engage and speak to the community on a personal level.

This young and creative, humble yet ambitious soul is giving you the opportunity to win this original canvas of A$AP Rocky. All you need to do is TAG a Friend on FB here AND sign up for his upcoming exhibition mailing list here!

We'll draw the winner on 1/12/2015 - Goodluck!

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SECRET SHOW | All & All Exhibition

Due to council regulations we’re unable to disclose the location! To receive your invite to this SUPER SECRET exhibition please follow the link;

>>> http://eepurl.com/bDOKN9 <<<

Follow Alison Draper on Instagram: @Allthealison

Follow Jamie Mack on Instgram: @alloneline__

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Visual Artist: Cass Jones

Cass Jones is a cheese lovin’, tomboy from Perth now livin’ on the East Coast. AND she paints with ALL of the magical colours, at the same time! I was lucky enough to meet this sweet soul at a legendary Bulwer Street kick-on early in 2014.

Cass Jones has always been "artsy" creating super cute cartoon characters in high school which lead her on to studying Visual Art at TAFE. It wasn’t until she moved to the art hub of Australia, Melbourne that she was inspired to pick up her paintbrush’s again. Her success has escalated quickly, with her eye catching vibrant designs being featured on Magnus Collective. The exposure has opened up many exciting opportunities including the purchasing of her work by bachelorette Sam Frost and also Head of Channel 10 Russel Howcroft.

“I would love to be able to have the ability to travel regularly between my hometown of Perth & Melbourne, with my income as an artist. Most importantly for family time, but secondly to become involved in the WA arts community. I really love the vibrant coastal style of a lot of the art which comes out of Perth, and would love to be able to contribute to some projects back in my hometown!” explained Cass. I totally know where she’s coming from. Recently I’ve been assisting Perth Mural Artist Jerome Davenport with the planning of his work in USA trip in 2015. Perth really is becoming such a supportive hub for all kinds of art!

In the coming months she has quite a few commissioned pieces in the works as well as launching her collaboration with a new Melbourne brand, Koda. Together they're working on a 'Art Series' homewares products, using her artwork for their branding.

Cass draws inspo from DEB, a San Fran street artist originally from Australia who is killin’ it. “I've been following her for a few years now & she just goes from strength to strength, she's super inspiring and her art is really distinctive & different.” Aswell as Anya Brock, a household name in the P-town. Having such drive, determination and talent HUGE things are destined to develop in the coming months for Cass. Keep on kicking on sick bitch, you got this in the bag!

You can purchase Cass’s work here & follow her on FB or Insty

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Breakfest Beats

5 reasons why I’m fucking excited for this year's Breakfest!

Just say I was one of those retarded girls that ask's the DJ’s for a request this would be my #1 choice! One of my all time favourite electronic tracks, sadly it doesnt get played out enough. Though I sure do make up for at kicks on’s. Really looking forward to both hearing this and 'Buffalo' hopefully in the Breakfest Bowl!

Jesse Slayter & Wuki - That’s Right

Hands down this was one of my favourite singles dropped in 2014. “Imagine Claude Vonstroke and the Disclosure brothers having a baby and that baby grew to be a dj, this would be a tune that never left his space crate” Mad Decent. After slaying Ambar in 2014 with Shockone for Force Majeure there is plenty of hype around Wuki returning to Perth.

Spenda C - Badman

It's no secret the Perth punters have a growing love for Spenda C! Touring back to our Golden state several times a year, I’m stoked to see this lord finally added to a Festival Line-up in P-town. Spenda’s Badman released on Klub Kids earlier this yeah takes the listener on a tour of bass, house, wubs and classic rude boy rhythms all in the space of 3 minutes something!

Stanton Warriors - Loving Me Wrong

Stanton’s have pushed through the career shattering “breakbeat” genre label to establishing themselves a solid fixture in the Bass Music Community. “Loving Me Wrong” is the lead single off the 7th Studio Album (which dropped in September) and doesn't fail to disappoint, neither does the rest of the release!

Hydraulix & Oski - Let's Play

One of the most popular tracks I’ve heard play out locally over the last year is Hydraulix & Oski  Let’s Play! Like Spenda, Hydraulix is becoming a frequent traveller to the West n with his mad bass vibes and trap bangers he's a vibrant addition to the boutique

festival's line-up.

In case you didn't know Breakfast is a broken beat and bass boutique masterpiece held every Boxing Day in the same exquisite surrounds since the first Breakfest 15 years ago; Belvoir Amphitheatre. This years full line-up: 

STANTON WARRIORS | DANNY BYRD | A SKILLZ

DEEKLINE | DJ MARKY | MAFIA KISS | WUKI | DUB PHIZIX

STICKYBUDS | SPENDA C | HYDRAULIX 

SLEEPY TOM | K+LAB | BLACK & BLUNT

Tickets | Facebook Event | Instagram

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Duane Pike: Mad Dawg

  

Duane Pike is a Mad Dawg. Why? He’s a Patron drinking, Vodka Pong (Vodka Beer Pong for those of you who haven’t made it to the Northern Beaches mid kick-on) and an extreme funneling enthusiast. Growing up surrounded by sound equipment he started DJ’ing in school n entered the music industry at Ambar Nightclub’s Sound Guy! Now living in London he’s joined forces with Dave Gee, Greg Whyte, Jamie Ross-Hulme, Nicky Dsilva and Liam Hicks to 
launch their label Reach LDN.

Duane’s role at the label in Distribution, Contractual Agreements and Finances. With the labels first release only weeks there is more than just the ‘Happiness’ - the 2^nd release by D’Silva on the label, to be happy about! “We’re striving to be a music collective not in competition. The most exciting part is there is so much talent out there, so much amazing music being produced by so many people. For us this is an opportunity to provide emerging artists with a platform to get their music heard and to be supported by the Reach community we’re growing”. The label only came into fruition 3 months ago, which is surprising when you look at how much the label has archives thus far. With interest from Spain n Ibiza for label parties, more launch parties and releases on the way it seems the label has a very colourful 12 months ahead of them.

Over the coming weeks Duane can be found pumping Cyantific podcast (an artist he would love to collaborate with some day) in Star Studios London (another Perth Boy Liam Hick’s joint venture with Tobi Saich). The Studio is fast becoming a motivations, magical musical hub. Already hosting Xtrahn(DnB Lord)and they haven’t even being declared officially open yet! 

When I asked Duane who his favourite mad dawgs are he  replied “Liam Neilson in 'Taken', because he is a general baddass saving his daughter and Jay-Z. Because of his success and innovation with-in the music industry. "I’ve been reading a lot about his involvement in his business ventures, running his labels, music publishing, talent consulting and management services. Very Inspiring!” 

Link up with Reach LDN by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or via their Website. 

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The Dance Music Guide to Writing a Bio

By Cyclone

Every music act needs a good bio. Bios are useful sources of info – and resources – for industry-types (including prospective agents, bookers and promoters), the media and, of course, consumers and fans. Often event and tour publicists 'sample' artists' bios for press releases – and that's exactly what they're for. There's no copyright on bios, as such. Some acts' bios even mysteriously appear as Wikipedia entries… It's all about sharing the info you want to share about your music. You should upload your bio onto your Website, Facebook, SoundCloud – anywhere people go to find out about, or listen to, you. If you don't want journos to ask the same ol' questions in interviews ("How did you start?"), pre-empting them in a bio can save you a lot of zzz regurgitation. But where to begin?

1. There are two bio templates. The traditional record label bio reads a bit like a feature article with interview quotes. The obvious advantage is that you can leave out parts of your story that you don't wish to publicise – such as any dodgy tracks issued under old handles or that studio moonlighting gig for a Z-grade Katy Perry wannabe. The second model is a summary of your career and achievements – without quotes. Many DJ/producers prefer the latter because of the TLDR ('too long, didn't read') factor. The standard bio for an album act is around 800 words. The longest bio this writer has ever seen was Gilles Peterson's – it was like a Tolkien book, but he's kinda earned that right (and, yo, he attracts über-geeks).

2. Keep your bio flossy, and descriptive, but it should still cover the basic facts. Those 'Five Ws' commonly used in journalism. Nah, we don't mean your top five Wu-Tang Clan members, but 'Who/What/Where/When/Why' (and maybe 'How'). If you're making cheesy bandwagon-hopping shit, the 'Why' is gonna be especially important, LOL!

3. Most acts claim that they don't want their music labelled or 'pigeonholed' – understandable. But it's good to offer clues to people – or anchorage. If you're worried about being attached to the latest buzz sub-genre, then go for something broad: 'house', 'techno', 'progressive', 'garage', 'bass', etc. Alternatively, you can be creative and invent a genre – like, say, metrowave (= futuristic urban music). A few of today's genre names originated with the producers. Detroit's Belleville Three (Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson) adapted the term 'techno' from Alvin Toffler's The Third Wave (as in 'Techno Rebels'). It kinda stuck. Down the line, Porter Robinson conceived 'complextro'. AC Slater coined 'night bass' to denote his post-EDM style, and it's also become a cool countercultural brand. At the very least, your bio should mention relevant, contextual influences (if you're producing trap, lauding Fleetwood Mac is just gonna confuse peepz).

4. Electronic dance music is also big on the anti-bio – info that is either formulated or non-existent. Indeed, there is a long tradition of acts revelling in mystique: Kraftwerk, The KLF, Underground Resistance, Drexciya, Daft Punk, Burial… The most compelling create a narrative or generate their own mythology. What's more, they have some kind of rationale, rather than it being an obvious marketing novelty – or digital conceit. Seasoned acts have used mystique to cleverly reinvent themselves. Theo Keating of The Wiseguys brilliantly did this with the viral Fake Blood. Today's anonymous acts include Slow Magic, Claptone and Shiba San. If you choose this path, be clever, imaginative and/or subversive – not half-assed. Introducing yourself as merely "Tom from [insert suburb here]" is wack. Same with something like, "Masked alien robot SpaceChild fell to earth from Mars with his asteroids of bass-thump." That's kinda played-out, dawg. Above all, consistency is key.

5. If all this sounds too hard, commission a music journo to write your bio for you. Fees vary, but most will work with your budget. Crucially, make sure you know what you want first. Think about your music, art, how you want to position yourself and what you want to convey. It saves a lot of second-guessing – and revisions.

From Evie: Cyclone Wehner has written bios for the Detroit label Transmat (Aril Brikha), Kelis, Jessica Mauboy and Hiatus Kaiyote. We've teamed together not only to bring you this guide but to also offer you the opportunity to get a bio written by Cyc, for a very nice price! EMAIL me for deets; yvettelavers@gmail.com

Join Cyclone in the World of Twitter @therealcyclone n Facey here!

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Music Business | Twips

Today I've teamed up with Marika Mazzucchelli, Head of Communications at Boomtick Events! She's a Twitter Wizard who's supplied us with her top Twips (Twitter Tips)...

As a budding musician, producer or DJ – getting yourself established on social media is understandably pretty overwhelming. Between Facebook, Soundcloud, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter it’s hard to know what to do and when to do it. But having a solid Twitter profile is essential. It’s more than a place to gripe about broken instruments (or dreams) it’s fantastic to help promote your music and connect with fans (and other folk in your field – any idea how many people have successfully scored a remix/co-produced track after a Twitter hook-up? A LOT).

#1: Build it
Find the musicians/DJs/producers/bands/festivals/promoters/clubs/media outlets you like and follow them. Favourite them. Retweet them. Talk to them. 

#2: Be you
Be honest. Be credible. Use your personality. Type it like you’d say it.
A Tweet doesn’t have to be grammatically perfect – just like your conversations aren’t.

#3: Don’t be a hater
aka Deadmau5. You get back what you put out; it’s a life rule really but definitely one to adhere to on the Twitterz.

#4: Engage
So now you’ve got a Twitter profile. Don’t just sit back and wait for things to happen – make them happen. Reply to people. Start a conversation. Include other people in things you say/tweet.  Link to news pieces/new tracks.

#5: Don’t live tweet soccer
No-one gives a sh*t. If they wanted the soccer score they’d follow their soccer team.

Join Marika in the World of Twitter here and me too

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Twitter. What Da Actual?

Does Twitter freak you the f*ck out, is does for me! I’m an Insty Gurl at heart but over the years I’ve come to the realisation that it’s a vital part to the marketing mix for any musicians wanting to get their music heard.  AND to create the opportunity to connect with other creatives, not being limited by status or lack there of. 

The first Edition of Inkind Collective will be sent out next week delivering Twips (Twitter Tips) from Boomtick Events own Twitter Queen, Marika Mazzucchelli. If you want to get it first head here Homie! In the meantime I urge you to head to Twitter, make a dope profile account n follow the accounts below;

@Marika_M -  aka M-Dawg Mazzucchelli aka Twitter Queen

@According2evie - That’s me! 

@Boomtick_Events -  Home of Clubland in WA 

@musicWA - Western Australian Music Association 

@CyberPR - All of the things

@APRA -  Australian Performing Rights Association 

@CycloneWehner - Sick Bitch Dance Journalist from Melbs

@Pilerats - For all ya’ll Music News

@Themusic.com.au - For more music news 

@DJStickybuds @NickThayer @TheRealShockone - To learn how tweet like a bawse

I look forward to following you back & uplifting each other in the world of Twitter! As Skrillex does to Diplo, as Flume did to Emoh, as Askillz does to Nick Thayer.

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Ambar's 13th Birthday

Over the coming weeks I'll be uploading events I have creatively designed & marketed whilst working at Boomtick Events. If you were there I would love to hear your feedback! 

Ambar Nightclub's 13th Birthday 

Theme | Underwater - NOT Under the Sea (EW!)

"2 Areas; Down in the club & Silent Disco in the Laneway

 'I Was There When' pin-up board: write your fave Ambar memory from the last 13 years + pin it up! 

Poppin' refreshments - get in early for those | Visuals by King Neptune (the Atlantis Marine Park guy) 

 Face Painting | Dress-up box | Cameo by Scuba Steve"