RACKETT absolutely kicked 2017 in the guts and spat in it's face. North of 50 gigs, the release of their killer debut EP - 'READY or NOT' and crafting a stage presence that can be confronting, uncomfortable, exhilarating and shit-tonne of fun - you'd be forgiven if you thought they've been doing this for a while & the truth is, RACKETT just celebrated their 1st birthday. I'd heard good things about this band and finally caught them at ELECTRIC LADY, Sydney. I walked in to see Bec sitting on a chair having her head shaved while Kat, Ally, and Astrid punched out this incredibly crisp sound. A few weeks later Bec was on the floor of Miss Peaches, mic in hand, mixing it up with the punters. We already know new music coming with two singles mixing to close out 2017 and a full-blown national tour on the cards, get to know RACKETT early in 2018 because this may be your last chance to say "yeah, I was a fan before they blew up".
You can take the Brothel Party out of West Thebarton but you can't take the West Thebarton outta West Thebarton....wait...hang on a second.
It was one helluva 2017 for WEST THEBARTON. Bit of a name change, a new drummer, signing to DOMESTIC LA LA and releasing two absolute crackers in 'MOVING OUT' and 'BIBLE CAMP' - This Netball side of a band are seemingly unstoppable. Crushing a headline gig at the Lansdowne and supporting POLISH CLUB at THE METRO, WEST THEBARTON are odds-on the have a massive 2018. With a sound that takes me back to an age of rock long before their time, I can't wait to see what comes next.
Words by Tim Kelly
Pics by Tim Kelly & Lars Roy
Words & Photos by ZACH JANUS
TOTTY takes the honour of being the best band named after a dog. Period. In 2017 Totty was in contention for being my favourite live band. Even when they weren’t headlining, I went to gigs for the sole purpose of seeing them open. From Sounds of the Suburbs to King Street Crawl and supporting acts such as Ruby Fields and the Gooch Palms, Totty were extremely active in 2017 to the point that I lost count of how many times I caught them live. Their song Riff potentially could sum up their year of being constantly on the road by the sheer number of shows that they did. The lead Kelly Jansch has a stage presence like no other, completely owning the space, and is perfectly complemented by her band members Max Piroddi and Chris Peruch. Totty released two tracks that were absolute bangers in 2017, with more music on the horizon and potentially a new single in February this shed rock band from Wollongong are definitely a group to look out for.
Words & Photos by Zach Janus
As far as releases are concerned, 2017 appeared to be a relatively quiet year for Camp Cope after their incredible self-titled debut in 2016. That was of course until they dropped their single ‘The Opener’ in November. A track that is truly reflective of the three piece’s values and staunch stance against inequality faced by women and non-cis identifying people in the music industry. Georgia "Maq" McDonald, Kelly-Dawn “Kelso” Hellmrich, and Sarah "Thomo" Thompson have a fiercely strong fanbase that always shows up in force to every single one of their gigs. Even when they are placed criminally low on line-ups and undervalued at music festivals they always manage to draw in massive crowds. I saw the Melbourne trio in Sydney in 2017 so many times the word ‘grouse’ almost became a part of my vocabulary. Despite having already garnered large renown in the Australian music scene, with their second album ‘How to Socialise and Make Friends’ set to release in March this year prepare for Camp Cope to completely own 2018
By Kat Frances
Fair Day is a highly anticipated event in the lead up to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Held in the community diverse hub of Newtown, people come from as near as down the street and as far as a flight or few hours drive, to attend. Crowds descend in their tens of thousands to stroll the stalls – learning about, supporting and purchasing from LGBTQI organisations and services. Friends and family set up picnic spots near the Main Stage to chill, chat, dance, eat and people watch. But, there’s so much more than that…
Supporting the #SydneyMardiGras 2017 theme – ‘Creating Equality’, Fair Day is an inclusive and family friendly event. If you have any knowledge about the LGBTQI scene, or simply have not been living under a rock, you’ll be familiar with some of the more talked about, more photographed crowds. Drag Queens and Kings, Dykes on Bikes, Bears, Fetish and Furs to name a few. Whilst these subcultures are often perceived as the more visible people of the LGBTQI community, Fair Day can open your eyes to the broader picture.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, there’s so much more than that…
Through the lens, you saw us. You saw me. The LGBTQI community who amidst the sparkle and glitter of Mardi Gras, can seemingly go unseen. Without any fanfare, you captured us at our shining best. We are the ones enjoying a bevvy with our mates while watching the glam on stage. We are the families dancing with our children, our siblings, our parents to the untamed salsa beat booming across the grounds.
Beyond the glitz and glamour…we are there. Our faces are a part of the LGBTQI story. You just need to take a look.
Happy Mardi Gras!
