25.01.2012 - Washington (Insomnia)

"Insomnia is a new conceptual work by Megan Washington, created to be performed four times only - once in Sydney, then Paris, London and New York.

A multi-layered show, Insomnia incorporates art, poetry, photography and designs, all drawn from Washington's personal archives. It offers a revealing insight into an intense 12 months for the double ARIA Award-winning artist, exploring all sides of her emotional and creative life.

Insomnia's four movements - Opiate, Amphetamine, Barbiturate and Nicotine - will be performed with very special guest musicians and sound artists on a stage incorporating sculpture and set-design by Robbie Rowlands. Insomnia will be directed and arranged by noted producer Daniel Denholm."

Photo from semelphotography.tumblr.com

I was extremely excited when this was announced, so I bought my tickets and booked my flights down to Sydney.

I wish I could put into words just how incredible this performance was, but you needed to be there to truly experience the atmosphere. It was the first of four performances of the Insomnia production, and somehow I think it will be the best performance of Insomnia full stop.

Setlist:

Insomnia

Interlude 1 

Sentimental Education 

Insomnia 

Interlude 2 

Letterbox 

Public Pool 

Interlude 3 

High Treason 

Skeleton Key 

Mirror In the Mirror 

Interlude 4 

Plastic Bag 

Holy Moses 

Encore:

Sorry For Everything 

Something Small 

Encore 2:

80 Miles 

My favourite song of the night would have to be High Treason. The sheer amount of emotion Megan poured into that song was incredible. Even with some minor issues with guitarist Ben Edgar's amp at the beginning of the song, the song was flawless.

I know its taken almost two months to get this recording posted, I apologise to Washington fans and readers of my blog. I've had an immense amount of personal drama, work training and more and have simply lacked free time to do anything.

Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD HERE

05.01.2012 - Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls) #BrisVegasNinjaGig

I'm really lost for ways to describe this gig.

As Amanda Palmer explains it during the gig, it was a total last minute surprise show for people that was the result of a bunch of emails and tweets about GoMA at Southbank. One thing lead to another and Amanda came down to do one of her ninja gigs.

I've never been much of a Dresden Dolls fan, but a bunch of mates are, so I decided to trek on down and record it for them. I had no idea what I was getting into...

AP requested people show up in uni-colour outfits, so it was certainly a colourful mob waiting for her arrival. As soon as she walked into GoMA she took everyone outside onto the front lawn. So quick was she to get outside and start that I didn't even have time to set up my mics! I decided to just record the show using an LS-10.

Plenty of highlights in this gig, including but not limited to:

• A cover of Radiohead's 'Freak'
• A cover of Amazing Grace
• Coin Operated Boy - Improv on the ukulele with a simon-says/follow the leader/conga line

Now for some notes about the recording. It's not a great recording by any means. It was easily the most difficult gig I've had to record, with the strong wind, running around, Amanda's dancing and moving about, no amplification, level clipping - I could go on and on. I'm putting this up here for the fans - I know what its like to be a massive fan of a artist/band, you appreciate any special recordings, no matter how bad they might sound.

Amazing Grace 

Coin Operated Boy

If you're a AP/Dresden Dolls fan, download this! It was an amazing day, had a blast. I'll be taking a much closer interest in AP and Dresden Dolls now and I even went and bought a ukulele after the gig. Thanks Amanda!

Download Here

31.10.2011 - The Grates (DOWNLOAD)

Head over to Fan Made Recordings to get the recording of The Grates in Melbourne.

I know this post technically isn't about a Brisbane concert, but I was there and The Grates are a favourite of mine. This was a killer show, well worth downloading!

31.10.2011 - The Grates

Flew down to Melbourne for a holiday to see some mates, so we got tickets to see the Grates. I saw them last Friday and they were good but this concert blew it out of the water.
The Hifi was packed, a sold out show on the eve of Halloween. The band came out covered in blood, members of the crowd in costume. I can't describe how incredible the vibe was. Same set as the Brisbane show sadly but still great.
Can't wait to see them again!



EDIT:

Found this photo online, taken with a Holga. I love it!

28.10.2011 - The Grates

I've been really slack with my taping lately, tonight was no exception. Left my gear at home because I woke up literally just before the gig and rushed out.

Exceptional show, although it seems Miranda (Bass/Keys) was absent - not sure if that's how the whole tour will be. The Tivoli is a fantastic venue, the crowd wasn't as packed as the last Brisbane show but they still went nuts.

Can't really complain about this gig, the guys were as amazing as ever. There was some audio problems with Patience's microphone for a bit during Carve Your Name (I think it was that song anyway) but the crowd filled in the words. I thought the lighting was a bit lack luster since it was a show at the Tiv and not a little bar or something but thats just me being picky. Overall the show was bloody fantastic and I had a amazing time.

Flying down to Melbourne on Monday to see some friends, looks like we are all going to see The Grates at the HiFi that night! I won't be taping but I know a recording will surface shortly after so look out for it!

13.10.2011 - The Wombats

This show was originally set to be played at The Arena but it got upgraded to the Riverstage to fit more people. Perfect! Except torrential rain hit Brisbane less than an hour before the show. Soaking wet and cold, it was still one hell of a show.

I didn't record because of the heavy rain. I'm really annoyed because it was such a great gig. The guys said they'll be back in March so I'll be sure to record then!

Amazing show full of energy. Fantastic crowd too. Highlights included 1996, Let's Dance To Joy Division and Techno Fan. I don't know what else I can say about this gig, it was just incredible.

After the encore the guys did a little jam session, I managed to get that recorded.

  Encore Jam Session by shadowfax1007

06.10.2011 - Meatloaf

Despite the rough media beat up on Meatloaf lately (Search for the AFL Grand Final performance..) - I still thoroughly enjoyed the show. Meatloaf is something of an idol for me, I grew up on his music and have remained a massive fan. With that said I went into the show with low expectations. I was proved wrong, I came out buzzing.

I must admit, being 64 years old the man isn't in his prime anymore, but he still didn't disappoint! I was a bit shocked to hear 'Bat Out of Hell' as the third song, would have preferred it much later in the set, but it was a solid two hour show. He didnt do too great with newer songs, out of breath and failing to hit the right key, but he made sure to impress on the classics. 

Was I disappointed with the AFL performance, absolutely. Was I disappointed with the Brisbane show? Not a chance.

Meatloaf was supported by Thirsty Merc. Not a fan, doubt I ever will be. That's not a beat up on the band, I'm sure their music appeals to others, just not me. Not sure why they'd support Meatloaf though... Regardless their set was pretty solid. A note to the lead singer though (Rai I think it is) - after every song, stop standing up, cheering and looking for applause. If you're good, people will clap and cheer..