musopantz

Gig Date: Friday 24th July, 2009

The very first date on their Australian tour, UK electro band Friendly Fires played right here in Perth at the Amplifier Bar. It was their first stop before heading straight to Byron Bay for the Splendour In The Grass festival over the weekend. Though they had only an hour set performing, all their songs pumped up the crowd into some steamy dancing times.

Remind me to never go to the latest and greatest bands kids are into these days! Knowing that this was a sold-out show, myself and Courtney held our spots in the front row waiting for Friendly Fires to come on. I suddenly felt so very old being surrounded by kids freshly turned 18. It was freakin’ me out! I’m too old for this! That doesn’t stop the photos looking swish though!

Plenty more photos on my Flickr photostream, so check them out!

Also, pick up a copy of Drum Media Perth this Thursday for the full review.

Gig date: Saturday 18th July, 2009

Brisbane indie-rockers Yves Klein Blue popped into the City Beach Surf Shop in the Perth CBD for a quick in-store gig. Their song “Polka” is currently the song played during a TV ad for the Mitsubishi Lancer, though they have a whole bunch of other pleasant pop-rock songs too! They were to play that night at the Amplifier Bar too. I’m not sure of the history of the surf shop doing in-stores, but I’d really like to find out more about them! My sister tells me that the store usually has a DJ where the band played, though I didn’t know that until I arrived. I’m also told that the shop sells concert tickets, so I’m guessing that’s how they get bands to come into the shop. The lenses I had brought weren’t enough to get some closeup shots.

Thanks to my tardiness, I got there 10 minutes late and they had only played a 20-minute set. That’s alright though. I was surprised at the acoustics in the shop though there weren’t many shoppers who took notice of the performance. The building was formerly a part of the old Commonwealth Bank until they sub-divided the floor space. I don’t remember when that was done, but I do remember how it was before!

Here we have lead singer Michael Tomlinson spotting me travelling down an escalator. Funnily enough, he spotted me later that night at Amplifier Bar bopping away to their pop-rock tunes. Thanks mate!

I didn’t get a lot of shots though- staff were a bit dumbfounded when I rocked up to take photos. One shop assistant came up to me and asked me to stop taking photos. Fair enough, I was in a private space and clothing stores are privy to “knockoff artists” who copy clothing and logo designs from well-known brands. I guess I should have asked before I took photos.

I was with my friend Courtney while she took photos of Yves Klein Blue that night at the Amplifier Bar. Her photos should be up pretty soon on her Flickr photostream and Fasterlouder. Keep a look out for them!

Tomas Ford… uh… straddles another photographer to a whimsical backdrop.

Gig date: Saturday 5th July, 2009

When was the last time you went rollerskating? I didn’t go to the Morley Rollerdrome often enough to remember what the place looked like, even though I live down the road from it. It would have been almost 20 years since I wore skates and there was a time I rollerbladded too- the blades are still in my closet!

Nevertheless, when I had heard about these monthly events at the Rollerdrome hosted by the Perth Roller Derby, I had to go check it out! The feeling of nostalgia and the chance to take photos for a “different” kind of event really urged me to get out there. The most recent event was the Xanadu Rollerdisco, complete with disco balls and rainbow-coloured lights as people, young and old, skated around the rink.

Gennaia Febbraio from Brash & Sassy zooms around the rink!

I haven’t been taking photos much lately for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s Winter and that means the cold is making me lazy. Also, a lot of bands don’t seem to turn up until midway through Winter for the Splendour In The Grass festival over in Byron Bay, NSW. Well, that’s not necessarily true since there is always something happening each weekend. Secondly, I’ve wanted something as “different” as this event to keep my photography fresh and exciting. Bands are “kinda” getting boring to shoot, unless it’s a band I really want to see. The Rollerdisco night was perfect to try some new techniques and to challenge myself.

Surprisingly enough, there was a pretty decent turnout. Not bad for only the third time this kind of event has been organised. Everyone seemed to have fun with live entertainment as people wobbled around trying to keep balance. Did I skate? Of course! I was so eager to get back into it that I had to confidence to skate and take photos AT THE SAME TIME. But no, I didn’t. It was too risky! So, when I got the chance, I put my camera gear away and wobbled around on the rink myself.

Those who frequent the local music scene will definitely be familiar with Tomas Ford and his on-stage antics. He’s just the performer we need to sexy things up with the crowd. I liken him to Perth’s own version of Dan Deacon, with his electronic setup and nutty crowd interaction. A bit of a shame that most were busy skating to really be “touched” by his performance, but his character is so “out there” that it’s always fun to be a part of. Just look at the top photo and see how much FUN they’re having!

I look forward to more of these nights. Hopefully bring some friends and just have a gay old time. You know, in that retro kind-of way.

Check out the full gallery of photos at the FasterLouder gallery or a few more snaps on my Flickr photostream.