First up: everything that could be said has already been said, so I’ll keep it brief regarding Sunday’sKeep Sydney Openrally. 15,000+ people turned up to say this with the greatest passion: fuck you,Mike Baird#casinomike.
Hoooboy, we might just have the gig of the year on our hands here. Regular readers of this column will know how much I love the label Giegling, and now one of its mainstays Vril has locked in his first ever show in Sydney. Plus, he’ll be playing totally live. His 2014 record Torus was without a doubt one of the best of year, and now that Marcel Dettmann has given the seal of approval (he finished up Fabric 77 with the track ‘Torus XXXII’), you know this night is going to be all killer, no filler. Support comes from Trinity, Matt Lush and Dave Stuart. It’s happening on Saturday March 26 at the Burdekin Hotel. I’m giddy.
You guys – Picnic is turning eight! That’s eight whole years of bringing you the best house, techno, disco and beyond from around the globe. I love these guys. And what better way to celebrate than a party with freakin’ Soichi Terada. Seriously, even this guy’s press shots make me happy. The Japanese veteran behind Far East Recording was thrown back into the spotlight last year following the release of Hunee’s curated compilation Sounds From The Far East (on Rush Hour Recordings), which focused heavily on Terada’s back catalogue, and went on to be selected as Resident Advisor’snumber one compilation of the year. I mean, look at that bloody smiling face on the record sleeve. Check out classic tracks such as ‘Do It Again’ and ‘Sun Shower’ to get you in the mood before Saturday March 19 at Jam Gallery. Support comes from Picnic staples Adi Toohey, Andy Webb, Ben Fester, Hubert Clarke Jr, Jon Watts and Kali. Happy birthday, legends.
Oh man, Mad Racket always throws killer Mardi Gras parties, but this year’s is looking even more special than usual. Returning to Australia following an acclaimed debut sojourn Down Under in 2015, The Black Madonna will fill headline duties. Recently appointed the music director at Chicago’s Smart Bar, the outspoken selector has made a name for herself following killer releases on the likes of Argot, Classic, Forbidden Colours, Freerange Records, Home Taping Is Killing Music, Stripped & Chewed and The Nite Owl Diner. Support will be handled by Simon Caldwell, Ken Cloud, Jimmi James and Zootie. It’s happening on Saturday March 5 at the Factory Theatre. The starting/finishing times will be earlier than usual, with the party running from 6pm-2am.
Tour rumours: one of the German cats I’ve already mentioned in this week’s column has a return to Australia booked, soon to be announced. Care to guess which one? (Hint: it’s Marcel Dettmann). Also, the Tresor 25th anniversary tour will be coming to Sydney in June, details imminent.
Best releases this week: I’m basically going to lose my mind if that new Traumprinz/DJ Metatron album that premiered on Boiler Room doesn’t surface within the month, but I digress. I’m really digging Dorisburg’sTime Stretch Totem (on Aniara), while other highlights include Nthng’sAre You Here (Pacific Command) and Pantha du Prince’sThe Winter Hymn (Rough Trade).
Recommended:
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27
Reeko, Krenzlin @Bridge Hotel
SATURDAYMARCH 5
Prins Thomas @Civic Underground
The Black Madonna @Factory Theatre
Paula Temple @Bridge Hotel
SUNDAY MARCH 6
Jeremy Underground, Sadar Bahar, Andrés @National Art School
TUESDAY MARCH 15
St. Germain @Enmore Theatre
SATURDAY MARCH 19
Soichi Terada @Jam Gallery
SATURDAY MARCH 26
Vril @Burdekin Hotel
