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George Lane Shows

By
Mick Pacholli
-

Friday, 24th July

DRUNKLE – Mid Winter Show

In the summer of ’16 or ’67 or ’83 depending on which sources you believe, Hank Holistic, Leroy St Chapeax, Jonny Crash and Cletus Van Zandt met at a rehab facility in Tallahassee Florida. Sharing a common interest in addiction, Hank, Leroy, Jonny Crash and Cletus Van Zandt forged a bond with their common love of the same woman (Stormy) and a love of writing Country/punk music. Drunkle was born and their songs have been stolen and covered by many artists over the years who have gone on the become famous.

Drunkle are a Melbourne cowpunk 4 piece playing the all songs you know in the key of country, western, punk, blues and polka. This’ll be a fun night! It’s one of the only original bands where you’ll know every single song they play even if you haven’t seen them before.

Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

DRUNKLE – Mid Winter Show Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Saturday, 25th July

Little Murders + Electric Relfs (George Lane Matinee Sessions)

Biff! Bang! Pow! 💥 Celebrate 45 years since the legendary 1981 Mod Invasion gig at the Crystal Ballroom!

The iconic Little Murders are heading to George Lane for a massive, high-energy Modtastic Matinee. Fresh off their appearance at Mods Mayday in London, they’ll be blasting out anthems like “Things Will Be Different” alongside the fantastic The Electric Relfs—bringing you their power-packed blend of Dr. Feelgood meets The Who meets The Buzzcocks.

Dust off your sharpest gear and put on your dancing shoes, because this is going to be an absolute ripper of a Sunday afternoon!
Melbourne Mod Pioneers Little Murders Celebrate 45 Years Since Legendary Crystal Ballroom Gig with Explosive George Lane Matinee

Sharing the billing are The Electric Relfs, a powerhouse four-piece that has been packing out venues across Melbourne. Known for their blistering, sweat-drenched sets, The Electric Relfs deliver a modern, high-energy take on classic rock ‘n’ roll—fusing the raw grit of Dr. Feelgood with the driving energy of The Who and the sharp melodic hooks of The Buzzcocks.
Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

Little Murders (George Lane Matinee Sessions) Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Saturday, 25th July

Waz e James Band (Feat. Andrew Pendlebury – The Sports)

Waz E James is a respected Melbourne-based Alt-Country and Americana singer-songwriter and guitarist who has been performing professionally since the late 1970s. His music has received international airplay across the US, UK and Europe, with acclaimed producer John Beland describing him as “one of Australia’s best kept secrets.” He continues to perform regularly in Melbourne, including a long-standing residency in St Kilda.

Andrew Scott Pendlebury (born 1952) is an Australian guitarist-songwriter. From 1977 to 1981 was a member of The Sports (with Stephen Cummings) and from 1986 to 1988 he joined Slaughtermen (with Ian Stephen). He has undertaken other projects and issued four solo albums. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1993, Pendlebury’s solo work, Don’t Hold Back That Feeling, won Best Adult Contemporary Album.

Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

Waz E James Band w/ Andrew Pendlebury (The Sports) Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Friday, 31st July

The Tonalists

The Tonalists are a 3-piece outfit from Melbourne, playing a soul blues inspired repertoire, inventively morphed to fit their line up of Hammond organ, pianos, guitar, lap steel, vocals and drums.

The band formed in 2019 between friends and former members of Long Black Limousine, Mick Coll (keyboards and vocals), Jason Kain (guitars) and Nigel Wright (drums and vocals).  A point of difference from the classic Hammond trio concept was the addition of acoustic and electric piano, slide guitar and lap steel to broaden the tonal range.  Before too long Tom Williams and Christian Foyle added trombone and saxophone respectively to the line up, bringing power and dynamics to the overall sound, and enriching the harmonic layering with vocals as well as brass.

Never that serious, the music goes wherever the mood of the audience and the band takes it – from the mellow and moody to the lazy and loose, inevitably arriving at that fun place with horns blasting, Hammond and guitar wailing, cymbals smashing…

Setlist includes tunes by Lou Donaldson, Leon Russell, Gill Scott-Heron, Billy Preston to name a few…
Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

The Tonalists Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Saturday, 1st August

Aussietallica & Use Your Roses

On Saturday, 1 August, George Lane transforms into rock heaven as AussietallicA and Use Your Roses join forces for an unforgettable double-header.

From the crushing riffs of Metallica to the raw, dangerous energy of Guns N’ Roses, expect wall-to-wall anthems, iconic guitar solos, and the kind of live rock show that leaves your voice gone by the end of the night.

⚡ Enter Sandman. Master of Puppets. Sweet Child O’ Mine. Paradise City… and so much more.

Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

AussietallicA & Use Your Roses Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Friday, 14th August

Pinkerton Pendlebury + Ben Melonie’s Acoustic Three

Andrew Pendlebury (The Sports, Stephen Cummings etc) and Steve Pinkerton (Dallas Crane, The Ronson Hangup, The Anyones,) share musical experience from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s through to now in new musical partnership Pinkerton Pendlebury.

Pinkerton Pendlebury is a musical partnership spanning some more than five decades of live and studio experience, and something of a mutual admiration society between two Melbourne figures who are known as musician’s musicians. Andrew Pendlebury is best known for his work with seminal Stephen Cummings-fronted ’70s/80s Melbourne band The Sports and for a number of acclaimed solo records. Supporting on the night is Ben Melonie’s Acoustic Three.
Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

Pinkerton Pendlebury Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Friday, 21st August

CYNTA

CYNTA is an emerging Australian artist fresh off the national stage of Australian Idol, where she captured audiences across the country with her standout Top 6 finish. Singing since the age of 8 and writing her own music from just 12, CYNTA has spent years refining a sound that is entirely her own.

Having performed across Melbourne and on one of Australia’s biggest platforms, she blends raw emotion with technical precision, drawing inspiration from artists like Tori Kelly, Billie Eilish, and Jacob Collier.

With a voice that is both distinctive and unforgettable, CYNTA is carving out her space in the music industry. She has already released two singles, with more music set to drop later this year.

Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

CYNTA Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Saturday, 22nd August

Searching For Charlie Owen – LP Launch (George Lane Matinee Sessions)

Few guitarists have cut as deep into Australia’s musical landscape as Charlie Owen. With a brand‑new LP marking the next chapter, we revisit the moments that forged his sound. From his influential work with Tex, Don & Charlie, Beasts of Bourbon, and The New Christs, to his powerful collaborations with Louis Tillett, Paul Kelly, Tendrils, and Working Class Ringos, Charlie has continually pushed the boundaries of his craft while captivating listeners with performances that are as ferocious as they are tender.

Charlie’s ability to effortlessly move between genres is a testament to his rare versatility. Whether it’s the raw, unhinged energy of Beasts of Bourbon or the introspective, slow‑burn beauty of Tex, Don & Charlie,— always searching, always evolving, always unmistakably his own.

Multiple Ticket Prices + BF.

Searching For Charlie Owen – LP Launch (GL Matinee Sessions) Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Saturday, 29th August

Mike Rudd (Spectrum) + Tim Gaze (George Lane Matinee Sessions)

Folks! A double bill for the ages! An incredible show awaits as Mike Rudd arrives in town to play a select number of intimate gigs in Melbourne. Joining Mike is very special guest and long-time associate Tim Gaze.

Mike Rudd, best known for his work with Spectrum and that undeniably classic Australian #1 song I’ll Be Gone which became one of the most enduring songs of that era and still heard on the radio today.

He has gone on to front metamorphosis of Spectrum in Indelible Murtceps and also Ariel where they found chart and commercial success again with ‘Jamaican Farewell’. Opening the day will be the one and only Tim Gaze who has trailblazed a lifetime of music including time with Tamam Shud during and post seminal Morning of the Earth surf film era & breakaway band, Kahvas Jute.

Multiple Ticket Prices + BF.

Mike Rudd & Tim Gaze (George Lane Matinee Sessions) Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

Saturday, 19th September

Taxiride Feat. TTSAR

October 18th 1999 saw the Australian release of Taxiride’s debut album ‘Imaginate’ off the back of successful singles ‘Get Set’ and ‘Everywhere You Go’. It debuted at Number 1 on the Australian Album Charts notoriously dethroning Shania Twain’s ‘Come On Over’ after it’s 20 week run at the top.

‘Get Set’ featured on the ‘Election’ movie soundtrack and achieved Top 40 status in the United States and also won the band an ARIA award back home.

‘Imaginate’ went double platinum in Australia and was released throughout Europe, Asia, and North America with subsequent tours in those regions.

Taxiride’s second album ‘Garage Mahal’ debuted at number 5 and spawned the singles ‘How I Got This Way’, ‘Afterglow’ and the ubiqutous ‘Creepin’ Up Slowly’ which won PPCA’s Most Played Song On Australian Radio award for 2002.

Multiple Ticket Prices + BF.

Taxiride Feat. TTSAR Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia

129 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, VIc, Australia

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How Australian Minecraft Server Hosting Improves Multiplayer Gameplay

By
Mick Pacholli
-

How can Australian players make Minecraft multiplayer feel faster and more enjoyable? 

Local server hosting helps by keeping the connection close to the players, which supports quick response times, stable sessions, and smooth group play. It also gives server owners more control over settings, player access, and community activities.

Minecraft becomes more enjoyable when friends can build, explore, and complete tasks together without long waiting times. A local server setup can make every action feel more natural, from opening a chest to moving through large builds. It also creates a comfortable space where regular players can meet and play at a time that suits them.

Faster Response For Australian Players

A server located in Australia keeps data travel close to local players. This helps actions appear quickly on screen and keeps group sessions flowing well. It is especially useful when many people join at the same time.

Quicker In-Game Actions

Every action in Minecraft sends data between the player’s device and the server. A shorter data path supports a quick reply from the server. Players can place blocks, use tools, open doors, and move items with a natural feel.

This quick response matters during group building. When several players work on the same project, each person can see changes almost at once. The team can plan, chat, and build with a steady rhythm.

Better Timing During Group Activities

Many multiplayer activities depend on timing. Players may take part in mini-games, team tasks, building contests, or shared exploration. Local hosting helps each player stay closely connected to the same activity.

This creates fair and enjoyable play for people in different Australian cities. A player in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane can take part with a consistent connection. The whole group gets a more connected session.

Stable Play For Growing Communities

A good multiplayer server supports both regular players and new members. It gives the community a fixed place to meet, create, and share ideas. A stable setup also makes weekly events and long building projects easy to manage.

Reliable Sessions At Busy Times

Minecraft communities often become active after school, after work, and during weekends. A local hosting setup can manage these busy periods with steady performance. Players can join community events and spend time together in a relaxed way.

Server owners can also select suitable memory, storage, and player capacity. This helps the setup match the size of the group. A small private server and a large public community can each use resources that suit their needs.

Consistent Access For Regular Players

Players enjoy returning to a server where their builds, items, and progress remain available. A stable server gives them a familiar place for ongoing projects. It also helps the group create routines, such as Friday building sessions or monthly competitions.

With Australian Minecraft server hosting, local communities can keep their shared space close to their main player base. This supports regular play and makes group planning more comfortable.

More Control Over The Multiplayer Experience

Server owners can choose how the multiplayer space works. They can set rules, manage player access, arrange events, and select useful features. This control helps each community build its own style of play.

Custom Settings For Different Play Styles

Some groups enjoy creative building, while others prefer survival tasks, roleplay, or mini-games. Server settings can support each style through game modes, difficulty choices, player limits, and custom maps.

A household group may choose a calm private setup. A school club may use clear access rules and planned sessions. A larger community may create special zones for building, trading, and team events.

Simple Community Management

Clear controls help server owners look after the community with ease. They can manage permissions, create player groups, set chat rules, and schedule restarts. These features keep the server organised and easy to use.

Regular backups also help protect builds and saved progress. Automated updates can keep files current. With these tools in place, owners can focus on community ideas and player activities.

Better Support For Events And Shared Projects

Minecraft is often used for group projects, online events, and creative competitions. A local server gives organisers a central place to manage these activities. It also supports clear timing for players across Australian time zones.

Community Events With Clear Timing

Local hosting makes it easier to schedule events for Australian evenings and weekends. Organisers can plan building contests, parkour sessions, team games, and themed meetups at suitable times.

Players can join from familiar locations and take part together. This helps the event feel active and friendly. A regular event calendar can also give the community something to look forward to.

Long-Term Builds With Shared Ownership

Large Minecraft builds can take many weeks or months. A dedicated server allows every approved player to contribute over time. One person may work on roads, another on houses, and another on farms or public spaces.

This shared effort builds a real sense of teamwork. Players can see how each small task adds to the final project. It also gives the community a record of its ideas and creativity.

A Comfortable Option For Households And Schools

Minecraft servers can support learning, creativity, and social play. Households and school groups can use private access and clear settings to create a suitable shared space. Local hosting also makes account and player management easier to follow.

Private Access For Known Players

A private server can allow entry only to approved players. Households can create a space for siblings, cousins, and close friends. School clubs can keep access linked to their own member list.

This setup supports clear communication and simple rules. Adults or teachers can manage permissions and choose the right game mode for each session. Players can then focus on building and teamwork.

Learning Through Creative Play

Minecraft can support planning, communication, creative thinking, and basic digital skills. Students may work together on a model town, a history project, or a science activity. Each task can be divided into small roles.

The server keeps all work in one shared place. Students can return to the project during later sessions and continue from the same point. This makes group learning practical and enjoyable.

Stronger Community Connection

A multiplayer server is more than a place to play. It can become a regular meeting point for friends, classmates, and local gaming groups. A local setup helps these groups stay connected through shared activities.

A Space For Regular Social Play

Many players enjoy Minecraft because it gives them time to talk while creating something together. The pace allows casual chat, teamwork, and creative planning. Regular sessions can become part of a group’s weekly routine.
This is useful for friends who live in different parts of Australia. They can meet online, work on a shared build, and stay connected through a common interest.

Local Identity And Shared Ideas

Australian communities can add local ideas to their server. They may create city-inspired builds, coastal towns, bush settings, sports grounds, or festival areas. These themes can make the server feel familiar and personal.

Local timing, shared humour, and common interests also help players feel part of the group. Over time, the server can develop its own style, traditions, and favourite events.

Conclusion

Local server hosting can make Minecraft multiplayer feel quick, steady, and well organised for Australian players. It supports smooth group activities, clear community management, shared projects, and regular social play.

For households, schools, friends, and larger gaming groups, a local setup offers a practical base for creativity and teamwork. When the server matches the needs of the players, every session can feel more connected, enjoyable, and easy to manage.

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Brian Vriends Co-Writes Powerful New Australian Play 12 Angry Actors

By
Mick Pacholli
-

Can Society Ever Forgive? Brian Vriends Co-Writes Powerful New Australian Play 12 Angry Actors

Australian screen and stage favourite Brian Vriends (All Saints, Wentworth, Underbelly, Sydney Theatre Company) has joined forces with award-winning criminal defence lawyer, actor and producer Celine Khoury to create 12 Angry Actors, a gripping new Australian play that confronts one of society’s most challenging questions: when someone has served their sentence, have they truly paid their debt to society?

Developed over seven years, 12 Angry Actors thrusts audiences into an explosive rehearsal room where twelve performers become embroiled in a fierce debate over whether a fellow cast member with a criminal past deserves a second chance.

As rehearsals unravel, so too do the lives of those on stage. Personal histories, hidden prejudices and long-buried trauma collide, forcing each character and, ultimately, the audience to confront their own beliefs about justice, redemption and forgiveness. Rather than offering easy answers, 12 Angry Actors asks where punishment ends, whether rehabilitation is truly possible, and if society is ever willing to forgive.

For Brian Vriends, the script’s emotional complexity was impossible to ignore.

“What drew me to 12 Angry Actors is that it refuses to offer simple answers. It asks audiences to wrestle with difficult questions about justice, redemption and whether we really believe people deserve a second chance. Those are conversations worth having. Twelve Angry Actors is one of those rare stories that stays with you long after it’s over. I’m incredibly excited to help bring this powerful, thought-provoking story to the stage and can’t wait for audiences to experience it.” 

Co-writer and producer Celine Khoury says the production is designed to challenge audiences rather than provide easy answers.

“As a criminal defence lawyer, I’ve spent my career representing people at the worst moments of their lives. This play isn’t about telling audiences what to think. It’s about asking whether we genuinely believe people can change, or whether redemption is something we only support in theory.”

The production features one of Melbourne’s strongest independent theatre ensembles, including Ursula Searle (Fun Home, Melbourne Theatre Company; Apple Cider Vinegar, Netflix; Bluey’s Big Play; Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!), Alexander Given (The Airport Chaplain, SBS), Celine Khoury (Evil Orders, Amazon Prime; Love With No Remorse; An Evening with Kahlil Gibran), Claire Warrillow (The Sunshine Club; And Then There Were None; Holy Water: Crown of Thorns), Monty Burgess (Last Seen, Apple TV+; Utopia, ABC; Lee Nelson’s Well Funny People, BBC), Michael Todorovic (Meurants Lane, La Mama; Never Forgotten), Faouzi Daghistani (more than 180 film, television, commercial and theatre productions), Joanna Karanikolopoulos (Yes, Prime Minister; Magnus Ex), Esther B Ebony (Articulate; Other Gods; Vinegar Tom) and Jacob Saunders (Soyboy; Cowboys Doing Laundry; 3AW and the Nine Network).

Following the success of Son of Byblos, Love With No Remorse and An Evening with Kahlil Gibran, 12 Angry Actors is Asamina Theatre Company’s most ambitious original production to date, commencing 20th August, 2026. Combining the tension of a courtroom drama with the intimacy of backstage theatre, this compelling new Australian work promises to spark conversation long after the curtain falls.

SEASON DETAILS:

12 Angry Actors
Meat Market Stables – 2 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne
20th – 30th August 2026

Early Bird tickets are on sale now until 1 August 2026.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/12-angry-actors-tickets-1991553435938

Tickets: $40 per ticket.

Website: www.asaminatheatre.com

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Huxton Creepers new single out today ahead of tour

By
Mick Pacholli
-

THE HUXTON CREEPERS RELEASE NEW SINGLE “OPPOSITES ATTRACT” / “MIDNIGHT TV” TODAY AHEAD OF AUGUST 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR!

FIRST NEW MUSIC IN OVER THREE AND A HALF DECADES FROM THE MUCH-LOVED AUSTRALIAN ’80s BAND FOLLOWS THE RELEASE OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE OF DEBUT ALBUM 12 DAYS TO PARIS

THE BAND’S AUGUST 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR WILL SEE THEM PLAYING 12 DAYS TO PARIS IN ITS ENTIRETY – PLUS MORE – FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Beloved Melbourne band The Huxton Creepers, who followed Sunnyboys and the Hoodoo Gurus out of the pubs and into the hearts of many young rock’n’roll and guitar-pop loving Australians in the ’80s, are back with their first new music since 1990 in the form of a new single. Their single, which comes two weeks before the band begins its 12 Days to Paris 40th Anniversary Tour, is out today on limited edition 7″ single and digitally and features ‘Opposites Attract’ and ‘Midnight TV’, two brand new songs written by original members Rob Craw, Matthew Eddy and Archie Law, with the addition of new guitarist and longtime friend Julian Matthews of the Stems.

Remarkably, the band has managed – arguably better than ever – to capture and distill everything that always made them great in these new recordings. Both tracks are simply glorious in their melody and perhaps bring to mind classic mid-80s Chris Bailey-led Saints in their rich instrumental sound

Of ‘Opposites Attract’, Rob Craw says, “‘Opposites…’ was inspired by the song ‘Save It For Later’ by the British Beat – its melody and feel. One of my favourite songs but in no way did I wish to just slavishly replicate it but rather just let it seep in as an almost a subconscious driver.

“Lyrically, I was reading about the myth of couples being attracted to their opposite and research had proven this as myth. I’m a big believer in factual truth and evidence based science. However, I just wanted to twist this back to the romantic notion. My wife’s a scientist and me……well let’s just say rationality is not my strong suit. 

The B-side hearkens back to earlier influences. Says Matthew Eddy: “Stole the riff from New York Dolls’ ‘Lonely Planet Boy’ which morphed into a sort of driving hypnotic rhythm, the chorus a nice little tune with bending strings being played around a bushman’s C chord. The lyrics started as ‘Late night TV’ but Rob thought ‘Midnight TV’ sounded better and he was right, despite it very rarely actually happening these days. No mystery here, just musings on couch time. The middle 8 is a wig out to break things up, before settling back into that driving thing from Arch and Matt. A great vocal from Rob, and Jules’ fantastic noodling over everything tops it off nicely. It was recorded with a fade out in mind but nobody wanted it to end so you get to hear it right to the last note.”

The Huxton Creepers’ “Opposites Attract”/”Midnight TV” is out on Cheersquad Records and Tapes and available digitally as well as on black vinyl and limited edition coloured vinyl. It can be ordered now from:
Opposites Attract | Huxton Creepers | Cheersquad Records & Tapes

To celebrate the recent 40th Anniversary reissue of their debut album 12 Days to Paris – and of course the album itself – The Huxton Creepers next month will undertake their first tour since 2011. The shows will see them playing, for the first time ever, 12 Days to Paris in its entirety, as well all their other fan favourites. They’ll be joined by old mates Icecream Hands in Melbourne and The Johnnys in NSW and QLD, with former Screaming Tribesmen front man and his wife, Mick Medew and Ursula, also joining the party in Brisbane.

12 Days To Paris is chock full as it is with classic singles like “My Cherie Amour” and “I Will Persuade You” and “Autumn Leaves” and longtime crowd pleasers like “King of the Road” and “Don’t Even Think About It’.

Which is not to discount earlier and later gems like “The Murderess”, “Skin of My Teeth”, “Rack My Brains” and “Small Mercies”, and great covers like “Shake Some Action”, all of which fans can expect to hear again in August in addition to the track-by-track performance of 12 Days…

Flying Saucer and Cheersquad Records & Tapes Present
THE HUXTON CREEPERS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF 12 DAYS TO PARIS TOUR – AUGUST 2026

Fri Aug 7th Sooki Lounge, Belgrave w/ Icecream Hands – Tix
Sat Aug 8th Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury w/ Icecream Hands – Tix

Fri Aug 14th Marrickville Bowling Club w/ The Johnnys – Tix
Sat Aug 15th Marrickville Bowling Club w/ The Johnnys – Tix
Sun Aug 16th (arvo) Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle w/ The Johnnys – Tix

Fri Aug 21st Norton Music Factory, Caloundra w/ The Johnnys – Tix
Sat Aug 22nd Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley w/ The Johnnys + Mick Medew and Ursulla – Tix
Sun Aug 23rd (arvo) Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba w/ The Johnnys – Tix

THE HUXTON CREEPERS’ 12 DAYS TO PARIS – 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION IS OUT ON NOW AND AVAILABLE FROM
https://cheersquadrecordstapes.bandcamp.com/album/12-days-to-paris
Limited edition gold 12″ vinyl (100 only) and black vinyl available. Includes digital download, which is also available separately. 

Huxton Creepers 2026
Huxton Creepers 2026

“I first heard of the Huxton Creepers when I was a young, aspiring musician. A friend who had moved to Brisbane from Melbourne introduced me to them through a live show recording on Triple R, and from the first moment I heard “King of the Road,” “I Will Persuade You,” and their version of “Ramble Tamble,” I was in. This was the band I’d been waiting for. “
– John Collins (JC), Powderfinger

“Ultimately this is one of the best debut rock & roll albums made in this country. It’s up there with Sunnyboys and Stoneage Romeos…”
– Toby Creswell, Rolling Stone 1986

Loved around the land, the Huxton Creepers first emerged as a sort of teenaged version of both Sunnyboys and Hoodoo Gurus with a bit of ’80s Saints thrown in for good measure—big guitars and big hooks were the order of the day— and the Sunnys and the Gurus took the fledgling Creepers under their wings from the get-go.

Like the Sunnys, Gurus and Saints, the Creepers were a band that appealed equally to inner-city paisley and Cuban heel wearers as well as rank and file rock fans, and 12 Days to Paris was recorded on the back of a couple of years of constant touring on the country’s then-thriving pub circuit.

“We went into Melbourne’s Platinum Studios at the band’s peak to record our debut album,” says drummer Arch Law. “Steve Berlin from Los Lobos and Chris Copping from Procol Harum were with us. We knew we had the songs and the band was firing on all cylinders. We were creating something special. 40 years on we are really proud of 12 Days and excited to be bringing it back to life”

The vinyl reissue of 12 Days to Paris – which is available on limited edition gold vinyl (100 copies only!) or regular black – also coincides with the album’s first ever release through digital platforms. With the label they were signed to having folded decades back, things were in legal limbo for a long time.

The Huxton Creepers’ impact was such that members of subsequent generation of major Australian bands, including Powderfinger and You Am I, have cited the band as an influence over the years. And they have played several reunions over the years, including shows with friends Sunnyboys, The Stems and Ups and Downs. Every time they play the fans come out, the feeling comes flooding back and it’s like they never left. With a big anniversary to celebrate this year, original members Rob Craw, Matthew Eddy and Arch Law are joined by new lead guitarist Julian Matthews of longtime pals The Stems. The band is raring to go, and these shows are not to be missed.

Follow the Creepers!!
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/huxtoncreepers/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/huxtoncreepers?igsh=MXNseWRobng0OTNwNA%3D%3D
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@huxtoncreepers

www.cheersquad.com.au
cheersquadrecordstapes. bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/CheersquadRecordsTapesMGMT
www.instagram.com/cheersquadrecords/
twitter.com/wally_kempton
www.youtube.com/channel/UCnjniTJZiFfmw8JlsLZU7Bg
soundcloud.com/cheersquadrecordsandtapes/

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19-Twenty to Headline The Blues Train’s Off-Track Blues Sessions

By
Mick Pacholli
-

Supported by Phil Coyne & The Wayward Aces and Anna Scionti

The Bellarine Peninsula’s blues scene is heating up this winter with The Blues Train’s newest spin-off event bringing the sound off the rails and into the Queenscliff Town Hall on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

The first-ever Off-Track Blues Sessions boasts a stacked bill, headlined by explosive touring outfit 19-Twenty. Known for turning every room into what the band describes as a sweat-soaked, high-energy celebration, 19-Twenty have built a reputation as one of Australia’s most electrifying live acts, with appearances at Byron Bay Bluesfest, Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Blues on Broadbeach, and more than 70 festivals nationwide.

They’ll be joined by Melbourne’s Phil Coyne & The Wayward Aces, whose harp-driven Australian blues has charted internationally off the back of acclaimed releases including Sound & Fury and Live at MBAS. Fronted by blues harp player Phil Coyne, the band features Morgan Klose on guitar, Dale “Gloveboy” Lindrea on bass and Will Harris on drums.

Rounding out the bill is Melbourne singer-songwriter Anna Scionti, a slide guitar specialist across cigar box guitar, resonator, lap steel and six-string. The 2023 Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society Blues Performer of the Year (Solo/Duo) went on to represent the MBAS at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2024, and released her third studio album, Sparrow and the Fox, in July 2024.

“We’re thrilled to bring the blues off the tracks and into the Queenscliff Town Hall while The Blues Train has its winter break,” said Daniel Kay, event promoter. “19-Twenty are one of the most electrifying live acts touring Australia right now and this will be a great chance to see them in an intimate venue.”

Visit www.thebluestrain.com.au  for ticket information.

EVENT DETAILS
Event: The Blues Train Presents – Off-Track Blues Sessions
Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
Venue: Queenscliff Town Hall
Doors: 3.15pm | Start: 4pm
Tickets: General admission, seated – $99 pp
Bar and merchandise available on-site.  Strictly no BYO
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

ABOUT THE BLUES TRAIN
The Blues Train is an all-inclusive music experience staged aboard a moving heritage train on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria.  Guests experience four live blues & roots music acts as they move through the carriages.  Each show is unique and features artists from all around Australia.  The Blues Train runs seasonally from October to June.

The Blues Train Presents is a new venture presented by the Blues Train team applying the same format to genres beyond blues & roots. Past editions have included a Rockabilly train and a Country & Western train.

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Manual vs Motorised Shutters: Which Suits Your Home?

By
Mick Pacholli
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Automatic exterior roller shutter closing modern exterior window. Close up view of electric blind panel moving over glass surface. Concept of home security, privacy, sun protection

Once you’ve decided to fit roller shutters in Perth, the next choice is how you’ll operate them: manually by hand, or with a motor at the push of a button. Both do the core job of shading, insulating, and securing your windows, but they suit different homes, budgets, and lifestyles.

Here’s a clear look at how each option works and how to decide which is the better fit for you.

How manual shutters work

Manual roller shutters are operated by hand, typically with a strap, winder, or crank inside the room. They’re simple, proven, and have fewer components that can fail, which makes them reliable and generally cheaper to buy and install.

For a small number of windows, or where you don’t mind operating each one yourself, manual shutters are a cost-effective and dependable choice that does everything a shutter should.

How motorised shutters work

Motorised shutters run on an electric motor, controlled by a wall switch, remote, or increasingly a smartphone or home automation system. The appeal is obvious convenience: you can raise or lower every shutter in the house without moving from the couch.

That convenience becomes far more valuable the more shutters you have, or when windows are hard to reach. Operating a dozen shutters by hand every morning and night gets old quickly; doing it at the touch of a button does not.

Automation opens up other possibilities as well. Shutters can be set to close on a schedule or as part of a security routine, so your home looks occupied and stays protected even when you’re away. For anyone who travels or simply values convenience, that hands-off operation is often the deciding factor.

The cost difference

Manual shutters cost less upfront, both for the hardware and the installation, since there’s no motor or wiring involved. Motorised shutters carry a higher initial price, reflecting the motor, controls, and electrical work.

It’s worth weighing that against how you’ll actually live with them. For many homes, the convenience of motorisation justifies the extra cost, particularly across a larger number of windows.

Reliability and maintenance

Manual shutters have fewer parts to go wrong, which some homeowners value. Motorised systems are highly reliable when installed by professionals using quality motors, and modern units are built to last, but they do introduce electrical components into the equation.

Many motorised shutters also include a manual override, so you’re not left stuck if the power goes out, which addresses one of the most common concerns people raise.

Think about the future, too. If you’re likely to add more shutters later or want to integrate them with a broader smart-home setup, starting with motorised units, or at least wiring for them, can save retrofitting down the track.

On upkeep, both types benefit from occasional cleaning of the slats and guides to keep them running smoothly. Motorised units need little more than that, and a quality motor from a reputable installer should give years of trouble-free service.

Which one suits you?

If you’re fitting a few shutters, watching the budget, and happy to operate them yourself, manual is a sound, economical choice. If you’re shuttering a whole home, value convenience, want automation, or have windows that are awkward to reach, motorised shutters are likely worth the extra investment.

There’s no single right answer, only the right fit for your home and how you live in it. A good local supplier can walk you through both options on your actual windows and help you land on the best choice.

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What Separates a Cheap Paint Job From a Lasting One

By
Mick Pacholli
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Professional painter tools on protective paper: home renovation and painting concept

On the day it’s finished, almost any paint job looks good. Fresh paint hides a lot. The real test comes twelve months later, when a quality job still looks sharp and a cheap one is already peeling, patchy, and fading. For a commercial property, that difference is the difference between a smart investment and money down the drain.

So what actually separates a lasting professional finish from a cheap one? It’s rarely the colour on the wall. It’s everything that happens before and around it.

Preparation is most of the job

Ask any experienced painter and they’ll tell you that preparation, not painting, is where a job is won or lost. Proper cleaning, sanding, filling, and priming of surfaces is what makes paint bond and last. Skip it, and even premium paint will lift and flake within months.

Cheap jobs cut corners here because prep is slow, unglamorous, and invisible in the final photo. A quality commercial painter treats it as the foundation of the whole project.

You can often judge a painter by how they talk about it. If a quote is vague on surface preparation and jumps straight to coats and colours, that’s a warning sign. A professional will walk you through cleaning, repairs, and priming as a matter of course, because they know it determines everything that follows.

The products actually make a difference

Not all paint is equal. Quality commercial-grade coatings cost more but hold their colour, resist wear, and stand up to weather and cleaning far better than budget alternatives. For high-traffic or exterior surfaces, that durability is exactly what you’re paying for.

A good painter also matches the right product to the surface and the environment, rather than using one cheap tin for everything regardless of the conditions it has to survive.

Colour longevity is part of this too. Cheaper paints fade unevenly, so a building repainted on a budget can look tired and blotchy within a year or two, especially on sun-exposed exteriors. Quality coatings hold their colour far longer, keeping the property looking cared-for.

For a business, that appearance is not a small thing. A fresh, well-maintained exterior signals professionalism to customers, while peeling or faded paint quietly undermines it. The finish on your building is part of your brand, which is another reason the cheapest option rarely serves you well.

Licensed, insured, and organised crews

For commercial work, professionalism extends well beyond the brush. Properly licensed and insured painters protect you if something goes wrong, and an organised crew manages access, safety, and timelines so your business keeps running.

Cheap operators often lack this structure, which shows up as missed deadlines, safety risks, and a finish rushed to fit too many jobs into too little time.

Minimising disruption to your business

A commercial paint job isn’t just about the walls; it’s about getting them done without shutting you down. Experienced commercial painters Perth plan around your trading hours, cordon off work areas, and keep the site clean and safe so customers and staff are barely inconvenienced.

That coordination is part of what you pay for, and it’s usually absent from the cheapest quote.

The true cost over time

The lowest quote is rarely the cheapest paint job in the long run. A finish that fails in a year has to be redone, doubling your cost and disruption, while a quality job done once can look good for many years.

When you weigh it over the life of the finish, investing in proper preparation, good products, and a professional crew is almost always the better value. Judge quotes on what you’re getting, not just the number at the bottom.

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What You Can and Can’t Throw in a Hired Skip

By
Mick Pacholli
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Old worn skip container on riverbank, selective focus

Skip bin hire Perth makes clearing out a home or worksite wonderfully simple. Fill it up, and it’s gone. But not everything is allowed to go in, and putting the wrong item in your skip can lead to extra fees, delays, or even fines.

Knowing the rules before you start loading saves a lot of grief. Here’s a straightforward guide to what belongs in a skip and what doesn’t.

What you can throw in

The good news is that most everyday waste is perfectly fine. General household rubbish, furniture, timber, cardboard and paper, green waste, and most renovation debris such as plasterboard, tiles, and old fittings can all go straight in.

Heavy materials like bricks, concrete, soil, and sand are usually accepted too, though often in dedicated heavy-waste bins because of their weight. If your load is mostly rubble, it’s worth flagging that when you book.

Different providers also apply slightly different rules, so the safest habit is to confirm what’s accepted when you book rather than after the bin arrives. A quick rundown of your main items over the phone avoids awkward surprises on collection day, and keeping heavier and lighter waste roughly separated as you load makes the provider’s job easier and can keep your costs down.

Asbestos is a hard no

Asbestos deserves its own warning. It must never be placed in a standard skip bin under any circumstances. Handling and disposing of asbestos is strictly regulated and requires licensed professionals and specialised disposal.

If you suspect old materials in your home contain asbestos, particularly in houses built before the late 1980s, stop and get expert advice rather than risking your health and a serious breach of the law.

Hazardous items to keep out

A number of common items are banned from general skips because they’re hazardous or environmentally damaging. These typically include paint and solvents, chemicals, batteries, gas bottles, tyres, fluorescent tubes, and electrical goods and appliances.

Many of these can be recycled or disposed of safely through dedicated drop-off points and council programs. Keeping them out of your skip protects the people who handle it and keeps you on the right side of disposal rules.

Mattresses and tyres deserve a special mention because they catch people out constantly. Both are accepted by some providers and refused by others, or taken only for an additional fee, because they’re awkward and costly to process. Always confirm before tossing them in.

Food waste and general rotting rubbish are another grey area. Small amounts of household waste are usually fine, but a skip isn’t a substitute for your regular bin service, and large quantities of putrescible waste can create odour and hygiene problems while the bin sits on site.

Why the rules matter

Skip providers sort and dispose of waste according to strict regulations, and prohibited items can contaminate an entire load, hold up processing, or send the whole lot to landfill unnecessarily. That’s why banned items often attract extra charges when they turn up in a bin.

Following the rules keeps your hire cost predictable and helps as much of the waste as possible get recycled rather than dumped.

When you’re not sure, ask first

If you’re staring at something and can’t tell whether it’s allowed, don’t guess. A quick call to your skip bin provider will confirm whether an item is fine, needs a different bin, or has to be disposed of another way.

A little care at the loading stage keeps your clean-up cheap, smooth, and free of nasty surprises when the bin is collected.

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How Social Proof and AI Algorithms Are Reshaping Instagram Marketing in 2026

By
Mick Pacholli
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The mix of human thoughts and machine learning has made it hard for people to stand out online. On Instagram, you do not just see posts in order of time or follow simple hashtags now. The platform uses several layers, running on deep learning models. These models try to guess what users will do next, and they do it with high accuracy.

At the centre of this system is a loop that keeps going. It connects smart computers and proof from people. Brands and digital builders need to understand how this loop works. It is the base of building a new group of followers today. Speeding up this loop matters a lot. In fact, starting with good interest and connections is one reason creators choose Stormlikes Instagram followers to boost their numbers and show some movement to the platform’s ranking models.

Inside Instagram's multi-stage AI recommendation funnel. Source: Engineering at Meta - Facebook
Inside Instagram’s multi-stage AI recommendation funnel. Source: Engineering at Meta – Facebook

Deconstructing the Instagram Recommendation Engine

Instagram’s system for suggesting posts works with a detailed, several-step process. Meta’s guides about how these systems work show that the first step is called retrieval. At this stage, the AI brings together thousands of posts chosen from what you have liked and done in the past.

From there, the system narrows down the choices using advanced prediction models:

  • First-Stage Ranking (The “Two-Tower” Model): A simple machine learning model uses how a user looks and how an item looks. This is used to quickly pick the top 100 candidates that matter most for the user.
  • Second-Stage Ranking (Heavy Predictions): A deep system that works on several tasks at once. It finds out the chance that a user will like, save, share, or comment on a post for real.
  • The Value Model: The last layer looks at what the user might do and matches these things with what the platform wants right now, like making people interact in a useful way, or making users stay longer.

For the AI to place your content at the top, it needs to see quick and good signals that people are interested. This is where people show proof that your content is trusted, and these actions connect right away with online systems that learn from user behaviour.

The Intersection of Social Proof and Algorithmic Bias

Algorithms mostly lean toward momentum. If a post gets early likes or comments, the AI sees that as a sign that it is good. It starts to show the post to more people, moving it from regular feeds to the “Explore” tab and Reels suggestions.

However, people also feel the same way. Social proof says that users will watch a video, read its text, or follow someone if they see many others already do it.

[Initial Social Proof] ──> [High Engagement Signals] ──> [AI Algorithm Priority] ──> [Viral Explore/Reels Reach]

Without a solid base of social proof, even really good content may not get picked up in the “retrieval” part of the algorithm. This happens because it does not have the past engagement signs that help it clear the first-stage ranking filters.

Balancing Automation with Organic Strategy

To do well here, you need a plan that meets the needs of both computers and people.

  1. Format-Specific Optimisation: Make sure the content is set up to help people watch for longer. A high number of finished views is key for the AI’s “Value Model.” To do this, keep people interested so they don’t leave.
  2. Strategic Engagement Baselines: If you are starting a new account or changing your direction, you need to get people to join in and talk. Reply to comments in the first hour after you post something. This helps good conversations grow, and with the algorithm, comments matter more than simple likes.
  3. Algorithmic Consistency: Post in a way that people can count on. These AIs keep track of what accounts do; big changes in topic or posting at random times can make them confused about what your account is about.

The Future of AI-Driven Visibility

As we move into 2026, Meta’s discovery systems are using fewer direct user choices like who you follow. They focus more on things like how long you stay on certain pictures. At this time, getting early social signals is one key step for any digital plan. The way the platform works depends a lot on numbers you get at first. That’s one reason creators choose Stormlikes for Instagram followers. It helps set up a starting point for trust. This makes it easier for your new posts to reach more people and get noticed by both the platform’s systems and real users.

 

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An Exploration of MirrorMouth’s New Release ‘My Genes Are Shouting’

By
Liberty Music
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Love at first sight. Dating apps. Instant chemistry. We often think attraction is something deeply personal, shaped by our own preferences and experiences. But what if there’s another voice quietly influencing those decisions?

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | X | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD

On his latest single, ‘My Genes Are Shouting’, Swiss songwriter MirrorMouth explores the fascinating intersection of pop music and evolutionary biology, inviting listeners to consider how millions of years of evolution may still shape modern romance. With playful lyrics, infectious melodies, and a healthy dose of curiosity, the track asks questions rather than offering conclusions. We caught up with MirrorMouth to discuss the inspiration behind the song, the science that sparked it, and why sometimes the most interesting conversations begin with a simple question.

YouTube player

1. ‘My Genes Are Shouting’ is certainly a title that grabs attention. What sparked the idea behind the song?

The idea began years ago when I read an interview arguing that many differences between people were primarily social constructs. That didn’t convince me. I’m convinced that biology plays a much bigger role in shaping who we are than many public discussions acknowledge. Not because biology explains everything—it doesn’t—but because millions of years of evolution have left their mark on us. That thought stayed with me for years, and eventually became My Genes Are Shouting.

2. Your tagline is, “Behind every swipe, there is also biology.” What do you hope listeners take away from that thought?

I hope it reminds people that human behaviour is usually more complex than we think. We often look for simple explanations, but our behaviour is shaped by biology, culture, personal experiences, and the environment we live in. “Behind every swipe, there is also biology” is simply a reminder that evolution didn’t stop when smartphones were invented. We are all shaped by millions of years of evolution, and understanding ourselves begins by recognising that.

3. The song references concepts from evolutionary biology. What drew you to explore science through pop music?

My background is in economics and finance, where I spent years analysing financial markets and human decision-making. But it was behavioural finance that really connected the dots for me. It showed me that financial markets aren’t driven by logic alone, because people aren’t driven by logic alone. Our decisions are shaped not only by logic, but also by psychology, emotions, and deeply rooted instincts. That naturally led me to explore evolutionary biology, because if we want to understand why we think and behave the way we do, we also have to understand where those instincts came from. Those insights helped me make even better investment decisions—and inspired me to write songs exploring the same ideas.

4. Some listeners may find the themes provocative. Were you hoping to challenge people, or simply encourage conversation?

I don’t write songs to provoke people for the sake of provoking them. I write about ideas that I genuinely believe are worth discussing, even when they go against mainstream thinking. I’m fully aware that this may limit my audience, and of course I’d love my songs to reach as many people as possible. But I’d rather write honest, thought-provoking songs that I truly believe in than simply tell people what they want to hear.

Ultimately, my goal isn’t to divide people, but to encourage honest conversations and help people better understand one another. Men and women are different in many ways, and I believe many of those differences complement one another rather than compete with one another. Together, we’ve achieved extraordinary things throughout human history, and I believe we’ll achieve even more when we better understand and appreciate one another.

5. Your songs often explore topics that aren’t typically found in pop music. What attracts you to writing about ideas rather than personal confession?

I’ve always been curious about how people think and why they do the things they do. Throughout my career, one question kept coming back: “Why?” Whether I was analysing financial markets, observing people from different cultures, or simply reflecting on everyday life, I was always looking for the underlying patterns.

Songwriting gives me the opportunity to distil complex ideas into something simple, memorable, and emotional. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking years of reading, observing, and thinking, and distilling the essence into just a few words. When the line “Behind every swipe, there is also biology” came to me, I knew I’d captured in one sentence an idea I’d been thinking about for years. That’s what I love most about writing songs.

6. If listeners walk away asking themselves one question after hearing ‘My Genes Are Shouting’, what would you hope it is?

I hope they ask themselves, “How much of what I believe is really my own?” We all like to think we’re mostly rational and make our own choices. But I believe our decisions are influenced by biology, culture, personal experiences, and the world around us. The better we understand those influences, the better we understand ourselves—and each other.

7. What MirrorMouth stands for?

MirrorMouth is about turning years of observation into songs that make people think. I don’t hide my opinions—I write about ideas I genuinely believe in. Songwriting gives me the opportunity to share some of the observations and lessons from my years in finance. One lesson I learned is that people often hesitate to express unpopular opinions publicly because they have careers, businesses, or reputations to protect. As an independent artist, I have the freedom to explore those ideas through my music. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, and that’s perfectly okay. My hope isn’t to have the last word, but to start honest conversations.

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