Alternative Rock | Musicosity

Alternative Rock

The Modfathers

Heavy Soul, the follow-up to the million-selling Stanley Road, saw Weller twist his sound again. The album was more raw than its predecessor; Weller was now frequently playing live in the studio in as few takes as possible.[citation needed] The first single "Peacock Suit" reached No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart, and the album reached No. 2. Success in the charts also came from compilations: "Best Of" albums by the Jam and the Style Council charted, and in 1998 his own solo collection Modern Classics was a substantial success.

In 2000, while living in Send, Surrey, he released his fifth solo studio album, Heliocentric. Once again finding himself without a record contract, Weller's Days of Speed worldwide tour provided him with the opportunity to view his works as one back catalogue, giving rise to a second successful live album in 2001. Days of Speed contained live acoustic versions from the world tour of the same name, including some of his best-known songs from his solo career and the back catalogues of his Jam and Style Council days.

There were rumours at the time that Heliocentric would be Weller's final studio effort, but these proved unfounded when he released the No. 1 hit album Illumination in September 2002. Co-produced by Noonday Underground's Simon Dine, it was preceded by yet another top 10 hit single "It's Written in the Stars". Weller also appears on the 2002 Noonday Underground album called Surface Noise, singing on the track "I'll Walk Right On".

In 2002, Weller collaborated with Terry Callier on the single "Brother to Brother", which featured on Callier's album Speak Your Peace. In 2003, Weller teamed up with electronic rock duo Death in Vegas on a cover of Gene Clark's "So You Say You Lost Your Baby", which featured on their Scorpio Rising album.

In 2004, Weller released an album of covers entitled Studio 150. It debuted at No. 2 in the UK charts and included Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" as well as covers of songs by Gil Scott-Heron, Rose Royce and Gordon Lightfoot, amongst others.

Weller's 2005 album As Is Now featured the singles "From the Floorboards Up", "Come On/Let's Go" and "Here's the Good News". The album was well-received, though critics noted that he was not moving his music forward stylistically,[14] and it became his lowest-charting album since his 1992 debut.

In February 2006 it was announced that Weller would be the latest recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BRIT Awards. Despite a tendency to shun such occasions, Weller accepted the award in person, and performed four songs at the ceremony, including the Jam's classic "Town Called Malice". In June 2006, another double live album titled Catch-Flame!, featuring songs from both his solo work and his career with the Jam and the Style Council, was released. In late 2006, the album Hit Parade was released, which collected all the singles released by the Jam, the Style Council and Weller during his solo career. Two versions of this album were released: a single disc with a selection from each stage of his career, and a four-disc limited edition, which included every single released and came with a 64-page booklet. Weller was offered appointment as a Commander of the Order of British Empire in the 2006 birthday honours, but rejected the offer.[15]

In 2007 Weller was guest vocalist on the album issue by the folk musical project the Imagined Village.

Supermodels

Melbourne four-piece Supermodels play roots-inspired post-punk that draws on folk rock, 60s pop, blues punk and new wave. Oscar Sergeant and Callum Elvins' lyrical songwriting is backed by Callum's Telecaster twang and the hulking rhythm section of Rehn Smith (drums) and Fraser Elvins (bass), to create driving and melodic rock and roll that pays homage to it's influences while forging a path of its own.

Hank’s Jalopy Demons

Hank’s Jalopy Demons have performed publicly in Melbourne and Internationally since 1996. The latest line-up has been particularly active in seedy late night bars, where they have assailed unsuspecting victims with their well practiced and expert renditions of unadulterated Rock-a-billy music (sometimes cut with illicit substances such as late-50s garage Rock‘n’Roll and Hillbilly).

Hank Ferguson is a notorious Rock-a/Hill-billy singer, previously convicted for crimes against musical taste with the “Starliners” (1991-2002); specializing in vocal gymnastics and six-stringed acoustic guitar.

Dave Cantrell – Highly dangerous! Previous convictions include musical assault with electric guitar, vocals, steel guitar, trumpet and saxophone. Said assaults occurred between 1984 and 2011 on behalf of such bands as the “Stringbusters”, the “Straight 8s” and the “Starliners”.

Til (Snappy) Vex – Convicted of grievous bodily harm against numerous bull fiddles, electric basses and amplifiers over the last two decades. Connections with wild combinations include the highly sought after “Black Slacks”, “Rockin’ Bandits”, the “Roadsters” and “Straight 8s”.

Andrew Lindsay – known as “Mr. Rhythm” in hip circles; has served time most of his adult life for the supply of specialist drumming in such outfits as the “Roadsters”, the “Dancehall Racketeers”, the “Moonie Valley Drifters”, the “Starliners” and “Benny & the Flybyniters” between 1986 and 2012.

Lil Ugly Mane

Travis Miller (born May 13, 1984) is an American rapper, singer and record producer from Richmond, Virginia.[1] He has recorded under multiple aliases in various genres since his first known released project in 2005,[2] including Lil Ugly Mane, Shawn Kemp, Vudmurk and Bedwetter.

Miller rose to popularity in the early 2010s with an experimental approach to Southern hip hop. His debut album Mista Thug Isolation gained him notoriety in the underground hip hop scene.[3] Since then, he has experimented with a number of styles within and outside the hip hop genre, most recently releasing the indie rock album Volcanic Bird Enemy and the Voiced Concern.[4][5] His other work spans genres including instrumental and abstract hip hop, black metal, free jazz and noise music.

Miller began recording music in the 2000s under a number of aliases. Much of his early music cannot be found today on the internet, however some of it has been re-released, such as on his Register compilation album. Some of his early work included the black metal projects Vudmurk and Seidhr, the industrial and noise projects Across, Public Garden and Rats, and the underground hip hop group The Legacy, during which time he rapped under the name Young Gus.[6]

Miller began releasing hip hop under the name Lil Ugly Mane on Bandcamp and producing beats for himself and other artists under the name Shawn Kemp in 2010, releasing his debut mixtape Playaz Circle in 2011.[7] His early work under the Lil Ugly Mane name drew on various styles of underground Southern hip hop from the 1990s such as Memphis rap and chopped and screwed. His style was similar to that of the contemporaneous Raider Klan collective, with whom he collaborated. His 2012 debut album Mista Thug Isolation earned positive reviews from Mishka NYC, among others and support from members of the popular hip hop collective Odd Future.[8][9] The album has since been hailed as a classic of the 2010s underground hip hop scene, earning later praise from Pitchfork and The Needle Drop.[10][11] The album was followed by a number of smaller releases, including the Uneven Compromise EP, which is ranked in the top 10 greatest EPs of all time by user-generated music review site RateYourMusic, and the single "On Doing an Evil Deed Blues", in which he outlined his grievances with the music industry and his intention to retire the Lil Ugly Mane project.[12][13]

Miller announced he would release one final album under the Lil Ugly Mane name, and began sporadically releasing compilations of beats and older material on Bandcamp, including the Three Sided Tape series, the final installment of which, Third Side of Tape, received positive coverage from Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop among others.[14] In 2015, Miller released what was intended to be the final Lil Ugly Mane album – Oblivion Access and the final Shawn Kemp project – Trick Dice, a collaboration with rapper Nickelus F. Oblivion Access saw Lil Ugly Mane taking a more experimental approach divorced from his earlier '90s Southern rap influences.[15]

In 2017, Miller announced he would continue rapping under the name Bedwetter and released his debut project under the name – Volume 1: Flick Your Tongue Against Your Teeth and Describe the Present. The album continued with the more introspective and experimental style of Oblivion Access.[16] Around the same time however, Miller began rapping under the Lil Ugly Mane name again as part of the group Secret Circle with Antwon and Wiki. After releasing a few singles, the group disbanded and scrapped their debut album due to a personal falling out.[17] Miller began working with the remaining members of GothBoiClique, however then appeared to go on hiatus, only releasing small collections of older material sporadically.

In 2021, Miller began releasing new music under the Lil Ugly Mane name. He released the single "Headboard", followed by "Porcelain Slightly" and then his third major release under the Lil Ugly Mane name – Volcanic Bird Enemy and the Voiced Concern, which was covered positively by Sputnik Music and Stereogum.[18][19] Around the same time, Miller released a new black metal demo under the Vudmurk name.

Littlefoot

On the vibrant Melbourne music scene, where the air hums with anticipation and the walls of Iconic venues echo with the strains of creativity, one band stands poised to make a seismic Impact.

Littlefoot, a quartet with a penchant for heavy alternative rock, is set to headline at the legendary Cherry Bar. Their music, a fusion of raw energy and ‘90s heavy rock influences, promises an electrifying experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Dylan Lewis

Dylan Lewis is one of Australia’s most enduring and recognisable entertainers, with a career spanning over two decades and encompassing television, radio, film and music. Dylan was a mainstay on Nova for 13 years, and was most recently heard all over Adelaide as the co-host of Nova919 Adelaide breakfast show ‘Dylan and Hayley’, and ‘Lewis and Lowe’ before that. The start of 2020 saw Dylan feature as a guest host of Double J’s ‘Summer Mornings’. For two years he then hosted Double J Weekends. He has previously hosted radio shows on Fox FM, Triple J and Nova 100 in Melbourne.

Dylan's hard work and talent has been rewarded by winning 3 ACRA Awards so far in his radio career, 'Best Newcomer' 2007, 'Best Music Personality’ 2009 and ‘Best Music Presenter’ 2012.

Infamously known as the presenter of ‘Recovery’ on ABC, Dylan has hosted an array of television music and variety shows, including 10.30 Slot, Pepsi Live and Network Ten’s national Saturday morning show, ‘Video Hits’ with Faustina Agolley from 2010 to 2011. To the delight of ‘Recovery’ fans, the ‘Recovery Special’ returned in 2019 as part of ABC’s AusMusic month.

A regular star on television, Dylan has also been popular guest panellist on shows such as ‘Spicks & Specks’, ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation’, as well as regular field reporter and guest co-host on ‘The Circle’ and appearances on Network Ten's 'The Project’ doing the 'Whip Around'.

When Dylan first shot to cult fame on ABC TV’s national Saturday morning live music show ‘Recovery’ in 1996, he catapulted the popularity of live music and interviewing to a new level. He hosted ‘Recovery’ for four years and his infectious persona brought a new element into Saturday morning television. Dylan's warmth and individuality aided in attaining artists that would appear exclusively on ‘Recovery’ whilst visiting Australia.

Following ‘Recovery’, Dylan hosted the national television program ‘The 10.30 Slot’ on Friday evenings, another of ABC TV’s popular music and pop culture extravaganzas. Dylan's association in the music world was cemented when he became the host of Channel 10’s ‘Pepsi Live’ in 2001 - continuing this role for three years on the only Australian commercial television music program at the time. Dylan simultaneously hosted the show’s national radio program on 2-Day/Fox FM. He then went on to co-host ‘Video Hits’ 2010-2011, airing every Saturday and Sunday morning on Channel Ten, Australia’s longest running music show and the world’s second longest running after Eurovision.

Dylan’s star studded list of celebrities interviewed includes Stevie Wonder, Foo Fighters, M.I.A, Britney Spears, Ed Sheeran, Sting, Kylie Minogue, Bjork, Russell Crowe, Silverchair, Faith No More, Metallica, Oasis, No Doubt, De La Soul, Public Enemy, Reece Witherspoon, Billy Zane, Eric Bana, Noel Fielding…and the list goes on...

As a huge fan of the series, Dylan was thrilled to accept an offer to be in the Australian Celebrity Big Brother. When it came to the final eviction night, Dylan was the overwhelming winner as voted by the general public. He has also appeared on Channel 9’s ratings winner, Celebrity Circus where his natural comic ability and willingness to take on all challenges thrown at him, once again made him an absolute standout of the series. The start of 2022 saw Dylan enter the ‘so-called’ jungle on ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’, supporting ‘Lifeline’ as his chosen charity.

One of Dylan’s career highlights was when he appeared as an extra in ‘Star Wars Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones’. Continuing on the feature film ride, Dylan landed a role in ‘The Real Thing’ released in Australia in 2002 and has played the lead role in short films, ‘Like It Is’, ‘RAY’ and 'The Postman', as well as many minor film and TV roles. He had a guest role in ‘Emo The Musical’ as Doug Skeleton in 2016.

Dylan graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Education in secondary drama and music in 1994. He dabbles in pastimes such as juggling, fire-breathing, clowning and magic. He plays piano, clarinet, saxophone, turntables, accordion, harmonica and didgeridoo. Dylan also has his own man-choir called....Manchoir – a group of men who sing (and perform) in mostly perfect harmonies. He has also played in two well-known Melbourne bands: funk band 'The Brown Hornet' and hip-hop band Megabias. Both bands have toured extensively, released a few albums and performed on a variety of television shows. He now plays in a band called The Haploids making music for kids that parents won’t hate.

Dylan extends his support to many different charity causes through his media profile. Namely, he’s been an ambassador for Headspace (The National Youth Mental Health Foundation), The Starlight Foundation, Smiling Mind, Ride2School Day, Lifeline, Polished Man and Artists For Kids.

Dylan has hosted many launches, corporate functions and awards events. The rare experience of hosting an abundance of television shows, including hundreds of hours of live TV, combined with his professionalism and elite talent allows him to deliver at the highest level.

He is the proud father of a daughter and a son. He is very happily married. He collects action figures, musical instruments, records, art and camels.

The Kids Next Door

A quirk filled, four-piece, alternative indie-rock band, The Kids Next Door blend a wide range of influences into a delicious sonic concoction. Originally from the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, now residing in Melbourne, their sound moves from crooning country ballads to fast-paced, fuzzed out rock riffs. Their harmonies will tug on those tender heart strings, whilst their air-tight dynamics will get your heart rate racing and your head banging.

Members
Oscar (Guitar) Vinny (Vocals
Guitar) Jack (Bass) Nicholas (Drums)

The Hard Aches

The Hard Aches are an Australian melodic punk/alternative rock band from Adelaide, South Australia. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Ben Clennett (aka Ben David) and drummer Alex Upton. The band formed in 2012, originally born out of a backing band for Clennett's solo work under the moniker Ben David and the Banned. The group played the Adelaide leg of the Big Day Out in 2012, before extensively touring for the rest of the year. Three new original songs, now under the name The Hard Aches, were released in February 2013 as a split EP with Melbourne band Foxtrot. The band also opened for Dropkick Murphys and Frank Turner in April 2013.

The band's debut standalone EP, entitled Organs and Airports, was released in November 2013 via Anchorhead Records. In 2014, the band parted ways with bassist/vocalist Brianna Mahoney. She was not replaced, converting the band into a duo. The band's debut album, Pheromones, was released in May 2015 via Anchorhead Records. The album spawned two singles, "I Get Like This" and "Knots." A standalone single, "Loser," was released in October 2015. A new single, "Glad That You're Gone," arrived in May of 2016 as a precursor to the band's second EP, I Freak Out.

The band released a new single, "Brain Drain," in 2017. It was released as both a standalone single and a split seven-inch with UK band Muncie Girls. Their second studio album, Mess, was released in April 2018 via Anchorhead/ADA. Its singles were the title track, "Happy" (featuring Georgia Maq) and "I Feel Like I'm Dying."

Prior to a national tour with Grinspoon, the band released a new single entitled "Wasted" in September 2019.

Mellowtonic

We are a five piece rock and roll band born and bred in Melbourne. Each of us has a unique skillset and A love for creating, writing and performing live. with a new EP in the works and plenty of live shows throughout the year we look forward to bringing our tunes into 2022.

Members
Shea
Thisal
Bailey
Nathan
Max

Forever 80s

Direct from sell out Australian shows, Australia’s number one ‘80s touring show, Forever 80s is coming to MEMO Music Hall for one unforgettable night.

Prep that neon, put on those leg warmers and relive the soundtrack of the best generation.

A time of music’s biggest hair and biggest hits!

Turn back time and sing along to Wham!, Whitney Houston, Billy Idol, A-ha, Tina Turner, Prince, Cyndy Lauper, Bon Jovi and more. A night with Forever '80s, is a night to reminisce and is simply not to be missed.

Get excited, grab your closest and secure your tickets today. Don't miss out because you Just Can't Get Enough '80’s music!