Glam Chat

Glam Chat

The Best of SA News

Episodes

  1. 06/03/2020

    Glam Chat: The Cat Empire's Felix Riebl

    Vocalist extraordinaire and The Cat Empire frontman, Felix Reibl spoke to us ahead of the band’s record-breaking sixth performance at the 2020 WOMADelaide. “It’s really one of the most remarkable festivals in the world, in terms of how beautiful the site is, how diverse and international the artists are, there’s very few festivals that do that,” Felix says. “We were really embraced by Australia, before [WOMAD] we were just an underground sound, and [it] was the flagship festival for us.” The Cat Empire are hard to describe, a mixture of genres and cultures that make up the band’s identity. However, one fact has remained consistent and it is their intrinsic connection to their live performances. “I hate the way that we’re explained sometimes, people use the word ska, but it’s not at all that kind of band. It is really a unique sound… we wanted to be a band to ignite a festival,” Felix says. “If anything, we’ve been influenced by the festival genre.” “We brought sounds from all around the world to Australia, but I feel like when we travel overseas we bring some of Australia to them. Something about the attitude.” They are undeniably a band whose performances at festivals and gigs span across the world to an immeasurable number of locations. From intimate to jam-packed, the band has experienced every type of crowd. “I remember going to a town in the outskirts, on the very border of America and Canada, we didn’t think there’d be anyone at this show, in the midst of an early US and America tour,” Felix reminisces. “This troupe of people from Montreal came across the border to come see us, they knew the words to all our songs, we’d never even been to Montreal before, and that started a love affair with that city, because people came to travel to see us play.” Their sound, as amalgamated and elusive as it is, totals the notion that their music transcends time and place. “…and that’s happened all over the world, especially in the early days people would travel to come see us with this sense of occasion, which was really at the heart of the music as well.” “Those moments you don’t forget, you can’t get them back and you cant recreate them, they’re just moments that happen like that.” Essentially, “we’ve always taken our enjoyment seriously, and we’ve become better musicians,” Felix laughs. Their performances are indeed notable, one look at their Spotify page, you will see a heap of their ‘live at x’ albums, offered to the public, not only due to their ability to sing as well live as on record. They are also there to cement the experiences inside the festival-goers’ minds forever. “When you’re on stage sometimes you close your eyes it’s really nice to open them and see a massive audience like the WOMAD ones. Likewise you can close your eyes on a very small intimate show and have a very transformative experience,” Felix says. “I really rely on some songs now that become part of the live experience for me. You can’t not do The Chariot. I think I wrote that song when I was 19 or something [and] it’s not the most amazing song for me to sing anymore but it’s more about the celebration of the music.” But in terms of which songs he enjoys singing live the most, Felix notes 2013 release Steal the Light, “it’s about as high as my register goes, and it’s a song I really enjoy lyrically.” He does mention that their identity as a live band, a festival band is about “losing yourself and not taking yourself too seriously, recognising the really strong songs so you’re not just going through the motions.” Perpetually working on something musical, Felix’s other project Spinifex Gum, a choir of young Indigenous women singing in English and Yindjibarndi, will also be present at WOMAD. “I’m excited to be performing with Spinifex Gum at WOMAD too, it’s a very different world writing for all those voices, so its more of a storytelling type of writing,” Felix says. “I wouldn’t necessarily be able to sing the Spinifex Gum songs… I can write for another character in a way, [Spinifex Gum] have a very powerful sound, we’ve dawn heavy influences from rap and pop.” When writing for The Cat Empire however, Felix says that he’s learnt to not try to understand the songs and lyrics. “I like the clash of words, I like the clash of sounds.” “I need to go into the weirdness and strangeness of my voice, and I need to use that as my strength, I try to go with the character of my voice.” So what’s coming up for The Cat Empire? It’s a year of travelling and some key festival moments, so if you’re not seeing them at WOMADelaide 2020, check out their movements at https://thecatempire.com/. To grab last minute tickets to WOMADelaide, head to https://www.womadelaide.com.au/.

    15 min

  2. 19/02/2020

    Glam Chat: George Sheppard of Sheppard

    Aussie indie-pop faves Sheppard are roaring back to Superloop Adelaide 500 alongside Pete Murray for the highly anticipated Saturday night show. We spoke to George Sheppard ahead of their return to Superloop stage. “Last time we were lucky enough to be supporting Robbie Williams, so this time, the fact that we’re getting to co-headline with Pete Murray, it’s very exciting for us,” George says. Sheppard have recently released their new single ‘Phoenix’, a song dedicated to victims of the Australian bushfires, raising money for those affected by the blaze. “During New Years we were absolutely devastated… a mixture of confusion, helplessness and guilt, cause we’re sitting up in the sunshine coast which is not affected and we’re having a great holiday… and the country is burning all around us.” “We decided pretty quickly that we were going to put our musical skills for the cause,” George says. The profits from Phoenix will be donated to two Australian charities- Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal, a not-for-profit organisation focusing on rural, regional & remote communities, and Wires, Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation. According to George, Phoenix came to be incredibly quickly, “when it is that raw emotion thats pouring out of you, its a lot more definite… it was really quick song, it took about a day and half for the lyrics, and then we spent two days recording it.” Their vibrant energy and passion for music translates through to their hits that have dominated charts throughout the last decade. Arguably their biggest hit, Geronimo overtook Pharrell’s Happy on the Aria Charts and it’s easy to see why with the uplifting tune resonated so well with fans. “We finished writing it around our dining room, Jason, Amy and myself… we thought it was the most fun song we’d ever written.” Sheppard’s third album is on the horizon and George tells us it’s going to be released in a slightly unusual way. “We’ve spent the whole of last year writing and recording the third album, we’re going to release a song every month this year.” “It’s very ambitious to release every song as a single, it presents itself with some unusual challenges. We’ve got a video clip, artwork and a song every month.” Catch George and the rest of Sheppard this Saturday at Superloop Adelaide 500 alongside Pete Murray. For those feeling lucky, enter our competition below to win a meet & greet with Sheppard for you and a friend. ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY FOR A SATURDAY DOUBLE PASS AND FOR YOU AND A FRIEND TO MEET & GREET SHEPPARD. The after-race line-up begins on Friday night with ARIA Award winners Grinspoon headlining the night, alongside dance sensation Sneaky Sound System and Adelaide’s own The Superjesus, fronted by original rock chick Sarah McLeod. Hilltop Hoods, joined by Illy and G Flip, will be bringing the house down the 2020 event on Sunday. The Superloop Adelaide 500 will take place 20 – 23 February, 2020. The line-up: Friday   Grinspoon  Sneaky Sound System  The Superjesus  Supported by Music SA Bands on Track Saturday Night concert presented by Mix 102.3 Saturday   Pete Murray  Sheppard  Supported by Music SA Bands on Track Sunday Night concert presented by NOVA Entertainment Sunday   Hilltop Hoods  Illy  GFlip  Supported by Music SA Bands on TrackTickets for the 2020 Superloop Adelaide 500 are now on sale. For more information and tickets visit: www.superloopadl500.com.au. Your host for this episode is Neely Karimi.

    15 min

  3. 07/02/2020

    Glam Chat: Interview With Sarah McLeod From The Superjesus

    “Two of my favourite things are rock and roll and fast cars,” says Sarah McLeod. As frontwoman of The Superjesus, McLeod is certainly no stranger to rock and roll. The Superjesus have long been one of Australia’s most respected rock outfits, and the band is now confirmed for this year’s Friday night concert at Superloop Adelaide 500. “We’ve wanted to do that for ages,” says McLeod. When asked what audiences can expect from the, she says, “we’re just out for a good time and our job is to show the audience a good time.” The Superjesus originated in Adelaide in the 90s, and McLeod insists that this town, and specifically Thebarton Theatre, holds her favourite memory as a performer. “… Thebby Theatre, anyone from Adelaide knows, Thebby Theatre is like the mecca of rock and roll,” says McLeod. “I still find myself swinging past the theatre at any point … just to have a look at that big board, that majestic board that tells you who’s playing.” Anyone from Adelaide, and indeed, Australia, also knows of the bushfires that have devastated the nation over the past few months. McLeod’s new single, Wildfire, is inspired by the bushfire tragedy, and was co-written with Kav Temperley of Eskimo Joe. “Everyone’s stressing out in the middle of this horror movie trying to work out what they can do and Kav called me …” McLeod says. The two worked quickly, and had completed the writing process within forty hours. They then turned around the guest artists in twenty four hours. “I’ve never done anything that fast,” McLeod says. Wildfire was released on Friday, January 31. Everyone involved donated their time, and 100% of proceeds will go to Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc and Nature Foundation SA. “It’s about bringing people together, it’s about raising money, and we want to do it now,” McLeod says. “Music really does speak to people and it can help, it can soothe. I feel lucky that I can do that.” Wildfire is available to stream and purchase via various digital platforms. Superloop Adelaide 500 will take place 20 – 23 February, 2020, with The Superjesus playing on Friday, 21. February. Tickets are available here. Your host for this episode is Lucy Brewer.

    13 min

  4. 07/02/2020

    Musicians Unite To Plant 100k+ Trees In Bushfire Affected Areas Kicking Off In KI

    Local and international celebrities have joined forces to support the launch of a new initiative that aims to see more than 100,000 trees planted across Australia’s bushfire affected areas, as part of a long-term commitment to rebuild and regenerate. The ‘Caring For Tomorrow’ initiative, in line with the forthcoming Under The Southern Stars (UTSS) music festivals and in partnership with Ecodynamics and ReForest Now, will see one tree planted per ticket sold for each concert. Caring For Tomorrow’s tree planting initiative has kicked off at Kangaroo Island this morning in partnership with Channel 9’s TODAY Show. The three UTSS international headline acts, LIVE, BUSH and Stone Temple Pilots, are also making financial contributions and will physically offer assistance in the tree planting efforts alongside volunteers when they arrive in Australia. Supporters who have vocally thrown their weight behind the campaign include Tommy Lee from Motley Crue, motorbike world champion Mick Doohan, three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss, former Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic, current Olympic 100-metre butterfly gold medallist Joseph Schooling, Neighbours actor Alan Fletcher and St Kilda football hero Aaron Hamill, with many more putting their names and voices to 20-second video clips acknowledging that ‘Caring For Tomorrow’ starts today. “We are wanting to make a contribution to the long-term relief efforts in the wake of the bushfires that have devastated so many communities across Australia,” says UTSS festival organiser Andrew McManus. “In addition to the numerous immediate fundraising and support efforts thus far, this pledge seeks to focus more on the enduring need to bring nature back into these beautiful parts of the country, which needs to start today.“Each ticket purchased will see a tree planted and we encourage Australians to come along and support regrowth in affected towns,” McManus says. Stone Temple Pilots Caring For Tomorrow’s goal of planting 100,000 trees represents an investment of $1,000,000 by Under the Southern Stars. The trees and shrubs will be planted and nurtured by ReForest Now in Queensland and EcoDynamics in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. “We are proud to partner with this fantastic initiative to plant native trees across fire-affected areas. The Caring For Tomorrow program is not only a natural fit for our business but more importantly affords us the opportunity to contribute directly to the bushfire recovery effort, aligning with our vision of creating greener futures,” says Nick Somes, director at Ecodynamics.“We are thrilled to be involved in this initiative and are already working in areas where the fire has burned through the higher eucalyptus forests. Our work also seeks to reduce the risk of fire spreading in the future by restoring more contiguous rainforest areas,” says Maximo Bottaro, co-founder of ReForest Now.    Maximo Bottaro Under The Southern Stars music festival, now in its third year, will be touring nationally in April 2020 delivering some of the biggest names in rock from the 90s with twelve festival events taking place throughout Australia. The festivals will incorporate a VIP deck, Ferris wheel and rides, market stalls and village ensuring the rock ‘n’ roll carnival is far more than music. A brand new indoor UTSS event has just been announced by the festival at The Timberyard Port Melbourne with tickets now on sale. UTSS is also offering volunteers and professional services involved in the relief effort free entry for themselves and a guest into selected concerts. More info on eligibility and obtaining tickets can be found through the official UTSS website and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UTSSConcerts/ For every 50 corporate tickets purchased, UTSS is pledging 100 trees to be planted in the company’s name with 10 tickets upgraded to VIP tickets.Other supporters of Caring For Tomorrow include One World Entertainment Communications Collective, and Eventbrite. Under The Southern Stars tours nationally in April 2020.  For complete event and ticketing information, please visit www.underthesouthernstars.com.auTo find out more about Caring For Tomorrow, follow on Instagram @caringfortomorrow and Facebook www.facebook.com/caringfortomorrow.utss

    13 min

  5. 27/12/2019

    Glam Chat: Interview With John Brewster From The Angels

    John Brewster of The Angels fame is in the car with his son Harry when he joins us on Glam Chat. Brewster is a verifiable veteran of the music industry, having formed The Angels in Adelaide with his brother Rick some fifty years ago. The Angels, along with Cold Chisel, Paul Kelly, and Sia, have also recently been announced as one of the four world-renowned, South Australian artists to have a CBD laneway renamed in their honour. “We formed The Angels in Adelaide so it’s really appropriate,” says Brewster, who seems deservedly chuffed with the announcement. John and his brother Rick are the longest standing members of The Angels, both having grown up with a passion for music, although their tastes differed. As of 2013, John’s son, Sam Brewster, has played bass guitar in the band, and John’s younger son, Harry, will be standing in for Rick at an upcoming New Year’s Eve show. Since the inception of The Angels, the Brewsters have enjoyed an extensive touring life, accompanying the likes of ACDC and David Bowie. In fact, The Angels were selected as special guests on Bowie’s first Australian tour. “He chose the band because he liked our music,” John says. When I ask if he has a standout memory from that particular tour, John is very sure of his answer. “David Bowie had a night off in Sydney, so we did our own show,” he says. “We had it jam packed with 1800 people … we started the first number and then we saw these people walking down … and they stood right in front of the band and it was David Bowie and his entire band. They stood and watched the whole show.” So, what’s next for The Angels? “We’re about 75 percent finished on a new album,” says John. Then, of course, there’s the upcoming Red Hot Summer tour, which features four SA dates. The Angels will also be playing a sideshow at The Gov on Monday, January 10. I ask John if he has a favourite place to eat when he’s in his hometown and he doesn’t hesitate. “Godi La Vita,” he says. “They do the best gnocchi in Adelaide I think.” For tickets to the Red Hot Summer tour, see here. For tickets to the sideshow at The Gov, see here. Your host for this episode is Lucy Brewer.

    14 min

  6. 20/12/2019

    Glam Chat: Interview with Ed Kowalczyk

    This year, Live is celebrating 25 years since the release of their iconic Throwing Copper album. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Ed Kowalczyk, has recently come off Live’s Summer world tour, for which the band was joined by Bush and Our Lady Peace. In 2020, the renowned rock band will be travelling to Adelaide for Under the Southern Stars. The line-up is also set to feature Bush and Stone Temple Pilots, as well as Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary. “I think the festival atmosphere of this concert line-up is going to be really cool,” Kowalczyk says. Since reuniting in late 2016, Live has enjoyed a return to touring life, with the original lineup, along with two additional members. “It’s nice when you actually get to a city and have a day or two off,” Kowalczyk says. When asked about the reunion, and what it has meant for Live, Kowalczyk is reflective. “The demand for the band has been astronomical since the reunion in 2016,” he says. “I love it. I mean, it never gets old.” Since the reunion, Live has released a new EP, Local 717, and more new music is in the works. “Next year, we’re looking forward to, after our trip down under, being able to really move into the studio … we haven’t released a full length album for many years, so we’re excited to get to work on that,” Kowalczyk comments. During their career, Live has achieved seven Top 5 albums in Australia, three of which topped the charts at #1 for a total of ten weeks. “I get to do my hobby for a living,” says Kowalczyk. Under the Southern Stars will be in Adelaide in Bonython Park on April 13 2020 (Easter Monday).  Tickets are available at www.underthesouthernstars.com.au Your host for this episode is Kelly Noble.

    13 min

  7. 19/12/2019

    Glam Chat: Interview with Fatboy Slim

    Nearly a decade after visiting Adelaide to play Future Music in 2011, Fatboy Slim is heading back to South Australia in 2020, to perform at Glenelg Beach on Saturday February 1st. It’s one of only four dates on his Australian tour, which also sees Sydney, Perth and Melbourne lined up for a massive night with the iconic DJ. He’ll be joined at all shows 2manydjs, aka David and Stephen Dewaele of Soulwax(DJ set). Other artists are yet to be confirmed. Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, sat down and had a chat with Glam Adelaide, for our podcast Glam Chat, to discuss his upcoming tour, his Right Here Right Now Greta Thunberg remix, and his side hustles. Saturday 1 FebruaryGlenelg Beach | Adelaide, SAticketmaster.com.au| Ph: 136 100 With special guests 2manydjs (DJ set)Other artists to be confirmed FIND GLAM CHAT ON ITUNES HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/glam-chat/id1485205458Other great Glam Chat podcasts include interviews with Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Dita Von Teese, Hayden James, Andy Van, George Alice, Pete Murray, Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi), Matt Agnew and Rachael Leahcar.

    13 min

  8. 02/12/2019

    Glam Chat: Rachael Leahcar

    Emerging into the national public consciousness in 2012 with her haunting performance on The Voice Australia, Rachael Leahcar has been a beloved Adelaide figure before and since her breakout. Now that Rachael has joined the ranks of artists who have produced a Christmas album, we spoke to her about the release of Together For Christmas. With a heap of notable collaborations, Rachael says that it’s hard to choose who was a highlight to work with. “They’re just really amazing people. One of my highlights was Ave Maria… We sung and worked it out together and it ended up having a huge keychain difference, all these different harmonies, and it all came together,” she says. Rachael, who suffers from a degenerative eye condition is legally blind, and has dedicated this album to her guide dog, Ella. The eight year old Golden Retriever who also features in the superb illustrated front cover artwork by artist Rosanna Lam. In terms of Ella’s influence on Rachael’s music, she says “I know if she likes something, she’ll come in and go to sleep.” And when we ask if Ella ever gets cheeky, Rachael laughs. “All the time, yesterday we were out on a walk and she had rolled in some grass and after I spent 10 minutes pulling our all these prickles, she walked off and rolled right back into the dirt. She knows exactly what she’s doing.” Rachael has come a long way since her The Voice Australia audition, but she still remembers it perfectly. “It was such a big day, lots of meetings and lots of interviews,” she says. “I had really sore feet because I had these new high heeled shoes that I was breaking in, but as soon as I was on stage, the pain went away because of the adrenaline. “All I could feel was my heart thumping and all I could see was two bright lights. I couldn’t see the crowd or the coaches so I just focused on those lights, starting singing and thought ‘okay this is it’.” Finishing in the Top 3 of the first season of The Voice Australia, she captivated the public with her gorgeous vocals, where approximately four-million people watched her television audition. You can find Together For Christmas on iTunes and Spotify, CD’s also on sale. More info at https://www.rachaelleahcar.com.au/.

    12 min

  9. 22/11/2019

    Glam Chat: Interview With Hayden James

    Feature image via @haydenjamesartist Australian DJ Hayden James is having a very successful 2019. When we speak, he has just returned from a world tour, and will soon jump on the ever-popular Wine Machine tour around the nation, set to stop off in South Australia at Serafino Wines on December 7. “I’m really excited for the festival itself,” Hayden says. “It’s so much fun to travel with all the people involved and all the artists.” Hayden also comments on his affiliation with Adelaide. “I love coming to Adelaide,” he says. “I have some friends who live up in the wine region,” “I get to visit them and we’ll have a lunch on their farm and chill out and then come and play the show.” His drink of choice? “Riesling,” he decides, then laughs. “Or tequila.” The DJ, who is also a songwriter and producer, is well known both on his home turf and internationally for his dance anthems. Over his six years in the business, he has attracted critical acclaim with a music collection that counted over 97 million streams last year alone. This year, Hayden released his debut album, Between Us. “It taught me a lot about songwriting and collaborating with people and mostly about myself as well,” he says of creating the album. “What I wanted to write and what I want to write in the future.” So, what else is happening in the life of Hayden James? “I’m actually setting up a studio today in my house,” he says. “I’m going to have Golden Features, The Presets, Running Touch and a couple of other people joining me over the next few days.” Hayden James, Hot Dub Time Machine, The Jungle Giants, Owl Eyes, Crooked Colours, George Alice, and more will play at December 7’s Wine Machine at Serafino Wines. Grab your Wine Machine tickets here. Your host for this episode is Lucy Brewer.

    11 min

  10. 19/11/2019

    Glam Chat: Andy Van

    Australian DJ of the ages, Andy Van of Madison Avenue, is set to return to the ARIAs and it coincides perfectly with the 20th year anniversary of their hit single Don’t Call Me Baby. To celebrate this 20 years milestone, Don’t Call Me Baby is getting a rerelease — a remixed version by Mousse T. & Super Disco Club. A verified hit which reached number one in national and international charts, the song was a regular in the clubbing scene. “Don’t Call Me Baby had a huge reception in the UK which was great to see,” says Andy. The song has played throughout as many venues as Andy, who has clocked some serious time in a range of awesome gigs as a DJ. “Depends what people call cool,” he says. “We did a gig at the UK’s only ever Love Parade. That was a great one.” He goes on to discus playing at one of the world’s biggest nightclubs in Ibiza. “There were 10,000 people,” he says. Equally, Andy remembers playing at a small club in Japan, and says that gig has remained with him. The last time Andy was in Adelaide, he played at HQ. His thoughts? “HQ is always an amazing place,” Andy says. “People are excited about the guests. They [HQ] had great lighting and great video screens.” This November, Andy will return to the ARIAs to present an award. While he won’t be performing, he remembers his experience at the ARIAs performing with Cheyne Coates as Madison Avenue fondly. He even remarks cheekily on the glass of water incident. “It’ll go down in history as one of the most unique moments of the ARIAS,” Andy says. “It’s fun,” he comments. “It doesn’t bother me.”` Catch Andy Van at the ARIAs on November 27, or listen to Don’t Call Me Baby’s remix and be transported 20 years back. Your host for this episode is Neely Karimi.

    11 min
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The Best of SA News

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  • Creator
    Glam Chat
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2020
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Glam Digital Pty Ltd, 2019. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Glam Chat