DAF (Deutsche Amerikanische Freundschaft), Total Control, Dark Water & COMPLETE
Melbourne Town Hall – Sunday November 17
Deutsche Amerikanische Freundschaft, which for us English speakers over here translates to ‘German American Friendship’ (wholesome), are a duo from Dusseldorf. Initially starting out as a five-piece instrumental outfit in 1978, the group eventually went their seperate ways and is now left as vocalist Gabi Delgado and drummer/electronic musician Robert Gorl. Described as a representation of ‘one of a very few direct links between avant garde punk and techno’, DAF are truly unique.
Joining DAF will be Melbourne’s own Total Control, the critically acclaimed yet rarely-sighted post-punk five piece. This band puts on an amazing live show at the best of times, and with the addition of the Grand Organ to their already buzzing vibe, their Melbourne Music Week performance definitely won’t be one to miss. Also performing at this show is Swedish prog-metal group Dark Water and to keep the vibe high between sets, local electronic artist COMPLETE will also be performing.
Jack Daniel’s Presents Stonefield + Body Type + June Jones
Monday November 18 – Kubik
Ten bucks for four premium rock ‘n roll acts on a Monday night!? Shut up and take my money – you can’t even get a good feed at Red Rooster for a tenner! Hailing from rural Victoria and comprised of four sisters, Stonefield’s brand of stomping, fuzzed-out rock will be the ultimate Monday night treat, and when you pair them with Body Type, June Jones and Eagle Eye Jones, this one’s just too good to be true. Jump on the web and grab your tickets today.
CC:Disco! & Raphael Top Secret
Friday November 15 – Kubik
Blessing the city on Friday night will be our beloved disco queen CC:Disco! opening Kubik with her Club Coco. CC:Disco! has been busy lately, taking on international and Aussie stages alike. As a mainstay of the Melbourne Club scene, there’s no better way to open the festival’s famous Kubik music venue. Taking up residence in Alexandra Gardens, this German designed venue has LEDs that react to the beats and frequencies of live performance.
Alongside CC:Disco! is the ever-versatile Raphael Top Secret. Playing anything from boogie, house, rap, reggae and everything in between, there’s no wonder this DJ is so sought after. Five hours of high energy boogying in a world class venue? Yes please! This one will be going down Friday November 15 – lock yourself in for a big one.
M.E.S.S. Presents
Thursday November 21 – Common Rooms
The Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS) is an independent non-for-profit organisation dedicated to the creation of electronic sound and music. At Melbourne Music Week this year, the organisation will be presenting a showcase of performances from MESS members, staff and alumni.
MESS is also giving us live performances from multi instrumentalist Biscotti, fan favourite Chiara Kickdrum and audio-visual project Anuencia, with The OZ Electronic Music Archive will be supplying ambience between sets for the night.
MMW’s Live Music Safari
Thursday November 14 – various venues in the CBD
Every year, a handful of small-to-medium venues open their doors to host free live music events around Melbourne. Showcasing some of the best acts the city has to offer, this year’s venues include Boney, The Toff, Curtin, Max Watts, Colour, New Guernica and heaps more.Amongst the massive list of artists playing are names like Philly, Baro, Darcy Justice, Elle Shimada just to name a few. Victorian independant record labels ANTI FADE and Aarght Records are also teaming up for a massive punk-rock showcase at Max Watts.
All of the events are happening on Thursday 14 November. Whiteheart will be the first to kick off their event, which starts at 4pm. Meanwhile Guerns and Radar aren’t closing their doors until 5am, and with dozens of events happening in between, those who are keen (and frugal) can spend the night venue-hopping until the wee hours.
Melbourne Star’s Music Menagarie
Friday November 15 – Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to finally go for a spin on the Melbourne Observation Wheel, look no further! The wheel is going to be transformed into what will essentially be a giant, rotating lucky-dip. Ten of the cabins will play host to a different Melbourne Music Week artist, and guests will be treated to a surprise performance from acts ranging from acoustic singers, funk, soul, jazz and rap.
Artists you can expect are Future Roots Afro Acoustic, Iva Lamkum, Lucca Franco, Tatafu, Hudson James Jr (unplugged), Keanu, Rara Zulu, Emmpress, ZIIMUSIC, One Sixth, Skye, Isadore and Michaela Marshall. This event will be rolling Friday November 15 between 7pm and 9pm – perfecto.
The Operatives Present Espionage
Kubik, Thursday November 21
With a reputation as front-runners in the Australian music scene, the Operatives have given us some of the finest tours of local and international talents over a wide range of genres. For Melbourne Music Week, The Operatives are presenting us a showcase of some of the finest hip-hop, soul, jazz and R&B artists the city has to offer. The event will feature Dutch Hip-Hop legend Jarreau Vandal, Melbourne favourites Billy Davis & The Good Lords, Jordan Dennis, DJ SPELL, Mwanje, Pookie and heaps more. With a lineup like that and The Operatives backing it, this event is sure to be absolute fire – we’re definitely not missing it!
Melbourne Music Week kicks off on Thursday November 14. Head to their website and check out the full programme today!
