It's Time to Get Groovin!

Words by Nic Horton

Only days out from the cream of live music for our region, the international airport terminals are jiving to the likes of Vampire Weekend, Spoon and Tegan & Sara, whilst local hype goes calling at the likes of Silverchair, Empire of the Sun, Lisa Mitchell, Miami Horror and festival veterans Grinspoon for the annual touring Groovin the Moo festival.

Obviously the festival itself needs no note of introduction, although the cream of the crop has thickened its potential and exceeded reputation this year.

As with all festivals, the hype is there, but with regional festivals it's a case of survival of the fittest.

According to British India frontman Declan Melia, "going from playing to smaller audiences at pubs and clubs and whatnot, to playing on a big festival stage was kind of awkward at first, but we're starting to get better at it and it's a lot more relaxed - I definitely have a soft spot for those kinds of shows."

Apparently slipping the odd cover or two into the setlist doesn't go astray, either. "Nirvana covers go down well," Declan said.

Whilst Declan likes to kick back with an ice-chilled tumbler of vodka and soda, Darren Cordeux of Kisschasy fame will probably be found scouting for new talent.

"We're always on the lookout for new talent. I mean, if we like a band, we'll take them on tour - that's how we work," he said.

"That's how we met the guys from British India, we're looking forward to catching up with old friends like them."

Compared to the more corporate convoys of festival business nowadays, many bands thrive on the raw energy and vibe from the laid-back atmosphere at regional shows.

"We love Townsville, and we love the crowds, they don't take you for granted and they just get amongst it and enjoy themselves," Darren said.

Opening the entire day on the Moolin Rouge stage will be none other than local sensation, Kim Cooper.

"If people are keen to see what direction I'm going in, please come down, it's going to be exciting," she said.

"The set list will be there, but like, I don't have designs or anything. I kind of play with it and what I do is completely spontaneous."

Kim mentioned earlier this week exclusively to SMAC Magazine that she will be performing a brand new original track fresh out of the studio, teaming with a live drummer for the show and a slightly edgier set of material.

"I will always have this massive live element to my music, I just love singing," she said.

"You know, if I make a bung note, it's all good, because the vibe is wicked!"

Alongside Kim Cooper, local heart-throbs The Short List and Cairns-based (but for how much longer?) The Medics will kick off the day with a radiance of energy, sweat, class and style.

Seems as though Murray Sporting Complex is the place to be this Sunday, so with your ticket and camera in hand, sneakers on your feet, head on down to show off your 'mooves' at something so full of groove.

Gates open at 11.30am, with the festivities set to carry on well into the night. Set times and transport information is available from the official Groovin the Moo website here.

Tickets are selling rapidly, with allocations likely to be exhausted come Sunday. Tickets can be purchased through Moshtix.

SMAC Magazine will bring you an interview with local indie rockers The Short List later this week, as well as an in-depth interview with Kim Cooper next week, so stay tuned! Catch all the Groovin the Moo action right here next week as well! (and then we're going on holiday... kidding!)

Please note: SMAC Magazine does not in any way condone any illegal activity or encourage the irresponsible consumption of alcohol. Party hard but party safe. And remember to slip, slop, slap!

Cooking with Kristy: Kristy's Surprise!

Words by Kristy Jones

This super-easy and inexpensive meal is perfect for busy people or those living on their own, as the leftovers can be frozen!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice
• 6-8 sausages, cut into thirds
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 400g tin of tomatoes
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stick, diced
• Vegetable stock
• 1/2 dozen Spanish stuffed olives
• Oil

Method

Sweat down onions with garlic and add in rice. Stir until uncooked rice is covered in oil and add vegetable stock until rice is covered. Once the rice has absorbed all of the stock, add 1/2 cup more stock and add in sausages, carrot, celery and stir. Once carrot and celery have softened and the sausages are mostly cooked, add the tomatoes, mushrooms and olives. Stir and simmer for 15-20 minutes until sausages are cooked.

Serves 4

Fashion: Fashion Forward or Faux Pas?

It seems the daggy German tourist stereotype of wearing socks with sandals has been making waves on the red carpet and runway of late.

Burberry popularized wearing black ankle socks with heels when they sent the look down the runway with their Burberry Prorsum Spring 2008 and Spring 2009 ready-to-wear collections.

The trend had already enjoyed a brief debut in teen fashion mags in 2004 in punk-style shoots inspired by musos like Good Charlotte and Avril Lavigne... before that, it was most often seen in the 1950s, when bobby socks and poodle skirts were all the rage.

Burberry brought the trend to the fashion pages of Vogue and InStyle with a simple black ankle sock, which can, admittedly, look pretty decent when teamed with the right (black) heel - almost like the chic bootie style which has also enjoyed some good press in recent years.

Christian Dior and Prada also paraded the trend on their spring runways.

Anna Sui brought the trend out again but rocked it with her own flavour, teaming pretty, girlie sun dresses with strappy heels and low-cut sheer ankle socks in bright (but complementing) colours. Very girlie, very hip, very spring.

Celebs have been photographed all over the red carpet wearing their own take on the trend - from Rihanna and Leighton Meester to Agness Deyn and the queen of kooky clothing (or, at least, her alter-ego is) Sarah Jessica Parker.

It seems the trick to avoiding a fashion faux pas with the current trends is to choose a thin knit or sheer sock, in black or bold colour (depending how brave you are!) and team with a hemline at least a few inches above the knee or full-length jeans or pants. If you've got legs for miles, you might get away with a knee-length hem, too.

Fashion trend or tragedy? You be the judge. But, just before you make too quick a decision, remember - it's not just Hans from Berlin that gives the look a bad wrap. As a dedicated follower of the trend for a number of years, it seems Ugly Betty has been perhaps the most fashion-forward of all...

Words by Jade Kennedy

Fitness: Want THE Body? Feed it what it's made of!

Words by Leon Price

Just because you work out and train, it doesn't give you leeway or the earned right to 'eat whatever you want'. When you train hard it means you have to put even more focus on fueling your body with the right nutrients it needs. Proper nutrition plays an equally important, if not more important, role than the actual exercise you're doing.

So what's the body made of?

If you want a killer body you've got to start by feeding it what it's made of! The most abundant substance in the body is water. It's cheap, convenient, easily acquired, and we know when we're not getting enough (yellow-coloured urine).

The second most abundant substance in the body is protein! Training hard breaks down our muscle tissue, then our bodies, being the adaptive and self-preserving organisms that they are, will build up our muscles stronger and bigger so that we can more easily do that work out the next time around.

For our muscles to repair and rebuild we need protein. If we don't feed our bodies enough protein, guess where our muscles are going to draw that protein from? Our body will pull protein from other tissues and organs, at the expense of the rest of our body's intricate and balanced systems, so it's no wonder that you tend to get sick just when you're starting to really get stuck into your exercise routine. As well as growth and repair, protein also aids in immunity, blood sugar levels, metabolism of body fat, healthy skin and nails, hormone vitality and reducing hunger, just to name a few of the benefits.

So where do I get my protein from?

The best source of protein is the humble egg. It's also coupled with good essential fats and plenty of vitamins and minerals, so tuck in! One quick pointer though - eggs need to be cooked so that your body can absorb the protein, so the only thing going Rocky style and eating them raw is going to do for you is give you a good dose of food poisoning.

Second best is lean meat, such as turkey, chicken breast and steak. Soy is actually a complete protein (especially good for vegetarians) however the body's ability to absorb that protein (known as bio-availability) is much lower than with other protein sources such as eggs or meats. Beans and nuts are also good sources of protein, but not as optimum for health and growth benefits as they don't have a wide enough range of amino acids (proteins) within them.

Then there are protein powders. No, they're not just for "meatheads" and no, they won't make you instantly "bulk up." Protein powders post-workout are the optimum way to get the protein your body requires to where it's needed, in accurate quantities and fast. Protein powders are convenient, low in fat, great tasting, easy to stomach after a workout and cheap (compare 50c - $2 per serve to buying a steak or chicken breast).

Food Source Protein

Whole egg 6-7 grams

Egg white 3-4 grams

Red meats 28-32 grams

Chicken 31 grams

Tuna 29 grams

Protein powders 50-90% of powder

How much do I need each day?

If you train three times a week or more, a simple rule to go by is two grams of protein per kilogram of lean body weight, per day. So if you weigh 70kg and think you could easily be carrying 10kg of extra body fat, your lean weight is 60kg.

e.g. 2 grams x 60 kilograms = 120 grams of protein per day.

As our bodies can only absorb a certain amount of protein every 2.5-3.5 hours, that 120 grams is best divided into six meals eaten throughout the day.

e.g. 120 grams ÷ 6 meals = 20 grams of protein each meal (100 grams of tuna or two whole eggs with two egg whites).

What do I need post workout?

After a hard training session your body's muscle cells open wide up to the absorption of nutrients, this window of opportunity stays wide open for 45 minutes then starts to close for the next 45. So it's ideal to get your fast-acting protein powder in as soon as possible after your workout so that your body has what it needs to repair and rebuild itself. When we train hard our bodies use glycogen (carbohydrates), that is stored in our muscles, as fuel. This must also be replaced or our body will use our protein powder instead. The ideal carbohydrate post-training is Dextrose mixed in with your protein shake. Dextrose is bought for $3 a kilogram from your supermarket - funnily enough it's in the homebrew section. Your post-workout shake is an additional meal to your six that you are already taking, and you can eat a solid meal soon after without having to wait two and a half hours. Here's how we work out how much protein and dextrose we need after training:

e.g. Daily req. = 120 grams x 25% = 30 grams of protein

plus

Dextrose req. after weights - Protein req. 30 grams x 0.5 = 15 grams of dextrose.

Dextrose req. after cardio - Protein req. 30 grams x 2 = 60 grams of dextrose.

Seem too complicated? I'm sure we all learnt simple multiplication in primary school! Couldn't be bothered? Take the five minutes just once now to work out how much you need, so you can get the full benefit and results you are after when you train 45-60 minutes a day, three to six times a week.

If you follow your protein requirements then you have earned your once or twice a week 'eat whatever I want' binge on pizza or icecream! Go for it! Reward yourself!

Don't like to miss a training session? Well, don't miss your protein intake!

Leon Price is a Personal Trainer certified in Bodybuilding & Contest Preparation from the International Academy of Physique Conditioning.

The Cat Empire - New Album/Tour Announcement!

Melbourne funksters The Cat Empire have re-signed to label EMI Music Australia, and are set to release their fourth studio album, 'Cinema', on 25 June.

The first official single, 'Feeling's Gone' will be digitally released on 14 May, but sharp-eared Triple J listeners would have caught new album track 'Beyond All' being played across the network already.

The guys will be jetting off for a North American tour in July before returning to Australia in August and September, then head overseas again to hit the stage in Europe and Japan in October and November.

The Cat Empire will headline at the Reggaetown Festival, Cairns on 10 September. More lineup and ticket information is available from the official Reggaetown website. Expect another announcement soon for Darwin, Broome, Townsville and Alice Springs tour dates.

Gigs Events Notices: 22 April

Don't forget - wherever YOU are, send us your gig or event info and any important notices you need the world to see to smacmagazine@hotmail.com and we will put it in our weekly Gigs Events Notices!

TOWNSVILLE

APRIL

22 - The Short List, The Popli Kids. Townsville Surf Lifesavers Club. Free entry. From 7pm.

24 - Townsville Mumpreneurs Expo. TownsVillains Roller Derby fundraiser. Heaps of great displays and activities. Castle Hill PCYC. $2 entry. From 1pm.

24 - Fundraiser Dance for Nancy. Featuring musicians from Townsville's best of the best. Ignatius Park College. Tickets $25 by phoning 0407 731 893. From 7pm.

30 - Rock Out Against Domestic Violence. Kate Martin, Charlton, Why Wait, Six Hole Theory, Prey, Ghosts Over Japan, We Came From The Depths. Aitkenvale PCYC. Free. From 6.30pm.

30 - Global Soundsystem Full Moon Beach Party. TyDi, Ashley Wallbridge, Chrissie Mac. X-Base Magnetic Island. Tickets $39 from Sunferries. From 8pm.

MAY

2 - Groovin the Moo. See article for full lineup details. Murray Sporting Complex. $95.90 (+ booking fee) via Moshtix. From 12pm.

7 - Red Party. SANTE charity fundraiser for AIDS/HIV. Live music, red bull, red frogs, DJ. The Cri. $10 presale/$15 door. From 8pm.

8 - Brace For War 4. Mixed martial arts event. Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre. Tickets here. From 6pm.

8 - ASN/Hitman Brace For War After Party. Party VIP style with Mackenzie Taylor and UFC fighter Anthony Perosh. Consortium Nightclub. Free entry for Brace For War ticket holders, ASN sponsored athletes and ASN members. From 10pm.

8-9 - Alva Awakening. Kiteboarding clinics, demos, beach party, BBQ, yoga. Alva Beach, Ayr. Registration $30 via info@intheloopkiteboarding.com. All day.

15 - Exchange Hotel re-opening concert. Kim Cooper, The North Ward, The Popli Kids, Bandawalla Moons, Buttah and the Cursed Insurgents, Broken Needles, DJ Pappas. From 8pm.

15-16 - Beat the Bastard Charity Ride. Downhill skate event cancer fundraiser. Mt Stuart. Spectators gold coin donation. All day.

CAIRNS

APRIL

22-13 May - PNG: A Survey of Art & Artefacts. Artwork and artefacts from Papua New Guinea. Launch 22 April 6pm. Tanks Art Centre. Free.

23-15 May - Fragment exhibition by Declan Delargy. Abstract-expressionist mixed media on canvas. Tanks Art Centre. Free.

24 - Jeff Martin (Canada). Ex-The Tea Party. Tanks Art Centre. $35/$30 from Ticketlink. Doors 6.3opm.

30 - Rumble in the Jungle. Projekt Tile, Chronic Haze, Said And Done, Sevenskies. AJ Hackett Smithfield. $10 door. From 7pm.

MAY

1-2 - Cairns Blues Festival. Backsliders, Dallas Frasca, Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers, Bex Marshall, Fiona Boyes and more. $120 presale/$130 door/$75 one day from Ticketlink.

City Riots Creating Chaos

By Jade Kennedy

There are a few Aussie bands I will always have a soft spot for. Not just because I love their music (that's a given!) but because of my first experience of meeting them. City Riots is one of those bands.

When I first saw these four twenty-somethings from Adelaide burst out on stage in support of Something With Numbers I was immediately taken by their ridiculously catchy sound and high-energy stage presence. The guys mentioned to the crowd that they had nowhere to stay in Townsville, so a spare bed or couch would be hugely appreciated (which at the time I thought was equal measures insanity and desperation!). So after meeting the boys after the show and ascertaining that yes, they were serious, and no, they didn't really fancy the idea of sleeping in their van, I found myself driving home with a van full of bleary-eyed boys in hot pursuit.

Ricky, Dan, John and Matt, also known as City Riots, have gone from my breakfast table to showcase performances at SXSW in Texas and recording a full-length album in Chicago. I caught up with City Riot drummer Dan Kradolfer last week to give you the lowdown...

Okay Dan, give us a brief history of the band so far...

"The band is so busy playing live that it took over two years before we found time to record a full-length album. In May 2009 we flew to Chicago to record with producer Bjorn Thorsrud (Smashing Pumpkins, Dandy Warhols, Billy Corgan). We based ourselves in Chicago for four months, living bundled in Bjorn's two-bedroom apartment in downtown Chicago, sharing beds (Rick and I shacked up together on a futon, but we're brothers, so it's okay right?!) and others sleeping with their heads in a wardrobe when not at the studio. City Riots featured at SXSW 2010 in Austin, Texas, whilst also performing at the Aussie BBQ parties in Sydney, LA, New York and Austin. 'She Never Wants to Dance' is the first taste of our debut full-length album, and is currently being played exclusively through Triple J.

In late 2008, our self-released Socialize EP earned the band a nomination for the Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year award. From it, the single 'Burning Me Out' was our sixth song to be picked up by national radio. The track was recorded in-between US tour dates at Dragonfly Studios on the outskirts of Washington D.C. We have made festival appearances at Big Day Out and Soundwave, and were invited to showcase at The Great Escape Festival (UK) after Martin Elbourne (former agent of New Order and The Smiths) immediately confirmed the band while watching a performance just a few weeks beforehand. Following the three-week UK tour, which included sideshows at the Camden Barfly and the International Pop Festival in Liverpool, we returned back for a brief Australian run of dates before heading across the Pacific to play a five-week tour of the United States, taking in Milwaukee's Summerfest with The Bravery, Wave Gathering Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and a load of shows along the east coast. That was our second tour of the US in the space of eight months."

A lot of Aussie bands travel to the States to record in New York or LA - why did City Riots choose Chicago, of all places?

"Well we met Bjorn, our engineer, through a friend of a friend - you know how it is - and he is based out of Chicago. He had heard some demos and was keen to work with us. He was excited to get us over to record in a new studio he was putting together, and when we heard he had worked with the Smashing Pumpkins, and was a good friend of Billy Corgan, we felt it was a great opportunity to work with someone with plenty of experience. The initial thought of recording in the USA excited everyone in the band. We found out that the studio was full of vintage gear we couldn't get hold of in Australia. Plus, Chicago was one of the places that none of the guys had traveled to and it seemed like a great excuse to experience four months there!"

So when is the album out?

"It's currently being shopped to different labels, agents, etc. in the USA, so the album isn't out just yet, however the single 'She Never Wants to Dance' is available for free download on the Triple J website." (get it here)

Describe the sort of sound we can expect to hear...

"The album is a mixture of sounds generated by a mixture of influences that each member in the band brings to the table. There's certainly an 80s edge that's saturated with dark, grand, brooding and pulsating indie rock. The quote from LP33, which was an interview we did in Austin for SXSW, is also good: "the band, whose sound is something between a more streetwise Kaiser Chiefs and OK Go with a seriously saucy attitude".

Will you be touring nationally for it?

"We will be doing an extensive tour of Australia and the USA later in the year, but we will be going on the road hitting Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for a short run of dates in May, in support of 'She Never Wants to Dance'."

For those who don't know, what the hell is SXSW, and what's so great about it?

"SXSW (South by Southwest) is an international music festival/conference which showcases up and coming bands. It's one of the biggest dates on the music industry calendar, with influential industry professionals from around the globe attending. It's a great way for breaking bands to perform in front of key figures."

What did you guys do there this year?

"2010 was the first time for City Riots at SXSW. We performed five times across different music venues in Austin, and took part in several interviews over the weekend. We also ate a lot of sushi and greasy pizza, and certainly had our share of Lone Star, which for all of you yet to experience American beer at its best... it's a local Texan beer... and it's actually not bad in comparison to other American alcoholic beverages like Bud and Miller Lite, which taste similar to diluted orange cordial)... We also experienced the harsh cold and windy weather Austin has to offer - say no more, we come from beautiful sunny Australia!"

Did you meet anyone amazing?

"Yep, sure did. There's a small town located between Austin and Dallas called Mt. Pleasant. Here we met some cool people. We stopped here, at first, against our will, because our van just stopped working. We later found out we had blown our transmission on our gunmetal grey 80s van, with salmon-pink interior. And it was the people at Holt Transmission that we found to be the coolest. They not only fixed us up with a new transmission in less than 24 hours, but proceeded to take us out on the town... they took us out for Cajun seafood and margaritas... it was an amazing experience! Later that night they took us to their friend's house, which had a huge back room added on that was turned into an adult theme park... basically it had cars cut in half and filled with alcohol, pool tables, and every animal this guy had ever shot hanging on the wall."

What's the number-one thing you learned?

"Always remember to ensure the rear doors of the van are closed properly... it ain't pretty when you see your road cases rolling along the I-95."

Would you recommend Aussie bands trying to get their foot in the door, so to speak, register for SXSW? Is it worth the trip?

"In one word: absolutely!"

Did you do any cheesy touristy things in the States?

"Ahh... yes, of course we did! We visited the Flight 93 Memorial just out of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. You know, where the plane in 9/11 went down. We went to Graceland in Memphis, Elvis' home, and did the full tour. I've also done the really touristy boat ride from Manhattan to Staten Island where the Statue of Liberty is. Oh, and I've also been to the top of the Empire State Building - that's got to be the biggest touristy thing I've done."

Have you, as a band, gone home with any random strangers since the night you crammed into my spare room?

"I don't think so actually. We usually hang out with them for one night before we ask if we can stay at their place the next night. So by that second night, you're no longer a random stranger!"

Cooking with Kristy: Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

by Kristy Jones

Every week I will be giving you a new and wonderful recipe to try. These will range from breakfast, lunch and dinner through to snacks and desserts and even themed dishes (i.e. Christmas). If there is something in particular you would like me to find the perfect recipe for, let me know by leaving a comment below!

For the most delicious chocolate cake ever you must try this recipe:

Ingredients

• 175g butter, softened
• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• Chocolate icing and a punnet of strawberries to serve

Method

Cream butter, vanilla essence and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift cocoa, flour and baking powder together. Stir through egg mixture until just combined, then mix on medium speed adding milk gradually. Pour mixture into a 23cm round tin and bake at 180 degrees for 30 minutes or until cake springs back in the middle when lightly touched. Leave in tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. When cool, ice with chocolate icing and decorate with strawberries.

This cake is perfect for birthday parties, events where you have to "bring a plate", or simply to treat yourself with on the weekend!

Gigs Events Notices: 15 April

Calendar looking a little empty? SMAC Magazine is going to start giving you a rundown of gigs, events and good stuff in your area every Thursday. So wherever YOU are, send us your gig or event info and any important notices you need the world to see to smacmagazine@hotmail.com, and we will put it in our weekly Gig Events Notices!

TOWNSVILLE

April

17 - The Medics. Supported by The Short List. Aitkenvale PCYC. $12 at the door. From 7pm.

17 - The Bent Bar. MORF, GLBTi party night with special performance by the Muff Sisters. The Mansfield Hotel/PJs. From 8pm.

22 - The Short List. Townsville Surf Lifesavers Club.

24 - Townsville Mumpreneurs Expo. TownsVillains Roller Derby fundraiser. Heaps of great displays and activities. Castle Hill PCYC. From 1pm.

24 - Fundraiser Dance for Nancy. Featuring musicians from Townsville's best of the best. Ignatius Park College. Tickets $25 by phoning 0407 731 893. From 7pm.

30 - Rock Out Against Domestic Violence. Kate Martin, Charlton, Why Wait, Six Hole Theory, Prey, Ghosts Over Japan, We Came From The Depths. Aitkenvale PCYC. Free. From 6.30pm.

May

2 - Groovin the Moo. See article for full lineup details. Murray Sporting Complex. $95.90 (+ booking fee) via Moshtix. From 12pm.

15 - Exchange Hotel Re-opening Concert. Kim Cooper, The North Ward, The Popli Kids, Bandawalla Moons, Buttah and the Cursed Insurgents, Broken Needles, DJ Pappas. From 8pm.

15-16 - Beat The Bastard Charity Ride. Downhill skate event cancer fundraiser. Mt Stuart. All day.

CAIRNS

April

16 - Sneaky Beats featuring Yves Klein Blue. Tanks Arts Centre. $10 at the door. Doors 5.30pm.

16-17 - The Original Pseudo Echo. Not a tribute band - the original lineup! Vertigo Bar, The Reef Hotel Casino. Free.

17 - Nano Stern (Chile). Tanks Arts Centre. $25/$20 from Ticketlink. Doors 6.30pm.

21 - Henry Rollins (USA). Tanks Arts Centre. $45/$40 from Ticketlink. Doors 6.30pm.

22-13 May - PNG: A Survey of Art & Artefacts. Artwork and artefacts from Papua New Guinea. Launch 22 April 6pm. Tanks Arts Centre. Free.

23-15 May - Fragment exhibition by Declan Delargy. Abstract-expressionist mixed media on canvas. Launch 23 April 6pm. Tanks Arts Centre. Free.

24 - Jeff Martin (Canada). Ex-The Tea Party. Tanks Arts Centre. $35/$30 from Ticketlink. Doors 6.30pm.

MAY

1-2 - Cairns Blues Festival. Backsliders, Dallas Frasca, Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers, Bex Marshall, Fiona Boyes and more. $120 pre-sold, $130 at the door, $75 one day from Ticketlink.

The Butterfly Effect Return to Townsville

Words by Chazz Byron

The Butterfly Effect are returning to Townsville supported by an exciting newcomer, Calling All Cars. The Butterfly Effect have been regular guests of the Townsville music scene. With support from the high-energy Melbourne trio, Calling All Cars, Jupiter's Ballroom will definitely be rocking on 30 July. An unusual venue, this will be the first time a rock concert is performed there. No word yet if it's dinner as well. Tickets for this one will definitely sell out, so book early!

Powderfinger's Sunsets

Words by Chazz Byron

As most of you may know by now, after 21 years as a band, Powderfinger have decided this will be their last year together. Recently on their website the band stated: "With the completion of our last album, 'Golden Rule', we feel that we have said all we want to say as a musical group."

Three-time ARIA winners for Album of the Year (Internationalist, Odyssey Number Five and Vulture Street), Powderfinger has been nominated for a total of 28 ARIAs in their career, taking home 16 of them.

The band has definitely had a glowing musical career. Many Aussies may remember the band for songs like, "The Day You Come", "Passenger" and "My Happiness" as their first taste of Powderfinger, back in their school days.

Powderfinger have decided to end their career on a high with one last headlining tour. The Sunsets tour will be heading to Townsville with Aussie rockers Jet in support, about three years after their Across the Great Divide marathon tour with Silverchair. So make sure you don't miss the final opportunity to see Powderfinger live. The band will be performing at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on 1 October. Tickets go onsale 9am Friday 30 April.

If I may borrow some words from Bernard Fanning himself, Powderfinger, "I just want to wish you well."

Skate4Cancer Australia: URGENT UPDATE

We at SMAC Magazine have missed a couple of updates from Jamie's blog lately, but this one is important and shocking. Please join us in sending good vibes to Rob Dyer and the Skate4Cancer team...

Jamie's Blog, 14/04/2010 6:02:49PM

I know many of you are wondering why there is an extra blog this week. I wish it was to post better news, but I still wouldn't call it bad news, especially considering what happened. Allow me to explain.

Sometime during the mid-morning of Wednesday, April 14th, while skating the tail end of the 150km uninhabited stretch of highway A20, Rob was side-swiped by a car. It appears that while driving the long, straight stretch of barren highway, someone lost focus, or control, or both, and swerved into the bike lane, knocking Rob off his board. By the time we got to him with the van, he was standing, which was a really good sign. Once we had him in the van, it was clear to see there were no immediate or life-threatening injuries. Luckily, it was the side of the car that hit Rob, not a direct hit, which could have been much worse. The only damaging injury that seems to have resulted from the accident is a pulled groin.

We've made our way to Adelaide to get Rob checked out at a hospital, since he is having a fair bit of trouble walking and the pain seems fairly intense. We're keeping our fingers crossed it's not anything worse, but for the time being I think it is safe to say there won't be any skating for a little while.

Considering the speeds involved in the accident, and the narrow margin by which a direct hit was avoided, a pulled groin isn't what I would call bad news. In fact, looking at what went down, I think Rob is a pretty lucky guy right now. But he doesn't feel that way, and frustration and disappointment on his face is clear to see. He wants to be skating, not icing a strained muscle.

Over the next few days we will be visiting the hospital and Doctors try to get a sense of what the exact injury is and how long Rob will be out of commission. In the time being, keep checking the blog, and keep sharing the Drop-in Centre video. We've cleared 10,000 views in three days, which is a truly amazing thing. I know watching those hits go up gives Rob a real boost, so there is nothing better anyone can do for him right now than to keep pushing that video.

The Drop-in Centre video can be found here. For every 100 views this video gets, C1RCA will donate $1.00 which will go towards Skate4Cancer's drop-in centre.

To read more of Skate4Cancer's blog, view amazing photos or check out more of their wicked videos, visit Skate4Cancer. SMAC Magazine would like to thank Rob, Daniel, Jamie and the team for letting us share their amazing journey with you. Stay tuned for more updates and an exclusive chat with Rob Dyer soon!

Splendour 2010 Lineup - First Announcement!

With the annual Splendour in the Grass just around the corner, it was only fitting that a lineup release wasn't too far off the crossing; this morning, organisers released the much-anticipated lineup, which isn't looking too shabby really. Splendour is becoming almost synonymous with the northern hemisphere's summer touring calendar, with many bands making pit-stops on the green and gold shores whilst on whirlwind tours of the northern continents.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary over a very special (and massive!) three-day camping and music extravaganza in the serene hills of Woodfordia, an hour and a half drive north of Brisbane in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterlands, organisers have billed over sixty bands for punters to feast their lusts and loves upon. So, without further adieu, the first announcement for Splendour in the Grass 2010 is:

The Strokes, Pixes (only Australian show), Ben Harper & Relentless 7 (only Australian show), Empire of the Sun, Mumford & Sons, Florence & The Machine, Scissor Sisters, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Ting Tings, Wolfmother, Band of Horses, Goldfrapp, Richard Ashcroft & The United Nations of Sound, Foals, Grizzly Bear, LCD Soundsystem, Angus & Julia Stone, Hot Chip, Passion Pit, Paul Kelly, Laura Marling, Lisa Mitchell, Midlake, Band of Skulls, The Vines... gasp for air...

Kate Nash, The Temper Trap, Broken Social Scene, Tame Impala, The Magic Numbers, K-OS, Operator Please, Midnight Juggernauts, Bluejuice, Little Red, Ash, The Middle East, Whitley, Yeasayer, Miami Horror, Delphic, We Are Scientists, Jonsi, Alberta Cross, Surfer Blood, Space Invadas, British India, Washington, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Clare Bowditch, Two Door Cinema Club, Mike Snow, The Drums, The Mess Hall, School of Seven Bells, Fat Freddy's Drop, Last Dinosaurs, John Steel Singers, Yacht Club DJs, Johnathan Boulet, Dan Sultan, Oh Mercy, Cloud Control, Boy & Bear, Ernest Ellis, Tijuana Cartel, Frightened Rabbit, Violent Soho, The Joy Formidable, Skipping Girl Vinegar, Gypsy & The Cat, Money for Rope, JaC Stone, Zennith, Tim & Jean, Bag Raiders, Anna Lunoe, Kid Kenobi, The Only, Van She Tech, Purple Sneakers DJs, Miami Horror DJs, Yolanda, Be Cool, Graz, Levins, plus MANY more still to be announced!!

No doubt the lineup has you jumping around like a flea on heat! We are here at SMAC Magazine! Head over to the official Splendour in the Grass website to check out where all the action is, ticketing information, FAQs, and everything else that is Splendour in the Grass 2010 and stay tuned to SMAC Magazine for more info and interviews!

Splendour in the Grass 2010 Ticket Prices:

Event Only: $350 (inc GST) + booking fees

Event + Camping: $450 (inc GST) + booking fees

Tickets go onsale 9am sharp EST Thursday 6 May through Moshtix here or phone 1300 GET TIX (438 849).

Kissychasy's Seizures Sure to Shake Up Townsville

Words by Nic Horton

Horizons are flourishing for synonymous teen rockers Kisschasy as they gear up in rehearsals for the upcoming regional touring festival, Groovin the Moo. Its been a busy few months since the release of their fifth album, Seizures, with extensive touring, slots on some of the biggest festivals over summer, love-infested controversy amongst the media, yet still Kisschasy frontman Darren Cordeux manages to revel in the splendour, and has found time to write material for a new album collaboration with his girlfriend, due out sometime in August.

Its been a long and exuberant adventure for Kisschasy since the release of Seizures mid-last year, and the band are far from finished, with a slot on the regional Groovin the Moo festival tour starting later this month. But in amongst all of the chaotic activity frontman Darren Cordeux is piecing together a new sideline project with his girlfriend that is allowing him to re-discover his roots with purity and rekindling his natural flair for song-writing. "It's me and my girlfriend, for me it's something really... pure," he says.

"When you play in a band for a long time you have a lot of people involved; you have band members, then you also have a label to consider, and a fan base to consider, whereas this project [Fuzz Phantoms] we record songs as we write them. It's just a really pure and natural way to make music, there's no kind of pressure involved, you know?"

It's rather a story for the print on just how this project came about: "she started making all of these kind of pop songs as a joke at home, and then I realised, she actually has the rhythm, so I went out and purchased this drum kit. And I had all these songs I was writing that didn't really suit Kisschasy, so we started jamming on them and we just clicked. And she totally understood where I was coming from musically. It was really a cool thing; much different to Kisschasy."

But Kisschasy fans need not be led astray - Darren is in no way diminishing the band. "By no means does this mean the end of Kisschasy. People have this mindset that people can only be in one band, but, if you manage it properly, you can be in numerous bands and make them all work," he says. "I still feel as strongly about Kisschasy, and I feel equally as strongly about these new things. Anything I create I feel really committed to."

Fuzz Phantoms is a little more garage and just slightly kookier, but according to Darren, is equally as fun. After about eight years with Kisschasy, Darren feels as if it's only due time that he "spread his wings and try something else as well."

Seizures was certainly a step up and forward in a new direction for Kisschasy, and is proclaimed as the bands' best work to date. Pieced together by the journal entries of a poignant songwriter, Seizures took its title from a quirky book written by Dr. Oliver Sacks, a brain specialist, by the name of, "The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat." It was more about the title Seizures than the concept, "at one point he was talking about how people have seizures, and how it can take you back to a point in your life that you never, ever would have remembered otherwise, it just triggers certain points of your memory," as Darren explains. "That's when I thought: that's what this album will always do for me, and every time I hear it I'll know exactly where I was at that point and what I was feeling and what I was thinking. For what a seizure is to those people, I guess every song is like that for me, it brings back a certain point in my life."

But by no means was Seizures intended to become a concept album. "I hate that term, it usually means the songs aren't very good and it's all about the story," Darren says, whereas this album is strung together by the songs themselves with the story intertwined through them.

"Seizures was written from my point of view, and it was pretty darn obvious that it was coming from a direct place in me... It is kind of daunting when you go out there and put all of your personal experiences out there, especially because in real life, I'm nothing like that, I'm withdrawn and emotional and don't usually tell people what's going on. So, that's my way of getting it out."

With many post-album syndromes, Kisschasy were reasonably fortunate coming out with only minor abrasions. "We got more of a backlash from certain fans who wanted to hear the same shit from before, musically, and we're kind of selfish like that; we make music we like, and all bands should be able to do that. But in saying that, I think the upside of that is, we got a bunch of new fans we might never have had before. So you've just got to take the good with the bad I suppose."

After a massive day in Bendigo as Groovin the Moo kicks off, Kisschasy will trek on up to the northern shores for a no doubt energized and kick-ass set on 2 May. Its been quite a while since the band last played here, but the wait will almost certainly pay off. "We love Townsville, we've played there a bunch of times, and the crowd is just... they don't take you for granted. They're not spoilt for choice like the larger cities, so they just get amongst it and enjoy themselves. And therefore we enjoy ourselves a lot more because of that."

Seizures is in stores now, so don't be a racoon, get out there and grab a copy if you've not done so already.