So I find myself towards the end of the year now, back to my unfortunately unemployed self, sitting at the kitchen bench contemplating life and wondering what's next, just as I did seven months ago having returned from England. At least this time around I'm not scared about driving in the city, have a bunch of new and awesome friends from everything life has thrown at me this year and just finished a wicked seven months working on The Price Is Right, which totally affirmed my eagerness to work in this industry despite the fact that there will always be periods like this where I'll find myself in this exact position.
Sigh...
Never fear, I accepted a job this afternoon...however will have to figure out just how I'm going to fill my time between now and then ...as the job doesn't start until the end of November. "Ah the life of wanting to work in television" ... I'm starting to understand how it all works now.
Another sigh...
Apart from a five day trip to Melbourne in early November for Melbourne Cup, I have NO plans really so seems like a good time to start my blog again, and I'm going to start writing a book I've wanted to do and now have the time to actually start. Apart from this I plan to watch a lot of Foxtel (bring on the Geordie Shore!) sell stuff on Ebay for cash...(what stuff this is I don't know yet) and galavant around Sydney to...like they do on the Geordie Shore....get mortal...with whoever wants to do such a thing with me. Isn't it our God's given right as Australians to do just that? Woop!
I plan to move out next month too...If I'm going to be working at Fox Studios it's just not an option to stay in Wahroonga, as much as I dearly love my family and have really appreciated the option to save a bunch of money.
So I don't know now that I'm not travelling around what the theme of this blog will be..if any...but I just plan to write about my adventures in general. Here's to hoping there's a lot of them waiting for me in the near future....Boredom is not my friend!
Peace x
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
An Exceptionally Wonderful (Big) Day Out
This day started with some very clever organisation in preperation for what I/we thought was going to be one of the wettest festival days we'd ever attended. From the torrential rain the day before and the bucketing down that morning while we were having breakfast, I carefully placed my phone, ID etc into plastic sandwich bags, packed my poncho and put on my wellingtons...determined to embrace the rain. However as soon as we left the house for Big Day Out the sun came out and it proceeded to be one of the most humid festivals I've ever been to instead of the wettest. Not that I was complaining, but man it was hot!
It took us a little while to actually get down into the belly of the festival due to having so many people in our group heading in but by the time we got down to catch the end of The Jezebels there was only about five of us. Number one festival rule...never spend time trying to find people, just stick with one or two and you will eventually run in to everyone else. Leave it up to fate or you will miss all the awesome music!
As the sun came out 'Endless Summer' conveniently played, so we stuck around to watch The Jezebels because Hilltop Hoods were playing next on the other main stage and I was not going to miss one bit of it. And what a glorious forty five minutes it was. I had been waiting two years to see them play again live and they did not disappoint. Managed to lose everyone except my friend Jess so the two of us just danced and hugged it out together. They put on an unreal performance, playing 'Chase That Feeling' as the encore. How I love them....I could go on for hours...Really looking forward to the new album 'Drinking from the Sun' getting released on March 9!
After the set and full of happiness we bounded out of the crowd and ran into Lucy, Lucas and Gibbo and Pauline. We were little disappointed that we didn't get to see Hilltop together but knew we'd have other chances when they started touring once the album was out so it was ok. We went and got a couple drinks then slowly made it over to the Boiler Room to see Girl Talk. I missed him last time I went to BDO because Hilltop Hoods was on at the same time so I was really keen to catch his set. I don't think it's physically possible to stand still while Girl Talk is playing, we all danced ourselves silly, were disgustingly sweaty but exceptionally stoked to be there. We managed to have our whole group there so it was so much fun.
Afterwards we all needed some fresh air, beverages and food so found a spot on the grass to have a little rest before Kanye West. Now don't get me wrong, the Kanye experience was pretty awesome...with the entrance in the middle of the crowd on a forklift to the chorus of ballet dancers and the light show...but as a whole....we all found the whole thing a bit arrogant to be honest. And I know this is his image...but seriously, this is a music festival, we don't need ten minute piano solos and ongoing talking into the microphone about how seeing him means it's the best night of your life and we all have to buy his album. Oh and that poor black swan on stage...she must of been thinking.."Will this ever end?" Because Kanye ran over time by about forty five minutes we managed to miss Nero and Noel Gallagher but never mind. I got to see Hilltop so I was happy :)
The Lucies and I managed to lose everyone after Kanye as the festival finished and managed to be one of the last groups of people out of the arena. Not worrying too much about where everyone was as they knew how to get home we headed off together on the train. Somehow we managed to have the energy to laugh hysterically at the expense of Kanye the whole way home, with everyone around us looking at us like, "Are you effing serious?" When everyone made it back to Paddington we then realised how hungry we were...and after calling every pizza place in Sydney (it was now 1a.m.) and finding out they were all closed, our wonderful friends Jess and Pauline decided to collect cash for the cab and food and caught a taxi in their pajamas to King's Cross McDonalds, made him wait while they bought eveything and then drive them back to Lucy's flat. Legends. Full and satisfied we all hit the sack. It had certainly been a big day out.
It took us a little while to actually get down into the belly of the festival due to having so many people in our group heading in but by the time we got down to catch the end of The Jezebels there was only about five of us. Number one festival rule...never spend time trying to find people, just stick with one or two and you will eventually run in to everyone else. Leave it up to fate or you will miss all the awesome music!
After the set and full of happiness we bounded out of the crowd and ran into Lucy, Lucas and Gibbo and Pauline. We were little disappointed that we didn't get to see Hilltop together but knew we'd have other chances when they started touring once the album was out so it was ok. We went and got a couple drinks then slowly made it over to the Boiler Room to see Girl Talk. I missed him last time I went to BDO because Hilltop Hoods was on at the same time so I was really keen to catch his set. I don't think it's physically possible to stand still while Girl Talk is playing, we all danced ourselves silly, were disgustingly sweaty but exceptionally stoked to be there. We managed to have our whole group there so it was so much fun.
Afterwards we all needed some fresh air, beverages and food so found a spot on the grass to have a little rest before Kanye West. Now don't get me wrong, the Kanye experience was pretty awesome...with the entrance in the middle of the crowd on a forklift to the chorus of ballet dancers and the light show...but as a whole....we all found the whole thing a bit arrogant to be honest. And I know this is his image...but seriously, this is a music festival, we don't need ten minute piano solos and ongoing talking into the microphone about how seeing him means it's the best night of your life and we all have to buy his album. Oh and that poor black swan on stage...she must of been thinking.."Will this ever end?" Because Kanye ran over time by about forty five minutes we managed to miss Nero and Noel Gallagher but never mind. I got to see Hilltop so I was happy :)
The Lucies and I managed to lose everyone after Kanye as the festival finished and managed to be one of the last groups of people out of the arena. Not worrying too much about where everyone was as they knew how to get home we headed off together on the train. Somehow we managed to have the energy to laugh hysterically at the expense of Kanye the whole way home, with everyone around us looking at us like, "Are you effing serious?" When everyone made it back to Paddington we then realised how hungry we were...and after calling every pizza place in Sydney (it was now 1a.m.) and finding out they were all closed, our wonderful friends Jess and Pauline decided to collect cash for the cab and food and caught a taxi in their pajamas to King's Cross McDonalds, made him wait while they bought eveything and then drive them back to Lucy's flat. Legends. Full and satisfied we all hit the sack. It had certainly been a big day out.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Jinja Safari: FOREST EYES video (& some words from Marcus)
I love this... Life at it's simplest...but at it's most splendid.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Falling with Happiness into the New Year
Without a doubt, Falls Festival is my favourite Australian music festival hands down. There are so many unique and wonderful things about it, that make it a music experience like no other. The vibe for one is incredible, this is perhaps due to the fact that unlike many festivals, this one falls over New Years, so considering how many events people have to choose from at this particular time of year, everyone at Falls chose it over everything else. This brings everyone together into one big harmonious group of live music fans.
Secondly, it's the layout and the set up of the festival. The main stage at the bottom of a natural ampitheatre is incredible, and it allows everyone to experience their music in whatever shape and form they wish, being able to see everything no matter where they are. Whether you want to sit and chill out in the sunshine swaying to the beats at the top of the hill, or go nuts down close to the front of the stage, you can always get the best visual and audio experience depending on what you're in the mood for, even if you change your mind half way through. The amount of times we sat as a group feeling a little low on energy (which happens at times at a five day festival!) further up the hill but as soon as whatever band started we got over excited and went running down the hill to join the hundreds of dancing fans was more times than I can count. The music was just too good to sit still!
Thirdly, what I also love about Falls is discovering new bands and different types of music. Falls has such an ecclectic mix sounds and particularly this time where they brilliantly moved 'The Village' to behind the main stage instead of somewhere out in the forest, we got to experience artists and bands that I perhaps never would have gone to see. Oscar and Martin is the perfect example of this. I'd heard of them but had never really heard their music. Their set was dreamlike but funky and got everyone up dancing. Definitely an album that I want! 'The Village' was also fantastic because it was interactive. So many of my friends came back to our camping spot with weird and wonderful items they'd made like drink bottle carriers and hats. One of the boys, Bobby, burnt his friend's hat so it had massive holes in it (lovely!) but the artists in the village helped him patch it up with colourful material so it looked much more fun and unique than it did originally. Win!
I had a truly amazing music experience this year, with so many bands and artists that I want to acknowledge. Aloe Black however, was probably the most exciting and fun set that I've ever been a part of. Apart from his ever so cool voice and music, the Falls crowd really delivered an amazing performance. I don't know who started it but a group of people, to each song Aloe Black sang, started a dance consisting of a few moves, which then travelled down towards everyone at the stage to a point where the whole crowd was just dancing in sync. It looked absolutely unreal, whether watching it on the screen or looking back up the hill. I actually couldn't stop smiling. Aloe Black then cleared circles in the mosh pit for everyone to take turns dancing in like crazy people and also created a soul train down the middle of the crowd. The whole thing was just amazing to be a part of, and one of those beautiful moments in life where you appreciate being alive and being surrounded with what you love - music, friends and freedom.
Other performances that really stand out for me looking back are The Wonderful World of DJ Yoda - what a set! The start with Star Wars set the pace for the rest of the set, every song that came on got a huge cheer from the crowd, I just couldn't stop laughing at the songs he kept playing, it was so much fun and the best way to end the second night. Too good.
Dub FX were unreal, so much talent, we were blown away by their creativity and of course the crazy beats!
During Missy Higgins I ran into to some old friends I hadn't seen in years so had a memorable sing along with them.
Kimbra and The Jezabels were unbelievable as usual, a mate of mine who saw Kimbra at ANU in Canberra earlier in the year said that Kimbra seemed a lot more polished than she was six months ago. I didn't know her music that well but I thought she delivered a really fun and energetic performance. I got so into it, definitely another album to buy!
Of course The Kooks and Arctic Monkeys, despite the tension between them both got to everyone with their music. I've seen The Kooks a few times now and whilst you can't particularly understand what Luke Pritchard is saying most of the time, he delivers the songs with perfection. Arctic Monkeys were an unreal choice to play over New Years, we had so much fun.
One band that I'd been really hanging out to see was The Naked and Famous. I don't think I danced harder in any set the whole week. They have this mysterious, cool aura about them and their songs just sounded magical in the natural amphitheater. A definitely highlight for me.
I could go on but in all honestly its hard to differentiate how awesome one band or artist was to the next, just thinking about it now...How I wish I could go back!
Obviously the weather added to the grand experience, hot but enough clouds so you didn't roast all day. Not saying that we didn't all get sun burnt at one point (would it be a festival if you didn't?). And of course the key ingredient to the best Falls experience is a good crew. Too much fun. My friends and I had decided at the 2009/10 Falls Festival we would all reunite at the 2011/12 one after we'd all returned from travelling, studying etc all over the world. Our reunion did not disappoint, in fact, I think it was the best Falls Festival yet! So now all I can say is... next year anyone?
Secondly, it's the layout and the set up of the festival. The main stage at the bottom of a natural ampitheatre is incredible, and it allows everyone to experience their music in whatever shape and form they wish, being able to see everything no matter where they are. Whether you want to sit and chill out in the sunshine swaying to the beats at the top of the hill, or go nuts down close to the front of the stage, you can always get the best visual and audio experience depending on what you're in the mood for, even if you change your mind half way through. The amount of times we sat as a group feeling a little low on energy (which happens at times at a five day festival!) further up the hill but as soon as whatever band started we got over excited and went running down the hill to join the hundreds of dancing fans was more times than I can count. The music was just too good to sit still!Thirdly, what I also love about Falls is discovering new bands and different types of music. Falls has such an ecclectic mix sounds and particularly this time where they brilliantly moved 'The Village' to behind the main stage instead of somewhere out in the forest, we got to experience artists and bands that I perhaps never would have gone to see. Oscar and Martin is the perfect example of this. I'd heard of them but had never really heard their music. Their set was dreamlike but funky and got everyone up dancing. Definitely an album that I want! 'The Village' was also fantastic because it was interactive. So many of my friends came back to our camping spot with weird and wonderful items they'd made like drink bottle carriers and hats. One of the boys, Bobby, burnt his friend's hat so it had massive holes in it (lovely!) but the artists in the village helped him patch it up with colourful material so it looked much more fun and unique than it did originally. Win!
I had a truly amazing music experience this year, with so many bands and artists that I want to acknowledge. Aloe Black however, was probably the most exciting and fun set that I've ever been a part of. Apart from his ever so cool voice and music, the Falls crowd really delivered an amazing performance. I don't know who started it but a group of people, to each song Aloe Black sang, started a dance consisting of a few moves, which then travelled down towards everyone at the stage to a point where the whole crowd was just dancing in sync. It looked absolutely unreal, whether watching it on the screen or looking back up the hill. I actually couldn't stop smiling. Aloe Black then cleared circles in the mosh pit for everyone to take turns dancing in like crazy people and also created a soul train down the middle of the crowd. The whole thing was just amazing to be a part of, and one of those beautiful moments in life where you appreciate being alive and being surrounded with what you love - music, friends and freedom.Other performances that really stand out for me looking back are The Wonderful World of DJ Yoda - what a set! The start with Star Wars set the pace for the rest of the set, every song that came on got a huge cheer from the crowd, I just couldn't stop laughing at the songs he kept playing, it was so much fun and the best way to end the second night. Too good.
Dub FX were unreal, so much talent, we were blown away by their creativity and of course the crazy beats!
During Missy Higgins I ran into to some old friends I hadn't seen in years so had a memorable sing along with them.
Kimbra and The Jezabels were unbelievable as usual, a mate of mine who saw Kimbra at ANU in Canberra earlier in the year said that Kimbra seemed a lot more polished than she was six months ago. I didn't know her music that well but I thought she delivered a really fun and energetic performance. I got so into it, definitely another album to buy!
Of course The Kooks and Arctic Monkeys, despite the tension between them both got to everyone with their music. I've seen The Kooks a few times now and whilst you can't particularly understand what Luke Pritchard is saying most of the time, he delivers the songs with perfection. Arctic Monkeys were an unreal choice to play over New Years, we had so much fun.One band that I'd been really hanging out to see was The Naked and Famous. I don't think I danced harder in any set the whole week. They have this mysterious, cool aura about them and their songs just sounded magical in the natural amphitheater. A definitely highlight for me.
I could go on but in all honestly its hard to differentiate how awesome one band or artist was to the next, just thinking about it now...How I wish I could go back!
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