by Sorbz

Little Day Out Saturday 24th November, Cairns:

It has been a while since we were last in Cairns, the last time being on the Rollins Band 2001 Tour.

Arriving 2 days before the festival, we (Craig T, DaMieN, and myself) had plenty of time to adjust to the F**KING unbearable humidity, that we are most definitely not used too! On the other hand, Cameron and Naut arrived on the day of the event just in time for rehearsals we had booked prior to the show. So they were up for some hard work indeed!

I must say, the performance was probably the best we have played since the BDO 2001 in Sydney, and with the addition of some new tracks in the set, road testing them for the first time was so much fun. It actually reminded me of how much fun playing live can be. I just love that feeling of whether or not we will make it through the new tracks without a stumble or two, and I tell you what…I couldn't find anything to complain about at all.

Before I finish up, I do have to extend warm thanks to: the organizers at Graft `n Arts, for their endless support to all of the interstate and local acts involved in the event; local MADMAN, Nick Swainson, who showed us an awesome time up at Port Douglas; and finally to Todd at Pandomonium, for the rehearsal space and the free drinks at Johnos Blues Bar.
Cheers…

Tracking Kultja
13 October, University Of Canberra:

I must apologise for the latency of this entry, as we have been so flat out, laying tracks for the album, and not to mention the 2 weeks holiday I spent in Canberra during the lead up to my brother David's wedding, I sometimes forget other priorities. Lucky my long term memory is still intact! (lol)

Anyway, being the headline act for this gig, we didn't arrive at the venue until the second last act was half way through their set. So, I won,t be making any reviews this time. (sorry)

For a university show, we were expecting a somewhat larger crowd. I imagine the small turnout was because of a lack of advertising.

After the show, we departed straight back for Sydney for more recording, which many of you may or may not be hearing very soon. The reason being for this, is we don't want to include any tracks that are not of a standard that we are all happy with. This is our first album people, we want it to be the best!

So, I would like to express a quick thankyou to our fans in Canberra who were at the event.

October 2001
Tuesday 3rd October, Deadly Sounds Music Awards, City Live Fox Studios, Sydney:
Congratulations to all of the of the winners and runners up who were nominated, at this years 7th Deadly Sounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Awards.
The Deadlys are voted by public choice, but just which public, eh?
I'm so glad we didn't win in any of the 3 categories we were nominated for this year, as it would make us look silly winning an award and then headlining the event. Let alone, RIGGED!
Well, This year's awards ceremony seemed a little shorter than last years for some reason.
Maybe it was the fact that we were only given time for a set of five songs, when believe me people, for twenty dollars, I reckon you were cut a little short on the entertainment factor of the whole event, to which we claim no responsibility.
If it wasn't for the different rules and contractual agreements that binds these events we could have played for 2 hours. Yes, breaking the rules for the fans is sometimes acceptable, but obviously you that were there did not show us you wanted it. So, following the complaints I have been receiving from some Individuals, I just thought I should clear it up - if you want some more, all you gotta do is ask!
I am sure everyone that attended enjoyed himself or herself…


The Push 2001

Thursday 27th September, Civic Hall, Warrnambool:
This tour could not have ended in a better way for us, as the turn out was great, the system was half-decent, and all the bands kicked shit in! Apart from the stage about to collapse under our feet and the odd electrocution here and there, we managed to pump the joint!
Anyway, We would like to thank Stan and the rest of the PUSH/FREEZA team for another fun tour, and I hope everyone that supported this tour had a great time doing so.
Thanks to everyone for coming,
Anytime you want us back, give us a call.
Cheers
SoRBZ

Tuesday 25th September, Karma Hall, Morwell:
Definitely not my favorite venue in the country! I remember this place from the first tour I ever did with the band in Victoria. The funny thing is, the last time we did do a show here, we were far from anything that we are now, and which I say with pride because, Boy did we SUCK!
Anyway, although the turn out was average I'm sure the people that did show got what they wanted!
I noticed more people hanging around out the front Drinking and Smoking, because it was prohibited inside the venue!
Sometimes it makes me wonder if the many people that do usually want to go to Rock Concerts, cant enjoy themselves without certain additives! Pity, because we were straight for the whole tour, and I don't mind the average brew or ten, now and then.
So, if we can do it, why not try it. You might just like it…
I know I did!

Saturday 22nd September, Moama Sports Complex, Echuca/Moama:
One thing that has been bothering me for a while is, Why are most of the Push Gigs held in sports complexes or basketball stadiums? I don't mean to sound like a whinging prick, as I don't hold grudges, cause give us the chance (and money-DaMieN), we will play anywhere. But when it comes to the acoustics of a venue, one of the worst places to play a show is in an indoor stadium.

i.e.: High ceilings, long rooms and wooden floors = Shite sound, and not to mention bloody hard work for Naut. Which brings me to the next item on the agenda.
You see, after the short run of shows we did in August, we received mail from some particular fans about the sound of our shows, and to be quite honest, the emails we received were not what I was expecting at all. Basically what I am trying to say is, those shows weren't sounding as good as I had described in the previous reports.

Now, I don't mind correcting myself or being corrected, as it is hard in the live situation to get things perfect, let alone to know what you sound like out the front being onstage the whole time. And to those of you who did take the time to email us your views, thankyou for your analytical reports, because, if something isn't going right, we are usually quick to jump on it and get it sorted out. So thanks again, and just to let you all know that you have given us the inspiration to write a song about those individuals.
So After, several meetings, and technical changes (not forgetting the line up change as well), we have responded to your thoughts in the best way we know how. By kicking ass once again, and sounding even better than before.

Don't believe me? Then come and hear it for yourself!

Friday 21st September, Mildura Function Centre:
There is something about Mildura that I have always liked since I was a kid - it is the strong support for touring bands - most regional areas would not be so inclined. The last show we played here, with 28 days, for the Stylewars Tour 2000, absolutely rocked! So in turn, I knew this show was going to be a killer! Or was it? …..

You see, the last time we did play here, was with drummer Cameron McGlinchey. Who was one of three drummers we were using for that time of the year.
Sound weird? Well, it gets better…

After the disembarkment of drummer Paul Kelly, who left the team for personal reasons, we had to make a decision of who would fill the spot - which was not an easy task. As somehow the rumour got out and we were being flooded with offers from drummers around the globe - which didn't surprise me in the least.

Anyway, after serious thought, we decided there was only one man capable of pumping out the grooves with us to the caliber we are used too. And considering we hadn't played together for a good 18 months, and no pre gig rehearsals, McGlinchey KICKED SHIT IN! I think Cameron deserves a round of applause from all of you for his efforts on Friday night. May you all applaud generously!

So, if any of you are shocked about the loss of a member, please, don't worry we are still soldiering on strong and have just got together 26 out of the 30 tracks which are still to be decided on which ones will make it to the record. And to those of you who have been waiting so patiently for the LP, all of your favourites will making it to Album.

The Yeperenye Festival
Saturday 8th September, Alice Springs:
What more can I say but, well done! To everyone who was involved in the preparations leading towards this event you all deserve a big pat on the back indeed.
I had such a great time, which I wasn't expecting at all, as I was sceptical things would run as smooth as they did. The dancers were excellent, great costumes and props. The caterpillars and lanterns were amazing, especially the aerial shots. All the bands performed well, and sounded great from where I was standing.

To me, a festival of this calibre, which I must mention was alcohol free, gave me the impression that it would have fallen through in a town like Alice Springs. This I believed because of the huge alcohol problem that threatens the Northern Territory, but, with something like this for everyone in Alice Springs and beyond to be a part of, showed that family and friends, both black and white, can have an awesome time together…
Without the pressure of drugs and alcohol!

Friday 7th September, Todd Tavern, Alice Springs:
After such a stressful week of preparations for the Yeperenye Festival, we only just managed to fit this show in to the Schedule. We missied our soundcheck at the full dress rehearsal, which was not our fault, we had to rush back and forth from the festival, to the Todd Tavern all fuckin` day!

Anyway, I think this gig is one of the best we have ever played here, as we hadn`t practiced for a month, and weren`t sure on how things would go. All I can say is good work guys, and thanks Damien Young and Naut, it was a pleasureable experience for all.