COOPER'S ALIVE 2009
Source: 3Reasons / AusmusicSA
Published online 25th August 2009
SA'S FINEST HOME BREWED MUSIC PERFORM AT COOPER'S ALIVE 2009
Coopers Alive presents 25 of the best original South Australian bands over 4 nights in October 2009. The chosen acts participate in workshops provided by Ausmusic SA, resulting in eight unique one time only shows designed to shine a light our state's great musical talent.
Ausmusic SA's Gordon Andersen says “Following extensive industry consultation we have hand picked what we believe are some of the best emerging and established bands in SA. Covering Roots, Rock, Dance, Pop, Hip-hop, Punk, Rock, Metal, Classic and World music, Coopers Alive truly represents the quality and eclectic variety of music thatʼs brewing in SA's own back yard.”
The line-up for Coopers Alive 2009 is (in alphabetical order):
Aviator Lane
Bing Goes To Monaco
Brenton Manser and the Disciples of Zen
Bronze Chariot
Cortez
Dialect
Golonka
Gracewood
Grenadiers
Kytes of Omar
Laura Hill and The Tuesday Bandits
Like Leaves
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Mase & Mattic
Mere Theory
Paper Arms
Radio Spectacular!!!
Sukatash
The Baker Suite
The British Robots
The Touch
Thunderclaw
We Grow Up
The Waterslides
Wintermild
Coopers Alive happens Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October across 8 venues:
Crown & Sceptre Hotel
Ed Castle Hotel
Fowlerʼs Live
Jade Monkey
Jive
Promethean
Rhino Room
Wheatsheaf Hotel
Quotes from Coopers Alive 2008 participants:
“Coopers Alive was a great opportunity for us, the exposure and publicity far exceeded what we could ever manage on our own and has definatly helped us expand our public and industry networks.” Dee – The Fiddle Chicks
“Coopers Alive provided us with critical information in planning, prompting and evaluation our shows. The opportunity to network, share information and contacts with the other local bands, was the most valuable lesson of all for us.” Mike – A Devil Amongst The Tailors
For more information WATCH THIS SPACE ON MUSICSA FOR UPDATES ON THE EVENT!
latest press releases:
Press Release posted online 15 September 2009:
The Edinburgh Castle to be immortalised by Three of Adelaide's Best
Together for the first time in one night Adelaide's finest proponents of heavy, experimental and progressive rock comes together. Like Leaves, Thunderclaw and Bronze Chariot join forces on the stage at the ED Castle on Friday the 16th, to split the skies and sever the ground as they join forces for Coopers Alive 09.
The whole night is to be immortalised through roving cameras and audio multi-tracking that is to capture the spectacle that will tear apart the ED Castle. To add a little bit of extra spice to the night, those in attendance will also be given access to a free digital download of a track from each of the bands performances.
The show at the ED Castle will allow audiences to get their first glimpse of evolution of BRONZE CHARIOT. Including members from The City Dynamite, Thunderclaw and Swords, BRONZE CHARIOT began writing long, repetitive doom laden structures that weaved into completely different beats. Recent line-up changes to the group has allowed further evolve their brand of enigmatic intensity, exploring uncharted territory in preparation for their new release which is due out in 2010.
THUNDERCLAW are a four piece instrumental band, focusing on heavy atmospheric grooves not dissimilar to bands such as Neurosis, Isis, Pelican and Cult of Luna. Formed as a 3 piece in 2006 they quickly because a 4 piece in 2007, from which they have quickly grown in musical aptitude andr eputation. Some bands they have played with include La Quiete (Italy), Graf Orlock (USA), Quebec,Grey Daturas. Their sound is immense, deftly balancing brain-bending progressive heavy rock with slabs of atmospheric grandeur. The power of their live show is not to be missed.
Completing the line up on the night will be psychedelic rock outfit LIKE LEAVES. Duelling vocal, blistering guitar riffs and violin workouts and a hard-hitting rhythm section are only part of what LIKE LEAVES offers. LIKE LEAVES combine tight arrangements and improvised passages into a layered, swirling sonic stew. They have shared the stage with the like of Chris Corsano (Bjork's touring drummer and having the honour of being the backing group for Damo Suzuki, legendary vocalist from German band Can. LIKE LEAVES reputation is growing rapidly and is only going the strengthen with the release of their debut album in late 2009.
Like Leaves, Thunderclaw and Bronze Chariot
Friday 16th of October
10PM Edinburgh Castle, 233 Currie St. City.
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 15 September 2009:
POP BONANZA AT THE RHINO ROOM
Whether you like it or not, Geeks pretty much rule the world these days and now's the time to celebrate. Let your Inner-Geek run wild and free at the Rhino Room on Friday October 16. A part of the Coopers Alive 09 Festival, the Rhino Room is to host a night of old-school gaming, bubbles, colour, accurate grammar, double happiness and an inflatable pony while featuring Adelaide's finest Geek-Pop bands We Grow Up, Radio Spectacular!!!, and The British Robots, in a night that is surely to be the Pop Bonanza of the year.
The night ensures to be one that is not to be forgotten, for those of you who wear the Geek badge with pride or if you simply need an excuse to get dressed up in thick framed glasses and suspenders, this is the night to come out with pride. The Rhino Room will be bouncing around the neighbourhood to the catchy electro, indie, alterative, pop sounds of We Grow up, Radio Spectacular!!! and The British Robots. Just to add a little more excitement the first 50 punters to come through the doors at the Rhino Room on the October 16 will also receive a free goodie bag with plenty of little surprises inside.
Adelaide Indie-popsters We Grow Up spend their days whittling catchy pop tunes and crafting homespun colourful whimsies. With the release of their recent LP 'Night Kitchen', We Grow Up have found themselves on many 'Best of 2008' lists nationally with overwhelmingly positive reviews. Creating their own brand of 'Smartpop with Substance', and have won over fans while supporting The New Pornographers and Missy Higgins. Reviewers compare the band to artists including Elliott Smith, Crowded House, The Beatles and Belle & Sebastian.
'There are so many great tracks on Night Kitchen. Even the more left-field ones, such as 'Fingernails', are incredibly beautiful songs. The band aren't afraid to try something different with the arrangements and the whole thing comes across like a pop merry-go-round.' - Half A Cow Records
With an act that combines their musical influences with their passion for photography, vintage clothing and hand-made CD covers, Radio Spectacular!!! are often happy, angry, dark, and cute all at the same time. Their new EP 'The Robot Ate My Crayon' shows an evolution in their catchy homemade Indie-Electro-Pop sound, and features more songs to cuddle, make love, propose and fight to. The strength of this EP has led to strong support slots including international acts That 1 Guy [USA] and Uni & Her Ukelele [USA], as well at Australian acts The Blow Waves [Melb] and Lovers Electric [Adel], as well as being selected to have their single "You Light Me Up" used in television and online advertisements for Canon's new line of IXUS cameras.
"This is effing great. I loved it. Minimalist, catchy, synthy. Nice work!" - Nicole Cheek, Triple J
The British Robots write pop songs and swap instruments on stage. They are about melodies and harmonies in smallish rooms with green tea. Having been together for a little over two years, living and playing around Adelaide and just won first place in South Australia for 2009's National Campus Band Competition and their single 'Trickster' is featured in the upcoming film 'Coffin Rock.' They have also been laying down tracks in Chapel Lane Studios and been driving up the A1 highway to mix with Cat and Chris from Explosion Proof Motor. All this work will soon manifest into their self-titled debut EP. 'It's like Whiskeytown meets Something For Kate... The harmonies are great. I love [the] duelling vocals.' - Dom Alessio, Triple J
We Grow Up, Radio Spectacular!!! and The British Robots
Friday 16th of October, 10PM
Rhino Room, 13 Frome St, City
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 22 September 2009:
COOPERS ALIVE PRESENTS "FUNK DA WORLD" w/ SUKATASH- DIALECT - MASE & MATTIC
The forefront of emerging artists in Adelaide's Hip Hop and Fusion scene are coming together to play at the Crown & Sceptre on Saturday October 17th as a part of this year's Coopers Alive festival.
Sukatash, Dialect and Mase & Mattic present "Funk Da World," a rare showcase of eclectic Hip Hop and fusion artists that guarantees to be an unforgettable show. As both Sukatash & Dialect played to capacity crowds at the Crown & Sceptre for their recent album launches, the venue is sure to fill up fast. Come & See what the Hype is about on Saturday October 17th at the Crown & Sceptre. The showcase will also feature special guest hosts, break dancers, exclusive giveaways, live DJ's plus much more
Headlining "Funk Da world" is the extraordinary collective of musicians known as Sukatash. Fresh off the release of their critically acclaimed self titled debut, Sukatash is a stalwart in the Adelaide live music community. Their signature Hip Hop Jazz fusion mix of rhymes, vocals, keys, flutes, saxophone, guitars, drums and turntables culminates into a live performance that has to be seen to be believed.
Playing first support, Onion Magazine has dubbed 19 year old Dialect as "One of the countries most talented emcees" and the year has been testament to that statement. Releasing his debut album "Rugged Uncut" to wide acclaim, rocking stages at the Big Day Out, supporting Lupe Fiasco and Ghostface Killah and featuring on New York rapper C-Rayz Walz album; the future looks promising. Dialect is a seasoned battle emcee and is well renowned for his incredible freestyle ability.
Opening up the show, Mase & Mattic are two determined up and coming Hip Hop artists who at the age of 19 perform a live show that presents well beyond their years. Having already graced the stage along side some of Australia's finest artists such as The Funkoars, Terrafirma, Brad Strut and Certified Wise, they are currently working on their debut release at DJ Ad-Fu's Sniperspot studios, and are set to feature on the upcoming "Battlehoggs" mix tape. Mase & Mattic represent the future of Australian Hip Hop with a well rounded sound that crosses over impressively on stage.
Sukatash, Dialect and Mase & Mattic
Saturday 17th of October, 9PM
Crown & Sceptre, 308 King William Street, City.
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 22 September 2009:
THE JADE MONKEY TO BE TRANSFORMED FOR COOPERS ALIVE 09
Aviator Lane, wintermild and Bing Goes to Monaco play the Jade Monkey on Friday October 23 as part of the Coopers Alive 2009 Showcase. The event will see the Jade Monkey transformed into an enveloping visual space. The Night will include live projections and displays that will be exhibited throughout the venue creating: the perfect backdrop to the night's pop/indie stylings. To make the night a little more exciting the first 50 entrants into the Jade Monkey will also receive a free sampler featuring tracks from all three bands.
Freya Adele and Anny Duff, faces of the indie outfit Bing Goes to Monaco, create delightfully subdued (yet joyous) tunes that compliment the pair's whimsical lyrics. The girls write simple, acoustic melodies and hope to one day tour to Japan and Monaco where they will be both: well received and (fingers crossed) adored.
Wintermild is Simon Skrødal (vocals and guitar), Matt Johnson (vocals, bass and melodica), and Matt Staniford (percussion and keys). After a hectic 2008 on the stage, they have emerged from the studio with "Around this town" their first EP set for release in the coming months. Needless to say, wintermild can't wait to share it. The guys will be will debuting tracks from their brand new EP, "Around This Town", on the night.
Aviator Lane will be playing a selection of tracks from their critically lauded debut album: "Common Distance". Bing Goes to Monaco will perform numbers from their similarly well received debut EP: "Interspecies Backup". Aviator Lane, although perhaps: one of Adelaide's quiet achievers over the last few years, are now beginning to consolidate their position as one of Adelaide's most consistent, and consistently praised, indie rock outfits. "Everything is as pretty as possible with Aviator Lane. Treated guitars glisten with hazy hues, drums and electronic percussion bubble like champagne, and bass lines tug it all along without ever getting in the way." Mess + Noise
Aviator Lane, Wintermild and Bing Goes to Monaco
Friday 23rd of October, 9PM
The Jade Monkey, 29a Twin St, City
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 29 September 2009:
A STORM IS BREWING AT FOWLERS'S LIVE
Adelaide rock powerhouse Mere Theory will play a very special show with three of Adelaide's most exciting new rock bands; Grenadiers, Paper Arms and Cortez as part of the 2009 Coopers Alive Festival at Fowler's Live on Friday 23 October. It's an exciting time to see this group of bands - playing together for the very first time. All of the acts also have full-length releases in the wings, and a musical storm is brewing on the horizon.
Mere Theory are nearing completion of their second album, the follow up to 2007's critically acclaimed 'Catalan Atlas' with Evan James at Broadcast Studio. The album, tentatively titled 'Walking in Storms' will be mixed by Richard Stolz (Bodyjar, After The Fall) in the last quarter of 2009, and set for release early 2010.
Grenadiers have finished recording their debut album 'Songs the Devil Taught Us', to be released early 2010. The band recently scored a Triple j Unearthed' feature artist spot, and are touring nationally in October and November.
Both Paper Arms (featuring Josh Mann - ex STR) and Cortez (ex Mirrorline and Loemax) are in the writing stages for their debut albums. No stranger to the scene Paper Arms bring over 10 year's experience to the stage, while Cortez are rapidly developing a reputation for their blistering live show.
These four bands choose to play honest music, rising above a culture based on image and returning to a time when the music, the message and the friends you shared it with were the reasons you played. With four new releases in sight it's safe to assume there will be lots of fresh sound flying around Fowler's Live on the 23rd of October.
Jesse Coulter from Grenadiers said "Overall, we'd like our show to be remembered as a great night of honest rock and roll. No gimmicks. We're all going to play our hearts out. That's it"
With three acts approaching the one year milestone and Mere Theory approaching their ten year career mark (really), Coopers Alive provides the best chance to see one of Adelaide's best outfits alongside three of its newest and loudest contemporaries.
Coopers Alive presents 25 of the best original South Australian /bands over 4 nights in October 2009. The chosen acts participate in workshops provided by Ausmusic SA, resulting in 8 unique one time only shows designed to shine a light our state's great musical talent.
Mere Theory, Grenadiers, Paper Arms and Cortez
Friday 23rd of October, 7PM
Fowlers Live, 68 North Terrace, City
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 29 September 2009:
THE 'ROOTS' BEER REVUIE AT THE WHEATSHEAF
Coopers Alive and The Wheatsheaf Hotel presents The 'Roots' Beer Revue. An evening of roaring, local talent on Saturday 17th October, Featuring some of Adelaide's most prominent Rock, roots, pop and blues artists including Laura Hill & the Tuesday Bandits, Gracewood and Brenton Manser & the Disciples of Zen.
Sharing the Wheatsheaf stage for the first time, all three bands have been hand-picked for the 2009 Coopers Alive showcase which provides young bands and musicians gig opportunities, substantial media training and professional development opportunities. Those in the audience on the night will also be treated with free CDs, live art demos and opportunities to win prizes throughout the night, all of which promises to be a night not to be missed.
Laura Hill and the Tuesday Bandits is a refreshing unique musical cocktail from Adelaide, Australia. Her songs stir up many different feelings and emotions. Her debut album "Over My Shoulder" is now out and was made in conjunction with Sydney based producer Ian Pritchett (Angus and Julia Stone, The Beautiful Girls) and is receiving airplay on the ABC, Triple J, Nova, PBS, and 3D radio. So kick back, relax and immerse yourself in the feel good, heartfelt refreshing sounds of Laura Hill & The Tuesday Bandits. Laura's song writing is riding one big beautiful wave into the hearts and ears of people all over Australia.
Gracewood are a young roots and blues outfit based in Adelaide. Since their formation in early 2006 they have explored the Adelaide gig circuit and experimented with unique sounds which have created their reputation as one of SA's exciting acts to watch. The five talented musicians create a distinctive and recognisable sound which has attracted success locally and on air.
Brenton Manser and the Disciples of Zen started out as Brenton's solo project, one man band style sitting on the kick drum and playing the songs he didn't want to share with his band Swayback. Piece by piece the rest of the band was brought in like a sonic jigsaw puzzle being put together by a one eyed cougar drunk on peach schnapps. The disciples are currently recording their debut album and haunting bars, making the good people of Adelaide shake their asses.
Laura Hill and the Tuesday Bandits, Gracewood and Brenton Manser and the Disciples of Zen
Saturday 17th of October, 9PM
Wheatsheaf Hotel, 39 George St. Thebarton.
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 29 September 2009:
JIVE TO LOSE ITS ROOF ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 24TH
On Saturday the 24th of October, one of Adelaides premier live music venues, Jive, is going to be hit with a party the likes of which it has never seen before. An entire evening of dance fuelled mania; starting at sundown till your feet can't boogie anymore. Created by three of Adelaides most exciting new acts THE TOUCH, THE WATERSLIDES and THE KYTES OF OMAR and they are preparing to make it a night you will never forget.
The 3 acts have come together as part of Coopers Alive 09, to create a spectacular which is not to be missed. A night that promises to be full of surprises, festivities and incredible art of all forms, these three bands will not only be performing to the masses but the show will also be accompanied throughout the night by spectacular forms of street art, balloon drops and accompanying local DJ's to keep the party going long into the night.
The Touch has left a trail of destruction in their wake and are set to explode all over the place in 2009. They'll leave you feeling electrified, begging for more, in a pool of your own sweat and filth. Dazed and confused as to why you find yourself spilling out on to the street at 5am, dizzy from the bright city lights, with their banging bass lines still ringing in your ears....then you start to realize...you've been Touched!
"It seems Adelaide is bursting with energetic, frentic indie rock at the moment, with these guys being one of the groups leading the pack. Watching and waiting with these boys" (Nick Findlay, triple j )
The Waterslides appeared in early 2008, supporting Modular thoroughbreds Van She and Bumblebeez; opening for Dukes of Windsor; remixing The E.L.F. and Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire and they've secured spots at festivals like Parklife, the Big Day Out, St Jerome's Laneway, and now COOPERS ALIVE. On stage the Adelaidian five-piece delivers a dense wall of delirious, melodic house-hop-disco-dance-pop at deafening volume.
"The Waterslides presented their style of peculiar remixed songs that exude vigour and make you just want to get up and boogie even if you are not usually that way inclined". (Fasterlouder.com.au)
The style of music The Kytes of Omar create would be classified as fast dirty psychedelic rock with a hint of pop. When Kytes of Omar were asked, what are your influences? The answer was: "Each other". We use each other to create our music, because each member is into different styles of music. So far Kytes of Omar have played with such acts as: Van She tech, Morals of a Minor, Spencer P. Jones, The Bakelite Age, The Darkest Heartstrings and many more.
"Kytes of Omar are like Queens of the Stone Age, kings of Leon, black rebel motorcycle club, the vines, the pixies but the amazing thing is they are not!"
The Touch, The Waterslides and The Kytes of Omar
Saturday 24th of October, 8PM
Jive, 181 Hindley Street, City
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 7 October 2009:
THE PROMETHEAN GETS RIGHT BEHIND COOPER'S ALIVE
Coopers Alive presents 25 of the best original South Australian bands over 4 nights in October 2009. The chosen acts participate in workshops provided by Ausmusic SA, resulting in 8 unique one time only shows designed to shine a light our state's great musical talent.
The Promethean welcomes you to an intimate evening of sensuality and decadence featuring three bands that will take you from the corners of Eastern Europe, along the streets of Paris and through the alleys of Bohemia.
Join Monkey Puzzle Tree, Golonka and The Baker Suite on Saturday October 24 from 8pm for a night of acoustic sound-scapes, red wine and urban-art sophistication.
Mike Thomas, Manager of the beautiful 150 capacity venue The Promethean in Adelaide, is getting behind the upcoming Coopers Alive show at his venue by putting his full resources at the disposal of the event.
"I've waived my venue fees", said Mike proudly, "and I'll provide lots of candles and flowers for the stage, and plenty of comfortable cushions upstairs. I'm hoping to have some new furniture as well. We'll use whatever I've got. I think we'll be able to create a great atmosphere for the show.
Gayle Buckby of The Baker Suite said "We'd like our event to be a special ending to Coopers Alive. We're going to convert the show into a lounge after the gig, and we're going to organise some special performances with our friends, which we'll keep as a surprise for the night."
The Baker Suite, Golonka, Monkey Puzzle Tree
Saturday 24th of October, 9PM
The Promethean, 116 Grote Street, City.
Tickets: $10
Press Release posted online 20 October 2009:
A Very Successful First Weekend for Coopers Alive 2009
With the first weekend of Coopers Alive officially over including two sell out shows and two extremely close to capacity. The first weekend of Coopers Alive 2009 surpassed everyone's expectations and the weekend supplied Adelaide with an abundance of fantastic music no matter what your musical taste.
On Friday night Like Leaves, Thunder Claw and Bronze Chariot played to a sell out crowd at the Ed Castle and the Rhino room was a near sell out as it played host to the Geek pop spectacular that was We Grow up and The British Robots. While on Saturday night the Wheatsheaf Hotel sold out early in the night with Laura Hill and the Tuesday Bandits, Brenton Manser and the Disciples of Zen and Gracewood embracing the crowd that lined the room to see them. While over at the Crown and Sceptre Hotel Mase and Mattic, Dialect and Sukatash entertained the near capacity crowd with their infectious grooves, break dancers and endless supply of giveaways.
ANDREW PETKOVIC, Lead singer in Gracewood had this to say about their performance at this weekend's Coopers Alive performance at the Wheatsheaf Hotel;
"Coopers Alive has been highly beneficial to us, it has given us the chance to play in front of sell out crowds and the vibe on the night was just magical and spectacular, great music, great venue and great friends."
With four more shows this coming weekend including Mere Theory, Grenadiers, Paper arms and Cortex playing at Fowlers Live and Aviator Lane, Wintermild and Bing Goes to Monaco at the Jade Monkey on Friday night. On Saturday night be sure to catch The Touch, The Waterslides and the Kytes of Omar at Jive or The Baker Suite, Golonka and Monkey Puzzle Tree at the Promethean. All of which ensures that it is going to be another great weekend for Adelaide music and Coopers Alive 2009.
