‘Under A New Sun’ has been named as the title for the up-coming album from The Eternal set to see the light of day in 2010. The album will be the follow up to the acclaimed ‘Kartika’ & also the bands fourth full length album. We can also reveal that song titles include: ‘Control’, ‘Under A New Sun’, ‘A Thousand Shades of You’, ‘Collapse’ & ‘Cast In Stone’ to name a few.

The band have also launched a studio blog which can be viewed at:

http://www.the-eternal-studio.blogspot.com

The band enter 301 Studios in Byron Bay on December 4th. The blog will be updated daily throughout December with pictures and the latest news on the recording process, so be sure to check it out.

‘Under A New Sun’ will be produced by Jeff Martin (The Tea Party). Jeff adds this about the album; ‘I proudly re-introduce The Eternal… The type of band I’ve been waiting to produce. It’s been a year now since Mark and I agreed to embark on a journey that begins this December. For The Eternal this will not be a stepping stone but a launch pad. For me, a creative working relationship that allows me to realise an artist’s vision and re-connect with past influences, all the while looking into the future…darkly. I envision an alchemical marriage, a musical landscape anchored by organic rock and roll and infested with industrial overtones. To put things lightly, you’re not playing with kids here. The Eternal are the real deal.’

The album will be co-engineered by Paul Pilsneniks who has worked with such artists as The Living End, The Mars Volta, Silverchair, Grinspoon & Alanis Morissette, and The Eternal has also enlisted acclaimed Finnish keyboard player Maria Ilmoniemi (Tarja / Husky Rescue) to contribute.

Na een ontbijtje checken we uit en parkeren de camper op een parkeerplaats aan het strand. Het is tijd voor wat ochtend gymnastiek in de zee vinden we! Er staan beste golven en we hebben de grootste lol. Het water is een stuk warmer dan in NewCastle!

Het is pas 10 uur en nog niet zo druk als we het water weer uitkomen. We maken een lange strand wandelen naar de uitkijk. Onderweg komen we een surfklas tegen. Het water is super mooi blauw en in de verte zien we de bergen en Mt Warning. Mt Warning is de hoogste berg aan de kust en vanaf de top kan men de zon als eerste van heel Australië zien opkomen. In principe wilde we dit gaan doen, maar toen we lazen hoeveel mensen de top beklimmen per dag, klonkt het niet meer zo avontuurlijk.

Bij de uitkijk verteld een man dat daar in de zee gisteren nog een haai gesignaleerd was!

We wandelen terug, doen wat boodschappen en snuffelen tussen de soufeniers. We kopen nog wat kaartjes en postzegels en sturen eerst de belangrijkste op, naar Francis, die de volgende dag jarig is. Wanneer we langs een suhi-tent lopen krijgen we trek en schiuven we aan. We kiezen voor de sushi-trein en kiezen de lekkerste dingetjes uit. Het is net als gisteravond gezellig druk overal.

Daarna zijn we klaar om verder te reizen. Het doel van vandaag: Lamington National Park. Het is weer een erg warme dag.

Bij Carunga zien we een infocenter en stoppen we. We schaffen hier een kaart van Queensland aan en verzamelen information over Lamingtion N.P. Patrick had onderweg al de camping geboekt, aangezien dat moet van te voren. Na Carunga is het 30 km. lang rijden, stijl omhoog, met smalle wegen, scherpen, blinde bochten en op het einde door de jungle.

Bij aankomst blijkt het een kleine camping te zijn. Er is 1 grote groep met kinderen een een paar campers. Iets buiten het veld zijn er ook nog openlucht slaapplaatsen. Ook zijn er ontzettend veel dieren. Als we het rondje rijden om op onze plaats te gaan staan, remmen we voor een soort kalkoen, en voor pademelons. Dit is een kleine versie van de walibi (wat weer een kleine versie van de kangeroe is). Als we de camper hebben geinstalleerd komt er een pademelon voorbij met een joey (jong) in de buidel.

De camper blijkt uiteindelijk nogal scheef te staan, als we binnen komen. Patrick start dus de motor weer om ‘m recht te zetten en Myra staat ernaast om aanwijzingen te geven. Als Patrick naar Myra kijkt moet hij keihard lachen. Op Myra’s hoofd zit een velrode parkiet!

We zitten lekker in het zonnetje aan ons biertje als er nog een pademelon voorbij komt. Patrick is gelijk verkocht en wil ‘m hebben. Ze blijken elkaar graag te mogen, want hij komt maar steeds terug (het zou ook kunnen dat het beestje van appels houdt, dat Patrick ‘m voert).

Na het eten gaan we naar het informatiecentrum, iets verder de berg op. Er is een resort, een cafe en hier beginnen alle wandeltochten, van 800 meter tot 50 km.

Als het donker wordt komt het bos tot leven. Wat een herrie! Gelukkig is dat maar even en bedaren de herrieschoppers zich een beetje, wanneer wij klaar zijn voor onze nachtrust.

Ontbijten op de camping

Tijd voor ochtend gymnastiek

Mooie zee met de bergen & de punt van Mt Warning op de achtergrond

Vanaf de uitkijk met het lange strand en een surfklas op de achtergrond

Een moeder met haar Joey in Lamington

Met een beetje muesli in je hand, komen ze allemaal op je afgedoken!

Het is maandagochtend, dus werk-schooldag voor de Giepies. Dat komt voor ons ook uit, want we zijn van plan om een goed eind te gaan rijden. Byron Bay is ons doel en is bijna 800 km. ver weg.

We douchen en ontbijten thuis bij de Giepies en krijgen een lunchpakketje mee. Wat een luxe! Om kwart voor 8 starten we de motor, worden we uitgezwaaid en begint de lange rit.

Het eerste stuk rijden we 3 en een half uur lang door. Dan moet er getankt worden en vinden we een rustplaats, het Riverside park met vele Jacaranda’s en hier lunchen we.

Elke 3 uur stoppen we om even bij te komen en de benen te strekken. Iets voor Byron bay doen we boodschappen en om 18:00 uur komen we aan in Byron bay. De 1e camping is vol, de 2e ook (!), maar de 3e heeft voldoende plaats.

Glen village park camping is een rustig geleden camping, maar ligt toch midden in het centrum, op loop afstand van alles. De faciliteiten zijn perfect. Patrick, de chauffeur, nesteld zich in een stoel en rust uit met een biertje in het zonnetje terwijl Myra taco’s klaar maakt.

Wanneer de afwas gedaan is en we opgefrist zijn is het inmiddels al aardig donker. We gaan de stad in. Het is maandagavond, maar de stad leeft. Er staat een Greyhound bus die een lading jongeren ophaalt en ergens komt live muziek vandaan.

We gaan eerst naar het strand. Her is volle maan, dus voldoende licht. Naast het strand ligt het Beach hotel, met een grote buiten bar. Op een groot scherm worden extreme sporten laten zien en even later begint een reggea-band te spelen.

Er lopen hier veel ‘hippies’ rond. Hier moet je dreads hebben of lang haar en bruin zijn. In de boeken wordt Byron bay beschreven als een plaats waar men komt, een weekend blijft hangen en terug komt om er te blijven. We kunnen het ons voorstellen. De ‘no worries’ ‘freedom’ mentaliteit heerst hier.

We drinken een paar biertjes, zeggen ‘peace, mate’ en vertrekken naar de camping. We zien een hippie een straatmuzikant vragen het lied ‘freedom’ te spelen, je weet wel dat nummer dat zo gaat: Freee-dom Freeheeeheedom. You know? …Die houden we erin!

Opkomende maan op de camping in Byron bay

Dreads, lang haar, bruin zijn, op blote voeten. Ja, dat is Byron bay.

Splendour In The Grass organisers have announced the much beloved music festival will move house in 2010, and grow up a bit.

Moving from its Belongil Fields home, Splendour will celebrate its 10^th year at Woodward, QLD, home of the Woodward Folk Festival.

Splendour organisers have also announced the festival will take place over three days, from Friday July 30^th to Sunday August 1^st.

Not to worry though, Splendour plans to be back in NSW in 2011, aiming to move to its permanent home in Byron Shire, The North Byron Parklands.

The chosen 660 acre North Byron Parklands site at Yelgun in the Byron Shire is undergoing the comprehensive approval process with the NSW Department of Planning for a permanent cultural event venue and will not be ready for next year’s event.

“Woodford Folk Festival and their beautiful site Woodfordia have been a great source of inspiration to us and we feel honoured to borrow their home,” says Jessica Ducrou, organiser of Splendour in the Grass.

“We have a great opportunity to grow our event and give people better access to the festival but at the same time keep Splendour In The Grass a unique and personal experience,” says Ducrou. “Given the size of the venue we will be able to accommodate almost all festival patrons in camping grounds onsite, giving more people the full festival experience.”

“The purpose built venue also means that we can incorporate a broader range of arts and cultural experiences, which we have been wanting to do for many years,” she says.

“Having one of Australia’s premier contemporary music events at Woodfordia will be a privilege,” said Bill Hauritz, Director of Woodford Folk Festival. “Splendour is one of the best managed events I have observed, they are responsible, caring and disciplined organisers. We can expect the best.”

The Mullum Music Festival kicks off with the Gala Opening Night Performance tonight at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall at 7.30pm with Vince Jones, Lucie Thorne & Hamish Stuart, Sal Kimber & The Rollin Wheel, M Jack Bee, Ange Takats, Leah Flanagan, Domini Forster & some very special surprise guests. With 50 acts over 4 days it will be unforgettable!

Music festivals are not only great for the local community to come together and have a fabulous time, but are very important for the local artists to share their talents with the community. One third of the acts are local and will be performing amongst international acts.

You never know what talents are in our midst. I enquired about the Mullum Music Festival to my TAFE teacher Tony Hogan – who is also a musician and runs the very popular Acoustic Guitarist blog – and found out a fellow IT student is playing there on the weekend.

Sal Yates is a multi talented and highly motivated guitarist and vocalist in the band Ghost Mountain. They are releasing a new album soon “Art Without Audience”, and Sal is fired up!! 
To preview one of the new tracks “Animal”, click here

This is what she had to say about her Mullum Music Festival experience.

“Last year the Festival was awesome. It is such a community event that everyone enjoys in a relaxed way. Moving from venue to venue through the streets of Mullum and running into every random you could imagine makes the experience like a home coming. Everyone is in top spirits and there is a sense of pride from the locals and their friends alike.

The music last year was amazing, artists from all over Australia and beyond. I was extremely proud to be a part of it and very impressed by the work that Glen Wright and his team from Vitamin Records put in to make it happen. For Glen the whole Festival is a labour of love. He is a true music appreciator and this especially made the whole event be the success that it was.

We play on Saturday at the RSL at 6pm and would love to see you there!”
Cheers,
Sal

To check out Ghost Mountain, click here

You may be surprised at the scope of this week’s topic because when it comes to Elvis Presley, well nearly everyone’s got an opinion. The iconic nature of Elvis Presley in music and popular culture, has often made him a subject of, or a benchmark, in numerous songs. We launched the show with CALLING ELVIS by Dire Straits. Written by Mark Knopler and released in 1991, the song is about an Elvis fan that can’t believe that Elvis Presley is dead. Based on some of the bizarre ’sightings’ over the years, I fear he is not alone.

A song from one of my favourite films followed: Public Enemy’s groundbreaking FIGHT THE POWER from the soundtrack of DO THE RIGHT THING, directed by Spike Lee in 1989. Like the film, the song broke at a crucial period in America’s struggle with race. Unabashedly political, FIGHT THE POWER was confrontational in the way that great rock has always been. It attacks a whole roster of American icons including Elvis and John Wayne in what amounts to a virtual flag burning. Because who better embodies the American ideal than the King? The song goes so far as to call Elvis racist. I don’t agree with that. But what I do know from the National Archives is that in 1970 Elvis wrote a six-page letter to Richard Nixon asking him to make him a ‘Federal Agent-At-Large’ in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. And amongst the gifts that Elvis presented to the then President was a Colt-45 pistol. So what do we make of all this? Maybe only that, like a lot of his countrymen, Elvis was a misguided patriot who defended the nation’s order – an order from which blacks, in particular, had been routinely barred. The irony, of course, is that Elvis was the first artist to successfully blend black and white music: country music and the blues. And didn’t he do it well?

It was time for a change of tone: The very whimsical and wonderful Kirsty McColl’s with THERE’S A GUY WORKS DOWN THE CHIP SHOP SWEARS HE’S ELVIS. The song made an appearance on the FAMOUS PEOPLE show, but definitely deserved another spin. We followed with Richard Thompson’s FROM GALWAY TO GRACELAND.

Robbie Williams’ ADVERTISING SPACE is a song not only about Elvis but, also, about the price of fame.  Emmylou Harris followed with BOY FROM TUPELO. In case you weren’t aware Elvis was born in Tupelo Mississipi on January 8, 1935. And then it was the great Roy Orbison with HOUND DOG MAN.

Living Colour funked it up with their critique of the tabloids. The song  ELVIS IS DEAD ups the ante with an appearance by Little Richard. Check it out.

We dived into the second hour of the program with Ann Margret singing the title song of the film BYE BYE BIRDIE. Based on the stage musical of the same name, the story was inspired by Elvis Presley being drafted into the US Army in 1957. Jesse Pearson played the role of teen idol Conrad Birdie, whose character’s name is a wordplay on another singer of the era, Conway Twitty.  The film is credited with making Ann-Margret a superstar during the mid-1960s, leading to her appearing with Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas in 1964.

A couple of great songs were suggested to me by BayFM’s very own Cowboy Sweetheart, Carrie D. First up, Bap Kennedy with GLADYS & VERNON about Elvis’s parents and the night that Elvis was born. And then it was the great Waylon Jennings with the very entertaining NOBODY KNOWS.

I absolutely adore BLACK VELVET by Allanah Myles and have played that before. But, hey, when a song’s as good as this one it deserves a replay!

U2’s song ELVIS ATE AMERICA illustrates the many personas of Elvis, both good and bad. And then it was the romantically delusional Scouting For Girls with ELVIS ISN’T DEAD: ”Elvis isn’t dead ’cause I heard him on the radio….. and you’re coming back to me.”  Yeah, sure guys.

Time to get serious: First up, Kate Bush with her hit song about Elvis – KING OF THE MOUNTAIN. And then, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds transported us into a disturbing world with their song about the night that Elvis was born. Elvis was a twin but his brother was still-born. The song is TUPELO from the album THE FIRSTBORN IS DEAD. Here’s the totally mesmerising clip:

John Fogarty likens Elvis to the BIG TRAIN (FROM MEMPHIS). Neil Young reminded us that it’s “better to burn out than to fade away “, with his song MY, MY, HEY HEY.

Another of my faves followed: Cowboy Junkies with BLUE MOON REVISITED, otherwise known as SONG FOR ELVIS. And then it was Paul Simon’s song about travelling to Elvis Presley’s home, GRACELAND, with the Everly Brothers helping out on vocals. Don’t have a clip with the Everlys in it, but you can’t do much better than this concert performance of the song in Zimbabwe. Enjoy.

There was time for a little more mjusic dedicated to Elvis before signing off and what better than ELVIS HAS JUST LEFT THE BUILDING by the one and only Frank Zappa. And, of course, I had to play some of the King himself so we went out with BURNIN’ LOVE. Here’s what all the fuss is about:

Next week’s show will be dedicated to the patron saint of Theme Park, Roy Orbison, who died 21 years ago this December 6. So songs by Roy Orbison, The Travelling Wilburys, duets with Roy and covers of Roy Orbison songs. Anything connected to Roy Orbison qualifies. Personally I can’t wait!

Here’s this week’s playlist:

South Golden Beach is a small community in northern New South wales. It is about an hour from the Gold Coast of Queensland just before Byron Bay. On most days the beach is almost deserted apart from the casual jogger or the local out for their daily beach walk.

The photo shows a view from the beach towards Cape Byron and its lighthouse.

This week’s theme was a toughie: SONGS TO MAKE SANDWICHES TO was inspired by a forum on music mag Word’s site. While Word readers couldn’t take the subject seriously I figured there was room for someone who did. And who better than little ol’ obsessive me? So sandwiches it was, but I made it easier by also including hamburgers, hot-dogs and the like. I even allowed songs about stuff that goes into a sandwich, like honey, tomatoes, chicken. Still I suffered some abuse. Impossible, you emailed. Why not make it broader and include all food pleaded Lynden. Crap theme, too hard, moaned Zoe. Oh you listeners of little faith.

We opened with a novelty song: SANDWICHES ARE BEAUTIFUL from Bob King, but in case you’re worried about this setting a tone for the rest of the show, be assured – rockers, r&b artists and especially the alternative pop singers all delivered some edgy songs on sandwiches.

Do you know where the word sandwich was born?  London. 1762. An English nobleman, John Montagu, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich was too busy gambling to stop for a meal even though he was hungry for some food. The legend goes that he ordered a waiter to bring him roast-beef between two slices of bread. The Earl was able to continue his gambling while eating his snack; and from that incident, we have inherited the fast-food product that we now know as the sandwich.

Today, our favourite version of meat between bread is called a hamburger. So we got the show rolling with the Whitlams’ brilliant  I MAKE HAMBURGERS followed by The Flaming Lips and SHE DON’T USE JELLY. New York based, Japanese duo Cibo Matto were next with LE PAIN PERDU. The name of the band is Italian for crazy food and the title of the song is French for Toast. The lyrics in their songs are all primarily concerned with food, well seemingly anyway, and I liked them so much I also played another of their tunes, KNOW YOUR CHICKEN later in the program. Here’s the crazy video clip of that track and, although he doesn’t appear in the clip, that’s Sean Lennon on bass.

Two items that elevate ordinary old toast to dessert status are marmalade and honey. So any excuse to play Patti Labelle’s LADY MARMALADE and Aretha Franklin’s HONEY and I’m there. Yum yum.

Louis Jordan loves his BEANS AND CORNBREAD while Lil Johnson pushes metaphor to it’s limits with SAM THE HOT DOG MAN. Neil Young is partial to TUPELO HONEY on his sandwich, while  Jimmy Buffet can’t stop singing about a CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE.

When it comes to cheeseburgers, whether we like it or not, the burger with the highest profile has got to be MacDonald’s. Hell, there was a whole conversation about their burgers in the film PULP FICTION. Ah yes, how could we not include that iconic scene where John Travolta and Samuel Jackson discuss the merits of the French McDonald’s – ROYALE WITH CHEESE?

Two tunes that pay homage to the fact that a good cuppa is needed to wash down a sandwich or piece of toast were next.  Canadian Jeff Healey, gave Gertrude Lawrence’s A CUP OF COFFEE, A SANDWICH, AND YOU a burl and  then it was TOAST AND MARMALADE FOR TEA, a nice piece of bubblegum from the band Tin Tin.

Kaiser Cheifs reminded us of that vital sandwich ingredient – tomatoes –   with TOMATO IN THE RAIN. And then it was the hilarious TOAST from Paul Young and the Streetband. Classic. Take a look at this clip from 1978.

In Mexican cuisine, a sandwich is either a taco or a burrito. Beck didn’t sound too happy when he sang SATAN GAVE ME A TACO. It seems taking delivery of that snack had all kinds of repercussions. Meanwhile, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention went CRUISING FOR BURGERS. As you do.

All girl group Care Bears on Fire let loose with the precautionary BARBIE EAT A SANDWICH. Nice animated clip too. Check it out:

Let’s talk chicken. Here’s a question: What’s a chicken sandwich without MAYONNAISE? Smashing Pumpkins offered up a track dedicated to the condiment of all condiments. Mmmmm mmmmm: chicken, lettuce and mayo on white bread – can’t get better than that. The Detroit Grand Pubahs reinforced the fact that all songs, but especially those about food, are really about sex. The tune? The very cheeky WE CAN MAKE SANDWICHES. Here we go: another crazy video clip:

Out of the disco and out on the road: Little Feat are sang all about HAMBURGER MIDNIGHT and then John Mellencamp reckons that life is like choosing between HOTDOGS AND HAMBURGERS, (not sure what he’s getting at there).

Comedian Mitch Hedberg does a great skit on sandwiches and I particularly liked the bit about the Club Sandwich. We followed that with a dangerous piece of radio: Metal band Psychostick with THIS IS NOT A SONG, IT’S A SANDWICH!

After Psychostick we needed to calm down and what better way than with Feist and a song about the calming qualities of HONEY? You wouldn’t exactly call The Sugarcubes, (with Bjork), a calming influence. They can’t decide what to put on their sandwich and are threatening to EAT THE MENU. Check out the very young Bjork and a fabulous floating burger, all in one clip!

We closed the show with an oldie but a goodie: I LIKE BREAD AND BUTTER by the New Beats. Check out the clip from 1964:

Next week the show will feature Songs about Elvis; not by Elvis – although that would be good too – Songs about Elvis. Come on this one is easy, so start sending those requests in.

But for now, here’s this week’s playlist:

Byron Bay - Photo by Denia Mariano

Australia is known as a country of stunning natural beauty, as well as Brazil. The part of the Australian coast  most visited is the state of Queensland, in which Brisbane is the capital. It is in this state where it is based Hamilton island andthe supposed   “Best job in the world”  as announced  by the media around the world in early 2009 during a competition that chose the lucky (British Ben Southall) winning of an exorbitant salary even for Australian standards, about 150 thousand Australian dollars per semester. The tasks includes  living in paradise writing a blog about the experience.

Byron Bay - Photo by Denia Mariano

I have not had the opportunity to go to Hamilton, but met another hot spot in Queensland: Byron Bay.  About 2 hours from Brisbane, Byron Bay is a beautiful place with lovely scenery and people. The impressive  of Byron is that in every corner of the trail that follows from the lighthouse, you can have a view more beautiful and amazing than the last one.

Byron Bay - Photo by Denia MarianoLighthouse - Photo by Denia Mariano

The city is small but composed of a good tourist infrastructure . For those who enjoy nature and tranquility Byron Bay is an excellent choice. Great destination for couples in love, also appeals to those looking for a travel with the family or group of friends.  If you also enjoy  a cold beer  on the seafront, the town offers few, but interesting options. Look for information about parties in your backpacker or hostel. It is a popular destination in Queensland no matter how long you decide to stay.

Lighthouse - Photo by Denia Mariano

You can close weekend packages including transfer (transportation) and accommodation, usually backpackers. Make sure that your accommodation is near the center of town, otherwise you will have to travel by taxi as the bus option is restricted.

Our transportation was done by Green Triangle; by the way a great company. The driver makes a short tour by the most traditional points of the city and then leaves you on your backpacker. Total value of the trip including accommodation and transportation: $ 80 (australian dollars – this figure does not include extra expenses)  Remember to always keep the card from the transfer driver. It will probably let you in Byron on Saturday and return to Brisbane (if the case) on Sunday.

* Rodrigo Miranda is motion designer and video editor. Lives in Sydney a year ago and works as a Video Production Manager. He also works as a freelancer and is now editing the promo for Brazilian Film Festival in Sydney.

Have you heard about the Byron Events Calendar? It’s an on-line Community Noticeboard and Directory for the Rainbow Region. If you’re into dance, music, art, meditation, yoga, martial arts, personal development, you name it – there’s always something going on, in, and around Byron Bay.

The Byron Events Calendar is a great resource of workshops, retreats and events happening around Byron Bay, plus, it includes some events at other major cities on the east coast of Australia. I have found it worthwhile to peruse the Byron Events Calendar for interesting activities as it lists some events that are not advertised in the local Byron Shire Echo newspaper and around the traps.

Late last year I was excited to find a workshop listed on Byron Events Calendar and I knew instantly that I needed to attend it. It was a 3 day workshop on voice and self expression with Maniko from America and it helped me to find my real voice through the medium of writing.

We had to write a song, which was overwhelmingly daunting to me, but after breaking through the barriers of self doubt, I gained confidence in my ability to write and explore more avenues of writing expression. I also attended her second 3 day workshop that really opened me up to freely express myself in many ways.

I was encouraged by Author Laura Shore of Dangerously Poetic Press to explore poetry, and through my web design course I was introduced to blogging which I enjoy. It has given me an outlet to express my creativity and hopefully be of service to the community.

Here’s a YouTube Video of a West African Dance Workshop held in Byron Bay

Farol - Foto por Denia Mariano

A Austrália é conhecida como um país de beleza natural exuberante, assim como o Brasil. A parte do litoral australiano mais visitada fica no estado de Queensland, que tem Brisbane como sua capital. É neste estado onde fica a ilha Hamilton e o supostamente “melhor emprego do mundo”, anunciado tão vivazmente pelos veículos de comunicação do mundo todo no começo de 2009, durante uma competição que escolheu o felizardo (o britânico Ben Southall) ganhador de um salário exorbitante até para os padrões australianos, cerca de 150 mil dólares australianos por semestre (por volta de 240 mil reais a cada 6 meses; 40 mil por mês), e a tarefa de viver no paraíso, escrevendo um blog sobre a experiência.

Ainda não tive a oportunidade de ir a Hamilton, mas conheci um outro hot spot, ou ponto turístico famoso aqui da Austrália e de Queensland: Byron Bay. Há cerca de 2 horas de Brisbane, Byron Bay é um lugar lindíssimo, com paisagens encantadoras e povo muito aconlhedor. O impressionate de Byron é que a cada esquina da trilha que se segue a partir do farol, é possível ter uma vista mais deslumbrante e surpreendente que a anterior.

Byron Bay - Foto por Denia Mariano

Trilha para o Farol - Foto por Rodrigo Miranda*

O pôr-do-sol mais lindo da Austrália - Byron Bay - Foto por Rodrigo Miranda

A cidade é pequenina mas composta de uma infra-estrutura turística interessante. Para quem gosta de natureza e tranquilidade Byron Bay é uma excelente escolha. Ótimo destino para casais apaixonados, também agrada aos hippies de plantão e ainda a quem procura um programa família. Mas se você também curte uma balada e um choppe gelado à beira-mar, a cidade oferece poucas, mas interessantes opções. Procure informações sobre festas na cidade no seu backpacker ou hostel. É um destino imperdível em Queensland seja por quanto tempo você decidir ficar.

Praia principal de Byron - Foto por Denia Mariano

Produtos feitos a base de cannabis - loja em Byron Bay- Foto por Denia Mariano

Pessoal fazendo um som em frente à praia- Foto por Denia Mariano

Você pode fechar pacotes de final de semana que incluem transfer (transporte) e acomodação, geralmente backpackers. Certifique-se de que sua acomodação fica perto do centro da cidade, caso contrário você terá que se deslocar de táxi já que a opção de ônibus é restrita.

Nosso transporte foi feito pela Green Triangle, diga-se de passagem uma ótima empresa. O motorista faz um pequeno tour pelos pontos mais tradicionais da cidade e depois te deixa no seu backpacker. Valor total da viagem incluindo acomodação e transporte: 80 dólares (este valor não inclui gastos extras como baladas, etc). Lembre-se de guardar sempre o cartão do motorista do transfer. Ele provavelmente irá deixá-lo em Byron no sábado e retornar a Brisbane (se for o caso) no domingo.

* Rodrigo Miranda é motion designer e editor de vídeo. Mora em Sydney há um ano e trabalha como Video Production Manager. Também atua como freelancer e está, no momento, trabalhando na edição e motion do Festival de Cinema Brasileiro em Sydney.

Music has demanded that we try on sunglasses at night, start wearing purple, elevate fashion models to goddess status and, most important of all, respect the power of orange knickers. And we follow in droves, don’t we? Because most of us are ‘dedicated followers of fashion’.

We opened the show with the very fashion-forward David Bowie and the track FASHION from the 1980 album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) and followed with the equally style-conscious Prince with RASPBERRY BERET.

Then it was something a little obscure. I’m sure there is a point to preacher’s daughter Tori Amos’ song, THE POWER OF ORANGE KNICKERS, with it’s references to terrorist attacks, bitchy girls and little pills, but I’m afraid it escapes me. Never mind, great song nevertheless. Here she is performing live:

Amy Winehouse calls the kettle black with her critique of footballer’s wives and their F….. ME PUMPS. Gotta love a good stiletto! Here’s the official video, showing a healthy, happy Amy at her best:

Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins rendition of RABBIT FUR COAT, a song that spells out a mother’s devotion to her wardrobe, is an extraordinary, dark tale of how one woman hangs on to her fur when everything else in her life is lost.

The Pipettes turn the tables on certain rock stars by pointing out how nice those little schoolboys look in their matching blazers in I LIKE A BOY IN UNIFORM. And as the Happy Mondays explain, it’s not what you wear but how you wear it – it’s got to be a LOOSE FIT. Check them out:

Bob Dylan got to wondering how your head feels under that LEOPARD SKIN PILL-BOX HAT. Thanks to listener Phil for reminding me about that one. And while I am it, thanks to Zoe, Kira and Lynden, as well, for all your suggestions this week. Keep them coming.

Disco had its own fashion statement going on and a great example of this crazy superficial genre is Amanda Lear’s 1983 recording FASHION PACK. A Vietnamese transsexual, Amanda was born male, had a sex change, became a model and for some time was Salvador Dali’s muse. Now that’s what I call an interesting life! Here’s the video clip, in all it’s camp glory, for you to enjoy:

I love the satire in Jill Sobule’s ode to the ultimate clothes-horse, the SUPERMODEL. The song was perfectly placed in the soundtrack of one of my favourite comedies, Clueless. Also pretty funny is Minor Threat’s GOOD GUYS DON’T WEAR WHITE.

When it comes to fashion victims, there’s one stand-out anthem: It’s the Kinks with DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION. Two other classics in the playlist – The Hollies with LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS and Wilson Pickett’s DEVIL WITH THE BLUE DRESS ON.

Lady GaGa summed up our topic of FASHION with her song of the same name. Of all the contemporary pop singers she stands out for her obsession with her image. She claims that: “When I’m writing music, I’m thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It’s all about everything altogether — performance art, pop performance art, fashion. I want the imagery to be so strong that fans will want to eat and taste and lick every part of us.” Okaaaay. Check out this news item and you’ll get an idea of her fasion sense. Or nonsense. Whatever.

Then it was time for a blast from the past: Timmy Mallett’s ITSY BITSY TEENY WEENY YELLOW POLKA DOT BIKINI, which we partnered with PINK SHOE LACES from Connie Stevens.

Fats Waller does a good job of sprucing himself up when LULU’S BACK IN TOWN. And Big Bad Voodoo Daddy gave us the low-down on the ZOOT SUIT RIOT. The Zoot Suit, in case you didn’t know, is a suit with high-waisted, wide-legged, tight-cuffed, pegged trousers, and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders. This style of clothing was popularized in the U.S. by African Americans, Latinos and Italian Americans during the late 1930s and 1940s. In England brightly coloured zoot suits with velvet lapels, that bore a slight resemblance to Edwardian clothing, were worn by Teddy Boys.

Next up it was a triple play dedicated to the gals that fire the frenzy for all things fashionable. Yep, three songs about models: CATWALKIN’ from Tony Tisdale, GIRLS ON FILM by Duran Duran and a cover of Kraftwerk’s MODEL by Zoot Woman.

Gwen Stefani’s ode to the HARAJUKU GIRLS of Tokyo has a special meaning as her back-up dancers are exactly that. The Harajuku District is one of the fashion capitals of the world, renowned for it’s unique and influential street fashion and it’s obviously had a lot of influence on Stafani’s own fashion label. I usually wouldn’t upload a video of a slide show but this one features Stefani’s song behind lots of pics of Harajuku fashion, so worth a look:

We all know that fashion is frivolous and silly but isn’t that what makes it so appealing, surely?  In order to keep things in perspective we closed the show with a bit of satire: A tune that sums up the objectifying gaze of fashion like nothing else. Yup, it’s I’M TOO SEXY FOR MY SHIRT by Right Said Fred. Go boys:

I bet you thought I wouldn’t play that one. Nah, I have no pride or any fashion sense for that matter. But style? Well, that’s another matter.

To finish off this topic here’s something for you that I didn’t have time to mention on the show: favourite films about fashion. From my all time favourite film on the subject, a compilation of some of the best quotes from, ZOOLANDER.

If you would like to contribute your ideas for next week’s show, the topic will be: SONGS TO MAKE SANDWICHES BY. Yes I’m looking for songs about sandwiches, (has she gone completely bonkers? You may well ask!). You can include hot dogs or hamburgers. In fact, anything between bread qualifies. Or any ingredient that can go into a sandwich, like chicken or peanut butter, or honey. Come on guys, you can do it!

Here’s this week’s complete playlist:

Letzte Woche war ich in Byron Bay, um meine ersten Surfversuche bei “Mojosurf” zumachen..! Byron Bay ist einer der bekanntesten Surfspots an der Ostküste und berühmt für seine meist sehr guten Wellen… Gewohnt habe ich in dem Hostel “The Arts Factory”, dies ist ein “etwas anderes” Hostel, es ist bekannt für die Bewohner die “etwas länger” bleiben, dies bedeutet bei manchen Backpackern, dass sie seit mehreren Jahren auf dem zum Hostel zugehörigen Campingplatz leben. Der großteile der Bewohner des Hostels und des Campingplatzes sind Hippies und zwar wirklich genau wie man sie sich aus den 70.ern vorstellt, mit Rastazöpfen, einem Joint usw. und immer mal wieder kommt ein mit “Peace Zeichen” bemalter VW Bus vorbeigefahren….das ist wirklich wie bei einer Zeitreise..! Eine kurze Bustour von Byron Bay entfernt liegt der Ort “Nimbim”, dies ist der einzige Ort in Australien, wo Weed “toleriert” wird. Daher wird es wohl auch so sein, dass in Byron Bay wohl auch eine der größte “Kiffer-dichte” Australiens ist…Haha

Aber jetzt zum Surfkurs, meinen Surfkurs habe ich bei “Mojosurf” gemacht, dies ist eine der bekanntesten Surfschulen Australiens und da ich schon von mehreren meiner Freunde gehört habe, dass diese Surfschule sehr gut sein soll, um zulernen “auf dem Brett zustehen”, dachte ich mir, dann werde ich mal meine ersten Versuche auch dort ausprobieren…Leider spielte das Wetter die gesammte Zeit nicht wirklich mit und so war meistens Regen, was einen aber auch nicht wirklich gestört hat, da man ja eh die größte Zeit im Wasser war. Der erste Trainingstag begann erstmal  mit einer langen Einweisung, um die wichtigsten Eigenschaften fürs Surfen am Strand zulernen, bevor es aufs Wasser ging. Den ersten Tag bin ich auf einem “Longboard” gesurft, welches den Einstieg relativ einfach machte und es mir zumindestens ermöglichte einige Male kurz auf dem Brett zustehen. Ab dem zweiten Tag wurde ich dann direkt von den Trainern auf ein Hardboard umgestellt, was deutlicher instabiler war und damit das gesammte Stehen aufjedenfall sehr erschwert hat…! So benötigte ich zwar meine Zeit, aber wenn ich stand, dann konnte ich mit diesem Board sogar ein paar “Turns” ausprobieren. Letztendlich muss ich sagen, dass es wirklich super lief, wahnsinnig viel Spaß gemacht hat und eine Welle zu stehen ist einfach das beste Gefühl überhaupt…….. Außerdem hatten wir sogar das Glück mitten in unserer Surfstunde Wale hinter uns springen zusehen, wofür ich beim “Whale-watching” viel Geld bezahlt habe und nicht mal annähernd soviel gesehen habe.

Es war eine echt gute Zeit und ich bin zumindestens froh einmal in Australien gesurft zu haben