At the Helm
Firstly: DJ Helmy’s sound is of rhythm. No, not that ‘doof doof’ shit getting around these days by button-pushing DJs. We’re talking drums, an organic flavour of soulful rhythms on turntables. Think classic, timeless songs and new must-have grooves, not non-stop ‘doof doof’ loops. Think reggae, hip-hop, funk, rock, retro, jazz, blues, roots, swing, soul!
Think 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Noughtys, New! Think live music venues, beergardens, chilled lounges, hip bars, head nodding conversations, laughter, singalongs. Think people connecting on a real level, not horny youth out on the prowl at nightclubs. Again, think soul!
Emerging from earlier years spent as a drummer for rock bands and a hand percussion tutor, DJ Helmy’s style of seamlessly mixing genres of known and lesser-known tracks from around the globe over the past 60-ish years, coupled with tight and colourful arrays of scratching, assures crowds that skilled vinyl DJs are still alive and kicking. DJ Helmy is known to most as Triple J favourite; Illy’s tour scratch DJ and backup/hype MC, co-founder and DJ of Beats Working (Obese Records), as well as having deejayed for iconic Melbourne names including Lotek, Elf Tranzporter, Candice Monique, MoneyKat, Syntax, Jamima Jones plus many more. Friday at the Byron Brewery at 8pm. Free entry.
It’s all about the Vibe
Byron Vibes is about celebrating and showcasing the incredible musical and artistic talent in the Byron Shire. As a collective of musicians and artists combined with our love of music, art and philosophy, we point towards a much broader vision. Through the celebration of local music, arts and culture, the intention is to encourage others to shine. Byron Vibes has emerged over recent years through the collaboration of a large range of local artists. Be part of the movement at the Byron Brewery on Saturday from 3pm. Free entry.
Got to love a band with Soula
High-energy rock, funk and roots band Soula formed in late 2011 on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The five members quickly developed a seamless mix of edgy riffs and dynamic catchy melodies that rapidly turned Soula into one of the best live music groups in the region. During 2012/2013 Soula spread their seed throughout some of the most well-known venues along southeast Queensland and northern NSW and enjoyed a continuous barrage of high-profile shows, including the Caloundra Music Festival and The Big Pineapple Music Festival. Soula released their debut EP in early 2013, selling more than 1,000 units in the first three months. The group followed this up with the release of a single and filmclip Over Our Head in November 2013, receiving in excess of 12,000 hits on YouTube within weeks of the clip’s release. Soula ended 2013 with a spectacular New Years Eve performance at Mooloolaba Beach in support of Thirsty Merc, performing to more than 15,000 people. The unique and mighty sound of double bassist Ben Browne, accompanied by the natural talent of Columbian-born drummer Santiago Urrego, provides a solid foundation for the band’s rock/funk sound. With ripping guitar solos, the irreplaceable sounds of sexy saxophone provided by Ben Karklins and the jewel in the Soula crown – sultry, yet powerful vocals – the band’s tasty and full sound lives on. They play the Rails on Saturday.
Music in lotus position
The Lotus Tea House at Starseed Gardens presents a blissful night of devotional singing from well-known local kirtan musicians Sashini Jasmine Ra’vishna, Elias Harmony and renowned accompanying bansuri player Shyan Kishore.
Together they weave the deep sacred temple sounds of Mantra that seek to inspire a longing for peace and uplifting celebration. Join in the song and let yourself be carried into the heart of transformational mantra.
Temple Kirtan Bliss play from 7pm on Saturday at Starseed Gardens, 130 Yagers Lane, Byron.
Significant Others presents: Groove
Significant Others, a well respected Sydney house and techno crew is hosting Groove, a brand-new weekly Sunday event at the Byron Bay Brewery showcasing local and interstate DJs from around Australia.
Expect to hear quality house and techno music by the hand of resident DJs LeOCh and Magu plus weekly guest DJs.
Sunday at the Byron Brewery from 3pm. Free.
Die! Die! Die!
A wired and frenzied collection of wrought glares and sonic punches in the face is what you can expect from Die! Die! Die! What Did You Expect is the latest offering from the Dunedin noise punk three-piece with the EP being a followup to the band’s fifth full-length studio album S W I M that was released nationally on Black Night Crash Records (now Bad Health).
The five tracks on What Did You Expect instinctively move between moments of urgency and despondency; where barbed chords haze over Michael Prain’s bludgeoning drum rolls as frontman Andrew Wilson chokes his way through the barrage of frenetic fuzz.
Not only does the EP see Die! Die! Die! further establish themselves as seasoned authorities on noise-rock but it also reiterates the band’s impressive ability to instil solid melodies over, under and within all the chaos.
Catch Die! Die! Die! on their Australian tour when they touch base at the Hotel Great Northern on Sunday.