AVOIDING social media might seem a foreign concept for a band in 2022, but Newcastle's Bloody Hell are striving for something more authentic when it comes to building their fan base.
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On Sunday night the heavy punk four-piece of Sean Cook (vocals), Alex Apostolou (guitar), Gabe Argiris (drums) and Andy Price (bass) launched their new single Authoritaria at Newcastle's Family Hotel. Rather than simply uploading the track to streaming services, the audience were given the band's phone number to receive exclusive access to the single, much like a mailing list.
"My observation is when you're on social media, you're casting a really broad net out, trying to get this fan in Melbourne etc," Cook said. "Whereas our approach, not just with the phone number and not having social media generally, we're just trying to localise our band."
Since Sunday's launch Bloody Hell has received around 200 texts from fans and Cook aims to build the database to 1000. Fans are expected to receive regular singles over the next six months. Cook said it's all about developing a cult following, that involves greater interaction than simply clicking like or follow.
"Community is totally the vibe, and it's already happened," he said. "Everyone at the gig the other night, I've slowly met all of them, and now we have these awesome friends and people who love our music and our perspective."
Bloody Hell formed three years ago and released their debut album, the darkly-sarcastic Australian Underground last year. The four members are also the owners of Carrington's Novotone Studios.
Bloody Hell's next show is at the Seven Seas Hotel on April 8. To receive their single Authoritaria, text your name to 0422 832 651.
SOLID FOUNDATION
WHEN Goanna released their seminal debut album Spirit Of Place in 1982, it sounded like nothing that had come before it.
It was the first album in the ARIA charts to feature didgeridoo, and its lead track Solid Rock became one of the most successful singles to address Indigenous issues.
Four decades on Goanna's message of Aboriginal land rights and environmental protection continues to resonate. To mark the 40th anniversary of Spirit Of Place, core Goanna members Shane Howard, Rose Bygrave, and Marcia Howard - along with original guitarist Graham Davidge - have reunited to celebrate their debut album's legacy.
Goanna will perform at the Civic Theatre on September 17.
FLOOD OF SUPPORT
NOT many industries were hit harder by the pandemic than music, but as usual, they're one of the first to lend a helping hand.
The extent and damage of the recent floods in and around Lismore has shocked Australians, and not surprisingly, motivated Hunter musicians.
The Hamilton Station Hotel will hold their flood relief show on March 25, featuring Max de Groot, Monique, Paris Grace, Dani El-Rassi, Edda Srey, Josh Ballico and The Emerald Ruby.
The next day, March 26, the Lass O'Gowrie picks up the baton with indie acts Camino Gold, Lamphead, Slapjack, Sambraza, Lucky Day and Hazzie J performing at Helping Hands for Flooded Lands.
The charity weekend ends at Maitland's Grand Junction on March 27 when Johnston City, Magpie Diaries, Kate Brianna, Ben Leece & Adam Young, Piper Butcher, The Lairs, Whistle Dixie and Andy Abra rock the Junkyard's beer garden for flood relief.
BACK IN TOUCH
THE wait is finally over. Matthew Kopp, aka Running Touch, will release his debut album, Carmine, on May 6.
Since 2017 Running Touch fans have been forced to settle for singles such as When I'm Around You - which has been streamed 22 million times on Spotify - and This Is Just To Say (17 million).
Carmine promises to combine the textures of indie rock, hardcore, tech-house, pop, and electronic music, to bridge the gap between Kopp's former nu metal band Ocean Grove and his electronic solo project, Running Touch.
The Cambridge hosts Running Touch on his Carmine tour on May 28.
BAKERS EDDY RISING
MELBOURNE-based Kiwi indie band Bakers Eddy will release their debut album Love, Boredom, Bicycles on March 25. The record, which features the singles 21 and Concertina was produced by Holy Holy guitarist Oscar Dawson.
Bakers Eddy are no strangers to Newcastle's Cambridge and they'll return to the venue on June 12 on their national album tour.
PIPER ON THE MOVE
FRESH from her coming-out party at Dashville Skyline three weeks ago, Piper Butcher is expanding her horizons.
The 17-year-old from West Wallsend has announced her Read Between The Lines tour, which begins at Lizotte's on April 6. Butcher will also play Hunter Valley Steamfest (April 9) in Maitland and the Royal Hotel Dungog (May 8).
