Circa 1979 : Signal To Noise

As part of the Sydney Festival 2010 the Mods have put together what is more like a mini festival within the whole event focussing on Australian post punk, avant-guard and experimental electronic music.

Circa 1979 opening party kicks off on January 15 at the Seymour Centre with a key note address John Cale from the Velvet Underground.

The event includes live shows across the city from bands such as Severed Heads, The Reels, Steve Mallinder (Cabaret Voltaire) as well as art installations from hoarders of this period and there is a series of moderated panel discussions discussing the once lost musical and film catalogue.

For the full info and all dates/venues check here

Download Harvey's edit of Severed Heads' Bless The House 

This is set to be an epic few days of great music, art and all sorts from a scarcely documented era in Australian music. Hats off to people at Modular and Sydney Fest for setting this doozy up!

JACQUES RENAULT HEAT!

Yesterday our fifth release hit the stores - a four track 12" by the very talented Jacques Renault. The record is titled 'Favicon' and features 4 outstanding edits by this revered DJ and producer who is also one half of Runaway. The release is already being played and praised by My Cousin Roy (Wurst), Cosmo Vitelli, Alex Frankel (Holy Ghost!), Prince Language, Mark E, Jim Stanton (Horse Meat Disco) and Robin (David Gilmore Girls) which (at least in our books) is a pretty reasonable indicator of the quality of said release.

We've got lots of great releases coming up, including an album by a band that we believe are going to have some serious impact so stay tuned to the space tornado...

STRANGER..

Here's a mix from a way's back by Rong Music's Ben Cook aka Stranger titled 'He's your husband, I'm your man'.
We met Ben in August while out in LA where he passed on a copy of the mix. After being on constant repeat for the last 3 months we thought we had to post it up as it's some serious all time vibe.
Cannot recommend this enough!! DL here

1. Lalo Shifren - Quiet Village
2. Tony Wilson - Can't Leave It Alone
3. Manzanera - K Scope
4. Arlyn Gale - Take A Nightflight
5. Barbara Mason - Darling Please Come Home
6. B.B. Baker & the Chocolate Co. - Dreamer
7. Steely Dan - FM (No Static)
8. Milk and Honey - Touch
9. Orb - Little Pink Fluffy Clouds
10. Maze - Twilight
11. Wally Badarou - Spiderwoman - remix
12. Shelter Classics  - Gypsy Woman
13. I Cube - ???

Ben also took a little time out to chat about the mix and other bits and pieces.

Can you tell us the story behind this mix? What were your thoughts going into and what was it initially done for?

I did the mix for a record store in Japan a few years back.  I took my time selecting the music, maybe three months or so.  I'd come home from drinking or whatever and listen to a small stack of records looking for material.  It was actually quite a rewarding experience.  Fun to have a purpose when your listening to your favorite songs.  I had to attempt the blend mixing 4 or 5 times to get what I was after.  After sending it off and passing some out to close friends, I shelved it and didn't listen again for a good year or so.  A friend had it on when  I was with her and that made me appreciate it fully again under those circumstances.  I like it so much actually, I haven't attempted another mix since.  Will take me a few years to get up the gumption to repeat the process.  Anyways, listening to what I'm sayin right now, I sound like a wanker so I'm gonna move on to the next question.

You're one half of Rong Music along with DJ Spun, how did you guys come to start the label?

No fuckin clue actually.  Just happened, was very organic.  We liek the same things and from there grew the label, that's the best way to explain I guess.

How was growing up in San Francisco through the 80's & 90's? What a great time to be there and what amazing music came out there from that period right!

The bay area will always be home to me.  My introduction into dance and club culture happened at a very special time in SF.  Unforgettable actually.  Like having a master key to the city after dark.. I'd honestly be out 5 nights a week.  There was so much going on, and so many colorful and crazy characters involved, it was quite special and unique.

You're regarded as a pretty serious record collector across the board, what is the record you're most looking for now when you hit the thrift stores if i may be so bold?

Ha! I tell you, you tell someone else.... Nahh, I'll throw a real one out there. One that I always look for but have had a hard time placing my greedy mits on over the years is Montana Sextet - The Mixown EP.  If ya got one, ring me, I'll trade ya a big stack o disco for it. Well.. a medium sized stack actually.

You've produced records also, the most recent being Woolfy's latest album 'If You Know What's Good For Ya' Can you tell us a little about that experience?

Was my first engineer job w/out being a producer as well actually.  Was time consuming but rewarding.

What artists / labels are you currently feeling?

Favorite artists right now - Harry Nilsson.  Favorite label - My mind doesnt really think about music that way.  I have favorite music and artists really.

Can you tell anything about what's coming up on Rong next?

Coati Mundi remix by Lee Douglas, James Chance 12" and then Coati Mundi's LP!

What is the best/funniest request you've been asked while DJing?

Too many to mention.  I seem to attract the crazies when I DJ - without fail, crazies everytime. I put off a scent that crazies smell. Wait, heres one -  I almost got hit once for not playing Car wash once.  that was pretty funny and ridiculous. 

Thanks for taking the time to talk Ben!

Your welcome mate

SMAC AWARDS

Canyons have been nominated for a SMAC (Sydney music, arts and culture) Award!
To help them stand a chance in winning said award please vote here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Au_2f7ytkFWQoGO0zsHguuIQ_3d_3d

Thanks!

Popular Peoples Front...

GOODGOD is at it again. As mentioned below Canyons' 'Fire Eyes' launch is this Saturday and the Saturday following (17th) sees Popular Peoples Front manning the steely wheels down at GG Small Club. It's going to be one hell of a party, and tickets are only on the door so get down there early. See the flyer below for details... Get into it!

Sydney Fire Eyes launch

This saturday night Canyons play at GOODGOD Small club to celebrate the release of their DFA debut in their (kind of) hometown of Sydney. With support from Jimmy Sing, Steele Bonus and Toni Toni Lee it should be a real winner of a party. $10 before midnight or if you're on the guest list and $15 after midnight. Come down and vibe out in the basement jungle.

News and Things

There definitely hasn't been much action around here lately... We're in the process of getting a new Hole in the Sky website happening, which will ultimately function as a blog too. Information on releases and events will be updated as well as other stuff we find interesting like interviews, photos and the odd mix. Basically we'll be combining this blog and our website into one thing to make it easier for everyone concerned.

In other news, Canyons just returned from a mini tour in the US to promote their release with DFA records. Below are some photos from the trip.

DFA boat party

Wurst BBQ

El Relaxo

DJ Spun likes to pack his record bag like this

Harvey likes to DJ like this

SF's original odd couple

Casual indoor skating

Blackdisco pool party, Palm Springs

                                           

Canyons in NYC

Tonight Canyons play the DFA boat party on the Hudson River in celebration of their DFA 12", which was released yesterday exclusively through the DFA web-store and itunes. Hooray! The record, which will be available everywhere else from August 25th, contains 3 songs; the title cut 'Fire Eyes', Jacques Renault's 'Living in the Jungle' remix and 'Dancing on Silk'. Head to the DFA web-store to take a look. 

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on which way you look at it) the boat party is sold out, but if you're really keen to get aboard then head down early as a few tickets may become available if people don't show up. And there's a rumour that if you don't dress boaty, you won't be allowed on board. Just a rumour, but a rumour nonetheless. 

Head to the DFA myspace for details on Canyons' other US shows.

SHIP AHOY

Canyons set sail for New York in August to promote their forthcoming 12" on DFA titled 'Fire Eyes'. To celebrate the release (set for August 11th) they're playing a DFA boat party presented by People Don't Dance No More. If you've not heard of the aforementioned party people then follow the link and familiarise yourself, as they put on some of the best parties New York has to offer. The ship departs when the clock strikes 12 on August 13. Canyons will be DJ'ing alongside DFA's Justin 'Lighthouse' Miller, Runaway's Jacques Renault (whose amazing remix of Fire Eyes graces side B of the 12") as well as PDDNM residents Robot Blair and David Bruno. All the specifics are on the flyer below.

Saving FBi

There are a bunch of great shows coming up to raise money so that Sydney's FBi radio station's radio waves can continue there galactic orbit and wind up in your ears. Every clam earned goes to FBi so there's no excuse not to come and not to pay. There's more info on all the gigs here.

MILKY DISCO VOL 2

For those of you that missed Lo Recording's Milky Disco compilation the first time around and for those that enjoyed it take a look at Vol 2, titled Let's Go Freak Out, as it has compiled some lovely music and artwork. Hole in the Sky is represented on the compilation via Canyons' track Big City Lights. You can listen to samples of the songs and purchase a copy here. Take our word for it though; it's one well worth picking up.

Track-listing:

CD

1. Hatchback - Midnight Jogger
2. Pollyester - You Are Amen
3. Secret Circuit - Roll
4. Ghost Note - Pissed and Passed Out
5. Chilled by Nature | Black Mustang - Otherness (Black Mustang Frozen Moon Jam)
6. Gatto Fritto - Hungry Ghosts
7. Lukas Nystrand and the Ageema Blues - Knivar
8. Soft Circle - Don't Just Stand There (Eric Brouceck Mix)
9. Black Devil Disco Club - Is Sorrow (Brain Machine's Lucifer Rising Dub)
10. Glass Candy - The Chameleon (Johan Agebjorn Remix)
11. CFCF - A Raining Patterns

CD 2

1. Black Mustang/Kerrier District - Life's a Gas (Dub)
2. Soft Rocks - Leave Your Earth Behind
3. Pink Stallone - New Fate
4. Canyons - Big City Lights
5. Nite Jewel - What Did He Say
6. Expanding Head Band - Sound of Breaking Glass
7. Black Devil Disco Club - Free for the Girls (Richard Sen Remix)
8. Georges Vert - Jovan Freak (Rune Lindbaek Nomaden Mix)
9. Chilled by Nature - Otherness (Windsurf's Golden Bear Dub)
10. Subway - Crystalline
11. Milky Globe/Sorcerer - Soft Sea

The Delicate One

HITS 004 is finally out in 12" form. It consists of four excellent edits by The Delicate Genius along with some always on point artwork by Steele Bonus. This release is kind of like a variety TV show (accept good) in that it touches on a few different styles. If you're in Australia and unsure of where to purchase your copy, head straight to Spank!. If you're in the UK or Europe then Juno is probably the spot and Groove for the US Of A. Happy listening.

Cool in the pool...

Now it may be cooling down here in Australia but things are warming up in the North and we've got a couple of new mixes for you to cool in your pool to. Len, who runs the always excellent site coolinthepool, has done not one but two mixes for the blog - a warming up AND a cooling down mix. If you're unfamiliar with coolinthepool then make yourself familiar. It features interviews with and mixes from some of the best people in the game, and a record store has also recently been added to the site. Len only stocks records he's feeling (once you take a listen to his mixes you'll trust the man's taste). His inspiration for the store has stemmed from the fact that it's becoming surprisingly difficult to buy certain releases over in the States; Len is doing his bit to keep the vibe alive. There's also going to be a focus on stocking records that will never make it to digital.

Coolinthepool mix 1

Coolinthepool mix 2

Track-listing:

The Groop Recruit

Our buddies at Modular are using their powers for good not evil by opening their doors to creative people with good ideas. This is a pretty sweet opportunity for anyone interested in the creative thinking side of running a very successful , INDEPENDANT label. I wish we had done something like this before we foolishly started putting records out..

To apply for the Groop check their website.