STACK #159 Jan 2018

MUSIC NEWS

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have a simple but very effective idea for the back screens; is it a live feed of the stage, filmed from directly above? We will bring in Sydney a very big mirror we customised especially, so it could be angled 45 degrees behind us and reflect a custom screen floor under us. It's hard to describe, but when we see people's reactions, we can feel... like magicians with a good trick in our pocket (old school and modern at the same time)! sandstone labyrinth. Its design is based on a medieval labyrinth inside the grounds of the Chartres Cathedral (in your home country!). Have you seen it? We come from Versailles with many beautiful mazes in the gardens of the castle, but we've never experienced a labyrinth like yours. ZKR The festival will be held in Sydney’s Centennial Park, which is home to a

PHOENIX @ SYDNEY CITY LIMITS

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SYDNEY CITY LIMITS 24 Feb 2018, Centennial Park (NSW) SCL has been lovingly moulded in the shape of its revered older sister, the Texas institution of Austin City Limits. For its Sydney iteration, you’ll be loafing around the lush Centennial Gardens enjoying a menu curated by esteemed eateries Mary’s (Newtown) and The Unicorn Hotel (Paddington), meandering between four stages showcasing 30 acts, and perhaps stopping by the open-air gallery space which will be filled with works of photography, painting, video and street art. Also, Grace Jones. Who’s playing: Grace Jones, Future, Young Thug, L D R U, Justice, Beck, The Avalanches, Phoenix, Vance Joy, Tash Sultana, Dune Rats, Gang of Youths, Car Seat Headrest and more. DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 24 Mar 2018, Flemington Racecourse (VIC) Download began in the UK midlands in 2003, and has since become the #1 day out for English (and European) heavy music fans. 2018 will be the first time it comes to Australia, and looking at the acts the organisers have secured, it’s going to do more than just scratch that Soundwave itch – it’s going to shred it to pieces. Who’s playing: Korn, Prophets of Rage, Limp Bizkit, Mastodon, Good Charlotte, NOFX, Suicidal Tendencies, Arch Enemy, Of Mice And Men and more. festival – and they're both based on wildly successful international counterparts. ONE, TWO, FRESH FESTS FOR YOU! In the next few months, Melbourne and Sydney are each getting a new day

You released Ti Amo in June of this year, and the same month did your first shows since 2014. How did you feel about getting back onto the stage (particularly in front of enormous festival crowds)? We spent more than two years in a little studio in the middle of Paris (under the roof of an old opera house) to create and record this album, so we couldn't wait to see the world again. To travel with your friends and then play your own music in front of a crowd is a beautiful and hard to describe feeling. French four-piece Phoenix are hitting up Sydney City Limits; we asked guitarist Christian Mazzalai about bringing the band's latest album to the festival.

Watching footage from some of the shows you’ve played this year, it looks as if you

PROPHETS OF RAGE @ DOWNLOAD Rap/rock supergroup Prophets of Rage (Cypress Hill's B-Real, Public Enemy's DJ Lord and Chuck D, and Rage Against The Machine'sTom Morello,Tim Commerford and BradWilk) are all set to play Download. B-Real gives us the lowdown on the POR cause.

years you’ve been together; which songs from your debut album get the best response live? When the album was set to come out, we knew we had some solid work, but you never know how fans respond 'til you play the songs. Fortunately, the songs we worked into the setlist have received great responses. But I have to say, Unf-ck the World . Is there anyone on the Download bill y’all haven’t seen yourselves, or are keen to see again? Korn and Suicidal. ZKR

Your band is comprised of Americans; why do you think your unifying message works so well across national borders? I think it works because it’s a universal message. Things are happening all over the world and what we are Australians are traditionally pretty laid-back, but there are plenty of worthy issues that can get us into a rage. Is there anything specific to our country’s socio-political goings on you think are particularly important right talking about relates to all, no matter where you come from.

now? Our parliament just passed the marriage equality bill so we’re pretty proud of that win. To see open-minded people who are accepting of others and their right to live free as anyone else is a great thing.

You’ve spent plenty of time touring over the couple of

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JANUARY 2018

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