The last few months of 2020 are shaping up to be a good time Gold Coasters. We’ve had some great new venue openings, a host of events that are going ahead and VERY excitingly, BLEACH* Festival has just launched their 2020 program and it’s a good one.

The 11 day program invites us to be adventurous; to step into someone else’s shoes for an afternoon, to escape from the everyday with an unexpected experience; to dive in, boots and all and have a good time.

All things we are absolutely pumped to do right now.

Whether it’s down at Burleigh Heads for sunrise performances, recitals at dusk, evening light installations or a drink at the BLEACH* bar, the festival has something you’re absolutely going to love.

On Chevron Island you’ll be welcomed to Club Chez Nous for cabaret, opera and music and within grounds of the Botanic Gardens there’ll be a special concert that’s been curated with works from one of our finest living composers, Elena Kats-Chernin.

On Burleigh Beach there’ll be a sand circle; a culturally safe and inclusive space for dance, music, storytelling, performance and yarning.

You’re invited to sit, watch, participate or talk within the ring.

Wake with the birds and join in each morning at sunrise and in the evenings at sunset for music and dance rituals with Luther Cora.

Throughout the day, there’ll be workshops in contemporary dance, song and weaving, and dance under the stars every night.

Sounds heavenly.

We suggest heading down to the BLEACH* Club under the trees and watch as the waves roll in. Stop by for a sundowner, catch local DJ sets, and float away to some ambient tunes and killer beats.

Intermezzo will see the The 7 Sopranos perform angelic harmonies arranged by Tarita Botsman and Craig Allister Young and you can let the heavenly lullabies transport you dreamily into the night. Yes please.

Of course, there’s an absolutely packed program to enjoy and it’s all happening from 12^th to 22^nd November.

What a treat it is to live on the Gold Coast and experience this incredible festival.

WHEN: 12^th to 22^nd November, 2020
WHERE: Various performances across Burleigh Heads, Chevron Island and Botanic Gardens

Musical talent is a thing we do not have but that’s cool because it seems lots of other people do and we have other skills okay.

Turns out, the Gold Coast in particular has many a musical prodigy, which is lucky ‘cuz this would be a short story otherwise.

Here are 12 local solo musicians you should give your ears the pleasure of listening to ASAP.

Rene Le Feuvre
The Gold Coast lad just released a new single and it’s a whole lot of love for your ears friends. He creates high vibe tunes and he’s possibly one of the most passionate musos around. Catch him in various venues and cafes across the city. You might just fall in love.

Nathan Fynn
He plays around the Coast on the regular, massaging locals’ ears with his cruisy vibes. They say his style is reminiscent of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Neil Finn and that is quite the combination.

Kate McKay
A singer/songwriter born in South East Queensland, it is with great pleasure we claim this woman and her soulful vocal cords. She’s pretty epic at all the genres but we particularly love a powerful ballad of the Kate McKay variety.

Tyler Vivian
He’s a kiwi turned Gold Coaster with the voice (and face) of an angel. Also a singer/songwriter Tyler Vivian is one man you want to listen to. While he can belt out any old thing, it’s those sweet, soulful songs of his that’ll get ya. Listen to his tunes here.

Brett Gannon
Raw, unplugged acoustic sounds are always a good time and particularly when Brett Gannon is bringing them to your life. He’s played the world over and is much-loved for his lively sets with tunes ranging from the 60s to now.

Julie Hayes
Of Irish descent, Julie Hayes has the storytelling gene running through her veins. Her haunting folks-style melodies will transport you to another world. Julie’s style draws influence from the like of Florence Welch and Joni Mitchell and that is just fine by us.

Tyson Faulkner
He’s a passionate musician who has been performing for over 14 years around Australia. With a vast roll call of influences including Eddie Vedder, Metallica and Crowded House, you know his shows bring the good vibes.

Ella Fence
An electro-pop artist who recently performed on the Festival 2018 stage, Ella Fence creates big sounds and guaranteed fun times. She’s all about big bass and edgy sounds and she’s definitely one to seek out and reward your ears with.  Listen to her sweet beats here. 

Gregg Peterson
Another Gold Coast adoptee, this time from the far flung US of A, Gregg Peterson’s musical roots stem from jazz, blues and country. His solo gigs see him utilise those insane looping machines and his guitar work must be seen to be believed.

Zak Keenan
He’s only been playing around the place for a short while but in that time he’s garnered quite the fan base. Catch Zak and his cruisy, melodic tunes at Nightjar on the regular and don’t be surprised if this guy shows up at the Grammy’s pretty soon.

Rory Switzer
He’s a solo man but he’s also part of a band, Loose Leaf and you can see him and hear his smooth vocals all over the Coast these days. The band is a bit of a combo of chill and a rock & roll vibes and they sure know how to get a party started.

Jason Delphin
Jason plays and produces music styles that range from blues, soul, jazz, folk, punk rock. He was unearthed by Triple J and he’s played at Falls Festival and few times throughout the year along with Blues on Broadbeach. So you know he’s good.

There you have it, this lot play across the Coast at many a venue so look up your favourite and get down there to #supportlocal.

Words by Kirra Smith.

The Gold Coast is famous for fun. Current events aside, we’re a pretty good time and everybody knows it. We’re the theme park capital of Australia, our beaches are unrivalled, blockbuster movies are filmed here, fun times everywhere.

Perhaps the most fun thing of all, that’s been done on theGold Coast over the years is the making of music videos and honestly, why wouldn’t you famous people?

Here’s a little list of a few you’ll definitely know that have been filmed on our sparkly shores.

Hollow Coves – Moments

Local twosome Hollow Coves are all about cruisy tunes that’ll speak to your soul.

The indie folk band is made up of Ryan Henderson and Matt Carins from Brisbane, who now live on the Gold Coast and recently filmed a music video for their song ‘Moments’.

Shot out in nature where bird sounds, insects, water and waves can be heard amongst the sweet melodies.

Sneaky Sound System – UFO

Good time gang Sneaky Sound System have had many a hit song in their time.

In case you don’t know, they’re an Aussie dance group that formed in 2001 and have been entertaining the world with their quirky, upbeat ways ever since.

One of their most popular songs, UFO was filmed on the Gold Coast (at Miami Shore Motel) and features a local lad you’ve no doubt seen around a bit – the one and only Claudio Kirac.

It’s a chaotic, good time and you can see it for yourself below.

John Farnham – Two Strong Hearts

The man himself, Australia’s favourite and one of the strongest voices to ever come out of this country is John Farnham – king of the rock ballad.

He holds the second highest-selling album in Australian history, Whispering Jack and an absolute slew of hits besides.

Two Strong Hearts is one you no doubt already know and love and the music video was filmed right here on the Coast (back when we called him Johnny).

You’ll see the old Miami Ice building (miss you) and now we’re claiming Johnny as our own.

Australian Crawl – Errol

The much-loved Aussie rock band was formed in the 1970’s and fun fact; they were named after the front crawl swimming style (now known as freestyle).

Their music touched on social issues such as materialism, alcoholism, car accidents and cautionary tales of romance.

The five-piece band filmed their music video Errol on the Gold Coast in parts and you might spy a sneak peek of Grundy’s waterfall which was around in the 80s.

See, we’ve been fun forever.

Go the Gold Coast.

Words by Kirra Smith