SUBCULTURE

From Melbourne with Love… Part One

November 2021
Photos by @jackytwostep, @soberdayone, @beersforgambs & @paul_hermes_

We head to Melbourne to catch up with our Aussie community about local scenes, favourite hang-out spots and most memorable gigs.

Brandon Muchemedzi, Student Nurse and Model

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

I’d have to say Spilt Milk Festival in Canberra in 2019. Juice WRLD, who’s one of my favourite artists but now sadly no longer with us, was playing. Whenever I hear the song ‘Armed and Dangerous’ it brings back so many memories for me.

What is Australia’s best export?

I’d have to say AC/DC. Nothing beats ‘Highway to Hell’. Just iconic.

Where are the best places to hang out in Australia?

You can’t beat landmarks like Uluru Mountain (Ayres Rock), Mt Martha where it snows and then coastal areas like Mornington Peninsula. And of course, Sydney Harbour Bridge. All these places have breath-taking views.

Jim, Artist

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

There’s great graffiti and hip hop scenes here that have really influenced me.

What’s the best gig you’ve been to in Australia?

Would have to be Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly tour in 2016.

Where is your favourite independent venue in Australia?

I love The Forum in Melbourne. I saw Vince Staples there.

Lorena Vianca, Artist and Model

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

The Melbourne r’n’b scene has so much talent it’s crazy. I’m so inspired by the energy of that scene and how unique it is and how supportive everyone in that scene is. I think the artist CD from that scene is really killing it right now. Her single ‘Catcha Grip’ is amazing and encourages self-love and empowerment of women in such a beautiful and elegant way. And her voice is just like honey.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Australia?

It’s really hard to say as I’ve been to so many but Billie Eilish was absolutely incredible. When she sung ‘When The Party’s Over’ I was so in awe of her. The way she connected with the crowd and the energy in the room was just incredible.

What is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Redwood Forest is my favourite place to go in Autumn or Spring. It’s so peaceful and calming and a great escape from the busyness of life.

Sabrina, Fashion Digital Advertising Manager

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

The ‘70s and ‘80s Aussie punk scene has definitely had a big influence on both my fashion taste and personal traits. My dad always tells these stories of his experiences at (legendary gig venue) The Croxton in Melbourne and so many other places I still go to today.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Australia?

That’s such a difficult question! DMA’s at The Corner Hotel in 2016 just after I’d turned 18 was a big one. The gig turned into such a large mosh pit that I was obliged to jump in and got internal bruising and couldn’t work the next day. It was worth it though for an amazing euphoric memory of the night.

Where’s the best place to hang out in Australia?

Always in the dust, in front of a stage at an Australian Bush Doof (rave). There’s just something about hearing music in nature that nothing else really compares to.

Lily Gloria, Tattooist

Best gig you’ve been to in Australia?

MF Doom at The Epsy in 2011!

What is your favourite independent venue in Australia?

Bodriggy Brewery in Abbotsford. My friends built this spot and it’s got it all. Great beer, beautiful food with lots of vegan options and it hosts gigs too. Going to be spending lots of time there this summer.

Best place to hang out in Australia?

I live by the Yarra River in Melbourne so my favourite thing is walking down to the river with a blanket, beers a barbeque and my partner Paul.

Cris Gamble, Musician

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

Graffiti is the one that’s stuck with me since my teens. The whole lifestyle defined me and now I’m a hip hop musician, it’s still massively linked to what I do now.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Australia?

Immortal Technique’s show at the Epsy in Melbourne way back in 2012!

Who is the best Australian musician?

It’s not necessarily completely to my taste but Kevin Parker, AKA Tame Impala is very impressive. He’s an incredible multi-instrumentalist and makes some cool shit.