LIVE WIRE – Sydney Live Music Guide August 18th

Thursday 18^th finds the inaugural line up of tenuously named Aum night (pronounced “om”) at the wonderful Tone in Surry Hills. Presented by Double Good Records, the night features Domeyko/Gonzalez, Scattered Order, Untergang von Menschen and Broadcasting Transmitter combing to make up a fine Thursday night offering of local out-there live music. At the Beach Road Hotel in Bondi on Friday 19^th, a young electro-soul singer by the name of Fantine can be found strutting her stuff. Having featured with the Katalyst/Steve Spacek project Space Invadas, Fantine it definitely one to keep an eye on. Also on Friday, the inimitable 505 on Cleveland St keeps on giving, with Dereb The Ambassador bringing his Ethiopian desert soul to the intimate venue to much anticipation – must see! On Saturday 20^th, The Beautiful Girls’ front man, Mr. Mat McHugh is focusing on his solo show, with his current tour taking him to Oxford Art Factory in Paddington – the gorgeous Ashleigh Mannix is in support. Seekae, having returned from a successful U.K. tour, are back in town for a show at The Metro in Sydney’s CBD – get in quick for this innovative trio, they are liable to sell out a show or two. Also on Saturday, Melbourne wunderkind singer, songwriter and producer Gotye is showcasing his new album of soulful, sensitive and epic pop songwriting at Sydney Opera House. Back at The Basement, and local singer and saxophonist Nic Jeffries is playing on Sunday 21^st. Jeffries has played for the likes of Renee Geyer and Jamie Oliver and is most definitely worth checking out in this intimate performance space. Tuesday 23^rd at The Basement in Circular Quay should be a good one, with Acoustic Ladyland chucking together some of Australia’s top female folk singers in the one gig. The bill includes Charmaine Bingwa, Michelle Cashman, Jasmine, Ruby for Lucy and Caroline Woodorth. Wednesday 24^th sees the super groovy Bayou Band continue their Wednesday nights in August at The Mac – anyone who digs the likes of The Meters, Dr. John and Jon Cleary, or saw and loved HBO’s Treme will love this free gig. Still at The Mac and on Thursday 25^th the truly unique and infectious (musically, not virally) Conscious Pilots are back as they continue their August residency at the legendary Surry Hills pub. Also on Thursday, and only metres from that venue, Popfrenzy are hosting Ohio indie artists Times New Viking when they play the mighty Tone on Wentworth Avenue on Thursday – get ready for fuzz! On Friday 26^th, Finn brother offspring Liam Finn is proving he’s a killer music maker in his own right at Oxford Art Factory as he tours his new album, Fomo all month. Also on Friday, Australia’s new piano man Andy Bull is launching his new E.P. Phantom Pains at GoodGod Small Club – anyone who hasn’t checked out this guy’s amazing voice and pitch-perfect songwriting is in for a treat. Saturday 27^th finds one of hip hop’s biggest names Big Boi of OutKast back in town, this time at the relatively cosy (by his standards) Enmore Theatre in Newtown. That same night, the very hardworking and always on form Diesel is playing at The Basement.