Updates and inspirations: QUT Awards

I was excited to receive QUT Journalism awards in the categories of Best Feature by an Undergraduate or Postgraduate student and Best Story on a Mental Health Issue. No monetary value, damn! As reported here.
See below for proof, don't worry I couldn't believe it either.

Review: Claire Bowditch at The Hi-Fi for Tom Magazine

Clare Bowditch and The New Slang/ Glenn Richards/ Little Scout

The Hi-Fi 08/10/2010 

 




















Clare Bowditch brought her ‘Lady Garden’, her Julia Gillard impersonation and an unfortunate case of "throatitis" to her set at West End’s The Hi Fi, touring her fourth release, Modern Day Addiction. Opening acts, local four-piece Little Scout, and Glenn Richards of Augie March, got a raw deal, as the rain seemed to keep most of the punters at bay. By the time The Hi-Fi’s glowing steps started filling, Glenn Richards’ evocative set, pre-empting his solo record release next month, was already winding down. Even the ears attentive to Richards’ considerable vocal work wouldn’t have heard too much over the din of rest of the crowd, concerned with finding a spot to perch or a drink. Following final number, ‘This Train Will Be Taking No Passengers’ the relaxed chatter from the lounging crowd grew until the stage lit up nearly twenty minutes later.

Review: 'Flamingo' by Brandon Flowers for Tom Magazine

I have been busy with Frock Paper Scissors (which is entering an exciting stage at the moment - it's starting to come together!) so haven't done much else recently, bar a few reviews.

BRANDON FLOWERS

Flamingo-Deluxe Edition (Island/ Universal)
Flowers takes a gamble with this Vegas vs. Jesus themed solo record, presenting a somewhat-wilted version of what could have been. On Flamingo, The Killers’ frontman goes it alone for the first time, telling the story of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he spent much of his formative years. More than with any of his work with The Killers, the influence of Flowers’ strong religious beliefs is also evident. With such different circumstances and style than his previous offerings, the record is more reflective and acoustic, but not as bright, or memorable as it should be.

The temptation and sin of Las Vegas provides a perfect contrast for tales of loss, desolation, and ultimate redemption. It’s then fair to expect the multiple gambling and ‘neon-light’ references that pepper the ambitious lyrics. Opening track ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’, ‘On the Floor’, ‘Only the Young’, as well as lead single, ‘Crossfire’ all seem to touch on a limbo-like physical or emotional state, the search for faith or your place in the world. Then there are lovelorn pleas and narratives to add to the metaphor-heavy mix

Unexpected highlights are the close-to-anthemic ‘Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts’, and ‘Magdalena’, where beautiful lyrics and a classic Flowers chorus meets gospel, and they are on agreeable terms. The only possible reason to pick up the extended Deluxe Edition, which boasts four extra tracks - mostly country-twanged rock - is for ‘Jacksonville’. "The sky was blue and the night was all I wanted/ Let me be your comet, I will fly", Flowers sings on the well-packaged track.

He has the sweeping melodies, and clever, yet ostensibly touching lyrics perfected;  there’s some great vocal work and guest spots by Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley. There’s something about the clean-edged Flamingo, however, that leaves me wanting; it dies down into radio fodder just when you think it’ll pick up.
(Anna Angel)

Updates and inspirations: Frock Paper Scissors

Being the editor of Frock Paper Scissors online has been full on: hundreds and hundreds of emails, lots of chasing up different people, and liaison with various departments who all have their own agendas, contributors blowing you away with their creative talent, or going AWOL. This is exactly what I had expected, and it's been very rewarding.

I think even as a writer, it makes me appreciate how many hands my work passes through, and how much behind-the-scenes work happens after I've submitted copy. I think if nothing else it's make me consider that all editors have standards, and deadlines to strive for, and are juggling so much in any one day that it's often nothing personal if your work doesn't make the cut. I'll also never again be too afraid to clarify something, to email an editor with questions about the work I'm submitting or what's expected of me, as the worst thing I've found is people who don't ask for help when they need it.

I've also discovered that fashion kids do everything with style, not just clothing.

 Golf clap for my learning curves?