THURSDAY 7 AUGUST
Remember the local Milk Bar? It was the stuff of dreams; a steady progression of lollies, magazines and cigarettes with a human face behind the counter. Izrock Mixed Business isn't in the lolly trade, but as far as business models go, it exemplifies the ethics of old; the kind that prioritises handshakes over keystrokes.
Run by a team of three, Joe, Sinead and LP, Izrock curates exhibitions, drinks black oil and crafts books and zines. These tangible published forms come perfect bound and saddle stitched. Some are devoted to individual talent, others are compilations of artistic works. LOCALISM is one such compilation, bringing together around 30 local artists, launched with an exhibition in a local barber shop. There's a keyword here and it pretty much sums up Izrock; a local lynchpin, but more importantly, a connecting point for people.
TwoThousand. Local lynchpin
On the website:
MIXTAPE Muddy Megamix
READ True Norwegian Black Metal
EATDRINK Wafu
Cover photo by Izrock. If you would like to submit a cover shot email nadia@twothousand.com.au.
Iraqi gangster kid
Zaha Hadid for Melissa
Eureka Tower signage
The Large Hadrom Collider
Rosebud salve
Brooks saddles
Cool Kids
Submitting a doodle
Tell us what's cool
cool@twothousand.com.au
LA Surfer dude
Jennifer Hawkins for Myer
Saggy pants fineage
The New Mother
Southland Tales
Brooke Satchwell
Mariah Carey kid
Painting a poodle
Tell us what's fool
fool@twothousand.com.au
Woollahra Municiple Library
WHAT
WOOLLAHRA MUNICIPAL LIBRARY
WHERE
548 NEW SOUTH HEAD RD, DOUBLE BAY
WHEN
MON-FRI 10AM-8PM, SAT 10AM-4PM
CONTACT
9391 7100
I realised I was procrastinating in the library the other day when I borrowed a time management handbook. True story. But at Izrock we love all books. We like sharing too. This combination frequently brings us to libraries. We have often spoken about opening a public library and one day hope to do so. Until then, there's the government-funded variety and the best collection we've found is over at Woollahra Municipal Library.
Apparently the last head here was a bit of an art buff and the library selection proves it. New titles like Ari Marcopoulos' OUT AND ABOUT, plus heaps of oversized masters and contemporary art monographs mean that I am always close by, while Sinead will be lurking near the extensive fashion magazine archives. It gets better. The library's right on Red Leaf harbour pool, so there is nothing stopping you from taking a towel and dipping intermittently while sunning and reading a new lend.
Format: Magazine
Motivation: Improves creativity by osmosis
Songs EP
WHAT
SONGS EP
WHO
SONGS
ON
THE SPRING PRESS / POPFRENZY
WHERE
THUR AUG 7. GROUPIE PRESENTS SONGS AS PART OF THE POPFRENZY SHOWCASE @ BEACH ROAD HOTEL, BONDI
Describing music is, almost inevitably, a frustrating series of inadequate analogies. In the case of SONGS, my grey matter latched onto the following: Punk lilt and guitar-driven melodies that recall IS THIS IT-era Strokes. Vocals that channel a stripped-back Velvet Underground; driving rhythms that might have been picked up off the floor after The Wrens finished THE MEADOWLANDS; Constrained, Stooges-like brevity in a four-track EP.
None of these comparisons capture the evocative whole sound of the SONGS EP, and all of them cast the band as derivative - which they're not. Songs are, however, informed and deliberate, which is different. This is a band whose appeal lies not in technical proficiency, but in their ability to craft a mood. And what an interesting, wistful mood it is.
Release: EP
To Cure: A predictable playlist
Sedition
WHAT
SEDITION
WHERE
275 VICTORIA ST, DARLINGHURST
HOW MUCH
NOT MUCH
CONTACT
9331 8832
IMAGE BY
THOMAS JEPPE
A bad haircut can leave you in dis-tress. Jokes aside, my favourite barber is Sedition on Victoria Street, Darlinghurst. Barber Michael Joyce is a transgressive fellow, he once told me his motto was 'Against Everything'. This is hard to believe, as he is pretty much the most unselfish, supportive guy going.
After cutting my hair (I might add - very well) for almost two years, he has opened on the sabbath a couple times to help my personal endeavours such as an interview with Aaron Rose conducted with a cut throat razor to his chin (gotta do what you can to get the truth) and to launch Izrock Pressings/HeSheItTheyI joint publication - LOCALISM.
The shop is filled to the brim with worldly paraphenalia, images of women with penises, dead people, illuminated homages to Mecca, every other icon of religous faith, and a crack pipe. When you are not getting a 'professional', 'businessman' or any other custom cut you may well witness some live avant guarde jazz bursting out of the store too.
Product: Art
Anatomy: Face
Keywords: Darlinghurst, Barber, Hair, Izrock
Regional Galleries
WHAT
REGIONAL GALLERIES
WHERE
CASULA POWERHOUSE
CAMPBELLTOWN ARTS CENTRE
PENRITH REGIONA GALLERY & THE LEWERS' BEQUEST
WHEN
CASULA, MON-SUN 10AM-5PM
CAMPBELLTOWN,
PENRITH, MON-SUN 10AM-5PM
HOW MUCH
FREE
Regional galleries are fantastic and grossly overlooked. Three that I try and keep up with are the recently reopened, epic-scaled Casula Powerhouse; the revamped and extended mega-centre for the arts at Campbelltown; and the idyllic heritage cottages that make up Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers' Bequest.
These spots are funded for the population outside of central Sydney but seem even more crucial to inner-city types as many of them are beautiful, quiet sanctuaries for viewing the works.
Current exhibitions:
Casula. AUSTRALIAN. Ends Sept 7.
Campbelltown. MIRROR STATES. Ends Aug 24.
Penrith. OPERATION ART. Ends Aug 17.
Put in your diary now for September 2009 - a massive Australian and international sub-cultural art show titled DISORDER DISORDER at Penrith, curated by Izrock's Joseph Allen.
Medium: Mixed
Drink: Bottle of red
Keywords: Art, Campbelltown, Casula, Penrith, Izrock
Bob Shirt
One half of Izrock is obsessed with skateboarding (maybe a bit more than half). This means I am often 'wasting my time' and being 'too old for that', but getting older and still skateboarding is the best. All the pressure and angst you felt as a kid is gone. What remains, is the joy of learning old and daggy tricks that are easier and more rewarding. The memories are many and reminiscing is half the fun. When you want to geek out on the past, the best place virtually is bobshirt.com. BOBSHIRT focuses largely on the '90s, which was a pretty amazing time in skateboarding.
You'll find an expansive selection of board graphics but the main thing is a massive archive where you can watch old VHS films transferred to Quicktime.
Go on skate nostalgia dorks, click here.
Format: Online
Mood: Rad
Hakusan
WHAT
HAKUSAN
WHERE
VIA ALLEY, 2/289 LIVERPOOL ST, DARLINGHURST
WHEN
TUE-FRI 12PM-6PM, SAT 11AM-6PM
HOW MUCH
FROM $15
CONTACT
9331 1119
About 30 years ago, the tag 'Made in Japan' carried a certain stigma. It stood for inexpensive manufacturing, mass product and cost-effective labour. Skip forward and the country's global reputation is on the flip side. Designers such as Jun Takahashi and Rei Kawakubo are walking all over western catwalks and brands like Toto are the darlings of designed toilets.
Hakusan is another brand affecting Japan's designed perception for the better. From a small factory in Hasami, Nagasaki, Hakusan has been producing pottery for over 200 years. Over time it has continued to adapt and refine its aesthetic, calling on designers such as Mori Masahiro to command its creative vision.
Hakusan's vision is this; 'Fancy Cups' that mould to the grasp, a 'Bird Pillow' which cradles chopsticks and figures like the 'Chubby Bird'. (These guys don't do much - but are too cute to discount). Hakusan is restrained yet revolutionary...and there's no looking back.
Product: Objects
Theft: Theft is a risk
The Golden Cobra Coffee
WHAT
THE GOLDEN COBRA COFFEE
WHERE
PURE BRONTE PISTACHIO, BRONTE BEACH
CORDIAL, NEWTOWN
PADDINGTON MARKET CAFE, PADDINGTON
TIGER MOTTLE, PADDINGTON
THE FALCONER, DARLINGHURST
WHEN
THE EARLIER THE BETTER
HOW MUCH
FROM $3
CONTACT
INFO@THEGOLDENCOBRA.COM
Coffee - the black oil that gets the morning from akimbo to limbo. Along with legal crank, the other thing Izrock likes is independent business and DIY ethic - not waiting for an opportunity to arise but just taking it.
The Golden Cobra combines these two attributes with a healthy dose of community mindedness. The Cobra stays true to old-school business ethics, when one's word is one's bond and one's handshake is a contract. TGC puts massive emphasis on creativity and artwork, with new for packaging every 1000 bags (created by your favourites, and mine, We Buy Your Kids).
With fantastic production blends for cafes such as (it ain't no good unless it has an Italian name) 'La Cobra D'oro', Hitchcock favourites 'Vertigo', 'Rear Window' and the hit you really need 'Frenzy'. They also have a fair trade and organic blend cheekily titled 'My Brother's Wife'.
The Golden Cobra's ethic is infectious. To get a cup made for you or to take some home, check the snake drink cafes above.
Venue: Café
Meal: Coffee
Keywords: The Golden Cobra, We Buy Your Kids, Izrock, Hitchcock
Cat Protection Society
Izrock has a new office buddy and business partner, pushing the population up to three. Our new guy is a little unproductive; in fact, he's an average worker. But boy, does he up the office morale.
He is, in fact, a feline named The Little Prince (this title may hint more at his work ethic than anything else). We picked him up from the Cat Protection Society on Enmore Road. We went there looking for a new employee and were instantly taken by the little guy.
Forget about going to creepy breeders and paying too much, these kittens and grown cats really need a home. They are all chipped, de-sexed, vaccinated and toilet trained and it costs just $150 to save them from being put down. Breeders are expensive, and let's face it; there are already enough cats to go round. If you want a new companion you know where to head.
Ambience: Indoor
Difficulty: Won't hurt a bit
Even Books #5
WHAT
EVEN BOOKS #5 THE MASTER & MARGARITA
WHERE
THE COACHMEN RUSSIAN RESTAURANT, 763 BOURKE ST, SURRY HILLS
WHEN
FRI AUG 8, 7.45PM
HOW MUCH
$45 (RUSSIAN TAPAS FEAST INCLUDED)
From personal experience, we can tell you that Even Books is one of the best things going in Sydney at the moment. This time it's all about the 'russo-ruckus' which includes vodka, Moscow-style pancakes, vodka, Borscht, wine and more vodka. Oh yeah, and the book...there will be readings from THE MASTER & MARGARITA. It's finally a chance to meet people who don't go to the club you go to, week in and week out. Plus, you leave the night feeling a little smarter, rather than a little brain-dead. Hang over still included. - HM
Event: Party
Stimulus: A
Keywords: Books, Even Books, Russian
The Emergency
WHAT
THE EMERGENCY 'FOREVER/TOO MUCH' 12" LAUNCH
WHERE
SPECTRUM, 34 OXFORD ST, DARLINGHURST
WHEN
SAT AUG 9, 10PM
HOW MUCH
$10
WIN
ONE OF TWO DOUBLE PASSES. TO ENTER EMAIL WIN@TWOTHOUSAND.COM.AU WITH THE SUBJECT 'ACHTUNG DAS IS EIN DRINGLICHKEIT!'
There are two immediate reasons that you should see The Emergency. 1. Their bass is thumping. 2. They have beards, and everyone knows that beards mask genius. The duo have been cited as a psychedelic 'name to drop', but you'll be too busy waving your arms about to yap. They've opened for other bands such as Trans Am, ARE Weapons and this Saturday WOW and We Stole The Organ will open for them. - RF
Event: DJs
Stimulus: E
Keywords: The Emergency, Spectrum
Rocketboom
WHAT
ROCKETBOOM IN CONVERSATION
WHERE
THE MINT, 10 MACQUARIE ST, CITY
WHEN
MON AUG 11, 6.30PM
HOW MUCH
$30 / $45 FROM PORTABLE FILM FESTIVAL
WIN
WE HAVE ONE DOUBLE PASS TO GIVE AWAY. TO ENTER EMAIL WIN@TWOTHOUSAND.COM.AU WITH THE SUBJECT 'WORLDWIDE NERD STARDOM'
If you are a good citizen of the intermenet, you probably know about ROCKETBOOM. Sure, bad name, but it's the world's most popular videocast. Unlike all other web-based media, apart from TwoThousand (hehe), it generates millions in ad revenue annually. According to THE NEW YORK TIMES, ROCKETBOOM (not, as is commonly thought, WATER RATS) wrote 'the obituary of TV'. The founder and all-round big man, Andrew Baron, is giving a talk this Monday as part of the Portable Film Festival. If you have a dream of worldwide nerd stardom, or wish to transcend the tedium of CSI: Televison, this is your chance to learn the secrets. - PM
Event: Launch
Stimulus: S
Keywords: City, Andrew Baron, Portable Film Festival
These New Puritans
WHAT
THESE NEW PURITANS W/ LOST VALENTINOS
WHERE
OXFORD ART FACTORY, 38-46 OXFORD ST, DARLINGHURST
WHEN
TUES AUG 12, 8PM
HOW MUCH
$32 + B/F HERE
The first thing you notice about These New Puritans is their aesthetic. Geometric, gold gilded shapes forming intangible patterns aside lank stares and dark eyes. Then you listen - stark tribal beats; jabbing guitars and cold vocals. These New Puritans take their manifesto and slam you to the ground with it. If you get along to their show this Tuesday, you'll know what this means. - VH
Event: Bands
Stimulus: W
Keywords: Darlinghurst, Oxford Art Factory, These New Puritans
Not Quite Hollywood
WHAT
NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD PRESENTED BY POPCORN TAXI
WHERE
GREATER UNION CINEMA, BONDI JUNCTION
WHEN
WED 13 AUG, 7PM
HOW MUCH
$12/$15
WIN
ONE OF FIVE DOUBLE PASSES. TO ENTER, EMAIL WIN@TWOTHOUSAND.COM.AU WITH THE SUBJECT 'HOLLYWOOD SCHMOLLYWOOD'
Nothing turns Quentin Tarantino on quite like a retro Australian action film. The prolific director thinks we shoot a car chase with wicked style, in a way that (quote/unquote) "just makes you want to jerk off". The film buffs at Popcorn Taxi concur and are screening NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD, a documentary celebrating pioneering genre films of the '70s and '80s such as MAD MAX and PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK. The film kicks off from the 1971 relaxation of censorship laws, which allowed maverick film-makers license to push special effects to new heights, experiment with BMX bikes and get creepy school girls to start bringing sexy back. - JB
Event: Film
Stimulus: E
Keywords: Bondi, tarantino, Popcorn Taxi
Pretty In Pink - A frankie Fashion Photography Showcase
WHAT
PRETTY IN PINK - A FRANKIE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
WHERE
MTV GALLERY, 4-16 YURONG ST, EAST SYDNEY
WHEN
WED AUG 13, 6PM
HOW MUCH
FREE BUT RSVP FROM AUG 8 HERE
You know frankie right? If you don't, we're pretty sure you'd like her...or, um, him? Either way, frankie knows what it's writing about, isn't afraid of doilies and shoots a fashioned charm. On August 13 the magazine celebrates its 25th birthday with a showcase of photography from the very first issue until now. Come say hi. - RF
Event: Film
Stimulus: S
Keywords: Photography, East Sydney, MTV Gallery, frankie
It wouldn't be an Izrock issue without Izrock Pressings. The Mixed Business's perfect-bound publications provide snapshots of local and international talent in limited runs. Izrock Pressings not only prints each book, but works to distribute them in person; connecting with stores, galleries and people the world over. Next in the published line is a zine with Mike Giant, based on his recent trips to Sydney and Melbourne. The saddle stitched offset printed zine has been completely laid out by Mike, and will be available from Izrock online late August. Until then, we have six copies of Izrock's current Pressings to give away. Three of which are Marcus Oakley's THE IDEA OF SOMETHING; a book of thick marker music featuring feline, owl, bear and, um, Neil Young. The other three? Kill Pixie's KILL COMMUNICATION, 64 pages of frenetic illustration with no respect for slumber. To enter, just answer the following question.
This week's question:
Which is heavier? A pound of feathers or a pound of tea?
a) Black Sabbath
b) Running over a possum in your Cortina
c) A pound of guilt
d) All the above
To be in the running send your answer AND postal address to win@twothousand.com.au, winners will be notified by email. Subscriber only entry. Not a subscriber? No sweat. Sign up here.
TwoThousand is a weekly snapshot of Sydney's subculture, fired by email into the loving arms of people who realise that the best things in life are often hard to find. It is compiled by an amorphous gaggle of writers, stylists, designers and photographers who all like huddling under that big umbrella we call creativity. Without editorial independence TwoThousand has nothing. All editorial you read is featured because it's worth it - not because it's paid for.
ADVERTISING PARTNERSHIPS
TwoThousand is a trusted and proven medium for advertisers to engage with Sydney's most elusive individuals - our subscribers. Each issue offers one advertiser the opportunity to have sole presence in the e-newsletter. A variety of placements (three, to be exact) are also available on twothousand.com.au. For more information on advertising with TwoThousand contact Francesco at frunch@rightanglepublishing.com and Robbie at robert@rightanglepublishing.com.
FEEDBACK
Have something to say? Then say it by emailing editorial@twothousand.com.au.
DISCLAIMER
The information in TwoThousand is subject to change. Although we attempt to ensure that the content at the time of publication is correct, we do not guarantee its accuracy or currency. Right Angle Publishing accepts no responsibility to you or anyone else arising from any use or reliance on the information contained in TwoThousand or any inaccuracy in the information. The views and opinions expressed on material included in TwoThousand may not reflect those of Right Angle Publishing.
CONTACT
Right Angle Publishing
L2, 16 - 28 Foster St
Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
p. (02) 9280 1557
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GROUP PUBLISHER
Barrie Barton
+ 61 3 96621657
barrie@rightanglepublishing.com
EDITOR
Nadia Saccardo
nadia@twothousand.com.au
DEPUTY EDITOR
Gabriel Knowles
gabe@twothousand.com.au
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Hayley Morgan
hayley@twothousand.com.au
MUSIC EDITOR
Wilfred Brandt
wilfred@twothousand.com.au
FILM EDITOR
Martyn Pedler
martyn@rightanglepublishing.com
ARTS EDITOR
Amelia Groom
amelia@twothousand.com.au
OUT EDITOR
Jill Greig
jill@twothousand.com.au
STREET PHOTOGRAPHER
Izrock
WEB HEAD
Kashi Somers
SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS
Penny Modra
Isabel Dunstan
Alex Vitlin
Rich Furrow
Joseph Allen
Sinead O'Shea
LP
Thomas Jeppe
OUT CONTRIBUTORS
Kylie Boyd
Vivien Huynh
Jacqueline Breen
INTERN MONKEYS
Digby Woods
Ashleigh Dollin
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