Park Life:
World Tour Diary 2010:
09Feb10
Leaving Poland & Europe
Sitting in the hostel lounge. Just had a chat with Sasha in Kiev. Hi Sasha (if you're reading this). Stay warm. Apparently it's even colder there than here in Poland.
We're on a plane back to Australia in the morning. Gotta go get some sleep now. Will check in from the various airports on the way home. This'll be a long ride, maybe 40 hours.
Checkya later, delirious.
Sleepers out.
08Feb10
Top 30 - New York College Radio Charts
Coming Home (US EP release) just made the top 40 on WSIA - New York College Radio - this week. In at number 30. And this is the best bit - we got pipped by Nirvana. How fucking cool is that!
Sitting in a hostel lounge in Poland at the end of this tour leg, Just after midnight. Could use some sleep. Back to Oz in a coupla days.
Sleepers out.
07Feb10
Video Krakow
Video Diary Part 8...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
07Feb10
Tour Ends, Goodbyes Start
Mark left for home yesterday. Emotions at the train station in Levice, Slovakia. Drove back to Katowice, Poland (about 5 hours), caught the train to Warsaw. Taxi to the hostel. Sleep. Frogg left for home (Sweden) early this morning. Just Max and I in Poland now. Couple more days & home to Australia. Tired & trying to catch up on sleep - which isn't happening too well... maybe tonight.
Video Tour Diary Part 8 coming soon.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
05Feb10
Killer in Slovakia
Big mistake. Tonight I forgot to organise the camera for this show at Area 21 in Levice. Dammit. Great gig. Great crowd. I'm an idiot.
In lieu of this, here is the latest from the Video Tour Diaries: Part 7, Myslowice, Poland.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Feb10
Klub 77 in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
Klub 77 Show went OK. Not too many people out tonight. Cold & snow. Miracle this computer still works. Screen's gone all weird from the sub-zero temps. Went to a hot-springs spa last night. Dozens of people in a giant outdoor pool, snow all around the edge of the steaming baths. Surreal. Bed now. Tired.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Feb10
Slovakia
We're here in Slovakia. Sitting in a hotel room, snow covering everything outside. Warm in here, though. Got a show tonight in Banska Bystrica, at Klub 77. Been resting for a couple of days. Computers are failing in the cold. One laptop dead (couple of weeks ago) and the other one on the way out (screen is dying). Got some repairing to do when we duck back to Australia in a couple of weeks.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
02Feb10
Bydgoszcz, Estrada Pics
Pawel just emailed us this link. Shots from our first show on this tour of Poland.
Sleepers out.
01Feb10 Late
Cutest Tour Shot Ever
Michal and Majka sent us this beautiful shot. Hello Michal and Majka. We think you rock! Little Polish champions!
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
01Feb10
Klub Ampstrong, Zakopane, Last Night
The end of a long tour day, last night, and we played a show at the uber-cool club Ampstrong. Small crowd - but the show went really well. We're staying up in the mountains here in Zakopane. Quaint little timber huts, warm and good vibe.
Part 7 of the Video Tour Diaries coming soon, featuring a great party in Myslowice - we were generously invited at the last minute. Things got out of hand, Polish style. Check out Part 6 of the Vid Diaries below or at our YouTube channel...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
31Jan10
Klub Boghart, Vid & Goodbyes.
Goodbye for now Pawel. You are THE tour guy extraordinare. We will miss you as we travel on. talk soon and see you in Summer.
Said goodbye to our wonderful hosts Prezemek and Dorota at Klub Bogart this morning (after the show there last night). Sad to go - had some great times over the past few days. Felt like home. Great conversations (up late over cherry vodka) & delicious food (Dorota the chef). Prezemek's mum also made us a traditional Polish dish with forest mushrooms (400 year old recipe). Waiting for the show at Ampstrong, Zakopane (just finished sound-check).
Here's part 6 of the tour video diaries - the show at Myslowice...
Check this out. The Motor Rock Pub in Slupsk emailed us this link to pics of our show on their site.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
30Jan10
Klub Boghart Show Tonight.
Really cool show coming up tonight at Klub Boghart in Gomunice, Poland. This place is great. We've been staying here in the adjacent hotel for a few days. Great atmosphere (like the old Yak Bar).
More video coming: Part 6 of the tour vid will be released tomorrow.
Seeya at the show tonight,
Sleepers out.
29Jan10 - Late
Belhatow crazy!
But first, thanks everyone for the emails today - keep them coming; we love it!
"Thanks for the great music from you guys, it saved me from killing my co-workers today." (Kathleen, Arizona)
"Have not been able to put the new album down. Love every bit of it!" (Warren, Melbourne)
And here's the crazy Belhatow gang!
29Jan10
More Video & Belchatow Show Tonight
Video from Koszalin, Warsaw & Lublin...
Quote from a new Slupsk fan (emailed to us): "Your concert was a sun in my life!"
Myslowice Party Pics (crazy 90th birthday, Polish style). Click here.
In the tour van now, on our way to a show tonight in Belchatow, Poland at Klub Piwnica.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
27Jan10
More Video & Pics
Video from Slupsk, Poland...
Click here for pics from Warsaw...
We were flat out off stage in Warsaw, signing, meeting etc, so we missed out on taking shots of the audience - but we do have castle pics... and this one...
Scary. We had an interview at the Hard Rock Cafe, Warsaw for AntyRadio with crazy-man Makak. This is his nipple. And at the end of every interview, he has his interviewees read what's on his nipple (sexiest voice possible). Long, fun interview (hour and a half) & couple of tracks played live.
Click here for Myslowice show pics
Maxie with a couple of the girls dancing at front of stage. Had a great time at this one - played a 200 seat theatre, Myslowice, Poland.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
26Jan10 Late Night
Pics From Myslowice Show
Click here for pics from the show in Myslowice - last Saturday night (23.01.10).
Great theatre show. Had a blast.
90th Birthday Party shots coming tomorrow.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
26Jan10
Smash & Grab in Krakow, Poland
We were getting something to eat in Krakow. When we returned to the van (half an hour ago), we found the driver side window smashed out. Person or persons unknown have just broken into our tour van & stolen all our merchandise (t-shirts & CDs). Pawel lost his GPS system.
Hopefully that's all we've lost. Pawel's gone with the local police to fill out a report. Times like this I realise the importance of taking everything with me when I leave the van. Pain in the arse at the time (back-pack weighs over 10 kilos), but our film/audio production & computer stuff is still ours.
Our hearts go out to Pawel. It's never a nice feeling when someone breaks into your car (glass everywhere) & steels your stuff.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
PS: New pics for the last few posts below...
25Jan10 Late Night
Krakow
OK, so it's really cold now. Even Pawel's shivering. Pushing minus 20. We're staying up in the mountains outside of Krakow (pronounced crackov). We have a few days off to recover, meet people & do the "off-stage" business. We're having a really great tour. The opportunity to see the countryside doesn't come often - but we're getting the odd walk around a castle or through "old cities". Damned cold though. So whatever you do outside, ya gotta make it quick.
Krakow Castle above.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
25Jan10
Radio Interview
We were interviewed backstage prior to the Warsaw concert. You can hear an excerpt at http://www.myspace.com/sundayatdevildirt ThanksStacja and Mike!
25Jan10 - Early Morning
Massive Day Off
Walked down stairs. Birthday party goin' on. Wonderful people, invited us to join them. And smash the Vodka like there will be no tomorrow. We are so happy and honoured. And there is video coming from this insane party.
.....Vodka mess. And I mean MESS. Things get interesting. Beautiful Polish women, young and old.
Holy crap, where am I? Lost track of time, money & who I am.
We are in a tornado. There is calm, but only fleeting moments. Our band is big here, getting bigger by the second. Sanity would be good... tomorrow...
Come to our shows. We give it everything.
Check the shows page for our latest gigs in Europe.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out
24Jan10
It's just gone midnight; we've had the most magnificent evening. We were invited (impromptu) to a 90th birthday party that lasted 12 hours with dancing, vodka (of course), more food than we could eat, music, hilarity and mayhem. It has been an absolute tour highlight and we'll show you why when we put the footage together.
In the meantime we've finally managed to upload the photos from our show in Lublin with legendary Polish rock band Turbo. We had the privelege of meeting the band and, of course, some of the finest people in Lublin who came out for the show. Visit our photo website to see who was at the show.
Later today we'll upload photos from MOKis Trojkat in Myslowice and the wonderful party we've been at!
For now it's good night from us,
Sleepers out.
23Jan10
MOKiS Trojkat - Myslowice, Poland & Vid
Tonight we play Mokis Trojkat in a city called Mysowice. Big, ornate theatre. Looks fantastic. Sound-check went well. We're back at the hotel (another one) waiting to head down to the show. Will fill you in on how it goes tomorrow.
In the mean time, here's part three of the world tour video diary (taken earlier in the week)...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
23Jan10
Graffiti Club Lublin
Last night was the first of the really big shows in Poland. Club Grafiti in Lublin - much like the Gershwyn Room - or Annandale in Sydney. We played support for legendary Polish hark rock band, Turbo. Big stage, big room, big lights, big freekin everything. The metal crowd weren't too sure what they'd struck when we kicked off. But by the end, we got em - and they got us.
We met some really cool friendly people at the bar after the show. Had a great time talkin' and drinkin' with em. Never enough time. Bundled into the tour van & back to the hotel.
There'll be some great shots posted here soon from last night. If you'd like to buy our latest album, Betrayer, click here for CD Baby. Or hit the CD Baby button at the top.
On the road to Myslowice as I write this (Sat afternoon).
Finished the latest video (shot earlier in the week). Just uploading now. Won't be long...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
21Jan10
CDQ Club & Austrade Warsaw, Poland.
Had a really cool show tonight. Lotta fun, good crowd. Great reaction. Signed a bunch of albums. Interview backstage before going on. Actually a really good interview. Well thought out & researched. Nice not to be asked what colour underwear you're wearing.Support band were cool tonight too - Rachael. Nice guys.
Earlier in the afternoon (which feels like midnight here - it's dark at 4pm), we played a really unusual show at the Australian Embassy. Business meeting at the Austrade office. We walked in with minimal gear, set up & did one song in the middle of this small conference room. Business people in suits from all over the world - sitting or standing in a circle around us. Played hotel room (the infidelity song). Did our best to punk up the room. Pretty funny, looking back at it.
Have a great weekend.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
21Jan10
CDQ Club Warsaw Poland.
Sitting in the backroom at CDQ in Warsaw, waiting to go on. About to do interview. Need to log off. More about the show tonight later.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
19Jan10
Klub Kredens Koszalin Poland.
Another great show last night. They've all been good on this tour so far. Each one really different from the last. This time it was a jazz club in Koszalin, Klub Kredens.
The crowd were laid back - but loved it. Plenty of fists & hands in the air. We were talking with people for ages after the show, signing albums etc. Really good vibe.
Check these pics from the show.
Right now, we're in the van on the way to Warsaw. Tonight we're doing a live-to-air at Hard Rock Cafe. Tomorrow we start a run of 5 shows, 5 days in a row. Should be interesting...
More video on the way too.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
18Jan10
One for Slupsk, Poland.
Tonight's Show in Slupsk. Check these pics.
Man, what a show. Slupsk (North Poland) is a beautiful place with it's ornate architecture, tree-lined streets and christmas lights in formation. Winter wonderland. Heat wave today. Top temp was minus five. Ramp up the celebrations, first day I've stood around without gloves on.
The show was fantastic. Monday night and we had such a great time. The people of Slupsk came down to see us & we had a freekin ball. Shot a lot of video, so we'll have that up in the next day or two.
Great footage shot over the past couple of days. More Frogg too - we've been gettin' requests.
NEW ALBUM ON-LINE.
If you want the new album - you can get it at CD Baby.
Click here & grab a copy of 'Betrayer', our latest album, recorded with Rick Parker in Los Angeles, California.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
18Jan10
Quick Update from Poland.
On our way to the next show in Slupsk at the Motor Rock Pub. Sitting in the van, nearly there. Heads were a little sore this morning after having a "night off" last night. Staying with friends not far from town. Mark was unwell this morning, miraculously recovering throughout the day. Soundcheck in about 30 minutes.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
17Jan10
Vid. Check This Out...
Rewind a few days. The road late last week in Poland.
Check our Flickr site for shots from last night's show at Piwnica 13.
And as mentioned in yesterday's post - the shot below - Maxie goin off, impromptu, a couple of nights ago at said club. Turned into very messy night indeed. Great fun...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
16Jan10 Late
Ilawa Blinder, Poland
Show number 2 was a big one - in a small club, Piwnica 13. Really confronting. We were down on the floor with the audience, Frogg had a riser. Place was packed. 10 seconds in, guys in the front crashed through the foldback, mic stands flying, beer fucking everywhere - 240 volt pedal board drenched. I'm wondering if I'm gonna get electricuted.
Next song I'm wondering when I'm gonna get my teeth knocked out re someone smashing the mic stand into my face. Maxie in the same boat. Gig builds and builds. First time ever; have a "pysical altercation" with a punter on the "stage". Fists raised. Maxie pushes & shoves. Holy shit. We had an insane, insane show. Loved it - and the crowd. We've only just begun...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
16Jan10 Eve
2nd Tour Show Ilawa, Poland.
About to head down to sound-check for tonight's show at Piwnica 13 in this beautiful little town called Ilawa. Looking well forward to the show especially after a killer night there last night. We were all a little under the weather this morning (well worth it though). Check the vid from last night below...
Went out on a walking expedition today & found the town centre. Always weird when you don't know where you are & start walking from the accommodation to find stuff. As luck would have it, we were going in the right direction. Found the main town centre. Got the computer probs sorted for now. Mark got some boots. He's been traipsing through the snow in runners. Surprised he still has all his toes.
More vid coming soon.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
16Jan10
Jamin' Polska Style
Amazing club - Piwnica 13 in Ilawa, Poland. Jammed there tonight with the local guys. Great players, great fun. Drunk. Maxie got up & went off. Playing here tomorrow night. More vid coming from the road in the next day or two. Had an amazing day today. Went to a castle - biggest one of it's era in Europe - 13th Century. Incredible. This place is mind blowing...
Shot at the castle.
Catchya later,
Sleepers out.
15Jan10
Tech Hassles in Poland
Dammit. Maxie's computer is dead. Need to go out tomorrow and find somewhere that can fix it. Drove from Bydgodszcz, saw an amazing castle - the biggest in Europe of it's era (1200 AD). Insane. Damned cold too.
We're at the accom at the next town, Ilawa. Really nice. Going to club in a moment, maybe jammin. Night off. Great show last night. Another one in this town tomorrow. Heaps of great video coming.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
13Jan10
Snow Patrol
Been getting a little frustrated with the lack of internet access over here. Usually pretty good. Yesterday morning walked through 3 kms of snow with backpack to get to McDonalds to use their WiFi (felt like Mawson) - only to find their WiFi is shit. Then the laptop battery died. Anyway, here's the first vid. Leaving Melb, flying over & arriving in Warsaw. Got final rehearsal today, tour starts tomorrow.
Checkya later - hopefully tomorrow.
Sleepers out.
11Jan10
Polish Touchdown
After technical delays in Dubai & weather delays in Frankfurt we arrived in Warsaw around 2am Sunday Polish time; after about 36hrs of travel. A fortuitous upgrade to Business Class kept us happy for 8 hours!
It's now Monday morning in Warsaw & we're back at the airport to pick up the guitars that got left behind in Frankfurt.Tthe airport has so far been our only chance to connect to the internet. We have some footage to upload & we'll do that as soon as we get more than 10 minutes on-line. We're rushing now to get the guitars & head off for rehearsals before the tour officially starts on Thursday.
Our Tour Manager, Pawel, took us into the city for an open-air concert last night (well, it felt like night; it is dark at 4pm!). We're very happy with our Docs, socks & coats-from-Canada; we were toasty warm despite it snowing. We're loving the beauty of the snow covered landscape & the novelty of snow crunching underfoot.
We'll update again as soon as we can, but it may be a day or two if we can't find connectivity.
Sleepers Out for now!
World Tour Diary 2010:
09Feb10
Leaving Poland & Europe
Sitting in the hostel lounge. Just had a chat with Sasha in Kiev. Hi Sasha (if you're reading this). Stay warm. Apparently it's even colder there than here in Poland.
We're on a plane back to Australia in the morning. Gotta go get some sleep now. Will check in from the various airports on the way home. This'll be a long ride, maybe 40 hours.
Checkya later, delirious.
Sleepers out.
08Feb10
Top 30 - New York College Radio Charts
Coming Home (US EP release) just made the top 40 on WSIA - New York College Radio - this week. In at number 30. And this is the best bit - we got pipped by Nirvana. How fucking cool is that!
Sitting in a hostel lounge in Poland at the end of this tour leg, Just after midnight. Could use some sleep. Back to Oz in a coupla days.
Sleepers out.
07Feb10
Video Krakow
Video Diary Part 8...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
07Feb10
Tour Ends, Goodbyes Start
Mark left for home yesterday. Emotions at the train station in Levice, Slovakia. Drove back to Katowice, Poland (about 5 hours), caught the train to Warsaw. Taxi to the hostel. Sleep. Frogg left for home (Sweden) early this morning. Just Max and I in Poland now. Couple more days & home to Australia. Tired & trying to catch up on sleep - which isn't happening too well... maybe tonight.
Video Tour Diary Part 8 coming soon.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
05Feb10
Killer in Slovakia
Big mistake. Tonight I forgot to organise the camera for this show at Area 21 in Levice. Dammit. Great gig. Great crowd. I'm an idiot.
In lieu of this, here is the latest from the Video Tour Diaries: Part 7, Myslowice, Poland.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Feb10
Klub 77 in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
Klub 77 Show went OK. Not too many people out tonight. Cold & snow. Miracle this computer still works. Screen's gone all weird from the sub-zero temps. Went to a hot-springs spa last night. Dozens of people in a giant outdoor pool, snow all around the edge of the steaming baths. Surreal. Bed now. Tired.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Feb10
Slovakia
We're here in Slovakia. Sitting in a hotel room, snow covering everything outside. Warm in here, though. Got a show tonight in Banska Bystrica, at Klub 77. Been resting for a couple of days. Computers are failing in the cold. One laptop dead (couple of weeks ago) and the other one on the way out (screen is dying). Got some repairing to do when we duck back to Australia in a couple of weeks.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
02Feb10
Bydgoszcz, Estrada Pics
Pawel just emailed us this link. Shots from our first show on this tour of Poland.
Sleepers out.
01Feb10 Late
Cutest Tour Shot Ever
Michal and Majka sent us this beautiful shot. Hello Michal and Majka. We think you rock! Little Polish champions!
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
01Feb10
Klub Ampstrong, Zakopane, Last Night
The end of a long tour day, last night, and we played a show at the uber-cool club Ampstrong. Small crowd - but the show went really well. We're staying up in the mountains here in Zakopane. Quaint little timber huts, warm and good vibe.
Part 7 of the Video Tour Diaries coming soon, featuring a great party in Myslowice - we were generously invited at the last minute. Things got out of hand, Polish style. Check out Part 6 of the Vid Diaries below or at our YouTube channel...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
31Jan10
Klub Boghart, Vid & Goodbyes.
Goodbye for now Pawel. You are THE tour guy extraordinare. We will miss you as we travel on. talk soon and see you in Summer.
Said goodbye to our wonderful hosts Prezemek and Dorota at Klub Bogart this morning (after the show there last night). Sad to go - had some great times over the past few days. Felt like home. Great conversations (up late over cherry vodka) & delicious food (Dorota the chef). Prezemek's mum also made us a traditional Polish dish with forest mushrooms (400 year old recipe). Waiting for the show at Ampstrong, Zakopane (just finished sound-check).
Here's part 6 of the tour video diaries - the show at Myslowice...
Check this out. The Motor Rock Pub in Slupsk emailed us this link to pics of our show on their site.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
30Jan10
Klub Boghart Show Tonight.
Really cool show coming up tonight at Klub Boghart in Gomunice, Poland. This place is great. We've been staying here in the adjacent hotel for a few days. Great atmosphere (like the old Yak Bar).
More video coming: Part 6 of the tour vid will be released tomorrow.
Seeya at the show tonight,
Sleepers out.
29Jan10 - Late
Belhatow crazy!
But first, thanks everyone for the emails today - keep them coming; we love it!
"Thanks for the great music from you guys, it saved me from killing my co-workers today." (Kathleen, Arizona)
"Have not been able to put the new album down. Love every bit of it!" (Warren, Melbourne)
And here's the crazy Belhatow gang!
Good night from SleeperHQ!
29Jan10
More Video & Belchatow Show Tonight
Video from Koszalin, Warsaw & Lublin...
Quote from a new Slupsk fan (emailed to us): "Your concert was a sun in my life!"
Myslowice Party Pics (crazy 90th birthday, Polish style). Click here.
In the tour van now, on our way to a show tonight in Belchatow, Poland at Klub Piwnica.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
27Jan10
More Video & Pics
Video from Slupsk, Poland...
Click here for pics from Warsaw...
We were flat out off stage in Warsaw, signing, meeting etc, so we missed out on taking shots of the audience - but we do have castle pics... and this one...
Scary. We had an interview at the Hard Rock Cafe, Warsaw for AntyRadio with crazy-man Makak. This is his nipple. And at the end of every interview, he has his interviewees read what's on his nipple (sexiest voice possible). Long, fun interview (hour and a half) & couple of tracks played live.
Click here for Myslowice show pics
Maxie with a couple of the girls dancing at front of stage. Had a great time at this one - played a 200 seat theatre, Myslowice, Poland.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
26Jan10 Late Night
Pics From Myslowice Show
Click here for pics from the show in Myslowice - last Saturday night (23.01.10).
Great theatre show. Had a blast.
90th Birthday Party shots coming tomorrow.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
26Jan10
Smash & Grab in Krakow, Poland
We were getting something to eat in Krakow. When we returned to the van (half an hour ago), we found the driver side window smashed out. Person or persons unknown have just broken into our tour van & stolen all our merchandise (t-shirts & CDs). Pawel lost his GPS system.
Hopefully that's all we've lost. Pawel's gone with the local police to fill out a report. Times like this I realise the importance of taking everything with me when I leave the van. Pain in the arse at the time (back-pack weighs over 10 kilos), but our film/audio production & computer stuff is still ours.
Our hearts go out to Pawel. It's never a nice feeling when someone breaks into your car (glass everywhere) & steels your stuff.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
PS: New pics for the last few posts below...
25Jan10 Late Night
Krakow
OK, so it's really cold now. Even Pawel's shivering. Pushing minus 20. We're staying up in the mountains outside of Krakow (pronounced crackov). We have a few days off to recover, meet people & do the "off-stage" business. We're having a really great tour. The opportunity to see the countryside doesn't come often - but we're getting the odd walk around a castle or through "old cities". Damned cold though. So whatever you do outside, ya gotta make it quick.
Krakow Castle above.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
25Jan10
Radio Interview
We were interviewed backstage prior to the Warsaw concert. You can hear an excerpt at http://www.myspace.com/sundayatdevildirt ThanksStacja and Mike!
25Jan10 - Early Morning
Massive Day Off
Walked down stairs. Birthday party goin' on. Wonderful people, invited us to join them. And smash the Vodka like there will be no tomorrow. We are so happy and honoured. And there is video coming from this insane party.
.....Vodka mess. And I mean MESS. Things get interesting. Beautiful Polish women, young and old.
Holy crap, where am I? Lost track of time, money & who I am.
We are in a tornado. There is calm, but only fleeting moments. Our band is big here, getting bigger by the second. Sanity would be good... tomorrow...
Come to our shows. We give it everything.
Check the shows page for our latest gigs in Europe.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out
24Jan10
It's just gone midnight; we've had the most magnificent evening. We were invited (impromptu) to a 90th birthday party that lasted 12 hours with dancing, vodka (of course), more food than we could eat, music, hilarity and mayhem. It has been an absolute tour highlight and we'll show you why when we put the footage together.
In the meantime we've finally managed to upload the photos from our show in Lublin with legendary Polish rock band Turbo. We had the privelege of meeting the band and, of course, some of the finest people in Lublin who came out for the show. Visit our photo website to see who was at the show.
Later today we'll upload photos from MOKis Trojkat in Myslowice and the wonderful party we've been at!
For now it's good night from us,
Sleepers out.
23Jan10
MOKiS Trojkat - Myslowice, Poland & Vid
Tonight we play Mokis Trojkat in a city called Mysowice. Big, ornate theatre. Looks fantastic. Sound-check went well. We're back at the hotel (another one) waiting to head down to the show. Will fill you in on how it goes tomorrow.
In the mean time, here's part three of the world tour video diary (taken earlier in the week)...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
23Jan10
Graffiti Club Lublin
Last night was the first of the really big shows in Poland. Club Grafiti in Lublin - much like the Gershwyn Room - or Annandale in Sydney. We played support for legendary Polish hark rock band, Turbo. Big stage, big room, big lights, big freekin everything. The metal crowd weren't too sure what they'd struck when we kicked off. But by the end, we got em - and they got us.
We met some really cool friendly people at the bar after the show. Had a great time talkin' and drinkin' with em. Never enough time. Bundled into the tour van & back to the hotel.
There'll be some great shots posted here soon from last night. If you'd like to buy our latest album, Betrayer, click here for CD Baby. Or hit the CD Baby button at the top.
On the road to Myslowice as I write this (Sat afternoon).
Finished the latest video (shot earlier in the week). Just uploading now. Won't be long...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
21Jan10
CDQ Club & Austrade Warsaw, Poland.
Had a really cool show tonight. Lotta fun, good crowd. Great reaction. Signed a bunch of albums. Interview backstage before going on. Actually a really good interview. Well thought out & researched. Nice not to be asked what colour underwear you're wearing.Support band were cool tonight too - Rachael. Nice guys.
Earlier in the afternoon (which feels like midnight here - it's dark at 4pm), we played a really unusual show at the Australian Embassy. Business meeting at the Austrade office. We walked in with minimal gear, set up & did one song in the middle of this small conference room. Business people in suits from all over the world - sitting or standing in a circle around us. Played hotel room (the infidelity song). Did our best to punk up the room. Pretty funny, looking back at it.
Have a great weekend.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
21Jan10
CDQ Club Warsaw Poland.
Sitting in the backroom at CDQ in Warsaw, waiting to go on. About to do interview. Need to log off. More about the show tonight later.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
19Jan10
Klub Kredens Koszalin Poland.
Another great show last night. They've all been good on this tour so far. Each one really different from the last. This time it was a jazz club in Koszalin, Klub Kredens.
The crowd were laid back - but loved it. Plenty of fists & hands in the air. We were talking with people for ages after the show, signing albums etc. Really good vibe.
Check these pics from the show.
Right now, we're in the van on the way to Warsaw. Tonight we're doing a live-to-air at Hard Rock Cafe. Tomorrow we start a run of 5 shows, 5 days in a row. Should be interesting...
More video on the way too.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
18Jan10
One for Slupsk, Poland.
Tonight's Show in Slupsk. Check these pics.
Man, what a show. Slupsk (North Poland) is a beautiful place with it's ornate architecture, tree-lined streets and christmas lights in formation. Winter wonderland. Heat wave today. Top temp was minus five. Ramp up the celebrations, first day I've stood around without gloves on.
The show was fantastic. Monday night and we had such a great time. The people of Slupsk came down to see us & we had a freekin ball. Shot a lot of video, so we'll have that up in the next day or two.
Great footage shot over the past couple of days. More Frogg too - we've been gettin' requests.
NEW ALBUM ON-LINE.
If you want the new album - you can get it at CD Baby.
Click here & grab a copy of 'Betrayer', our latest album, recorded with Rick Parker in Los Angeles, California.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
18Jan10
Quick Update from Poland.
On our way to the next show in Slupsk at the Motor Rock Pub. Sitting in the van, nearly there. Heads were a little sore this morning after having a "night off" last night. Staying with friends not far from town. Mark was unwell this morning, miraculously recovering throughout the day. Soundcheck in about 30 minutes.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
17Jan10
Vid. Check This Out...
Rewind a few days. The road late last week in Poland.
Check our Flickr site for shots from last night's show at Piwnica 13.
And as mentioned in yesterday's post - the shot below - Maxie goin off, impromptu, a couple of nights ago at said club. Turned into very messy night indeed. Great fun...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
16Jan10 Late
Ilawa Blinder, Poland
Show number 2 was a big one - in a small club, Piwnica 13. Really confronting. We were down on the floor with the audience, Frogg had a riser. Place was packed. 10 seconds in, guys in the front crashed through the foldback, mic stands flying, beer fucking everywhere - 240 volt pedal board drenched. I'm wondering if I'm gonna get electricuted.
Next song I'm wondering when I'm gonna get my teeth knocked out re someone smashing the mic stand into my face. Maxie in the same boat. Gig builds and builds. First time ever; have a "pysical altercation" with a punter on the "stage". Fists raised. Maxie pushes & shoves. Holy shit. We had an insane, insane show. Loved it - and the crowd. We've only just begun...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
16Jan10 Eve
2nd Tour Show Ilawa, Poland.
About to head down to sound-check for tonight's show at Piwnica 13 in this beautiful little town called Ilawa. Looking well forward to the show especially after a killer night there last night. We were all a little under the weather this morning (well worth it though). Check the vid from last night below...
Went out on a walking expedition today & found the town centre. Always weird when you don't know where you are & start walking from the accommodation to find stuff. As luck would have it, we were going in the right direction. Found the main town centre. Got the computer probs sorted for now. Mark got some boots. He's been traipsing through the snow in runners. Surprised he still has all his toes.
More vid coming soon.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
16Jan10
Jamin' Polska Style
Amazing club - Piwnica 13 in Ilawa, Poland. Jammed there tonight with the local guys. Great players, great fun. Drunk. Maxie got up & went off. Playing here tomorrow night. More vid coming from the road in the next day or two. Had an amazing day today. Went to a castle - biggest one of it's era in Europe - 13th Century. Incredible. This place is mind blowing...
Shot at the castle.
Catchya later,
Sleepers out.
15Jan10
Tech Hassles in Poland
Dammit. Maxie's computer is dead. Need to go out tomorrow and find somewhere that can fix it. Drove from Bydgodszcz, saw an amazing castle - the biggest in Europe of it's era (1200 AD). Insane. Damned cold too.
We're at the accom at the next town, Ilawa. Really nice. Going to club in a moment, maybe jammin. Night off. Great show last night. Another one in this town tomorrow. Heaps of great video coming.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
13Jan10
Snow Patrol
Been getting a little frustrated with the lack of internet access over here. Usually pretty good. Yesterday morning walked through 3 kms of snow with backpack to get to McDonalds to use their WiFi (felt like Mawson) - only to find their WiFi is shit. Then the laptop battery died. Anyway, here's the first vid. Leaving Melb, flying over & arriving in Warsaw. Got final rehearsal today, tour starts tomorrow.
Checkya later - hopefully tomorrow.
Sleepers out.
11Jan10
Polish Touchdown
After technical delays in Dubai & weather delays in Frankfurt we arrived in Warsaw around 2am Sunday Polish time; after about 36hrs of travel. A fortuitous upgrade to Business Class kept us happy for 8 hours!
It's now Monday morning in Warsaw & we're back at the airport to pick up the guitars that got left behind in Frankfurt.Tthe airport has so far been our only chance to connect to the internet. We have some footage to upload & we'll do that as soon as we get more than 10 minutes on-line. We're rushing now to get the guitars & head off for rehearsals before the tour officially starts on Thursday.
Our Tour Manager, Pawel, took us into the city for an open-air concert last night (well, it felt like night; it is dark at 4pm!). We're very happy with our Docs, socks & coats-from-Canada; we were toasty warm despite it snowing. We're loving the beauty of the snow covered landscape & the novelty of snow crunching underfoot.
We'll update again as soon as we can, but it may be a day or two if we can't find connectivity.
Sleepers Out for now!
09Jan10
Dubious in Dubai
Yep, that's how we feel at the mo. Nice air-port though. Rough trip here. Emirates is pretty good - but the seats on this particular flight kinda sucked. Feet dangled just off the floor if you leant back. None of us got much sleep, if any.
Next leg to Europe (Frankfurt) about 7 hours, so we've got the longest haul behind us. First show on Thursday in Poland.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
08Jan10
Arvo Post
Nearly there, packing's done. Waiting for the airport cab. We'll check in again from Dubai en-route to Europe. Updates here daily from the tour.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out...
08Jan10
Packing Frantics
Yep, today's the day. Fly out to Europe late tonight - the packing is on in earnest. Dubai, Frankfurt, Warsaw - be a long one getting there. We'll keep you posted here as the tour progresses. News, pics & vid. First show in Poland on Thrusday.
Checkya later (probably tomorrow from Dubai),
Sleepers out.
07Jan10
T-Minus 1 Day to Europe
Tomorrow night, we'll be on a plane to Europe, landing in Warsaw sometime late Saturday, their time. And the Euro tour officially kicks off next Thursday in Bydgodszcz, Poland at Klub Estrada.
It's been a weird week, planning finalised, everything set to go. Bit like the eye of a storm now - sense of calm before life on the road begins again. Above is a shot from one of the many websites advertising our shows there. Check the link. Stay tooned here for daily updates from the tour - news, pics & vid.
Chat tomorrow,
Sleepers out
06Jan10
CK Wiatrak Poland
3 days and we're on our way to Europe. We'll be based in Warsaw for a few days before the tour kicks off next week. Check this poster from CK Wiatrak - we're playing this club in Poland on Sunday 24th Jan.
Stay tuned right here for news, pics and video from the tour, posted daily as it happens (it'll be a huge tour). Check the Shows Page for dates & details.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
05Jan10
Graffiti Poland
Euro tour kicks off in 9 days. Here's one of the venues on the tour.
The Graffiti Klub in Lublin, Poland. We're doing a show there on Friday 22nd Jan. Check this link to the Graffiti site. Check the Shows Page for full tour details.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Jan10
Flexicar Album of the Month
The very good folk at Flexicar have chosen Betrayer as their album of the month. A little about Flexicar: 75 new cars, parked at stations around Melbourne, you call em, book a car & off you go for a small hourly rate. Like having a car around the corner, without the hassle. This month, our latest album, Betrayer, will be in all Flexicar cars (you get to take the album home free at the end of the month). Plug: Flexicar - 1300 36 37 80.
http://www.flexicar.com.au/
T-Minus 10 Days til Tour Kicks Off
First date: Thursday week, 14th Jan, at Klub Estrada, Bydgodszcz, Poland. Keep an eye here. We'll be posting news, pics and video daily as the tour happens.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
03Jan10
Happy New Decade
Ah... Christmas has come and gone for another year - and here we are at the beginning of 2010. Hope you've had a great time over the past coupla weeks.
We'll be announcing some amazing stuff here soon. Countdown to Euro Tour 2010 now well underway, we'll be in Poland next weekend with a major tour of mid Europe starting Thursday week. US after that, WA after that, Europe & UK after that, and a major Australian tour starting in WA after that. All winding up around this time next year.
Check the shows page for European tour dates in Jan/Feb.
Catchya later,
Sleepers out.
19Dec09
Quicksilver Surf Vid USA
Quicksilver (US) have selected 'Coming Home' (from the new album) as one of the sound-tracks to the Waimea Bay Surf Comp in Hawaii. Check this link (surf footage, featuring said Coming Home): http://bit.ly/QuiksilverComingHome
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
17Dec09
Sky Bombin' Sleepers
At Salt Studios Christmas Party last night we meet the Skybombers who share the same love for Producer Rick Parker as us. We recorded 'Betrayer' not long after they'd recorded their first album with Rick. They're heading back to L.A. soon & we took this shot to send to the great man, letting him know his favourite Aussies had met!
Check the Skybombers at http://www.myspace.com/skybombers
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
15Dec09
Max Meets Mott
We had a photo-shoot a few weeks ago, during which we were pouring over Tony Mott's book, "Every Picture Tells a Story". Inspired, we were. Mr Mott is a legendary rock photographer who's shot everybody from AC DC to Barnsey, Divinyls to Britney Spears, Silverchair to Powderfinger, Bjork to...you get the idea. Anyway, Max had the opportunity to meet this legendary lens-king in Katoomba recently - and this snapshot was the result.
And here's the shot Tony took of all the music managers at the JB Seed Music Management Workshop (just a coupla weeks ago)...
You can buy Tony's book at http://www.tonymott.com/index2.html
Check the link out either way, you gotta see some of the shots. Fantastic.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
14Dec09
Turkey Takes MF Vid
Check this link.
Our video for Motherf*cker, from new album Betrayer (out now), is on this site in Turkey. Amazing what you find out. As recently as 2008, the Turkish government censored social networking sites (like YouTube). We were touring there & wondered why the Toob and Facebook were 'off-line'.
That said, we're pleasantly surprised this one got by em.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Dec09
New Album (Betrayer) RELEASE!
To celebrate we're doing a special limited edition PRE-RELEASE of Betrayer. Two hundred individually numbered pre-release copies will be made in Australia.
The formal release of Betrayer globally will occur in mid-February with different artwork, so what we're releasing this month will be very special!
How to get a copy of the Limited Edition Pre-Release album Betrayer.....
Using PayPal, send $AUD25 to sleeperhq@asleepinthepark.com and we'll post you a copy. (This offer applies to you wherever you live!) The CDs will be hot off the press next week and we will arrange delivery to you immediately.
For a free song from the album check out our latest e-letter.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
02Dec09
Mat Ward Mo Man
Yesterday we put it out there. Today we got it. Mat sent us a shot of the Mo in full bloom (taken at the very end of Movember - raising money for prostate cancer awareness). Here tis...
This is about as mean as we've ever seen him. A staggering cookie-duster. Despite the appearance in this shot (congrats on the growth, Mat), we can assure you he's a "gentle giant". For those who might be wondering - Mat's an important part of AITP, a chief organiser of photo shoots, web design & general support & good will. (Add to that, scaring small children & passers by)
Cheers Mat.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
01Dec09
Arvo Post - Movember Over
Our good friend, photographer & all-round nice guy, Mat Ward, officially finished his Movember sponsorship drive (raising money for prostate cancer awareness) yesterday. We've requested a shot of Mat's Mo in full bloom (watch this space). Thanks to those folk who saw Mat's ad (below) and gave to the cause.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
01Dec09
Craigie & The Shoot
Coupla weeks ago, had a photoshoot for the next tour. Craigie (great buddy of ours) got his head in the shots, did a bit of directing and pulled faces behind & in front of the lens. Big thanks to him for helping us out on the day. Then coming out drinkin' afterwards...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
25Nov09
Maxie at JB Seed
Maxie's been in Sydney & Katoomba, for the past week, at November's JB Seed conference. The JB Seed thing is John Butler's philanthropic work, helping artists to network & better understand the music industry. So Max has been taking notes & rubbing shoulders with industry folk. Today's her last day & from all reports, she's having a ball there.
Pretty cool, JB helped carry luggage when they arrived, jamming in the lounge during breaks and being his ever helpful self.
No doubt, there'll be more to report when Max gets back to HQ. Check out JB's site.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
23Nov09
Thanks Juddy & Davarj from Pre Shrunk
Pre Shrunk were a fantastic band, emerging in the mid nineties & calling it quits around 2005. I used to go see em all the time at the Punters Club, the POW & the Corner. Two of the guys from Pre shrunk, Juddy and Davarj, have been a fantastic help to us preparing for the next round of OS touring. Cheers guys & a huge thanks. The vid below features Pre Shrunk in full flight at the Big Day Out... and for those who don't know, Juddy's the drummer and Davarj is the long haired bassist (the hair's somewhat shorter these days).
Checkya tomorrow.
Sleepers out.
20Nov09
50 Things in the Pipeline
Well not quite - impending tours, album release, rehearsals and so on. Stack of stuff in the aforementioned pipe & nothing we can announce this week, hence the lack of postings since last Thursday. We're told by our good folk in Poland that the full tour schedule is a breath away. Album mastering is finished, artwork is nearly there, production starts next week.
Have a good weekend & we'll talk more next week... promise.
Sleepers out.
PS Sponsor Mat (hit the link above) as his mighty mo gets unruly this November, raising awareness for prostate cancer.
12Nov09
Over Over
While we're waiting on final tour and album release details, thought we'd post this vid. Our favourite show, Family Guy, keeps us sane here at Sleeper HQ, this scene being one of it's many gems. Enjoy...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
09Nov09
Shot in the Heat
Had a big photo shoot yesterday in prep for touring Europe & the US (starting Jan 2010). Shots came up a treat - we'll be putting a selection up here shortly. Many thanks again to Mr Mat Ward, photographer extraordinaire, for another amazing session. Speaking of Mat, he's growing a moustache all this month to help raise awareness of prostate cancer. Click on the 'ad' above to go to Mat's official 'Movember' site. Give him a few bucks - it's a damn good cause.
Summer is officially on it's way to Melbourne... finally. We were treated to a heat-wave all weekend & it's still going on out there on this fine Monday arvo.
We're locking down final Euro tour dates & album release stuff. Details here soon.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
06Nov09
Hitchhiker
Went to a fantastic theatre show last night in St Kilda (in Acland Street - the street of cakes!). Hitchhiker, a heartwarming journey - tears in eyes & lumps in throats throughout. The performers - people who live with acquired brain impairment and who meet weekly to explore dance, mime, song, improvisation and percussion.
Our tour drummer, Frogg, was the man performing all the percussion. He'll be sadly missed. After 5 years working with the company, these shows will be his last for some time as he relocates to Europe.
Check out www.theatreworks.org.aufor details - it's only on for 3 nights!
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
29Oct09
Trocks at Concert Hall
Something unusual last night. Went down to the Concert Hall at the Arts Centre & saw the Trocks. How to describe this... drag ballet on speed? These are guys, who've retrained themselves to be ballerinas (must have taken years of dedicated, pain-staking discipline).
The show was incredible (I'm not an expert here) but they captured the 'spiritual' side of the art, the spectacular moves, the mind-blowing athleticism - all the while injecting a killer brand of humour, the audience in raptures throughout. Staggering. A very big thanks to our friend Di for snaring the tickets.
Off to Tamworth tomorrow (Australia's yeha-in' country music captial) to see the folks. Rollin back into town about an hour before Tuesday's big race (that's Melbourne Cup Day - for our OS readers). Go Hyperno!
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
28Oct09
Angry & Legless in Sydney
Maxie had a great time in Sydney (Monday night). She frocked up, got wined & dined by the military & met a few notables.
That's Angry in the shot above.
She also fell in love with the crazy girls from Legless. Hilarious & wild, check 'em out on www.myspace.com/leglesstheband Japan is going crazy for the band & so is Max!
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
27Oct09
Forces Entertainent
Maxie's on her way back from Sydney - last night attending a bash, put on by Forces Entertainment, for the various bands & performers who've entertained Australian troups deployed overseas this year.
In Feb, we travelled to the Solomons to play for our troups stationed there. It was one of the most amazing experiences we've had, entertaining soldiers & AFP (in 40 degree heat, 100% humidity) - and playing for school kids in remote villages. Maxie'll fill us in on last night's event tomorrow (if she's recovered).
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
21Oct09
The Death of Bunny Munro - Nick Cave
Yep, Maxi's favourite musician Nick Cave has thrilled her with more evidence of his brilliant talents. Cave's lyrics have always fascinated, moved and even horrified many music fans and now he's released a new book "The Death of Bunny Munro".
It was with some trepidation that Max started reading this current Cave novel (Max has never fully recovered from the shock of the lyrics on 'Murder Ballads') but Cave's wit, bleakness and clever imagination won her over. Bunny Munro's constant and often degrading sexual exploits got a bit tiresome around two thirds of the way through the book, but this is Nick Cave and we're sure the overstatement was deliberate and considered. Nick Cave is a writer to be trusted to deliver the goods, in his own dark stylish way.
Three & a half sleepy rubber chickens.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
20Oct09
Blush
It's not every day a painting is waiting at your post office box, but when Sunset Blush is a friend you are likely to be the recipient of thoughtful and unusual surprises. Thanks Blush! How'd you guess we like red?
Check Blush's Myspace: www.myspace.com/sunsetblush
Little slow on the updates at the moment. There's a lotta stuff going on at Sleeper HQ. Tours and impending album release. Details not far away. Maxie's Nick Cave book review tomorrow...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
13Oct09
US Radio
The new album is now being played on 143 radio stations across the US, in the lead up to touring there early 2010. We're preparing for the Australian release in November. Stay tooned.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
07Oct09
Video Archives Football
We've posted some archival band vids here over the past few days. So today I thought I'd put this up. Whether you're a footy fan or not, this is spectacular: An amazing stroll down memory lane. It was the seventies (check the clothes & hair) and the AFL (VFL) put this gem of a commercial together to Mike Brady's "Up There Cazaly". Fantastic...
If you were a parent of young kids you probably could have done without the above - lounge-rooms around Melbourne trashed while re-enacting the moves.
Euro tour news & dates coming soon
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
06Oct09
Video Archives
Couple of vids from 2005 up on the Video page. (scroll to the bottom - we're hiding it)
Little rough... but that's how we were back in the mid naughties.
Checkya,
Sleepers out.
04Oct09
Archival Footage: SBS TV 2005
Things were a little different back then (feels like a decade ago). Rob on bass, Luke on drums, a year long residency at the Yak Bar, and one of our biggest shows to date. The Noise TV show in October 05 was shown nationally on SBS TV (late on a Friday night). It's a little rough but as Mum said "you can see the potential...".
Thanks to Jonesy (Graham) for finding the footage. We'd actually never seen it.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
30Sep09
Lovin' the Cold?
Went out today & picked up a massive parka (arctic design as modelled by Max below) in early preparation for touring Europe early next year.
Tour promoter has warned it'll be minus 20 when we kick off in Poland. It'll also be the first time we've toured in the middle of their Winter. Never existed in that kind of temp before...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
28Sep09
Ouch
It's Monday night after the big game. There's a shell-shocked kinda feeling around Abbotsford. Maybe it's everywhere but Geelong... maybe not. It's an unexpected indication of just how many people wanted St Kilda to win. Personally my heart was saying Saints - my head was saying Cats (my mouth was saying shut up head).
Gathered with friends on Saturday (like most of us) to watch this year's AFL Grand Final. An amazing game. The coldest GF on record (it hailed), rough & tough but still skillful in the wet, both sides totally slugged it out to a thrilling finish. The Cats over the line by just 7 points. The Saints, devastated - fans and players alike - in tears.
Had a few beers last night down the local. Bar staff said the place was going mad during the game, then the final siren rang and "the place went silent for like 20 minutes". Weird.
Damned footy. Gets under you skin & tortures you.
Checkya later. Chins up Saints.
Sleepers out.
24Sep09
Finals Fever Grips Melbourne
Caught up with a couple of St Kilda supporting friends for a few beers last night. What was elation & excitement early in the week has now turned to a general state of nervousness. And I'd imagine Geelong fans would be of the same mind-set. In 48 hours we'll be in the midst of AFL Grand Final fever as these two 'powerhouse' clubs contest the most anticipated Premiership in recent memory.
Ahhhhhh footy fever. Sadly, at 5pm Saturday, another season bights the dust (a celebration for all those footy detesters out there).
As avid Bulldog supporters (have to get this in), there's a feeling of optimism about next year. Big Bad Barry looks set to sign up for 2010 (no more 'brain freezes please). Aker and Johnno have officially signed on (one more time) ... and the mighty Brian Lake just struck another 4 year deal with the Dogs.
Bring on the weekend (and, for that matter, the end of cricket season).
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
PS Keep up the good work Fev.
22Sep09
Ukraine Spectacular
Hey, this is totally amazing...
Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who just won "Ukraine's Got Talent". She uses a giant light box, dramatic music and "sand painting" to interpret the invasion and occupation of her country from 1941-1945.
Hello Sasha, Ludya, Sascha, Artem, Igor, Genye & all our friends in that amazing place. Thinking of you guys.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
21Sep09
White Lies - To Lose My Life
(Review)
Taken me a few goes to get into this album - but I'm well into it now. The White Lies hail from West London. Young guys with old heads on their song-writing bodies. Amazing stuff. The first single to catch my ears was Death, a dark journey into what the 'great unknown' might actually look & feel like. Love it when a band has guts enough to deal with a taboo subject - and talent enough to do it this eloquently.
It's lyrically, a beautiful album. The vibe is heavily 80s - the key/synth sounds, occasional slap base, retro-ish drums & Duran-style vocals. That said, it does rock out... and takes you plenty of other places.
4 Sleepy Rubber Chickens.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
19Sep09
Melancholy & The AFL Finals
Melancholy: sad & happy at the same time. Last night our beloved Western Bulldogs played St Kilda for yet another potential birth in the AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final - and lost. They were gallant, the Dogs (we're proud of em today) - and they were unlucky. That said, you make your own luck and the Doggies were beaten by a better side. The game was a thriller to the end - the Saints winning in the dying seconds.
Last night's game was special because neither side has won a Grand Final in the past 40 years or more. The Saints will now go on, as hot favourites next week, to take out only their second premiership in a hundred years. Admittedly, we're all a little shell shocked this morning. The Bulldogs haven't actually played in a GF in our life-times. In fact, you need to be into your 70s to remember their one and only premiership victory (waaaaaayyyyyy back in 1954). And it's times like these you wonder if you'll ever see one.
But come round one, March next year, we'll be back on board, dreaming the dream - hoping against hope, at the start of that long quest for illusive September glory. For now, the Pies & Cats play off tonight, in a must-see battle, for a chance at the Saints & Premiership glory next weekend. However it shapes up, I can't wait - it'll surely be a fantastic, enthralling Grand Final.
Off to ponder what might have been...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
PS The shot above - Nomesy receives a pass from Sasha Pipa in the accom car-park during last year's Ukraine tour.
16Sep09
CU set to Rock
The shot above: Some artwork just in from Poland (the centre-piece of the next tour starting in mid Jan 2010), courtesy of tour manager Pawel & CEMAP. The marketing machine is well underway throughout Central Europe for our biggest tour yet. Dates coming shortly for Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary. USA dates to follow.
Cheers & checkya,
Sleepers out.
15Sep09
Leader Press
A couple of days before the Ruby's show (about a week ago) the good folk at Leader News in Blackburn (thanks Shaun) ran an article about the band in the lead-up to the show. Check the Press page for the big picture.
Pretty cool - it ran in the Maroondah Leader & Free Press. Many thanks to Gav for sending us the article.
Cheers & Checkya.
Sleepers out.
14Sep09
Living Next Door To Alice?
(Maxie's gig review)
Nothing short of a theatrical spectacular, the Alice Cooper concert was a hoot (28Aug09 - Palais Theatre). Fans dressed for the occasion; black leather and eye makeup was the order of the night. Alice is the consummate stage professional, holding the audience enrapt through four wonderful on-stage deaths. Death by guillotine, mammoth syringe, a vertical coffin of spikes and the noose all took place with the assistance of hooded ghouls and an evil nurse. The band were second to none and if anyone can make a sparkling silver suit like Alice's, we'll have a very happy Max!
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
13Sep09
Pre UK Tour (May09) - Shot from Kim
It was the night before the start of this year's Euro tour (from memory). We'd all just met up in London. Nomes & Kim had flown in earlier to spread the word. Simon, Max & myself had arrived earlier in the arvo (after the obligatory 28 hour flight, Melbourne to Heathrow).
The eve of any tour is like a Friday afternoon. The possibilities of the impending weekend yet to be discovered (whatever they might be). It's that short time before the highs, the lows, the hang-overs, the tiffs, the lugging & the arduous travel that the tour will inevitably bring as it unfolds.
Kim (bottom right in the shot), who's still traveling Europe, just sent us this shot. Ah, happy days. Thanks Kim. Hope you're having a blast there. Cheers.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
12Sep09
Ruby Review
(& Thankyou)
It was a cold, wet night in Belgrave on Friday (last week), but still people braved the cold to see Mercury White, Boom Pretty and us play Ruby's. We were first impressed by Mercury White 18 months ago. It's inspiring to see this young band having so much going for them: danceable pop tunes, terrific stage appearance and an energy that makes you smile. On next, Boom Pretty: masters of 6/8 beauty. Their fans there showed appreciation of a typically outstanding performance.
We thank you for getting out in the cold and enjoying a great night at Ruby's!
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
11Sep09
EP on US Radio
Over the past two weeks our latest EP has been added to the play-lists of no less than 75 stations across North America. Adios MF is available on iTunes and in all good record stores (on MGM). The number of stations in the US playing songs from the EP increases daily - our US radio reps expect that, by October, more than 150 stations will have added the EP.
Many thanks to the 6 community stations around Australia who've also added our EP to their playlists. Nice one.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
10Sep09
Vagrants v Sleepers
Marty and Max went down to the Aussie send-off for The Vagrants last week at the Espy. Off to Europe in a couple of weeks, the band don't know when they'll next be back in Melbourne. As a result, the night was a cracker!
Fancy dress brought out the 'naughty' in people (grrrrr) and the band was cookin'. With a brass section, extra percussion, guest drummers and guest guitarists, the sound was big, full and fun. At The Vagrants' insistence Marty made an appearance, having a blast duelling with James - The Vagrant's former guitarist. The Sleepers wish The Vagrants bon voyage and thanks for a great night!
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
Dubious in Dubai
Yep, that's how we feel at the mo. Nice air-port though. Rough trip here. Emirates is pretty good - but the seats on this particular flight kinda sucked. Feet dangled just off the floor if you leant back. None of us got much sleep, if any.
Next leg to Europe (Frankfurt) about 7 hours, so we've got the longest haul behind us. First show on Thursday in Poland.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
08Jan10
Arvo Post
Nearly there, packing's done. Waiting for the airport cab. We'll check in again from Dubai en-route to Europe. Updates here daily from the tour.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out...
08Jan10
Packing Frantics
Yep, today's the day. Fly out to Europe late tonight - the packing is on in earnest. Dubai, Frankfurt, Warsaw - be a long one getting there. We'll keep you posted here as the tour progresses. News, pics & vid. First show in Poland on Thrusday.
Checkya later (probably tomorrow from Dubai),
Sleepers out.
07Jan10
T-Minus 1 Day to Europe
Tomorrow night, we'll be on a plane to Europe, landing in Warsaw sometime late Saturday, their time. And the Euro tour officially kicks off next Thursday in Bydgodszcz, Poland at Klub Estrada.
It's been a weird week, planning finalised, everything set to go. Bit like the eye of a storm now - sense of calm before life on the road begins again. Above is a shot from one of the many websites advertising our shows there. Check the link. Stay tooned here for daily updates from the tour - news, pics & vid.
Chat tomorrow,
Sleepers out
06Jan10
CK Wiatrak Poland
3 days and we're on our way to Europe. We'll be based in Warsaw for a few days before the tour kicks off next week. Check this poster from CK Wiatrak - we're playing this club in Poland on Sunday 24th Jan.
Stay tuned right here for news, pics and video from the tour, posted daily as it happens (it'll be a huge tour). Check the Shows Page for dates & details.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
05Jan10
Graffiti Poland
Euro tour kicks off in 9 days. Here's one of the venues on the tour.
The Graffiti Klub in Lublin, Poland. We're doing a show there on Friday 22nd Jan. Check this link to the Graffiti site. Check the Shows Page for full tour details.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Jan10
Flexicar Album of the Month
The very good folk at Flexicar have chosen Betrayer as their album of the month. A little about Flexicar: 75 new cars, parked at stations around Melbourne, you call em, book a car & off you go for a small hourly rate. Like having a car around the corner, without the hassle. This month, our latest album, Betrayer, will be in all Flexicar cars (you get to take the album home free at the end of the month). Plug: Flexicar - 1300 36 37 80.
http://www.flexicar.com.au/
T-Minus 10 Days til Tour Kicks Off
First date: Thursday week, 14th Jan, at Klub Estrada, Bydgodszcz, Poland. Keep an eye here. We'll be posting news, pics and video daily as the tour happens.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
03Jan10
Happy New Decade
Ah... Christmas has come and gone for another year - and here we are at the beginning of 2010. Hope you've had a great time over the past coupla weeks.
We'll be announcing some amazing stuff here soon. Countdown to Euro Tour 2010 now well underway, we'll be in Poland next weekend with a major tour of mid Europe starting Thursday week. US after that, WA after that, Europe & UK after that, and a major Australian tour starting in WA after that. All winding up around this time next year.
Check the shows page for European tour dates in Jan/Feb.
Catchya later,
Sleepers out.
19Dec09
Quicksilver Surf Vid USA
Quicksilver (US) have selected 'Coming Home' (from the new album) as one of the sound-tracks to the Waimea Bay Surf Comp in Hawaii. Check this link (surf footage, featuring said Coming Home): http://bit.ly/QuiksilverComingHome
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
17Dec09
Sky Bombin' Sleepers
At Salt Studios Christmas Party last night we meet the Skybombers who share the same love for Producer Rick Parker as us. We recorded 'Betrayer' not long after they'd recorded their first album with Rick. They're heading back to L.A. soon & we took this shot to send to the great man, letting him know his favourite Aussies had met!
Check the Skybombers at http://www.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
15Dec09
Max Meets Mott
We had a photo-shoot a few weeks ago, during which we were pouring over Tony Mott's book, "Every Picture Tells a Story". Inspired, we were. Mr Mott is a legendary rock photographer who's shot everybody from AC DC to Barnsey, Divinyls to Britney Spears, Silverchair to Powderfinger, Bjork to...you get the idea. Anyway, Max had the opportunity to meet this legendary lens-king in Katoomba recently - and this snapshot was the result.
And here's the shot Tony took of all the music managers at the JB Seed Music Management Workshop (just a coupla weeks ago)...
You can buy Tony's book at http://www.tonymott.com/index2.html
Check the link out either way, you gotta see some of the shots. Fantastic.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
14Dec09
Turkey Takes MF Vid
Check this link.
Our video for Motherf*cker, from new album Betrayer (out now), is on this site in Turkey. Amazing what you find out. As recently as 2008, the Turkish government censored social networking sites (like YouTube). We were touring there & wondered why the Toob and Facebook were 'off-line'.
That said, we're pleasantly surprised this one got by em.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
04Dec09
New Album (Betrayer) RELEASE!
To celebrate we're doing a special limited edition PRE-RELEASE of Betrayer. Two hundred individually numbered pre-release copies will be made in Australia.
The formal release of Betrayer globally will occur in mid-February with different artwork, so what we're releasing this month will be very special!
How to get a copy of the Limited Edition Pre-Release album Betrayer.....
Using PayPal, send $AUD25 to sleeperhq@asleepinthepark.com and we'll post you a copy. (This offer applies to you wherever you live!) The CDs will be hot off the press next week and we will arrange delivery to you immediately.
For a free song from the album check out our latest e-letter.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
02Dec09
Mat Ward Mo Man
Yesterday we put it out there. Today we got it. Mat sent us a shot of the Mo in full bloom (taken at the very end of Movember - raising money for prostate cancer awareness). Here tis...
This is about as mean as we've ever seen him. A staggering cookie-duster. Despite the appearance in this shot (congrats on the growth, Mat), we can assure you he's a "gentle giant". For those who might be wondering - Mat's an important part of AITP, a chief organiser of photo shoots, web design & general support & good will. (Add to that, scaring small children & passers by)
Cheers Mat.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
01Dec09
Arvo Post - Movember Over
Our good friend, photographer & all-round nice guy, Mat Ward, officially finished his Movember sponsorship drive (raising money for prostate cancer awareness) yesterday. We've requested a shot of Mat's Mo in full bloom (watch this space). Thanks to those folk who saw Mat's ad (below) and gave to the cause.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
01Dec09
Craigie & The Shoot
Coupla weeks ago, had a photoshoot for the next tour. Craigie (great buddy of ours) got his head in the shots, did a bit of directing and pulled faces behind & in front of the lens. Big thanks to him for helping us out on the day. Then coming out drinkin' afterwards...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
25Nov09
Maxie at JB Seed
Maxie's been in Sydney & Katoomba, for the past week, at November's JB Seed conference. The JB Seed thing is John Butler's philanthropic work, helping artists to network & better understand the music industry. So Max has been taking notes & rubbing shoulders with industry folk. Today's her last day & from all reports, she's having a ball there.
Pretty cool, JB helped carry luggage when they arrived, jamming in the lounge during breaks and being his ever helpful self.
No doubt, there'll be more to report when Max gets back to HQ. Check out JB's site.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
23Nov09
Thanks Juddy & Davarj from Pre Shrunk
Pre Shrunk were a fantastic band, emerging in the mid nineties & calling it quits around 2005. I used to go see em all the time at the Punters Club, the POW & the Corner. Two of the guys from Pre shrunk, Juddy and Davarj, have been a fantastic help to us preparing for the next round of OS touring. Cheers guys & a huge thanks. The vid below features Pre Shrunk in full flight at the Big Day Out... and for those who don't know, Juddy's the drummer and Davarj is the long haired bassist (the hair's somewhat shorter these days).
Checkya tomorrow.
Sleepers out.
20Nov09
50 Things in the Pipeline
Well not quite - impending tours, album release, rehearsals and so on. Stack of stuff in the aforementioned pipe & nothing we can announce this week, hence the lack of postings since last Thursday. We're told by our good folk in Poland that the full tour schedule is a breath away. Album mastering is finished, artwork is nearly there, production starts next week.
Have a good weekend & we'll talk more next week... promise.
Sleepers out.
PS Sponsor Mat (hit the link above) as his mighty mo gets unruly this November, raising awareness for prostate cancer.
12Nov09
Over Over
While we're waiting on final tour and album release details, thought we'd post this vid. Our favourite show, Family Guy, keeps us sane here at Sleeper HQ, this scene being one of it's many gems. Enjoy...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
09Nov09
Shot in the Heat
Had a big photo shoot yesterday in prep for touring Europe & the US (starting Jan 2010). Shots came up a treat - we'll be putting a selection up here shortly. Many thanks again to Mr Mat Ward, photographer extraordinaire, for another amazing session. Speaking of Mat, he's growing a moustache all this month to help raise awareness of prostate cancer. Click on the 'ad' above to go to Mat's official 'Movember' site. Give him a few bucks - it's a damn good cause.
Summer is officially on it's way to Melbourne... finally. We were treated to a heat-wave all weekend & it's still going on out there on this fine Monday arvo.
We're locking down final Euro tour dates & album release stuff. Details here soon.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
06Nov09
Hitchhiker
Went to a fantastic theatre show last night in St Kilda (in Acland Street - the street of cakes!). Hitchhiker, a heartwarming journey - tears in eyes & lumps in throats throughout. The performers - people who live with acquired brain impairment and who meet weekly to explore dance, mime, song, improvisation and percussion.
Our tour drummer, Frogg, was the man performing all the percussion. He'll be sadly missed. After 5 years working with the company, these shows will be his last for some time as he relocates to Europe.
Check out www.theatreworks.org.aufor details - it's only on for 3 nights!
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
29Oct09
Trocks at Concert Hall
Something unusual last night. Went down to the Concert Hall at the Arts Centre & saw the Trocks. How to describe this... drag ballet on speed? These are guys, who've retrained themselves to be ballerinas (must have taken years of dedicated, pain-staking discipline).
The show was incredible (I'm not an expert here) but they captured the 'spiritual' side of the art, the spectacular moves, the mind-blowing athleticism - all the while injecting a killer brand of humour, the audience in raptures throughout. Staggering. A very big thanks to our friend Di for snaring the tickets.
Off to Tamworth tomorrow (Australia's yeha-in' country music captial) to see the folks. Rollin back into town about an hour before Tuesday's big race (that's Melbourne Cup Day - for our OS readers). Go Hyperno!
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
28Oct09
Angry & Legless in Sydney
Maxie had a great time in Sydney (Monday night). She frocked up, got wined & dined by the military & met a few notables.
That's Angry in the shot above.
She also fell in love with the crazy girls from Legless. Hilarious & wild, check 'em out on www.myspace.com/leglesstheband Japan is going crazy for the band & so is Max!
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
27Oct09
Forces Entertainent
Maxie's on her way back from Sydney - last night attending a bash, put on by Forces Entertainment, for the various bands & performers who've entertained Australian troups deployed overseas this year.
In Feb, we travelled to the Solomons to play for our troups stationed there. It was one of the most amazing experiences we've had, entertaining soldiers & AFP (in 40 degree heat, 100% humidity) - and playing for school kids in remote villages. Maxie'll fill us in on last night's event tomorrow (if she's recovered).
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
21Oct09
The Death of Bunny Munro - Nick Cave
Yep, Maxi's favourite musician Nick Cave has thrilled her with more evidence of his brilliant talents. Cave's lyrics have always fascinated, moved and even horrified many music fans and now he's released a new book "The Death of Bunny Munro".
It was with some trepidation that Max started reading this current Cave novel (Max has never fully recovered from the shock of the lyrics on 'Murder Ballads') but Cave's wit, bleakness and clever imagination won her over. Bunny Munro's constant and often degrading sexual exploits got a bit tiresome around two thirds of the way through the book, but this is Nick Cave and we're sure the overstatement was deliberate and considered. Nick Cave is a writer to be trusted to deliver the goods, in his own dark stylish way.
Three & a half sleepy rubber chickens.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
20Oct09
Blush
It's not every day a painting is waiting at your post office box, but when Sunset Blush is a friend you are likely to be the recipient of thoughtful and unusual surprises. Thanks Blush! How'd you guess we like red?
Check Blush's Myspace: www.myspace.com/sunsetblush
Little slow on the updates at the moment. There's a lotta stuff going on at Sleeper HQ. Tours and impending album release. Details not far away. Maxie's Nick Cave book review tomorrow...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
13Oct09
US Radio
The new album is now being played on 143 radio stations across the US, in the lead up to touring there early 2010. We're preparing for the Australian release in November. Stay tooned.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
07Oct09
Video Archives Football
We've posted some archival band vids here over the past few days. So today I thought I'd put this up. Whether you're a footy fan or not, this is spectacular: An amazing stroll down memory lane. It was the seventies (check the clothes & hair) and the AFL (VFL) put this gem of a commercial together to Mike Brady's "Up There Cazaly". Fantastic...
If you were a parent of young kids you probably could have done without the above - lounge-rooms around Melbourne trashed while re-enacting the moves.
Euro tour news & dates coming soon
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
06Oct09
Video Archives
Couple of vids from 2005 up on the Video page. (scroll to the bottom - we're hiding it)
Little rough... but that's how we were back in the mid naughties.
Checkya,
Sleepers out.
04Oct09
Archival Footage: SBS TV 2005
Things were a little different back then (feels like a decade ago). Rob on bass, Luke on drums, a year long residency at the Yak Bar, and one of our biggest shows to date. The Noise TV show in October 05 was shown nationally on SBS TV (late on a Friday night). It's a little rough but as Mum said "you can see the potential...".
Thanks to Jonesy (Graham) for finding the footage. We'd actually never seen it.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
30Sep09
Lovin' the Cold?
Went out today & picked up a massive parka (arctic design as modelled by Max below) in early preparation for touring Europe early next year.
Tour promoter has warned it'll be minus 20 when we kick off in Poland. It'll also be the first time we've toured in the middle of their Winter. Never existed in that kind of temp before...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
28Sep09
Ouch
It's Monday night after the big game. There's a shell-shocked kinda feeling around Abbotsford. Maybe it's everywhere but Geelong... maybe not. It's an unexpected indication of just how many people wanted St Kilda to win. Personally my heart was saying Saints - my head was saying Cats (my mouth was saying shut up head).
Gathered with friends on Saturday (like most of us) to watch this year's AFL Grand Final. An amazing game. The coldest GF on record (it hailed), rough & tough but still skillful in the wet, both sides totally slugged it out to a thrilling finish. The Cats over the line by just 7 points. The Saints, devastated - fans and players alike - in tears.
Had a few beers last night down the local. Bar staff said the place was going mad during the game, then the final siren rang and "the place went silent for like 20 minutes". Weird.
Damned footy. Gets under you skin & tortures you.
Checkya later. Chins up Saints.
Sleepers out.
24Sep09
Finals Fever Grips Melbourne
Caught up with a couple of St Kilda supporting friends for a few beers last night. What was elation & excitement early in the week has now turned to a general state of nervousness. And I'd imagine Geelong fans would be of the same mind-set. In 48 hours we'll be in the midst of AFL Grand Final fever as these two 'powerhouse' clubs contest the most anticipated Premiership in recent memory.
Ahhhhhh footy fever. Sadly, at 5pm Saturday, another season bights the dust (a celebration for all those footy detesters out there).
As avid Bulldog supporters (have to get this in), there's a feeling of optimism about next year. Big Bad Barry looks set to sign up for 2010 (no more 'brain freezes please). Aker and Johnno have officially signed on (one more time) ... and the mighty Brian Lake just struck another 4 year deal with the Dogs.
Bring on the weekend (and, for that matter, the end of cricket season).
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
PS Keep up the good work Fev.
22Sep09
Ukraine Spectacular
Hey, this is totally amazing...
Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who just won "Ukraine's Got Talent". She uses a giant light box, dramatic music and "sand painting" to interpret the invasion and occupation of her country from 1941-1945.
Hello Sasha, Ludya, Sascha, Artem, Igor, Genye & all our friends in that amazing place. Thinking of you guys.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
21Sep09
White Lies - To Lose My Life
(Review)
Taken me a few goes to get into this album - but I'm well into it now. The White Lies hail from West London. Young guys with old heads on their song-writing bodies. Amazing stuff. The first single to catch my ears was Death, a dark journey into what the 'great unknown' might actually look & feel like. Love it when a band has guts enough to deal with a taboo subject - and talent enough to do it this eloquently.
It's lyrically, a beautiful album. The vibe is heavily 80s - the key/synth sounds, occasional slap base, retro-ish drums & Duran-style vocals. That said, it does rock out... and takes you plenty of other places.
4 Sleepy Rubber Chickens.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
19Sep09
Melancholy & The AFL Finals
Melancholy: sad & happy at the same time. Last night our beloved Western Bulldogs played St Kilda for yet another potential birth in the AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final - and lost. They were gallant, the Dogs (we're proud of em today) - and they were unlucky. That said, you make your own luck and the Doggies were beaten by a better side. The game was a thriller to the end - the Saints winning in the dying seconds.
Last night's game was special because neither side has won a Grand Final in the past 40 years or more. The Saints will now go on, as hot favourites next week, to take out only their second premiership in a hundred years. Admittedly, we're all a little shell shocked this morning. The Bulldogs haven't actually played in a GF in our life-times. In fact, you need to be into your 70s to remember their one and only premiership victory (waaaaaayyyyyy back in 1954). And it's times like these you wonder if you'll ever see one.
But come round one, March next year, we'll be back on board, dreaming the dream - hoping against hope, at the start of that long quest for illusive September glory. For now, the Pies & Cats play off tonight, in a must-see battle, for a chance at the Saints & Premiership glory next weekend. However it shapes up, I can't wait - it'll surely be a fantastic, enthralling Grand Final.
Off to ponder what might have been...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
PS The shot above - Nomesy receives a pass from Sasha Pipa in the accom car-park during last year's Ukraine tour.
16Sep09
CU set to Rock
The shot above: Some artwork just in from Poland (the centre-piece of the next tour starting in mid Jan 2010), courtesy of tour manager Pawel & CEMAP. The marketing machine is well underway throughout Central Europe for our biggest tour yet. Dates coming shortly for Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary. USA dates to follow.
Cheers & checkya,
Sleepers out.
15Sep09
Leader Press
A couple of days before the Ruby's show (about a week ago) the good folk at Leader News in Blackburn (thanks Shaun) ran an article about the band in the lead-up to the show. Check the Press page for the big picture.
Pretty cool - it ran in the Maroondah Leader & Free Press. Many thanks to Gav for sending us the article.
Cheers & Checkya.
Sleepers out.
14Sep09
Living Next Door To Alice?
(Maxie's gig review)
Nothing short of a theatrical spectacular, the Alice Cooper concert was a hoot (28Aug09 - Palais Theatre). Fans dressed for the occasion; black leather and eye makeup was the order of the night. Alice is the consummate stage professional, holding the audience enrapt through four wonderful on-stage deaths. Death by guillotine, mammoth syringe, a vertical coffin of spikes and the noose all took place with the assistance of hooded ghouls and an evil nurse. The band were second to none and if anyone can make a sparkling silver suit like Alice's, we'll have a very happy Max!
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
13Sep09
Pre UK Tour (May09) - Shot from Kim
It was the night before the start of this year's Euro tour (from memory). We'd all just met up in London. Nomes & Kim had flown in earlier to spread the word. Simon, Max & myself had arrived earlier in the arvo (after the obligatory 28 hour flight, Melbourne to Heathrow).
The eve of any tour is like a Friday afternoon. The possibilities of the impending weekend yet to be discovered (whatever they might be). It's that short time before the highs, the lows, the hang-overs, the tiffs, the lugging & the arduous travel that the tour will inevitably bring as it unfolds.
Kim (bottom right in the shot), who's still traveling Europe, just sent us this shot. Ah, happy days. Thanks Kim. Hope you're having a blast there. Cheers.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
12Sep09
Ruby Review
(& Thankyou)
It was a cold, wet night in Belgrave on Friday (last week), but still people braved the cold to see Mercury White, Boom Pretty and us play Ruby's. We were first impressed by Mercury White 18 months ago. It's inspiring to see this young band having so much going for them: danceable pop tunes, terrific stage appearance and an energy that makes you smile. On next, Boom Pretty: masters of 6/8 beauty. Their fans there showed appreciation of a typically outstanding performance.
We were graced by the presence of Ben Redlich, former drummer from The Vagrants, who joined us for a few tunes on his standing rack of Caribbean sounding drums. Meanwhile our version of the Pistols' Holiday in the Sun went down a treat, whilst Max spent a major portion of the show bashing her 'baby-keys' back from key-jammed-mania. We don't yet know whether the 'baby' will live to see another show....
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
11Sep09
EP on US Radio
Over the past two weeks our latest EP has been added to the play-lists of no less than 75 stations across North America. Adios MF is available on iTunes and in all good record stores (on MGM). The number of stations in the US playing songs from the EP increases daily - our US radio reps expect that, by October, more than 150 stations will have added the EP.
Many thanks to the 6 community stations around Australia who've also added our EP to their playlists. Nice one.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
10Sep09
Vagrants v Sleepers
Marty and Max went down to the Aussie send-off for The Vagrants last week at the Espy. Off to Europe in a couple of weeks, the band don't know when they'll next be back in Melbourne. As a result, the night was a cracker!
Fancy dress brought out the 'naughty' in people (grrrrr) and the band was cookin'. With a brass section, extra percussion, guest drummers and guest guitarists, the sound was big, full and fun. At The Vagrants' insistence Marty made an appearance, having a blast duelling with James - The Vagrant's former guitarist. The Sleepers wish The Vagrants bon voyage and thanks for a great night!
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
08Sep09
Max & Electric Mary
Max met Electric Mary front-man, Rusty recently (picture above snapped by Beat photographer Mary Boukouvalas). Whilst a little heavier than Max's normal tastes, the band impressed with their breed of blues-based rock (think Sabbath, Zeppelin etc). Always one for a high energy show, Maxie recommends Electric Mary as a great live act. Check em out when you can.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Max & Electric Mary
Max met Electric Mary front-man, Rusty recently (picture above snapped by Beat photographer Mary Boukouvalas). Whilst a little heavier than Max's normal tastes, the band impressed with their breed of blues-based rock (think Sabbath, Zeppelin etc). Always one for a high energy show, Maxie recommends Electric Mary as a great live act. Check em out when you can.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
05Sep09
Ruby's goes off
Had a great night down at Ruby's in Belgrave last night. Mercury White and Boom Pretty put on great, entertaining shows. Always a pleasure playing with em. Ben (Vagrants previous drummer), joined us on stage with extra percussion. The show was a lotta fun, & despite the dirty weather, plenty of folks got down there.
It'll be a little while til our next show. Preparation for January's tour of central Europe & the release of the new album keeping us busy for the rest of the year. That said, we'll be playing one more big show before the year's out - watch this space for details (could be November).
Have a great weekend.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
Ruby's goes off
Had a great night down at Ruby's in Belgrave last night. Mercury White and Boom Pretty put on great, entertaining shows. Always a pleasure playing with em. Ben (Vagrants previous drummer), joined us on stage with extra percussion. The show was a lotta fun, & despite the dirty weather, plenty of folks got down there.
It'll be a little while til our next show. Preparation for January's tour of central Europe & the release of the new album keeping us busy for the rest of the year. That said, we'll be playing one more big show before the year's out - watch this space for details (could be November).
Have a great weekend.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
03Sep09
Mastering Done & Ruby's Friday
Just spent 2 solid days mastering the album with John Ruberto at Crystal. Sounds fantastic. And finally the album is finished - a year after we started recording in LA. Release coming over the next couple of months.
RUBY'S FRIDAY
This Friday we're playing at Ruby's in Belgrave. Check the shows page for details & seeya there.
Checkya later
Sleepers out.
Mastering Done & Ruby's Friday
Just spent 2 solid days mastering the album with John Ruberto at Crystal. Sounds fantastic. And finally the album is finished - a year after we started recording in LA. Release coming over the next couple of months.
RUBY'S FRIDAY
This Friday we're playing at Ruby's in Belgrave. Check the shows page for details & seeya there.
Checkya later
Sleepers out.
25Aug09
Rave Mag EP Review
Brisbane's street mag 'Rave' featured a review of our recently released EP "Motherfucker" by Trevor Winters (in this week's issue). Click to see the review on their web page.
Energetic Southerners showcase new sounds
After some hectic touring over the last few years that saw them head overseas, the Adios Motherfucker EP is the latest release from this hard-working Melbourne group. They certainly have a knack for good openings, whether it's squelchy synths on Motherfucker, mariachi-style guitars on Adios Amigo or the sultry "Ahh yeah" at the start of Nobody Wants.
Of course, there's more to these songs than just the engaging introductions as they lead into grungy, electro-tinged rock songs that call to mind the '90s sounds of Brisbane bands Regurgitator and Custard, complete with irreverently humorous lyrics and a penchant for casual swearing. The band's sense of humour is further revealed by the inclusion of two interludes that feature an odd British chap philosophically analysing masturbation over some excellently doomy basslines and eerie synth noises.
TREVOR WINTERS.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Rave Mag EP Review
Brisbane's street mag 'Rave' featured a review of our recently released EP "Motherfucker" by Trevor Winters (in this week's issue). Click to see the review on their web page.
Energetic Southerners showcase new sounds
After some hectic touring over the last few years that saw them head overseas, the Adios Motherfucker EP is the latest release from this hard-working Melbourne group. They certainly have a knack for good openings, whether it's squelchy synths on Motherfucker, mariachi-style guitars on Adios Amigo or the sultry "Ahh yeah" at the start of Nobody Wants.
Of course, there's more to these songs than just the engaging introductions as they lead into grungy, electro-tinged rock songs that call to mind the '90s sounds of Brisbane bands Regurgitator and Custard, complete with irreverently humorous lyrics and a penchant for casual swearing. The band's sense of humour is further revealed by the inclusion of two interludes that feature an odd British chap philosophically analysing masturbation over some excellently doomy basslines and eerie synth noises.
TREVOR WINTERS.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
21Aug09
Just got back from a long interview with Leader newspapers, out in Blackburn. Pretty cool talking about the OS touring, recording the forthcoming album in LA, playing for the troups deployed to the Solomon Islands - and life growing up in Ringwood/Heathmont. Dunno how Shaun (journalist) is gonna fit everything into one article. All part of the lead up to a big show at Ruby's on Friday 4th September.
Photo shoot tomorrow with the mighty Mat Ward.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
Just got back from a long interview with Leader newspapers, out in Blackburn. Pretty cool talking about the OS touring, recording the forthcoming album in LA, playing for the troups deployed to the Solomon Islands - and life growing up in Ringwood/Heathmont. Dunno how Shaun (journalist) is gonna fit everything into one article. All part of the lead up to a big show at Ruby's on Friday 4th September.
Photo shoot tomorrow with the mighty Mat Ward.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
19Aug09
Not much to report (or so we think, anyway) for this week so far. Flat out at HQ & not too much time to think. Post production went great on the album. Now it's down to the mastering phase after a coupla lil bits and pieces - hence the busy side of things.
Next show's at Ruby's on Friday 4th Sept. Will be a great one. Check the shows page for details. Seeya there.
Sleepers out.
Not much to report (or so we think, anyway) for this week so far. Flat out at HQ & not too much time to think. Post production went great on the album. Now it's down to the mastering phase after a coupla lil bits and pieces - hence the busy side of things.
Next show's at Ruby's on Friday 4th Sept. Will be a great one. Check the shows page for details. Seeya there.
Sleepers out.
14Aug09
Final Post Production - Album 09
Here we sit, stand, pace, lie around at Salt Studios, in Melbourne's south east, running over the final tweaks to the forthcoming album - due out later this year. We'll be nearing completion tonight. Things are sounding great indeed.
That's Pete Frawley and Leigh working the desk.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Final Post Production - Album 09
Here we sit, stand, pace, lie around at Salt Studios, in Melbourne's south east, running over the final tweaks to the forthcoming album - due out later this year. We'll be nearing completion tonight. Things are sounding great indeed.
That's Pete Frawley and Leigh working the desk.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
12Aug09
Ruby's Lounge Fri 4th Sep
Next show: Fri 4th September at Ruby's Lounge Belgrave. For those who've not had the Ruby's experience, it's a great rock venue on the main street there - really well set up; great stage, lights, atmos and sound. We've got a great line-up for the night too; Mercury White and the mighty Boom Pretty. Check the Shows page for details & seeya there.
Pawel emailed last night re a correction about the castle pic below. This is apparently a 13th Century gate to the city (with the castle inside) - not the actual castle itself - for those of you who needed clarification...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Ruby's Lounge Fri 4th Sep
Next show: Fri 4th September at Ruby's Lounge Belgrave. For those who've not had the Ruby's experience, it's a great rock venue on the main street there - really well set up; great stage, lights, atmos and sound. We've got a great line-up for the night too; Mercury White and the mighty Boom Pretty. Check the Shows page for details & seeya there.
Pawel emailed last night re a correction about the castle pic below. This is apparently a 13th Century gate to the city (with the castle inside) - not the actual castle itself - for those of you who needed clarification...
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
11Aug09
History and the Beach - Poland
Check this out. Pawel (our good friend and European tour promoter) sent us this pic from his weekend out in the Polish country-side. The Castle in the pic was constructed in the 13th Century (and somehow escaped complete destruction by both invading Nazi and Russian armies in the 1940s). European architecture is an amazing thing: reasonably old buildings with a smattering of the new - and the occasional thousand year old castle or homestead.
When we toured Poland in May (thanks to Pawel), we drove well off the beaten track, where previous invading armies never got to, to see some ancient beautiful old towns way out the country-side.
And this is Pawel at the beach (Baltic Sea) with his kids last weekend. Me thinks he's rubbing it in from said northern hemisphere.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
History and the Beach - Poland
Check this out. Pawel (our good friend and European tour promoter) sent us this pic from his weekend out in the Polish country-side. The Castle in the pic was constructed in the 13th Century (and somehow escaped complete destruction by both invading Nazi and Russian armies in the 1940s). European architecture is an amazing thing: reasonably old buildings with a smattering of the new - and the occasional thousand year old castle or homestead.
When we toured Poland in May (thanks to Pawel), we drove well off the beaten track, where previous invading armies never got to, to see some ancient beautiful old towns way out the country-side.
And this is Pawel at the beach (Baltic Sea) with his kids last weekend. Me thinks he's rubbing it in from said northern hemisphere.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
07Aug09
AITP Goes Polska
Our Polish website goes live today. Check it out. Great shots from the last tour (May/June 09), audio, video etc.
Thanks to our European tour promoter, Pawel and Co. (CEMAP) for building the site - they work tirelessly for us throughout Europe.
Checkya later & have a good weekend,
Sleepers out.
AITP Goes Polska
Our Polish website goes live today. Check it out. Great shots from the last tour (May/June 09), audio, video etc.
Thanks to our European tour promoter, Pawel and Co. (CEMAP) for building the site - they work tirelessly for us throughout Europe.
Checkya later & have a good weekend,
Sleepers out.
06Aug09
1700 TV Melb Interview Video
Back in March this year (feels like ages ago) we dropped into Channel 31's '1700' program for an interview and live to air. We were in there again a couple of weeks ago for the same thing & they handed us a DVD of the following...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
1700 TV Melb Interview Video
Back in March this year (feels like ages ago) we dropped into Channel 31's '1700' program for an interview and live to air. We were in there again a couple of weeks ago for the same thing & they handed us a DVD of the following...
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
05Aug09
Maxie gettin' down with John Butler
Maxie gettin' down with John Butler
Not only is John Butler a much loved musician, environmentalist and political activist, he also plays an active role in supporting other musicians via his programme The JB Seed. Each year The JB Seed helps bands via grants and an annual Management Workshop.
Maxie's had the honour of being invited to participate in this year's Management Workshop in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. With 2009 speakers including the likes of Cat Empire's Manager, Max is bound to learn a few tips (and share some of the Sleepers' own successes) to help in the quest for Asleep in the Park's global domination!
Maxie's had the honour of being invited to participate in this year's Management Workshop in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. With 2009 speakers including the likes of Cat Empire's Manager, Max is bound to learn a few tips (and share some of the Sleepers' own successes) to help in the quest for Asleep in the Park's global domination!
Next time John Butler's at our rehearsal studio (when he's in Melbourne), he'll at least know who's he's saying hello to when he runs into us!
04Aug09
Max on Fire?
Tom from 'Feed The Rat' sent this one in. Not sure how he got the shot - think it's from the Brunswick Hotel last year - but excellent caption work nonetheless.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
Max on Fire?
Tom from 'Feed The Rat' sent this one in. Not sure how he got the shot - think it's from the Brunswick Hotel last year - but excellent caption work nonetheless.
Checkya later,
Sleepers out.
03Aug09
Noise Bar Show Review?
Ah the minds of some... Was a fairly mayhemic show on Saturday at Noise (hitting the stage 90 mins late didn't help either - apologies to those who couldn't hang around, it wasn't our doing - honest.) Anyhoo, Damien penned this review today:
Thanks for a great show & great company on Saturday. I hope your Sunday was good. Last night I found an amusing little fuckup on the AITP website: Saturday night's show was described as "no holes barred".
I'm pretty sure Marty actually meant "no holds barred" and not that there'd be unrestricted group sex - or did I just arrive to late / leave too early? *laughs*
Damien...
PS: (Me) I'd like to say... I was working the 'golfing' angle (holes barred) & wasn't actually thinking about group sex after the show (not that there's anything wrong with that, should it float your boat). We Sleepers won't stand in your way if you're into a little post-show-group 'affection'...
Noise Bar Show Review?
Ah the minds of some... Was a fairly mayhemic show on Saturday at Noise (hitting the stage 90 mins late didn't help either - apologies to those who couldn't hang around, it wasn't our doing - honest.) Anyhoo, Damien penned this review today:
Thanks for a great show & great company on Saturday. I hope your Sunday was good. Last night I found an amusing little fuckup on the AITP website: Saturday night's show was described as "no holes barred".
I'm pretty sure Marty actually meant "no holds barred" and not that there'd be unrestricted group sex - or did I just arrive to late / leave too early? *laughs*
Damien...
PS: (Me) I'd like to say... I was working the 'golfing' angle (holes barred) & wasn't actually thinking about group sex after the show (not that there's anything wrong with that, should it float your boat). We Sleepers won't stand in your way if you're into a little post-show-group 'affection'...
29Jul09
Noise Bar Tomorrow Night
Another big show tomorrow night - at the mighty Noise Bar, 291 Albert St Brunswick - the usual Sleeper mayhem complete with monster birthday party for Renata (lead vocalist with The Vagrants). We'll be on stage at 11pm. We played Noise Bar a few years ago. Sleeper fans past might remember the 'Lock In Love In' (2005). Tomorrow night promises to be big with the no holes barred birthday vibe - and for the stayers - an all night jam session starting at midnight.
Check the shows page for more details. Seeya there.
Sleepers out.
Noise Bar Tomorrow Night
Another big show tomorrow night - at the mighty Noise Bar, 291 Albert St Brunswick - the usual Sleeper mayhem complete with monster birthday party for Renata (lead vocalist with The Vagrants). We'll be on stage at 11pm. We played Noise Bar a few years ago. Sleeper fans past might remember the 'Lock In Love In' (2005). Tomorrow night promises to be big with the no holes barred birthday vibe - and for the stayers - an all night jam session starting at midnight.
Check the shows page for more details. Seeya there.
Sleepers out.
23Jul09
Big One At Noise Bar Sat 1st August
Next Saturday night is shaping up to be a wild show. The Vagrants, our hosts for the evening, will be celebrating lead vocalist, Renata's birthday. The Vagrants go hard without the stop button (things will be interesting when they hit the stage). VIP (Naomi & Simon's old outfit) are also doing a set - and Lulu (drag queen from hell who did plenty of shows with us a few years back) is also up for an appearance.
If you're up for the strangest show of the year (and the craziest) - get down to the Noise Bar, Brunswick, Sat 1st August. Check the shows page for full details.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Big One At Noise Bar Sat 1st August
Next Saturday night is shaping up to be a wild show. The Vagrants, our hosts for the evening, will be celebrating lead vocalist, Renata's birthday. The Vagrants go hard without the stop button (things will be interesting when they hit the stage). VIP (Naomi & Simon's old outfit) are also doing a set - and Lulu (drag queen from hell who did plenty of shows with us a few years back) is also up for an appearance.
If you're up for the strangest show of the year (and the craziest) - get down to the Noise Bar, Brunswick, Sat 1st August. Check the shows page for full details.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
20Jul09
Samson & Delilah (Movie Review)
Noise Bar Show 01Aug
Saw Samson & Delilah last week, a movie about life in a remote settlement somewhere outside of Alice Springs.
Writer/Director Warwick Thornton, from the Katej people, grew up in Alice. He's made a bunch of short films (many about his people for his people). This is his debut feature length effort. As you might expect, it's pretty unsettling. One of the things that really got me was how the film demonstrates the mundanity and lack of purpose in a remote aboriginal community (at a devistatingly slow, brooding pace). Every day's like Groundhog day with the addition of ample poverty, exploitation and destitution (somehow, our indigenous people have survived this treatment for generations).
Samson and Delilah follows the journey of two young people making their way in the world, inside and outside the 'community'. And like any good story of this kind - it does more than make you think twice about the society you live in. Despite the positive end, I didn't come away seeing any easy or quick solutions. But there is the realisation that education, for all of us, is critical in moving forward together. This film is part of Australia's 'hidden' story. One that needs to be told - and heard. See it if you can.
NEXT SHOW - NOISE BAR SAT 01 AUG.
Hey, this one will be awewome. Noise Bar has a great room and set up... AND it's Renata's (Vagrants) birthday. Me thinks the night will be pretty raucous & crazy. Don't miss the party if you can drag yourself down there. Check the shows page for more details.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Samson & Delilah (Movie Review)
Noise Bar Show 01Aug
Saw Samson & Delilah last week, a movie about life in a remote settlement somewhere outside of Alice Springs.
Writer/Director Warwick Thornton, from the Katej people, grew up in Alice. He's made a bunch of short films (many about his people for his people). This is his debut feature length effort. As you might expect, it's pretty unsettling. One of the things that really got me was how the film demonstrates the mundanity and lack of purpose in a remote aboriginal community (at a devistatingly slow, brooding pace). Every day's like Groundhog day with the addition of ample poverty, exploitation and destitution (somehow, our indigenous people have survived this treatment for generations).
Samson and Delilah follows the journey of two young people making their way in the world, inside and outside the 'community'. And like any good story of this kind - it does more than make you think twice about the society you live in. Despite the positive end, I didn't come away seeing any easy or quick solutions. But there is the realisation that education, for all of us, is critical in moving forward together. This film is part of Australia's 'hidden' story. One that needs to be told - and heard. See it if you can.
NEXT SHOW - NOISE BAR SAT 01 AUG.
Hey, this one will be awewome. Noise Bar has a great room and set up... AND it's Renata's (Vagrants) birthday. Me thinks the night will be pretty raucous & crazy. Don't miss the party if you can drag yourself down there. Check the shows page for more details.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
19Jul09
Espy Last Night
Doing the usual post gig recovery this arvo. Got up round 1pm, feeling great... but a bit like we played a footy game (bruises etc). On a high from last night all the same. Big crowd down at the Espy last night - packed. We had a freekin ball. One of the highlights; the 'dance' contest for Sky Caves In (the winner up on stage presented with EP). Thanks for being there with us - one of our best shows this year. And good luck with recovery today. Seeya at the next one.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Espy Last Night
Doing the usual post gig recovery this arvo. Got up round 1pm, feeling great... but a bit like we played a footy game (bruises etc). On a high from last night all the same. Big crowd down at the Espy last night - packed. We had a freekin ball. One of the highlights; the 'dance' contest for Sky Caves In (the winner up on stage presented with EP). Thanks for being there with us - one of our best shows this year. And good luck with recovery today. Seeya at the next one.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
17Jul09
SYN TV LIVE THIS ARVO 5pm
We're on at Syn TV (Channel 31) again this arvo 5pm. Tune in, get down. We'll be 'blasting' through a couple of tunes live - in prep for tomorrow night's big one at the Espy.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out
SYN TV LIVE THIS ARVO 5pm
We're on at Syn TV (Channel 31) again this arvo 5pm. Tune in, get down. We'll be 'blasting' through a couple of tunes live - in prep for tomorrow night's big one at the Espy.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out
15Jul09
Espy Show Sat Night!
Catchya later.
Sleepers out.
Espy Show Sat Night!
Catchya later.
Sleepers out.
13Jul09
Bastardy Review / Espy Show This Sat
Caught a great documentary last week: Bastardy - the life story of Jack Charles - an aboriginal actor in the seventies, turned homeless, thief and drug addict. Shot in the inner east of Melbourne, this film is a must see, particularly if you live in Abbotsford, Collingwood, Richmond or Fitzroy. Familiar streets, homeless hang-outs and drug-dealing.
Jack's brother is a guy we all know in Abbotsford - a crafty begger who wanders the streets, arms flailing, head and eyes rolling back and forth - the result of years of abuse as a ward of the state (we didn't know that til now).
The underlying theme of the doco is that of an indiginous man dealing with the lifelong consequences of his people's dispossesion, removal from his parents as a child, systematic abuse as an adolescent ward of the state, herion addiction and frequent stints behind bars for robbery. Despite everything, he remains upbeat, positive and honest. This movie is raw, gritty, totally eye-opening and both tragic and uplifting. See it if you can.
SAT NIGHT AT THE ESPY - OHHH YEAHHH!
This one's a big one. We're headling in the front Bar & it'll be a killer show.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Bastardy Review / Espy Show This Sat
Caught a great documentary last week: Bastardy - the life story of Jack Charles - an aboriginal actor in the seventies, turned homeless, thief and drug addict. Shot in the inner east of Melbourne, this film is a must see, particularly if you live in Abbotsford, Collingwood, Richmond or Fitzroy. Familiar streets, homeless hang-outs and drug-dealing.
Jack's brother is a guy we all know in Abbotsford - a crafty begger who wanders the streets, arms flailing, head and eyes rolling back and forth - the result of years of abuse as a ward of the state (we didn't know that til now).
The underlying theme of the doco is that of an indiginous man dealing with the lifelong consequences of his people's dispossesion, removal from his parents as a child, systematic abuse as an adolescent ward of the state, herion addiction and frequent stints behind bars for robbery. Despite everything, he remains upbeat, positive and honest. This movie is raw, gritty, totally eye-opening and both tragic and uplifting. See it if you can.
SAT NIGHT AT THE ESPY - OHHH YEAHHH!
This one's a big one. We're headling in the front Bar & it'll be a killer show.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
09Jul09
Rehearsal last night. Jeeze it's Thursday morning already. Been smashing the mighty Sex Pistols 'Never Mind The Bollocks' this week. Filthy, dirty, balls-to-the-wall rock and roll (as it should be).
Big show coming up at the Espy next Sat (18th July). We'll be headlining a freekin' great line-up. Check the Shows page for details.
Flipside.
Sleepers out.
Rehearsal last night. Jeeze it's Thursday morning already. Been smashing the mighty Sex Pistols 'Never Mind The Bollocks' this week. Filthy, dirty, balls-to-the-wall rock and roll (as it should be).
Big show coming up at the Espy next Sat (18th July). We'll be headlining a freekin' great line-up. Check the Shows page for details.
Flipside.
Sleepers out.
07Jul09
Review - Zeahorse at Revolver (02Jul09)
Zeahorse were the first band on an excellent lineup last week at Revolver.
Zeahorse bring back the 10 minute song. Powerful guitars reminiscent of Pink Floyd, moody and moving. Check 'em out: http://www.myspace.com/zeahorseband
Checkya Later.
Sleepers out.
Review - Zeahorse at Revolver (02Jul09)
Zeahorse were the first band on an excellent lineup last week at Revolver.
Zeahorse bring back the 10 minute song. Powerful guitars reminiscent of Pink Floyd, moody and moving. Check 'em out: http://www.myspace.com/
Checkya Later.
Sleepers out.
06Jul09
Huge weekend. Feeling a little slow this Monday morning...
Flew to Brisbane Friday night. Maxie went to a wedding, I stayed with friends, jamming Friday night & all day Saturday. Must have played for about 10 - 12 hours (fingers were killing us). Ace.
Flew back to Melb for the big game yesterday arvo. Geelong v St Kilda at Etihad Stadium. Game was sold out so went down to the 'Bakers Arms' - with a big crew of Abbotsford locals - to sink a few & watch football history on the big screen.
One of the best games we've seen for a long time & the first time two sides have played off, both undefeated after 13 rounds. Both sides threw everything at each other all arvo. Went down to the wire, St Kilda holding their nerve (thanks to Gardiner's collosal mark in the backline, reminiscent of Leo Barry's 2005 Grand Final winning grab) to win by a single kick. Just an exceptional game between two AFL Titans.
Came home, jammed til midnight & hit the sack.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Huge weekend. Feeling a little slow this Monday morning...
Flew to Brisbane Friday night. Maxie went to a wedding, I stayed with friends, jamming Friday night & all day Saturday. Must have played for about 10 - 12 hours (fingers were killing us). Ace.
Flew back to Melb for the big game yesterday arvo. Geelong v St Kilda at Etihad Stadium. Game was sold out so went down to the 'Bakers Arms' - with a big crew of Abbotsford locals - to sink a few & watch football history on the big screen.
One of the best games we've seen for a long time & the first time two sides have played off, both undefeated after 13 rounds. Both sides threw everything at each other all arvo. Went down to the wire, St Kilda holding their nerve (thanks to Gardiner's collosal mark in the backline, reminiscent of Leo Barry's 2005 Grand Final winning grab) to win by a single kick. Just an exceptional game between two AFL Titans.
Came home, jammed til midnight & hit the sack.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
03Jul09
Revolver Show 2am
Just got home. 2am. Great show tonight. That said, the band is officially flu-ridden (see pic below - by way of explaining how we feel at the mo).
Surprisingly good crowd tonight considering the polar Melbourne winds kicking everybody's arse. Campbell rocked up with bag-pipes in tow - which is always a good vibe. Revolver's a great place. Always dig the vibe there. Many a time we've been 'stuck' at the back bar for the duration of the eve & following morn - but that's another story.
Thanks to you for being there tonight.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Revolver Show 2am
Just got home. 2am. Great show tonight. That said, the band is officially flu-ridden (see pic below - by way of explaining how we feel at the mo).
Surprisingly good crowd tonight considering the polar Melbourne winds kicking everybody's arse. Campbell rocked up with bag-pipes in tow - which is always a good vibe. Revolver's a great place. Always dig the vibe there. Many a time we've been 'stuck' at the back bar for the duration of the eve & following morn - but that's another story.
Thanks to you for being there tonight.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
02Jul09
REVOLVER TONIGHT
Seeya there: Revolver Upstairs, 229 Chapel St Prahran. We're on stage at 10:30pm. Check the Shows page for further details.
REVOLVER TONIGHT
Seeya there: Revolver Upstairs, 229 Chapel St Prahran. We're on stage at 10:30pm. Check the Shows page for further details.
01Jul09
Revolver Show Tomorrow Night
First show back from OS touring at the mighty 'Revolver Upstairs' tomorrow night. We're on stage at 10:30pm. Revolver Upstairs: 229 Chapel St Prahran. Check the Shows page for further details.
Seeya there.
Sleepers out.
Revolver Show Tomorrow Night
First show back from OS touring at the mighty 'Revolver Upstairs' tomorrow night. We're on stage at 10:30pm. Revolver Upstairs: 229 Chapel St Prahran. Check the Shows page for further details.
Seeya there.
Sleepers out.
30Jun09
From Poland With Love
Introducing Pawel (Pavell): A good friend of ours who lives in North Poland & organises AITP there.
He's a great, no-nonsense kinda guy - totally pro & a delight to travell around with. He sent us this pic last night.
As well as promoting, Pawel tours with his own folk/rock band, Rzepczyno - well known througout central Europe.They had some pretty big shows last week - for which he pulled on his Asleep In The Park shirt. Nice work we say.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
From Poland With Love
Introducing Pawel (Pavell): A good friend of ours who lives in North Poland & organises AITP there.
He's a great, no-nonsense kinda guy - totally pro & a delight to travell around with. He sent us this pic last night.
As well as promoting, Pawel tours with his own folk/rock band, Rzepczyno - well known througout central Europe.They had some pretty big shows last week - for which he pulled on his Asleep In The Park shirt. Nice work we say.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
29Jun09
Eagle From Hell - Book Review
Over the weekend, I finished ex-Eagle, Don Felder's, autobiography - Heaven and Hell (a tale of life with The Eagles). Firstly, it should be said that I'm not an Eagles fan. Dad recommended the book & once started, I couldn't put it down.
More than an eye-opening account of intimidation & manipulation at the hands of Glenn Frey and Don Henley, Felder writes of growing up dirt poor in Gainsville Florida, his relationship with his father who beat him repeatedly - but who also gave him his first guitar & encouraged him in the early days - and Felder's ultimate rise from rags to riches.
At the end of it all, I didn't come away thinking much of 'The Gods' - as Frey and Henley are not-so-affectionately refered to throughout the book. Felder describes the tension on his first day with the band, in the early seventies, as overwhelming. And it gets worse as time goes. Sex, drugs, alcohol, greed and gigantic egos accumulate (as the band get older - and apparently not wiser) so that Frey and Henley allegedly squeeze the rest of the band out of income fairly due to them - taking it for themselves.
Felder (responsible for 'Hotel California' among others), courageously resists the money grab and is summarily fired by 'The Gods'. It's a tragic indictment of life in a band of mood-swinging ego manics, the subsequent emotional and physical cost and the toll on Felder's sanity. Apparently he's happy and at peace with the whole thing now.
8 outa 10 Sleepy Rubber Chickens.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Eagle From Hell - Book Review
Over the weekend, I finished ex-Eagle, Don Felder's, autobiography - Heaven and Hell (a tale of life with The Eagles). Firstly, it should be said that I'm not an Eagles fan. Dad recommended the book & once started, I couldn't put it down.
More than an eye-opening account of intimidation & manipulation at the hands of Glenn Frey and Don Henley, Felder writes of growing up dirt poor in Gainsville Florida, his relationship with his father who beat him repeatedly - but who also gave him his first guitar & encouraged him in the early days - and Felder's ultimate rise from rags to riches.
At the end of it all, I didn't come away thinking much of 'The Gods' - as Frey and Henley are not-so-affectionately refered to throughout the book. Felder describes the tension on his first day with the band, in the early seventies, as overwhelming. And it gets worse as time goes. Sex, drugs, alcohol, greed and gigantic egos accumulate (as the band get older - and apparently not wiser) so that Frey and Henley allegedly squeeze the rest of the band out of income fairly due to them - taking it for themselves.
Felder (responsible for 'Hotel California' among others), courageously resists the money grab and is summarily fired by 'The Gods'. It's a tragic indictment of life in a band of mood-swinging ego manics, the subsequent emotional and physical cost and the toll on Felder's sanity. Apparently he's happy and at peace with the whole thing now.
8 outa 10 Sleepy Rubber Chickens.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
26Jun09
Who said the flu was abaiting here at Sleeper HQ. Maxie's just gone down with it. No going out tonight me thinks. Have a good weekend folks. Shot below from Club Bochka in Kiev a couple of weeks ago.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
Who said the flu was abaiting here at Sleeper HQ. Maxie's just gone down with it. No going out tonight me thinks. Have a good weekend folks. Shot below from Club Bochka in Kiev a couple of weeks ago.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
25Jun09
First rehearsal last night, after returning from OS touring. We're back & ready to tear into next week's Revolver show. The flu symptoms racking the band are finally easing up. Wouldn't want to be the next band in the studio using those microphones. Listening to Oasis's classic album "What's The Story Morning Glory" at the moment. Ah the memories...
Checkya later
Sleepers out.
First rehearsal last night, after returning from OS touring. We're back & ready to tear into next week's Revolver show. The flu symptoms racking the band are finally easing up. Wouldn't want to be the next band in the studio using those microphones. Listening to Oasis's classic album "What's The Story Morning Glory" at the moment. Ah the memories...
Checkya later
Sleepers out.
23Jun09
The tour comes home to roost. Got the flu today, dammit. Thought that might happen sooner or later. Was trying not to think about the likely effects of going from Summer, on the other side of the world, straight into a typical Melbourne Winter. Better now than next week.
Checkya later.
Sleeper on Panadol.
The tour comes home to roost. Got the flu today, dammit. Thought that might happen sooner or later. Was trying not to think about the likely effects of going from Summer, on the other side of the world, straight into a typical Melbourne Winter. Better now than next week.
Checkya later.
Sleeper on Panadol.
22Jun09
First Show Back Next Week
Revolver Upstairs next Thursday (2nd July). Looking forward to this one. First local show since returning from touring Europe two weeks ago. Check the shows page for details & seeya there.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
First Show Back Next Week
Revolver Upstairs next Thursday (2nd July). Looking forward to this one. First local show since returning from touring Europe two weeks ago. Check the shows page for details & seeya there.
Checkya later.
Sleepers out.
19Jun09
Dad Pulls Own Tooth
Something a little different for this Friday. Last weekend, Dad pulled one of his back teeth out. In an apparent effort to save on dental bills, he began work on the tooth about a month ago when he realised it was a little loose and slightly painful. Pushing it this way & that on a daily basis, crunch time finally came & the decision was made to reach in and yank the offending chomperout. In other words, he pulled his own tooth out with his bare hands, root and all. And I thought I was having a bad week.
Let's face it. They bread 'em tough in those days.
Catchya later.
Sleepers out.
PS. The shot above has nothing to do with my Dad's tooth & was taken side of stage at one of the last shows on recent European tour last weekend.
PSS. First local show since returning from said tour Thursday 2nd July at Revolver Upstairs. Check the Shows page for details.
Dad Pulls Own Tooth
Something a little different for this Friday. Last weekend, Dad pulled one of his back teeth out. In an apparent effort to save on dental bills, he began work on the tooth about a month ago when he realised it was a little loose and slightly painful. Pushing it this way & that on a daily basis, crunch time finally came & the decision was made to reach in and yank the offending chomperout. In other words, he pulled his own tooth out with his bare hands, root and all. And I thought I was having a bad week.
Let's face it. They bread 'em tough in those days.
Catchya later.
Sleepers out.
PS. The shot above has nothing to do with my Dad's tooth & was taken side of stage at one of the last shows on recent European tour last weekend.
PSS. First local show since returning from said tour Thursday 2nd July at Revolver Upstairs. Check the Shows page for details.
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