Noo Ziiland Rocks! Thoughts on and from Melbourne.

Recently back from a jaunt to Melbourne and nothing particularly blog-worthy that you wouldn't already know. Yes there's tons to do, the amazing Ron Mueck was exhibiting his stunning people at the National Gallery, trams are seriously awesome, people still ask if you're a Kiwi and make fun of your accent, food is great - coffee no match for C4's delicious Krank though, and for me the free to air AFL games, Outre and my favourite independent music stores on earth make the place a must visit.

So it was great to go to Off The Hip Records and chat about the scene, as it was to meet the wonderful Scotti and Mel at Missing Link Records. Scotti and Mel are both releasing records with great passion and care, Mel's EXO Records having some of the most amazing packaging ever to grace a vinyl record.

What was interesting to me though - wherever I went but music in particular - was the interest in what was happening over here, what was the "scene" doing, and especially the Flying Nun revival. The Bats and The Clean were coming soon (awesome), would the 3Ds reform (they had), what about the rest (The Verlaines are touring soon). What happened to the Mint Chicks (dropped major label, latest EP just released on USB stick), Die!Die!Die!? (keep reading)...

Which is a big segue into a site I stumbled across, www.pedestrian.tv

Another online magazine out of Australia, they're currently doing an interesting series of Noo Ziilander's sharing their New Zealand. So far you can read Karen Walker, Natalie Smith,  Bang Bang Eche and Die!Die!Die! talk about Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin respectively. For mine, it's quite refreshing to see that inspiration travels both ways, I always come away from Melbourne with a new sense of purpose, I hope people leave Christchurch feeling the same way!!!

BONUS ROUND
If you're really on this whole New New Zealand vibe then download Modular Record's "New Zealand... Rocks" Modcast here - with a tracklist that combines classic with the best of the recent crop, plus some surreal moments, including old Rusty Crowe's inspirational Oscar speech...

Tracklist
Russell Crowe - 2000 Oscar Acceptance Speech for Best Actor
Die! Die! Die! - "We Built Our Own Oppressors"
The Clean - "Tally Ho!"
The Shocking Pinks - "Second Hand Girl"
3Ds - "Animal"
The Mint Chicks - "Say Goodbye"
Cut Off Your Hands - "You And I"
The Bats - "Under The Branches"
Sam Neill - Dr. Alan Grant monologue from 'Jurassic Park'
The Coolies - "Holiday"
Surf City - "Zombies"
Tall Dwarfs - "Think Small"
Gestalt Switch - "Nothing Has Changed"
The Chills - "I Love My Leather Jacket"
Street Chant - "Scream Walk"
Popstrangers - "Kill The Voice"
Batrider - Dirty
Russell Crowe - "Are you not entertained?!"