Well it's to hell in a handbasket for this State of Denial now, isn't it?

Our Glad re-elected for 4 more years, whilst telling telly exposes: Morrison as inept even at basic bullying; the Libs Deputy President as a petulant intellectual infant; and gobsmacking acts of One Nation treachery (via the US arms lobby) still haven't disqualified them from receiving Coalition preferences at the next election (of course).

What an ideal week to feature Ingvar Kenne's photos of regional B&S Balls. If you wanna join me and a motley crew of art enthusiasts at the opening on Thursday you've around 24 hours to RSVP here.


Wednesday March the 27th ~

Glamazons best head to Swingin' at the Speakeasy first, initially for swing dancing to Mary Heart and band (from 7 til 10PM), then for yours poo-ly til close around 3. It's free, like all else this week.


Thursday March the 28th ~

Witness red faces and not-so-tight races during the launch of The Ball at 263 Crown Street, between 6 and 9PM. RSVP here right now and I'll catch you amongst the bedlam of beer and Aussie audio.

Cheers to the champs at Pool Collective for funding strange and sincere projects that others wouldn't dream up in a pink fit. I love playing for them.


Friday March the 29th ~

I'll be making my debut at an especially apt location the day after, via an extended early set at Sydney Brewery in Slurry Hills.

Drop by for sidewinding songs and bitter beverages between 3.30 and 7.30. Begin yr weekend with gusto!


Saturday March the 30th ~

Saturday is a triple-header, so actually pretty serene compared to last week frankly.
We begin amidst a musical oasis, as Jack Off is guest-less this time around. Let's see what waltzes out of the fog on FBi Radio betwixt 3 and 5PM.

Afterwards I'll trek out to Bondi to spin some bombastic party-starters upstairs at the Beach Road's back room, between 8 and 10.
Then it's a rapid ride to The Marley to take over from DJ Soup upstairs. Expect a compact yet eclectic closing bracket from 10.45 til midnight.


Sunday March the 31st ~

My final engagement this week is back at the beautiful Petersham Bowling Club.

Sunday is shaping up as the sunniest spot in the days ahead so the timing is right for some restorative outdoor action.

Join us out by the greens between 3 and 6PM to lap up one of the last late arvos of early autumn.

This week's schedule is a carbon copy of last week's, bar a missing Sunday gig, the only time I can recall that happening.

I'm praying this is not an omen for the outcome of the State election on Saturday, as the thought of four more years of smug yet inept governance by the creeps in power fills me with nausea and dread. Add to that the prospect of Mark Latham (inevitably ex One Nation) wielding the balance-of-power and we may as well abandon ship.

We have but one chance to save the day. If you've friends or relatives in marginal seats, appeal to their better natures now - or life will be a bitter loop, drained of colour, for the discernible future.


Wednesday March the 20th ~

Til E-Day I'm gonna be walking on thin ice, trying to keep the stress at bay as I play.

Live distraction from The French Tailors, not to mention our fabulous swing dancers, will be (literally) uplifting between 7 and 10PM tonight - as Swingin' at the Speakeasy takes over Palmer and Co for another decadent (and free) Wednesday.

As ever I will steward the sound from 10 til close at 2 or 3AM, harking back to times where carousing in bars (whether legit or secret) was actually a common-place pastime - not merely a fringe endeavour confined to a handful of rebel outlets.


Friday March the 22nd ~

The sonics are back on song at Strike Bowling King Street Wharf and while you aim up the gully I'll animate the action via audio. 8 til 11PM. Free.

Saturday March the 23rd ~

Saturday is a somewhat fearsome prospect. Thankfully I've already voted - but my dance card is as full as any prior radio day has been.

I'll have already attended a best mate's birthday lunch by the time I hit the airwaves of FBi for Jack Off, hopefully not too much the worse for wear. 
I don't think I've ever been more abject in shock and sorrow whilst transmitting than when I began the program last week with a stark and shattered acknowledgement of the hate and horror that manifested in Christchurch, after being incubated here (to our eternal shame).

The saturated media coverage since - so full of righteous posturing, denial and speculation - has been so sickening that I cannot bear to add further comment. Though I will seek to belatedly air any listener texts from that arvo, as they were unfortunately being blocked by a technical issue at the time.

This time around I'm mainly looking forward to broadcasting two live performances between 3 and 5PM - one from Perth singer Carla Geneve and the other from the new Brissy duo (of dear old friends) Catalano. Tune in for real talk and true tunes.
Then, after spending two hours anxiously checking the first results on my phone whilst reflexively drinking and attempting to watch the footy, I will ascend the lofty deejay plinth at Goros once more - relaying a fierce set of beat-based assertions (and either frustrations or celebrations - depending on the result, or lack of it).

If yr around Central anywhere betwixt 8 and midnight do drop in. Entry is free - and I will either be desperately in need of human kindness and company, or exploding with joy and sheer relief.

Either way - we are all gonna need each other.

Hopefully it will mark the dawning of a new era for our beautiful city and State.

Here's to the possibility of wisdom and progress prevailing - right when we need it most.

Earthed images from the most beautiful festival I've ever had the luck to attend and/or play.

Thank you Panama for taking such great care of everyone - and permitting me to share music and moves on late-night dancefloors brimful of peerless sound and perfectly imperfect people.


Wednesday March the 13th ~

The mid-week miracle that is Swingin' at the Speakeasy features our fearless leader Miss Pia Andersen, gliding across the floor with special guest George Washingmachine in tow betwixt 7 and 10.

After they shine the tiles I'll proceed to spin til close around 3AM. Entry is always free of charge.

Friday March the 15th ~

I had a most peculiar Friday last week. I was all psyched to play my final pre-Tassie gig at Strike Bowling, only to have multiple sectors of the venue's sound system fail for no apparent reason.

It was pretty deflating - especially as some punters stared with scorn at me, apparently believing that I was incapable of operating elementary equipment.

That said my early mark led me to a brilliant gig by Liz Phair so there was a most affirmative silver lining.

Hopefully I'll be able to crank the music back up where it belongs as the weekend gets underway back at King Street Wharf this time around.

Once again it's free to attend.


Saturday March the 16th ~

The quality and variety of live guests we have lined up for the next couple of months on Jack Off is surreal.

This weekend alone features current Sydneysider Alex Lahey, Perth's Treehouses - and possibly Gregory Alan Isakov, all the way from from Johannesburg (South Africa), via Boulder, Colorado (USA).

Tune in between 3 and 5PM and wallow in the majesty of live music - just as the decadent and hyper-social platypus, that lived in the immaculate lake above, did. It will make for quite a trip.

Afterwards I'll be heading back to Goros for dinner, sake, beer and bangers! It's been ages. There may have been a few ups and downs in the interim but now everything is back on song, as it should be, thank goodness.

Drop in if yr in the hood anywhere between 8PM and midnight. I'll dish you up some free bass!

Sunday March the 17th ~

Come Sunday it's time to bask in the post-Mardi-Gras community atmosphere, revived and replenished as it is by our rites and rituals, in the colourful urban jungle that sits atop the iconic Imperial Hotel.

Join me on said spectacular rooftop between 3 and 8PM and choose whatever context is most apt for you: there are somewhat-private indoor booths - or convivial outdoor tables to carouse by beside the bar. All access remains absolutely free.

Plush sounds in increasingly lush surrounds.

Wednesday March the 6th ~

Between 7 and 10PM Swingin' at the Speakeasy will feature three sets by a gun band featuring Ray Beadle & Stuie French with Clayton Doley, George Brugmans and Ben Edwards.

Afterwards I'll key in an exponential number of old-school anthems to lubricate the lustful late-night crowd til close at 3AM. Entry is free, as ever.

Friday March the 8th ~

As the weekend begins I'll assume the position of temporary deejay at Strike Bowling King Street Wharf - playing a gratis bracket of galvanising mainstream trash, that will have those present present in five dated decades simultaneously, between 8 and 11PM.

Saturday March the 9th ~

Jack Off will be in steady hands as I literally fly south this Saturday, with Mornings mainstay and sometime Purple Sneaker Eddy Diamond hosting the program for the first time.

Eddy comes from shit-stirring stock and doesn't take a backward step in representing for values rarely manifested in the media landscape. Tune in from 3 til 5PM for a fresh take on our free-form format.

If any readers are lucky enough to be heading to the Lone Star Valley in Tassie for the sold out Panama festival this weekend I dearly hope to see (and hear) you on the dancefloor as I close out proceedings on Saturday evening / Sunday morning.

I'm absolutely stoked and truly honoured to have been included amongst this spectacular array of artists, all performing for an event with an unrivalled culture of environmental sensitivity.

Once Baker Boy wraps up I'll be playing between 11PM and 3AM in the Bedouin Club, pausing only to defer to the majesty of Donny Benét's live set between 1 and 1.45. Believe me I am going to give this my all!

Towers of song - before too long.


Wednesday February the 27th ~

Swingin' at the Speakeasy has Sancha and the Blue Gypsies live from 7 til 10, then myself on the spiral scratches til close around 3. Entry is free.


Friday March the 1st ~

Upstairs at the Marly remains a scenic sanctuary from the pissed kids at street level in the new Newtown. I'm playing a free set, at sundown for a change (from 7 til 9.30PM), before handing the reins to Soup and scarpering to see the sold out Do Re Mi reformation show down at the Marrickville Bowlo.


Saturday March the 2nd ~

The action is all early on Saturday too. Have a hearty brekky and then join the Songriders peloton at the Concordia Club come 11.30AM - riding on for a series of free riverside performances, in strange tunnels and such, all the way to the sea.
My bike is in a slight state of disrepair and my main man Stu remains interstate so I'm undecided as to whether I'll attend on two wheels or four. Either way by 3PM I'll be transmitting via FBi Radio as Jack Off welcomes V to the airwaves.

Following the show I've a quick dash to Enmore before spinning another eclectic set in the heady and heaving surrounds of The Vic. Pop in before you head out. I play from 6 til 9.30PM - and the minute I finish there's ace live music from Moody Beach and Bloods. All for free!

A single serving of infinite recreational resonance.


Wednesday February the 20th ~

Let the wheels in yr mind convey you down to the CBD for Swingin' at the Speakeasy, as The Faculties play live for the dancers from 7 til 10PM. As ever it's entirely free - thence you've me til 2 or 3.


Friday February the 22nd ~

Get those arms and eyes aligned at Strike Bowling King Street Wharf, to the tune of motivational music tailored for play. 8 til 11PM. Free entry.

Saturday February the 23rd ~

Jack Off welcomes the ultimate interchangable independent industrial intellectuals, They Might Be Giants, live on FBi Radio between 3 and 5PM.

Sunday February the 24th ~

Ditch the formalities and run around like a kid again, as folks of all ages descend on the Petersham Bowling Club for the ideal Sunday arvo experience.

In addition to the gratis sounds emanating from my system out by the greens between 3 til 6PM, there's a huge range of live band action inside as It's A Family Affair returns once more.

This also finishes at 6 - but kicks off an hour earlier. Onstage you'll hear The S-Bends, The Nagging Doubts, The Sticker Club, Skid Pan Alley and The Rolling Rockers. Admission costs eight bucks for adults, however children get in free.

Arias for the abandoned, almost discernable amongst endless repeats of evil and entropy.


Wednesday February the 13th ~

Navigate to the safe harbour of Swingin' at the Speakeasy, where I'll follow Sara O'Connor (live) with a free set from 10PM til 2 or 3AM.


Friday February the 15th ~

Strike it lucky, strike it rich! Or maybe that's just the beer goggles. Not actually sure I can put them on at this new gig in fact. One is contractually obliged not to be inebriated! Nonetheless I'm hoping it will be a hoot. Strike Bowling at King Street Wharf from 8 til 11PM. Free!


Saturday February the 16th ~

Despite some months of entreaties (and having recently returning from her home-suburb of Grey Lynn in Auckland) I've failed to cajole Bene in to play live with her new band. We were keenly anticipating a debut use of FBi's just-purchased 10-channel mixer for their appearance too - but reps have informed me they are keen to get to their gig several hours ahead of load-in time, so them's the breaks.
That said Jack Off may yet be graced with some Sydney locals of sublime standing, who are very rarely heard together these days, in Melanie Oxley and Chris Abrahams. Tune in between 3 and 5PM to hear what cosmic couplets manifest best I guess!

Afterwards I'm stoked to be returning to a place that was so dear to me for many years, The Vic. I was a monthly resident and regular selector for the charity Xmas doggy shows (all played rigorously to theme) and I still have an abiding love and respect for the diverse folks that attend the hotel.

As a loyal old dog it was a bit disheartening when the vibe of the joint became somewhat apathetic towards the end of it's last incarnation. I remember having to lobby for more than one of the two big speakers they owned to be erected out back (where hundreds of punters populate the beer garden), just because someone decided they couldn't be arsed setting them up anymore.

So whilst some of the Inner-West got a tad apoplectic at the prospect of Merivale purchasing this vital community hub I was fine with it. Every well-run public house has to practice genuine and unhesitating hospitality - and for me The Vic needed to re-focus on the creation of a welcoming atmosphere for all, whilst continuing to resource their brilliant (and free) live music bills.

I can't wait to get back amongst it, where I belong. Swing by for a toast to enduring ties between 6 and 9.30PM - then hang later for the terrific triple-bill of Tape/Off, The Aerial Maps and Married Man.

I am bummed I'll not personally be able to absorb those bands due to my final engagement for the day - but I'm thrilled to be heading to the fabled Hollywood Hotel to spin a three-hour birthday set from 10PM. Though it's a private booking I believe the place remains open to the public throughout, so feel free to crash the party for some guaranteed good times if yr in Darlo/Slurry around then.

Hey and if you wanna start the day right check out this brilliant idea: a series of bicycle-borne gigs under bridges for free from midday. I'm tossing up whether I have the stamina to do at least some of Songriders, then the rest of my missions via pedal-power alone - but I fear I may not make it home.


Sunday February the 17th ~

Then marvellous Mardi Gras (thankfully increasingly in the hands of a more inclusive and progressive cohort of programmers) kicks into gear via Fair Day, in Victoria Park this Sunday.

Whilst I prefer to skip the security checks and inflated drink prices of gated community festivals everywhere, I recognise how vital this event is to a city and community that has continued to have a damn tough time of it of late.

So get along and have a ball if that's yr bag - then make tracks to the crowning glory(hole) that is The Imperial, where a weird and wonderful line-up of (ir)regulars will be slinging shows and songs as part of a Post-Fair-Day Frolic.

You'll find me behind the decks on the stunning rooftop, now equipped with divinely subtle (water) misters, from half 5 til 8PM - the idyllic golden hours, still lingering at this end of summer.

A veritable feast for the eyes and ears this week. The panel I partook in regarding modern festival culture can be seen on The Mix via iview. It begins around 12 and a half minutes in and is surprisingly entertaining viewing. Peruse music missions below!


Tuedsay February the 5th ~

Directly after a mystical concert experience with a fabled Estonian Choir and the ACO playing Pärt down the road I'll spin some ancient atmospheric audio at Palmer & Co from 10.30PM til around 2 or 3AM. Free


Wednesday February the 6th ~

This week Swingin' at the Speakeasy features our marvellous matriarch Pia Andersen and her Combo live between 7 and 10PM. Thence yr saddled with me til around 3. Dress fancy, even though it's free


Friday February the 8th ~

Friday will be a tonic for me and all in attendance I hope. At last an energetic and egalitarian approach (rather than another dire corporate devolution) has manifested in a key Sydney pub.

The Duke (just up the way from the Enmore Theatre, on the same side of the street) recently re-opened under the auspices of Jaime Doom and a few other key cats - who originally revitalised The Forresters, The Norfolk and the Oxford Tavern (before flogging them for a mint to a Melbourne mob, who've since struggled to maintain quite the same humour in hospitality and thus have begun to divest).

Jaime has long been a champion of musical diversity and on the way to Lily Allen last night I was stoked to see the DJ booth has now had a chunky NO REQUESTS decal emblazoned along the front. Fuck yeah! Get along between 9PM and 2AM as the weekend really kicks into gear and take a trip through time and space with a million new best mates. It's free!


Saturday February the 9th ~

Saturday's Jack Off remains a mystery as yet. Mooted guests exist yet I'm tempted to clear the decks so as to bang out some more bizarre beats and pieces. We air, as ever, from 3 til 5PM, on FBi Radio.

Afterwards I'm happy to be headed east again, this time to play a private birthday party in Coogee.

Sunday February the 10th ~

Lastly I'll ascend to the skies, a week earlier than usual (we are hatching a big bill for Fair Day next Sunday), to spin a splendid set of sunny tunes at Imperial Up. Join us between 3 and 8PM for motion and music, food and fancy drinks. It's entirely free - and 5 til 7 is an extended happy hour too.

This notoriously visually cagey cat has been cajoled into going on telly today, so I'm racing to write!


Wednesday January the 30th ~

In between the shooting and screening I've a serious amount of musical mixing to do - beginning with the usual 5 or so hours from 10PM for Swingin' at the Speakeasy. Mary Heart's band are live til 10 from 7 so get there early to cut a rug. It's all free!

Thursday January the 31st ~

I'm back at Palmer & Co the next day - tryin' to make hay after my week away. I pledge to play sultry songs for smokin' lingerie lasses and the rivetted workers who watch them. 10 til 3 and free again.


Friday February the 1st ~

By Friday I'll be casting a wry eye as the pace picks up above the Marly Bar - relaying yet another free 5 hour set - from 7PM til midnight.

Saturday February the 2nd ~

Saturday appears deceptively simple, if not entirely innocent. First a rare guest-free edition of Jack Off between 3 and 5PM on FBi Radio.

Listen back here if you missed the sublime live performances by Luluc and Roger Knox last week.

Afterwards I've a small private birthday party for a mate in a Kings Cross gallery. Pry and fry!

Sunday February the 3rd ~

Come Sunday I'll bounce over to Laneway Festival for my annual set in their PIP Bar. If yr heading to the Sydney College of the Arts at Callan park - and have access to the cool and hallowed space within - you'll hear me spin there from half three til 5PM.

Oddly enough this almost exactly coincides with the initial airing of the aforementioned television show - where I was imported as a 'festival veteran'. True, there have been a few. I'm grateful to all of them for showing such ardent opposition to ageism!

Writing from across the ditch in Aotearoa today. Got a gig in the main town square of Auckland tomorrow - then I fly back home on Invasion Day.

There are many differences here, most for the better, though the worst white behaviour remains.

As the poster-nations of 'Western Civilisation' (the US and UK) teeter on the brink of intractable, as-yet-undeclared, civil wars - bred equally of arrogance and apathy - it's apparent that evil continues to prevail on this corroded old globe.

In the face of sinister violence and manipulation those of us with more empathetic aspirations do harder yards, striving through the incremental process of creatively building consensus.
Some would say we're pushing shit up hill - and let's face it we may not prevail - but it's better than letting it slide. We wake, we clean, we remake.

Friday January the 25th ~

Long-term readers would know my love of this country - and recall almost-annual pilgrimages to play here.

I've come early to visit recent-returnee Rich (who used to run my fave bar ever, Mighty Mighty in Wellington) and family. They've traded Bondi for the Bay of Islands - taking a huge turn from city life by purchasing a jet ski tour business in Paihia.

Having always found the bogan tools that ride those things such a hideous turn-off it has been bizarre to find myself stunned by the speed and freedom they provide out on the water.

On my first day here Rich ponted out the headland where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed and I ducked over for a closer look at this beautiful historic site. I've always been impressed that any treaty was signed here - yet since researching further I've discovered that it was followed by countless betrayals. A bitter duplicity, so typical of the way colonial power manifested across this planet.

I'm not sure how these threads will knit together when I play a four hour set from 5 for Auckland Live in Aotea Square tomorrow. It's a very central and public performance, happening for free at the beginning of a long weekend. Hopefully it will be faithful and fun - stirring soles and souls.

Saturday January the 26th ~

There will be scant hours for sleep prior to a dawn flight back - and after a reset at home I'll be broadcasting a vital counterpoint to the pathetic posturing of our thwarted bogan nationalists.
In this endeavour I'll be joined by sublime and sensitive expatriates Luluc - who have kindly deigned to come in and play for us after their sole Sydney gig on Friday evening.

They will be followed by a rare return visit from indigenous icon: the Koori King of Country, the Black Elvis - Roger Knox, fresh from his 2.40PM set at Yabun in Victoria Park.
Jack Off airs from 3 til 5PM on FBi Radio.

Directly afterwards I'll be hopping the nearest cab to Bondi Beach, where I will stir as much original indigenous music as possible into a sweet and subtle cross-generational set on the balcony of Hotel Ravesis between 5.30 and 8PM. Entry is free.


Sunday January the 27th ~

Lastly, my swim-sodden feet will trudge towards the verdant pastures of the Petersham Bowling Club - seeking to conjure a communal respite for people of all ages prior to their weekday routine resuming.

Find us all there, soaking up the cool breeze by the greens, from 3 til 6PM. It's always free.