People come and people go. After getting into Newcastle at 7:30am Monday the 11^th, teaching, seeing my grandfather, and waiting up late for my friend to get back from a 10 hour drive from the gold coast, I taught more the next day and rushed back to Sydney to say goodbye to my dear friend and once ‘Roomie’, as she put it (even though we lived in a house).

We had Mexican and hugged goodbye, she’s off to be an international tour manager. Maybe she should come on this tour and keep us all together. The tensions are high and I am ignoring the negative emailing going back and forth between our collective. It was always going to be very interesting. It’s un-like a band, we don’t have that one-for-all, all-for-one attitude. And why should we? We are five individuals who are trying to make music our full-time career in both this current financial climate and unstable music industry.

Does the industry have room for us? Firstly, there’s Coby who is travelling on that high-risk pop path. She's amazing!!  Absolutely gorgeous and has the voice of an angel (like that song Sarah McLachlan sings).  Her songs are so well constructed and she is commercially viable in every way.

Secondly, there’s Ed who has a totally huge cult following. He’s creating that for himself through hard work, determination and pure talent. He is my true idol and I really hope that he succeeds just like other music prodigies like Nick Cave. That’s all very well, but these days an artist like that is going to be even more broke than the ancestors of that path! I still can’t believe people can easily spend $200 plus on clothes and see the value but then question spending $20-$30 on a piece of music which will last forever and potentially change their life.

Tara is an artist who meshes commercialism and underground. I've never seen someone create such intricate yet catchy melodies. I can't help but hum them out loud in the shower, on the toilet and even in public places. This interesting sound is not so instantly accessible to Australians. Antony and the Johnson’s released an album earlier this year, top ten in Europe…top one hundred in America. Without a doubt this won't apply to Tara though. She needs to get overseas so she can be the international super star I know she's destined to be.
 

Simon has what Australians can relate to instantly. That organic blues and roots sound. He is immediately loved by audiences (particularly the female kind- share your secrets Simon!!).  He has a formidable presence onstage with his six two frame and dreadies down to his lower back, but it's his charisma and talent that stop people talking and get them listening. Although his is a common sound in this fine country, he has the x factor needed to not get lost in the wash.

Then there’s myself, my project that is mcArtney. All I can say about myself is that I know how much money is needed to sustain such a project, and I’m recording at home for free! Will I see through it? Will I get a big break which very well might be selling my music to advertising to support myself whilst in the process my peers will consider I’ve sold out and lost credibility? I will be totally arrogant and say I would have been signed by now if the music industry had more money, in fact, I think all five of us would have been signed.

Phew, glad I got that off my chest. I arrived at Avalon Airport, looked dreadfully for a vegetarian meal and anything but peculated coffee. I waited 2 hours for Ed, Tara and Simon as they arrived from Brisbane. Coby met us at the Airport. We picked up the massive Kia carnival. Touring Kids, hire a Carnival. Way better than the industry popular Tarago!

We stopped briefly in Geelong to drop off Coby’s car outside my friend’s house then we hit that road. There were many jokes and discussions. For the first time on tour I realised we’ve become brothers and sisters, saving graces and pleasantries, and being completely honest.

We arrived in Warrnambool. It was cold, it looked like a ghost town and we chose the first restaurant we saw…Mexican. Ladies and Gentlemen, do not have Mexican pre-gig. Bad, bad idea. Our stomachs were arguing, our bodies were lazy. We setup, we waited, only the bar staff, sound guy and venue owner were in the venue and it was 8:50pm. I had little hope and people were suggesting we turn around and go home. Something I could never do. The show must go on. Awkwardly, one of Coby’s friends and 2 other strays tried very desperately to fill the room, with, of course, no such luck. We played our first set. The 2 left and I’m sure Coby’s friend wanted to leave. Ben, the said venue owner, agreed that we should pack up. It was our fastest pack up (we were to perfect this in Canberra). As we debated on the fastest road, we took the safest and us three boys laughed as we arrived in Geelong and the girls still had a 45 min journey ahead.

In small towns I guess the weekends are for fun, the weeknights are really the weeknights. Get home from work, watch Underbelly, have dinner and maybe a drink (Oh Naughty!!) and go straight to bed. We learnt this again in Geelong. The infamous ‘Nash’ or National hotel was very empty. One payer and my two friends, who really should have been in bed with the rest of the town. Nonetheless, I still sold three cd’s. Admittedly, one was for $5. We eagerly looked towards Melbourne to save our recent drought of audience attendance. The girls drove again, we laughed again.

Unfortunately, my Friday was spent wondering whether I should go back to Newcastle as my grandfather was on his deathbed. I didn’t go back. My personal reasons are personal and he knew I was with him.

We left Geelong and filled up our flat tyre. Hmm…fun, considering the next day we had to drive approx 14 hours. Ed and I did an interview at a gay radio station, Joy fm. Very welcoming and warm, and I’ll be very happy to go back. We then tackled the traffic to get to sound check on time. We arrived at the converted church that is the Wesley Anne. It felt like we were to have a good night. A quick sound check with half the gear we needed, Simon and I rushed over to an in-store at Pure Pop records in St Kilda. Excellent beer garden out the back, gosh I love Melbourne. Simon and I had Pure pop Toasties, listened a little to the following artist, Jeff May, then headed back to Northcote. Yes, the room was full, our drought was over. Regardless of sound and gear restrictions we performed at our best and felt once again good about our united tour. Whilst Simon partied on with friends the 4 of us heading back to Coby’s flat. This being mistake one.

We awoke around 9:30am lazily getting up, having showers and making teas and coffees. For effect, Ed put a dollop of baileys Irish cream in his coffee. I guess I’m driving I thought to myself. Simon didn’t arrive until 11am. We were due to leave at 10am. Poor fella had no sleep, and couldn’t find the address we gave him. His new prized possession, the iPhone, went flat as he quickly realised one of the flaws of the wonderful piece of modern technology.  We hit that highway. Filled up on petrol bad service station food and chocolate. I did find out at 3pm that my grandfather had passed. I was not fun to be around. Instead of being upset I was just cranky and emotional.

We arrived in cold Canberra. We were all very glad that tonight was a guaranteed payer, meaning no door charge and no pressure on us to sell as many cd’s as possible to make up for lost or lack of money. In fact, two of Coby’s cd’s were stolen… We were all aware of the drive we were about to face, we were all aware of the crowd and their wonder of both our tour and our presence on this Saturday evening. In a few places we have been the idea of original music has seemed a far and bizarre concept. At the bar in Canberra I was asked by an older gentlemen, seemingly a traveller, questioning what was going on this evening. As I explained the concept tour then exposed that I was one of them he gave me a sideways look and said ‘good luck’. That particular phrase really annoys me. I don’t need luck. I’ve studied, I work hard and I commit myself to my job. I don’t wish a mechanic good luck after they’ve fixed my car.

We set record time for any band or artist to pack up. We knew the score; we were very over this leg. I committed to driving. Van Morrison saw we through. I was glad to be at home, comforted, and back in home state from hopefully some time to come.

 rest in peace pop

I should’ve had two days off. Instead, I taught my usual private music students and gave myself a salt-water flush. For those of you who don’t know what a salt water flush is, you boil 2 litres of water, add one table spoon of organic sea salt, squeeze a whole lemon then drink it down as fast as you can. It’s not a race you just need to get it all down in one sitting. It cleans your complete intestines and you feel fabulous. But, you should rest with it…

I was given a lift to Sydney airport at ridiculous o’clock again and waited with generic banana bread and bottle of water as the flight to Brisbane was delayed, lucky I had booked an over estimated flight therefore not missing our scheduled 1:30pm photo shoot with MX on a conveyor belt at Brisbane airport. From here on in I will refer to Brisbane as ‘Brisvegas’, as per local instruction. Tara would not attend as she was shooting a film clip, which involved her being dumped in the water. It’s for the song ‘When you say that I don’t care about you’.

So I arrived in Brisvegas, I headed awkwardly to a café near the proposed conveyor belt. Two middle-aged ladies were drinking beer, it was 11:43am, and I was in Queensland. The others came via car and aeroplane, sans Tara, and we posed. It was all over very quickly and we crammed into Ed’s Girlfriends car. Luckily, she is overseas with a band she manages.

Sometimes in the music industry, believe it or not, the actual artists are the ones that are treated the worst. A certain venue in Byron Bay expected us to play for 3 hours for $300 in total and supply our own P.A. and Sound engineer. For those unfamiliar with the costs, it’s usually around $400 to hire such objects and humans. After threatening phone calls / emails we kind of got our way. $200 plus P.A. and sound engineer provided. After our costs, we made about $34 each that night. Thanks Australia, keep supporting musicians, yay. Please don’t complain when you have nothing interesting to listen to because the resources have been dried up.

So we hightailed it to Byron, as the same venue signed an incorrect worksheet, and got there just in time to begin half and hour after showtime. We were all tired; we were all feeling the displeasure of our payment. And they didn’t even give us a rider to drown our sorrows.

One highlight was knowing we had more audience members then the big touring act in town…but I guess they got back at us for continuing making loud noise whilst we tried to sleep, Which Tara needed as she would have to wake at 5 to begin more shooting the next day.

Ed and his guitarist / producer M@ drove back to Brisvegas. Simon, Coby and myself relied on my friend Melissa arriving safely into Byron after leaving Sydney at 11:30pm to give us a lift to the Gold Coast. She did, I continually asked if she was ok. I soon stopped worrying about her as I had a call from my mother repeating to me that my grandfather wanted his family next to him.

I love being a musician. It’s a very interesting lifestyle, whether a good or bad interesting, it’s very rewarding, and very emotionally roller coaster-like. You feel at your worst when a family member calls you and there is seemingly nothing you can do. You can’t call in sick, you’ll lose money, and people will expect to see you. You can’t control anything from where you are, as you usually don’t have the time, funds or headspace to. As I write this I am glad to report my grandfather, Pop, is stable and in good health. Although, he is getting on.

We arrived at the Gold Coast Arts centre. I scouted out someone to open the entry to the basement. We were greeted by a lovely Sound engineer, Grant, and comforting booker, Rory. We were relieved. Someone gets it. The show was small but the crowd were dead silent, clapped loudly and I sold cd’s. The five of us have all agreed that if you can sell one cd, you have touched someone, therefore a success. I guess success depends on how you measure it. Personally, I feel successful because I can sustain full-time. Bingo.

My friend Melissa and I promptly packed up and got to bed, as I was feeling a little worn and she definitely needed to sleep after being awake for almost 48 hours. We woke lazily and I tried, under Melissa’s Dads’ suggestion, a marshmallow with Peanut Butter. We then visited her friends’ music shop, chewed the fat, and then hit the road to Brisvegas, en route to the Nick Cave exhibition.

After hanging around the city for a good 4 hours we were pleased to be greeting inside the waking Troubadour by Ben, not only the Publicist for the United Tour but also the booker for the Troubadour. Ben is a music industry stereotype. This does not carry negative connotations. His partner, Ange, and Flatmate Tyler, also joins Ben. They work way harder than they should, bend over backwards for you, host you and your entourage, are completely honest and deliver promises. Hopefully, in the current climate the music industry will maintain more of these stereotypes, a music-lover whom is business-minded.

As soon as we walked into the Troubadour I knew we were in for a good night. It was, after all, a Friday night in Brisvegas infamous, ‘The Valley’. There was a sound engineer there way before everyone, there were lamps resembling the current Grandma’s-hand-me-downs, an alcoholic beverage was offering instantly upon my arrival and the guest list had some industry folk listed. I was right on the mark. 80-90 people in the room, mostly silence, electric performance from us and an average of 3 cd’s sold per artist. To quote Bowie, wham bam thank you maim.

Reality check. Bon Amici was not so glamorous. Thus is the touring lifestyle. It was a very quite night, so quite in fact that the booker / sound engineer / venue owner (love these small town venues!) suggested he give us a nominal fee and we lose the door. Good call Cookie, or Scottie as I incorrectly addressed him several times (eek!). Nonetheless, we played our little hearts out and us boys drank / ate the amazing rider provided. We safely arrived home unfortunately without spotting any UFO’s. I guess we’ll have to wait til Geelong.

For the first time in a century, I had a real Sunday. Thanks to Ben, Ange and Tyler. I watched approx 5 episodes of Six feet under, had many early gray teas, phoned mum for mother’s day and generally had my feet up.

Eumundi, Joe’s waterhole, we were headed for that evening. We had mother’s day, Sunday and Alex Lloyd performing the previous night all against us. Such is the eclectic road of touring that we are often faced with is musicians, that the night actually turned out to be a success. No, there were not over 10 people in the audience. Yes, we sold cd’s. Yes, the venue’s sound system was brilliant. Yes, we all impressed the Sound and booker for Joe’s Waterhole and Yes, there was a painter painting our show.... his name was Rob. I’m not sure how often he attends and paints but I’m certainly glad he decided to paint that night. His artwork and presence was very strong natured whilst being very spiritual. We were all amazed and he has given us the painting and the copyright to it!!! (See attached link).

I booked myself a 6am flight to Newcastle to teach some more and generally eat a few home cooked meals whilst I could. This meant getting to Ed’s parents place at 1am and waking at 3:51am. Monday the 11^th of May, I was a complete zombie. I was, however, still able to visit my grandfather whom may be leaving us shortly. Tomorrow we all meet at Avalon airport and head to Warrnambool. I must admit, I’m looking forward to my home state touring, shall be a lot easier to conduct. Signing off, mcArtney.

I wonder if I was a bit more relaxed on this leg as I had already been to WA and we have 2 artists in our crew from there. Simon Kelly, currently living between Perth and Fremantle, and Coby Grant originally from WA. Her parents still residing there in a huge house just one road between it and the beach.

On Thursday the 30^th I finished teaching one of my favourite students at 6pm. I rushed over to Surry hills to pickup a dazzled girlfriend, Rachna, who was highly scandalized we would be sitting on a plane in under an hour. She broke the speed limit and I prayed to the airport gods, I believe they were listening.

The flight was very smooth, something to do with the wind factor. We arrived at a newly upgraded Perth Airport waiting 20 mins for Tara, then 10 mins for Coby to come pick the 3 of us and our large instrument cases. Luckily, the said parents of Coby also own a beautiful BMW 4 wheel drive, which, even if Tara and I oppose to such things on the road, we put our political views aside as everything just fit in. 

Arriving to the perfect setting, we were overwhelmed by exactly what the 3 of us travellers wanted; a big beautiful bed, clean towels and a fresh room. This definitely provoked a sleep in, to which no one opposed.

The next morning Tara proclaimed that she was to change one song  ‘Shake’ to another of her earlier songs, ‘Everybody loves you’. A song about her brother she told me later that day. Coby and I worked on the song with her, being quite easy; we were both relieved about her sudden song change.

Coby hadn’t seen her mum and dad in a while so we all decided we would give them some space and head to the marina not 10 mins drive away.

The three of us, Tara, Rachna and I, strolled along the marina laughing at boat names and signs, Tara picking one out that read, ‘No Boating’. She took a photo of it, because behind the sign was about 50 boats…hmmm.

A burger bar caught our eye and our wallet, being the most reasonable priced. We discussed touring, life, travelling, and I even drew a picture with the crayons supplied for the children. We all ate a little too much and decided to walk it off as it was not yet time to go and get ready for the Hyde Park Hotel that night.

We discovered ‘Jungle Mountain’. There was a theme park on the other side of the marina and inside it contained said ‘Jungle Mountain’. We debated over climbing it then and there or pinkie promising each other to come back in the morning and do it…that, of course we knew would NOT happen. ‘Jungle Mountain’ is a cylinder style frame with about 15 levels of seatbelt style elastic on each level. Fun, fun and more fun. So we did it, we fronted up to the ticket office, the two 25 year olds and one 28 year old only to be told the age limit was 16. I quickly said we were 21, 22, and ahh…23. I don’t think she bought it. Although, when the ticket collectors’ supervisor came and saw us three small framed people she quickly said “yes of course, but you must exit the ride if some little kids come on”.

After an intensive climb (it totally tricked us!) we realised it was well late and we had to get a move on. Coby came and collected us and we climbed into our luxury vehicle once again, this time keeping one eye out for Coby’s killer dog, which came with a disclaimer.

We arrived at the Hyde Park Hotel to find the later band’s sound check had not even begun. Unfortunately, the show was double booked, not unknowingly; it just meant there was our national tour from 8pm to 10pm then an Album launch for Perth expatriate, Julie Kember…interesting. What the venue didn’t have enough punters on a Friday night they thought they would max out the entertainment too?

Nonetheless, we sound checked and borrowed gear, finding ourselves with good level and helpful sound guy.

The show had a slow start as Tara and I opened with my track from ‘volume one’; At least know I think I know. The numbers started to pickup, we were grateful. Our last show in Burnie was a small ending to the first leg.

The most memorable moments of the night both came from Ed. “I’m an alcoholic” he proclaimed, “But because I’m a musician it’s okay. Ladies and gentleman, strap on a guitar and people will say ‘it’s okay he’s a musician’”. The second was when Ed told Simon’s girlfriend and friends to be quite because the song sounds better. Just before one of my songs I might add.

We had a few more payers then the previous gigs, but were appalled at the $80 fee for the door person…it’s a real shame when everyone in the industry is out to screw the actual ones keeping the industry alive. Ed and myself have both done door stints, it’s the easiest job in the world and there’s no reason to receive more than $50 for 2 hours. Subsequently, we cancelled her for the following night.  

We packed up promptly to make way for the second act for the evening, most of us scattering due to lifts and one due to feeling ill…there was reference to the music being performed…

More sleeping in at Coby’s Mansion. Coby gave Tara, Rachna and I a lift into the train station, which had a drop off point, aptly called ‘Kiss n ride’. I argued and pointed to two elderly men suggesting they might kiss n ride. No one was impressed. We met Rick, Tara’s boyfriend, near Perth mall, at a café called Tiger tiger, at my suggestion. They had a totally radical grandma teacup that I filled with chai.

The awesome foursome we became made our way to Fremantle, catching a nice Saturday afternoon view of the sea along the train line. We separated after the station as Rick and Tara attempted to photograph the sunset. It was Rick’s idea, as he is a photographer, to shoot the sunrise in Brisbane and the Sunset in Perth. Unfortunately, he got really drunk the night before and slept in, only just getting to his flight. Rachna and I had a different agenda, beer and food. Little creatures warehouse style brewery restaurant was the perfect venue.

We waltzed over to the train station; met Rick and Tara then decided to catch a taxi instead. We arrived to a Dixie style jazz band playing on our stage! And the grey army taking over the venue…I quickly found Lucas, the sound engineer, and questioned. They would finish and the pub would clear. Sure let them finish but I guess I was concerned about the pub clearing…it was in the middle of nowhere. I hope Simon and Coby had a few coming.

9pm, 8 payers, 2 professional photographers, 1 reviewer, about 5 others and us six made a quite Saturday night. Add to the wound was that we were only allowed a rider after 40 payers. Great, thanks very much.

We played on, we all agreed it was a great rehearsal, I noticed everyone being more conscious of their performance (in a good way). It wasn’t all negative. Ed did an impromptu rap. Provoked by Coby. As much as they dig at each other I reckon they will somehow become life long friends and make sense of each other by the end of this ragged tour. Ed’s rap finished with ‘I got swine flu in my pyjamas’. I think it was caught on tape.

As I write this sitting in Brisbane airport, waiting for the others to arrive for a photo shoot in aid of our upcoming show on Friday at the Troubadour in Brisbane, I wonder what this week will hold. There have already been emails threatening to cancel tonight’s Byron Bay gig, wonders about the coming venues and additional cello to Tara’s songs these next few gigs. I’m starting to feel the tour wrath a little, Running low on money, lacking a day off, and finding no space for anyone else. At least this selfish existence us musicians carry is thoroughly exciting. Gives good stories to those who miss us.

So, part one of the United tour has just passed.

after getting to bed at 2am from a previous night gig @ the hopetoun hotel in surry hills, sydney, i woke at 5:40 am had a very warm shower and got a lift to the airport from a very special friend.

arriving in adelaide i picked a warm, flight shocked Tara Simmons out the understated crowd. Her keyboard stand was left in brisbane. We were thrilled to find they would courier it that day to the venue. brilliance. 

We chatted about music, we chatted about life, we chatted about our collective journey to the airport at ridiculous o'clock, all in the cue to get a taxi to the grace emily. 

Arriving at the grace emily no one picked up their phones, except Simon Kelly. Luckily, he sent us both the same message containing "good morning sunshine, i'm having breakfast at a christian book shop a few doors down". oh that's right, we were in Adelaide...churches and sex shops. 

A healthy christian breakfast later joined by Edward Guglielmino and Coby was not far away. we loaded in, 3 or 4 conversations happened at once then we calmed. we all agreed to work on one song each, then continue on after that success. i was first, i was under prepared, i was hoping people had learnt the material in the weeks before tour. realistically, myself included, this didn't happen. Which was probably a blessing as we got to digest the songs better with the actual artist there!

it's an understatement to say the grace emily show ran smoothly. there was feedback, awkward changeovers, long gaps whilst working out gear, no sound engineer, and ed was slowly getting drunk. thankfully, this was to be a perfect reference for all of us for the rest of the tour. a long discussion followed the day after, as did input lists and stage plots and musical ideas. 

we met on friday morning at 8am for a quick hour and half rehearsal before all flying to melbourne at relatively the same time. we must apologize to the other residents of the grace emily hotel whom must have woken up to vocal chanting of tara simmons' songs at 8am on a saturday morning. one small hiccup which was tara losing her credit card somewhere was the only problem on our lengthly journey to launceston via melbourne.

Arriving at Launceston airport we were all business, Tara and i first. We picked the tour van, we packed, we called the sound engineer that night and triple chcked everything, a product of our torture the previous gig. we also decided the fact that we had no contact name or number for the door person seemed a little dodgy therefore that was high on the agenda as we pulled into the Royal Oak. 

we setup, checked in, ate dinner, discussed further, and wondered what we might be in for that evening. the prospect of the evening's football game crowd attending our performance that evening gave us 5 soft hearted singer songwriters a tingle up our spines. Tara seemed the most scared of us all. Her music is probably least appealing to someone whom worships ACDC or anything with breasts. Nonetheless, we had a game to win ourselves. which we did, essentially.

as suspected we played in front of a football crowd. The owner was ashamed, admitting later that was not his normal crowd. In our minds we won. the set ran smoothly, the songs were refined, and i noticed two souls sitting right up the back of the room for the entire night. This kind of thing keeps me going and knowing not all hope it lost. Us three boys decided that drinking would be a necessary evil to forget the night and previous gigs troubles. we woke up to the 2 girls saying we have to drive to hobart earlier as they had spoken to the venue whom said sound check was actually now 3 hours earlier.

on the road we stopped at coles and the 5 precious artists we are bought the healthiest possible options. we arrived in hobart after many a lengthy discussion in the tour van. lets just say we covered a lot of ground, excuse the pun.

sound check was as sound check should be, unlike the previous 2 shows. thanks to Al at the republic we had the best show so far. we were like pigs in mud and tony the owner agreed to feeding us...i think he looked at me and thought 'god, gotta get some food into that boy...'

we drove back to Ed's friends place, towards mount wellington, which actaully had show the next morning. The driveway was something out of a theme park. we didn't know the 'technique' and almost turned the tour van over. Defeated, we walked up the driveway, which none of us complained about as it kept us warm in what felt like minus 10 degrees.

once inside we were met by a pole dancer, whom continued practicing after letting us in and being very hospitable. Ed slept for 20 seconds, tara curled up on the cold couch, simon read a vintage rolling stone and i promptly put a heater on which tara finally discovered i had done, which resulted in me losing the heaters full attention. Coby stayed at the venue. Touring can be hard and lacking in personal space. i don't question anyone when they withdraw themselves from the group for a few hours. in fact, if you don't you won't survive on the road.

the gig was excellent. audience brilliant and we were overly happy with the running over the show. i played all my best. Ed left the precious silver un-distructable breifcase at the venue, thankfully we collected it in the morning. 

the drive to burnie after breakfast in Salmenca was pleasent and we had further discussions in which we covered more 'ground'. The best conversation included Ed offending Coby and Coby offending Ed. i believe they have mutual respect for their differences. Stage door was a well structured venue, with the owner seeming very excited about artists being in his venue, always a bonus, as the norm is death stares and rolling eyes as we all ask for water with no ice.

The stage door show was brilliant, we had enough time for Tara and i to do our own sound, we ate and listened to Joe cocker. we all anticipated our journey we would have to undertake after the gig. We got through the show, the audience were painfully quite and Russell the venue owner was extremely generous, including having to cancel 5 hotel rooms when we told him we were about to drive to hobart at midnight, and Coby and i would catch 6 am flights. 

we packed up quickly, we drove quickly, we slept quickly, Coby and i ran into the warm airport quickly. i arrived home in sydney, red eyed and extremely grateful i was being picked up from the airport and had a beautiful easy morning. 

here we come perth...