Performance Guide

The JOSH JAKQ Summer headline brings this salty season to the Toff In Town.
After the attention received in the wake of the JOSH JAKQ release with CyHi The Prynce of Kanye's Good music, Josh is ready to show everyone what the hype is really about. He brings new songs to the set and a mind frame that whoever is in listening distance of this show will hear things that will never be forgotten. Part of the show will consist of live, on the spot creation of new songs. "I plan to take a couple of groove ideas in and just create live soulful melodies for everyone to connect to" JOSH JAKQ
It's a Would Not Miss show with a couple of Special Guests yet to be released.

BOATS 8.20 - 8.40PM
POPPY 9.20 - 9.50PM
JOSH JAKQ 10.15 - 11.00PM  ( link: www.facebook.com/JOSHJAKQFANS )

Disco is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. Its the overuse of the word that has leant people no glance at the glorious debauchery it once stood for. Luckily a small band of dancefloor dessi's are giving meaning back to the much overused & undermined term.... Step into The House de Frost: a weekly Saturday night at The Toff running into the wee hours of Sunday morning, a place where to dance is to live, the home of some of Melbourne's wildest parties and vogue balls, a place where you can indulge those curiosities you've always had but never acknowledged. With hourly shows from 2 of Melbourne's craziest club kids TYRA & EMMAN, guest dancers, performers, Disney on ice stars, you never really know what you're gonna get... apart from the music that is! The only place you can truly appreciate disco music the way it was made to be heard. The Toff boasts the best sound-system in Melbourne and exclusively plays vinyl tuned on a weekly basis by one of Melbourne's most adroit selectors. They say that backwards is the best way forward, and this is about as backward as you're gonna get!

Come and grab some Sunday afternoon delight in the Carriage room at The Toff with DJs AndyBlack and Haggis….

"The Sunday Set" features YOU plus musical meanderings, trainspotter tracks and unlikely samples for your pleasure. In addition: food, drinks, good looking people, gravy and occasional nonsense. Each week we’ll provide you with a musical ‘set’ – and we’d love your ‘variations on a theme’.

Join the set and add your musical perspective on Facebook - just search 'The Sunday Set' – or email  ( link: emailthesundayset@thetoffintown.com )

Scattered between Europe and Australia since their formation, Melbourne/Berlin based duo How Love have spent the last 18 months producing tones, beats and bits from mostly different ends of the earth. Through some good old-fashioned emailing and much time on-line, the pair have somehow mashed together enough sounds to produce a surprising cohesive and prolific output. Somewhere on the hip-hop side of the beat front and with a tendency to play everything slightly slowed down and layered up, the pair have performed only seldomly both here and in Europe. How Love play their first show of 2012 at Melbourne's The Toff in Town. Joined by Giles Simon's latest low-fi, loop project Vowed and electronic soundscapers (Glasshouses), this is a somewhat special show.

GLASSHOUSES 8.00 - 8.45pm
VOWED 9.00 - 9.45pm
HOW LOVE 10.15 - 11.15pm
  ( link: www.soundcloud.com/how-love )

The Shelf - The comedy show that returns to the stage while avoiding TV.

The first season of The Shelf was a huge success with sold out shows witnessing some of the best comedians in the country doing what they love most: cracking gags! No faux journalism was trotted out! No reality TV personalities were allowed through the door! Instead each show presented some of your favourite comedians in new lights and introduced new comedians to a bigger stage.
These are some of the highlights from Season 1:
Wil Anderson flying down from Sydney for a hysterical “chat” with hosts Justin Hamilton and Adam Richard.
Gatesy breaking free from the Tripod shackles to sing “Untopical Topical” songs.
Tony Martin surprising everyone by hitting the stage to sing his parody of “Down Town” changing the lyrics to “Snow Town.”
Tegan Higginbotham each week giving us a blow-by-blow description of her professional boxing debut.
European Man taking over the show whenever he felt like it.
Headline acts Denise Scott, Tom Gleeson, Lehmo and Peter Helliar tearing it up.
Jo Stanley staying up well beyond her bedtime to play “The Shelf Quiz Show”.
Every show was a new event and this season is going to be no exception. A three-week season will see Dave Callan, Felicity Ward and Cal Wilson headline and all your favourite regulars will be returning with some extra special guests to still be announced. Hosted by Justin Hamilton and Adam Richard, this will be the show that will get you excited for the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The Shelf returns with premium comedy and is proud to be situated at The Toff, a first-class venue that offers up a room perfect for this performance with cabaret style seating or standing room at the bar.
Guests can trundle down after work, grab a cocktail and chow down a meal before the show. Keeping in mind it’s a school night, The Shelf will wrap up the madness by 10pm giving you the white flag to kick on or kick off.
The bar next door serves drinks and tapas well into the evening so you can choose your own adventure. A short, sharp and shiny season two runs for 3 weeks and leaves you counting down the days until season 3 commences.  ( link: http://hwww.facebook.com/theshelfcomedy )

February is the month to celebrate our love of life, music and each other with the band who do nothing but just that..
After only nine months together, it's safe to say that Melbourne band Playwrite have accomplished quite a lot in that time. After nearly 50 shows, two EPs, a host of international and national support slots and a passionate fan base captivating music lovers and makers alike. Playwrite create a wild and haunting wall of sound; animalistic and undeniably catchy. Through pounding drums, samples and swirling guitars come soaring lyrics and chants reminiscent of TV on the Radio, WHY? and Akron/Family. A fresh, dynamic and singular addition to the Melbourne live music scene, Playwrite are a band galvanised by their energy and musicianship. So bring along the loves of your lives to these shows that are not to be missed.
"IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE COLD-FOR-SUMMER WEATHER, BUT SEEING PLAYWRITE LIVE GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS" - Little Fish, JOYFM
“LIKE A SHAKE-N-BAKE WITH TV ON THE RADIO’S HEAVY LAYERS, RADIOHEAD’S ODD TIME SIGNATURES, AND FOR SOME REASON WE KEEP THINKING OF THE THEME SONG FROM BEATRIX POTTER’S THE TALES OF PETER RABBIT TV SERIES.” - Frankie Magazine

You can listen/purchase Playwrite's debut EP at

THE GOOD CHINA 8.30 - 9.00pm
PATINKA CHA CHA 9.15 - 10.00pm
PLAYWRITE 10.30 - 11.30pm
  ( link: http://www.playwriteband.com/music )

With her next musical mission Kate Vigo continues her cosmic journey through and outside of genres, calling upon her uncanny non-linear perception of time that allows her to see everything that was, is, or could be at the same time. Coming from an enriched musical platform Kate has unrelentingly launched herself at a vast array of projects, including a recent collaboration with Clare Bowditch. As no stranger to The Toff in Town Kate will bring her band together for an intimate evening with Special guests Adam Martin, The Tealeaves & Atalana.

ATLANTA 8.00 - 8.30pm
TEALEAVES 8.45 - 9.30pm
ADAM MARTIN 9.45 - 10.30pm
KATE VIGO 11pm - close  ( link: http://www.facebook.com/adammartinmusic.au )

Love Story, a night by 1928 - aka Adam Burnell, the man behind STROBE and Saturday nights at Eurotrash. Featuring 1928 with rotating guests Tranter, Rad Pitt (Beat TV), Megawuoti, Sleeves (Strobe) and many more, playing everything you love in club/electro/techno/indie/disco. The Toff in Town has been voted as one of the worlds Best Clubs in V Magazine (New York). The setting is literally wonderful and the venue has one of the best sound systems in Melbourne. Every Thursday from 11:30pm until 5am. Free entry every week. International and interstate guests monthly. You will love this night.  ( link: www.facebook.com/clublovestory )

DJs Prequel & Edd Fisher (Tomorrowland) provide a thought-provoking aural accompaniment to your inner city late night rendezvous at The Toff In Town Carriage.

Edd Fisher is a music collector, selector, DJ, producer & radio presenter. Not your average disc jockey, Edd is a graduate of Australia's premier music school WAAPA with a bachelor in Jazz Composition and presents a radio show (Tomorrowland) fortnightly on PBS106.7FM. Edd’s sets span a mixed bag of Rare-Groove, Funk, Soul, Future Beats, Disco, Hop Hop & Jazz. A fine selector across broad genres Edd's sound is a seamless blend of old and new creating a distinct and modern take on the dance floor.

DJ Prequel is the result of a record buying addiction, a fear of hairdressers and a secret love affair between Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman. From 45 Funk and Soul sets to Hip-Hop jams, you can find Prequel boppin’ along behind the Toff's DJ cage championing his unique blend of rare gems, original production and quality music past, present and future.  ( link: http://www.facebook.com/toffmidnightexpress )

PopRocks at The Toff every Friday from 9 playing no brainers, guilty pleasures, club classics and the best in Pop from Chuck Berry to Katy Perry and everything in between.
8 hours of hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s and 10s, including (but not limited to) Disco, Boogie, Rock, R&B, KPop, House, Club, Funk, Soul, Motown, New Wave, No Wave, Afrobeat, Reggae, Hip Hop, Rocksteady, Ska, Dancehall, AOR, MOR, DOR, oddball covers, Latin, Salsa, Cumbia, Bounce, Psych, Country, Jump Up Jungle, Jump Blues, Doo Wop, Soca, Mento, proper Electro, Miami Bass, Girl Groups, foreign language tunes, ESLs, Freestyle, Gangsta Shit, Gospel, Italo, Hi NRG, Jazz, Surf, Swing, Vegas tunes, Yacht Rock and maybe even a show-tune and / or a Power Ballad. All mixed and blended into the musical gumbo from hell. The party starts at 9.00pm and entry is always free!

Visit our playlist at www.facebook.com/ToffPopRocks and make a request.

FREE MUSIC!
It's free and contains lots of Friday night favs with everything from
Chuck Berry to Katy Perry.
Follow this link to our latest mix.
Enjoy!  ( link: http://www.mediafire.com/?y22egaka3zz8og2 )

To celebrate the release of their record YOUNG HEART, Perth-based Blanche DuBois are trekking across the nullarbor for this special show at The Toff in Town.
Blanche DuBois' music is a unique blend of sweet acoustic pop, tinged with a hint of country and a smattering of heart. It's the beauty in the ordinary, the every day.
Early reviews of the first single, THE WAR IN ME, go a little something like this…
""The harmonies and structures…have them heading somewhere more towards Bush or Bjork than the strum and reveal of the more typical Singer/Songwriter types."" DRUM MEDIA SYDNEY
""Capturing a breathy ache in the mould of former touring partner Sarah McLachlan, yet adding enough texture and depth to put a distinctive stamp upon this lovelorn ballad, this DuBois is stellar."" - RIP IT UP ADELAIDE  ( link: http://www.blanchedubois.com.au/ )

Disco is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. Its the overuse of the word that has leant people no glance at the glorious debauchery it once stood for. Luckily a small band of dancefloor dessi's are giving meaning back to the much overused & undermined term.... Step into The House de Frost: a weekly Saturday night at The Toff running into the wee hours of Sunday morning, a place where to dance is to live, the home of some of Melbourne's wildest parties and vogue balls, a place where you can indulge those curiosities you've always had but never acknowledged. With hourly shows from 2 of Melbourne's craziest club kids TYRA & EMMAN, guest dancers, performers, Disney on ice stars, you never really know what you're gonna get... apart from the music that is! The only place you can truly appreciate disco music the way it was made to be heard. The Toff boasts the best sound-system in Melbourne and exclusively plays vinyl tuned on a weekly basis by one of Melbourne's most adroit selectors. They say that backwards is the best way forward, and this is about as backward as you're gonna get!

‘Sisters for Sisters’ create an amazing night of music, dance, spoken word and creative expression from some of Melbourne’s leading ladies. This project is created by women for women, but we encourage all people to come support and enjoy this diverse and captivating event!
The money raised by Sisters for Sisters will fund a Women’s Wellness project within the Refugee Support Program at FLN. The purpose of the project is to strengthen the community by addressing the physical and emotional health issues faced by these women. Many females from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds complain of constant aches and pains in their body as well as high stress levels. Therefore we are looking to teach holistic methods to cope with stress and prevent further strains on the body, through gentle exercise and stretching.
The project will also give marginalized women the opportunity to meet other women in a positive social environment and build trusting relationships. This can help amend the isolation faced by many women within the refugee, asylum seeker and migrant community. The program will consist of weekly wellness classes such as yoga, tai chi or dance, encouraging improved health and well-being through gentle and fun exercise.  ( link: http://www.sisters-for-sisters.com/ )

"Sleeping on the shoulders of giants" is Timothy Cannon's first full-length album, a collaboration with the Melbourne-based dream team of Andrew Rostas, Stewart Taylor, Mark Leahy and Brad Jackson. Writing in the mold of David Gray, Bright Eyes and Steve Poltz, Timothy's tunes chart a course through the bitter and the sweet of life on this great big, spinning, satellite-planet of ours.

Sunday 12th February at the “Toff in Town” will be the final show of the band’s 2012 east coast album tour.
  ( link: http://www.facebook.com/timothycannon.music )

The Shelf - The comedy show that returns to the stage while avoiding TV.

The first season of The Shelf was a huge success with sold out shows witnessing some of the best comedians in the country doing what they love most: cracking gags! No faux journalism was trotted out! No reality TV personalities were allowed through the door! Instead each show presented some of your favourite comedians in new lights and introduced new comedians to a bigger stage.
These are some of the highlights from Season 1:
Wil Anderson flying down from Sydney for a hysterical “chat” with hosts Justin Hamilton and Adam Richard.
Gatesy breaking free from the Tripod shackles to sing “Untopical Topical” songs.
Tony Martin surprising everyone by hitting the stage to sing his parody of “Down Town” changing the lyrics to “Snow Town.”
Tegan Higginbotham each week giving us a blow-by-blow description of her professional boxing debut.
European Man taking over the show whenever he felt like it.
Headline acts Denise Scott, Tom Gleeson, Lehmo and Peter Helliar tearing it up.
Jo Stanley staying up well beyond her bedtime to play “The Shelf Quiz Show”.
Every show was a new event and this season is going to be no exception. A three-week season will see Dave Callan, Felicity Ward and Cal Wilson headline and all your favourite regulars will be returning with some extra special guests to still be announced. Hosted by Justin Hamilton and Adam Richard, this will be the show that will get you excited for the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The Shelf returns with premium comedy and is proud to be situated at The Toff, a first-class venue that offers up a room perfect for this performance with cabaret style seating or standing room at the bar.
Guests can trundle down after work, grab a cocktail and chow down a meal before the show. Keeping in mind it’s a school night, The Shelf will wrap up the madness by 10pm giving you the white flag to kick on or kick off.
The bar next door serves drinks and tapas well into the evening so you can choose your own adventure. A short, sharp and shiny season two runs for 3 weeks and leaves you counting down the days until season 3 commences.  ( link: https://www.facebook.com/theshelfcomedy )

February is the month to celebrate our love of life, music and each other with the band who do nothing but just that..
After only nine months together, it's safe to say that Melbourne band Playwrite have accomplished quite a lot in that time. After nearly 50 shows, two EPs, a host of international and national support slots and a passionate fan base captivating music lovers and makers alike. Playwrite create a wild and haunting wall of sound; animalistic and undeniably catchy. Through pounding drums, samples and swirling guitars come soaring lyrics and chants reminiscent of TV on the Radio, WHY? and Akron/Family. A fresh, dynamic and singular addition to the Melbourne live music scene, Playwrite are a band galvanised by their energy and musicianship. So bring along the loves of your lives to these shows that are not to be missed.

"IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE COLD-FOR-SUMMER WEATHER, BUT SEEING PLAYWRITE LIVE GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS" - Little Fish, JOYFM
“LIKE A SHAKE-N-BAKE WITH TV ON THE RADIO’S HEAVY LAYERS, RADIOHEAD’S ODD TIME SIGNATURES, AND FOR SOME REASON WE KEEP THINKING OF THE THEME SONG FROM BEATRIX POTTER’S THE TALES OF PETER RABBIT TV SERIES.” - Frankie Magazine

You can listen/purchase Playwrite's debut EP at  ( link: http://www.playwriteband.com/music )

The brainchild of 22-year-old Trevor Powers, YOUTH LAGOON produces beautiful melancholy melodies. Debut album “The Year of Hibernation” draws from the dark depths of Powers’ struggles with anxiety, love, heartbreak and, well, life.
The eerily nostalgic undertones of this haunting collection draw happy comparisons with James Blake, Caribou and Radiohead without being derivative. For Powers the act of writing is cathartic, allowing him to reflect on himself.
“The title of the record describes its world. These are songs about alternately hunkering down and hiding, and heading out into the world to explore and report back on what you've found. Powers is very much an innocent here, a kid with an ear for poetry who mixes striking images with the occasional groaner.” 8.4/10 Pitchfork.com
“Delivered in a frail squawk recalling Seattle singer-songwriter Perfume Genius, his coming-of-age songs carve intuitive, idiosyncratic paths (spidery guitar, buzzing electronics) to mountaintop indie-rock catharsis.” Spin
"Youth Lagoon isn't me," says Powers. "It's merely a part of me. I was in and out of different bands in high school and always tried to define myself by what music I played. I tried to find a sense of meaning by being in a band. But it wasn't until this last year - when I realised I was more than just music - that I was able to create music that means something to me. And that is Youth Lagoon. "
“It is both a captivating listen and a terrifying one: Powers was 22 this year, but his voice carries all the experience of a man thrice his age.” 8/10 BBC Music
Translated to a live arena, YOUTH LAGOON is mesmerizing. Joined on stage by guitarist Logan Hyde the tracks come to life in full. They will be joined on tour by 2012 triple j Next Crop Artist Oliver Tank whose creative soundscapes have seen him nominated for an FBi SMAC Award and win a trip to Iceland as part of their Northern Lights Competition where he performed at Iceland Airwaves Festival.
“The Year of Hibernation” is out now through Spunk.  ( link: http://youthlagoon.blogspot.com/ )

Two of the country’s most exciting & fresh emerging bands THE DEAD LEAVES & ENOLA FALL will be hitting the East Coast together in February 2012.
After impressing audiences at festivals over summer, & success with their radio single ‘If The Shoe Fits’, The Dead Leaves have a new single titled ‘Ordinary Lot’ and will lead into the bands’ forthcoming album Cities On The Sea, which was produced by Scott Horscroft (The Presets, Birds of Tokyo, The Panics) and Eric J Dubowsky (Art vs Science, Weezer), to be released in February. News.com has named The Dead Leaves as one of the 12 best new acts to to watch in 2012: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/twelve-new-acts-to-watch-in-2012/story-e6frfn09-1226224099633
Ostensibly isolated in Hobart, but uniquely switched on, Enola Fall write songs that sound a little like The Arcade Fire, a little like Tom Waits… and absolutely nothing at all like either of them.
Following on from supports with The Jezabels, Sparkadia, & Kisschasy, sets at the Falls and Peats Ridge Festivals and several tours around the country, Enola Fall are about to release their brand new single Lions, and accompanying EP.
As Rave Review puts it… “They certainly are the best thing to come out of Tasmania in a very long time (possibly ever).”
Don’t miss your chance to see these bands together in what will be a great show, and what is just the beginning of something special to come for both bands
  ( link: https://www.facebook.com/thedeadleavesmusic )

Crafted over six years on his home computer, ex-Deloris singer-songwriter Marcus Teague self-recorded one of the year’s most haunting albums. Absurdly titled in his own name, the record traced stories of split identities, learned reflections and obtuse characters in unfamiliar places. [The result was] a uniquely beautiful record; a humble snapshot of six years of one man’s life told with nearly unrivalled sincerity and eloquence. – Mess+Noise, End of Year Critics Poll 2011 (#8)

Single Twin's first headline show since a national tour in August 2011, Teague and band will bring his acclaimed debut to life in five-piece band mode. Mystery support comes from one of Australia's most celebrated artists.  ( link: http://www.singletwin.bandcamp.com/ )

The Shelf - The comedy show that returns to the stage while avoiding TV.

The first season of The Shelf was a huge success with sold out shows witnessing some of the best comedians in the country doing what they love most: cracking gags! No faux journalism was trotted out! No reality TV personalities were allowed through the door! Instead each show presented some of your favourite comedians in new lights and introduced new comedians to a bigger stage.
These are some of the highlights from Season 1:
Wil Anderson flying down from Sydney for a hysterical “chat” with hosts Justin Hamilton and Adam Richard.
Gatesy breaking free from the Tripod shackles to sing “Untopical Topical” songs.
Tony Martin surprising everyone by hitting the stage to sing his parody of “Down Town” changing the lyrics to “Snow Town.”
Tegan Higginbotham each week giving us a blow-by-blow description of her professional boxing debut.
European Man taking over the show whenever he felt like it.
Headline acts Denise Scott, Tom Gleeson, Lehmo and Peter Helliar tearing it up.
Jo Stanley staying up well beyond her bedtime to play “The Shelf Quiz Show”.
Every show was a new event and this season is going to be no exception. A three-week season will see Dave Callan, Felicity Ward and Cal Wilson headline and all your favourite regulars will be returning with some extra special guests to still be announced. Hosted by Justin Hamilton and Adam Richard, this will be the show that will get you excited for the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The Shelf returns with premium comedy and is proud to be situated at The Toff, a first-class venue that offers up a room perfect for this performance with cabaret style seating or standing room at the bar.
Guests can trundle down after work, grab a cocktail and chow down a meal before the show. Keeping in mind it’s a school night, The Shelf will wrap up the madness by 10pm giving you the white flag to kick on or kick off.
The bar next door serves drinks and tapas well into the evening so you can choose your own adventure. A short, sharp and shiny season two runs for 3 weeks and leaves you counting down the days until season 3 commences.  ( link: http://hwww.facebook.com/theshelfcomedy )

February is the month to celebrate our love of life, music and each other with the band who do nothing but just that..
After only nine months together, it's safe to say that Melbourne band Playwrite have accomplished quite a lot in that time. After nearly 50 shows, two EPs, a host of international and national support slots and a passionate fan base captivating music lovers and makers alike. Playwrite create a wild and haunting wall of sound; animalistic and undeniably catchy. Through pounding drums, samples and swirling guitars come soaring lyrics and chants reminiscent of TV on the Radio, WHY? and Akron/Family. A fresh, dynamic and singular addition to the Melbourne live music scene, Playwrite are a band galvanised by their energy and musicianship. So bring along the loves of your lives to these shows that are not to be missed.

"IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE COLD-FOR-SUMMER WEATHER, BUT SEEING PLAYWRITE LIVE GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS" - Little Fish, JOYFM
“LIKE A SHAKE-N-BAKE WITH TV ON THE RADIO’S HEAVY LAYERS, RADIOHEAD’S ODD TIME SIGNATURES, AND FOR SOME REASON WE KEEP THINKING OF THE THEME SONG FROM BEATRIX POTTER’S THE TALES OF PETER RABBIT TV SERIES.” - Frankie Magazine

You can listen/purchase Playwrite's debut EP at  ( link: http://www.playwriteband.com/music )

If Jason Lytle learnt anything from nearly 15 years at the helm of Grandaddy – the Modesto, California quintet whose celebrated five-album run started as a project in Lytle's bedroom and took him around the world – it's that he's just not cut out to be a 21st century pop star. There were triumphs, no doubt - they toured the world, created a technological dystopian classic with 2000's The Sophtware Slump, shared stages with Elliott Smith, and talked shop with David Bowie when he turned up at their shows. But Lytle was a poor fit for life in a breakthrough indie rock franchise. Touring was endured more than enjoyed, and he often found himself wishing he was biking or skateboarding, staring into hiking magazines while the band was trapped in the cycle of sitting on cigarette stained couches, filling sweaty clubs, and hauling ass to a new city every night. By the time he was writing 2006's Just Like the Fambly Cat, he knew it was over, that the machine had simply lost its momentum, its gears too clogged with years of frustration, substance abuse, and diminishing returns. His choice became clear: he needed to go somewhere else and start over completely. He needed to go to Montana.
"When I was living in Modesto, I had fallen into a number of ruts," he says from his home in Bozeman, the fifth-largest city in the sparsely populated state. "I pulled myself away from everything that I knew too well or had become too comfortable with. I had to shake things up, in my head and in my surroundings. And being within immediate proximity of the mountains and lots of remote back country, I tend to figure things out. That's something that I'd definitely lost the ability to do. There are a lot less negative distractions. There was a sketchy story or a ghost on every corner in Modesto for me. I was really allowed to reinvent a chunk of myself living here in a good way," he says plainly. "I've gotten rid of a lot of the bad stuff."
The meticulously arranged electronic textures and emotionally raw performances serve as mementos, from solemn piano ballads ("Flying Thru Canyons") to rollicking rejoinders ("It's the Weekend"). But while the sonics are similar, the spirit of performance is slightly different, alternating between defiance and vulnerability. As queasy as he is about releasing albums under his own name, being solely accountable for his future has its benefits. This time around, he can book his tour stops around hiking trips and skateboarding parks.
"I'm pretty much just putting myself out there," he concludes. "I wrote all the songs, I engineered the whole thing, I recorded it, I played all the instruments - this is what I do. Grandaddy was one thing, but it started from this bigger thing that I do. So, in a way, it's kind of coming back around full circle," he says with a thoughtful pause. "I just have better equipment than I did 15 years ago."  ( link: www.jasonlytle.com )

In support of National SLAM day (www.slamrally.org) The Toff in Town is proud to present a massive night of Melbourne's most chaotic cosmic freedom power punk featuring THE UV RACE, BITCH PREFECT and REPAIRS.

THE UV RACE have provided Melbourne's most sophisticated ear-bleeders with almost five years of high times, donating souls to the service of sensual power punk erotica, all in the name of FREEDOM and love of MURDER PUNK, Bill Murray, Vom, and genitalia.

Joining them on the night will be Adelaide's studious raw pop power merchants BITCH PREFECT and the psychotic electronic punk revenge symphony of REPAIRS.  ( link: http://www.facebook.com/theuvrace )

In a cracker start to 2012 for Dancing Heals, starting with performances at St Kilda Festival and Adelaide's Fuse Festival, the Melbourne-based four-piece will launch their their double-a side single, “Live & Learn” and “Hillary May”at The Toff in Town on Saturday, February 25th.
The Heals have put together a killer line-up with special guests Them Swoops and Hayden Calnin and tunes played in between sets by 3RRR’s Simon Winkler.
After stealing hearts with their previous single, “Diamonds”, Dancing Heals will reveal the vocal talent of Daniel Trakell when they release their first double-a single, with each track featuring one of the band’s two main singers.

Fresh out of the studio, having completed production on their debut album, Dancing Heals have selected two live favourites as their next release: the soaring power-pop song “Live & Learn” which sees Trakell take over the role of lead singer, that is for the most part, occupied by the charismatic Jon-Lee Farrell, whose vocals are the main feature of the double-a track, a charming folk ditty titled “Hillary May” (already named ""Single of the Year"" in Beat magazine, when its demo was doing the rounds on line).  ( link: www.dancingheals.net )

Phew! Someone get this band a beer. After what has been a cracking Summer Last Dinosaurs are in the mood to shake it off and throw a serious party. Or three.
It started with first single ‘Zoom’ shooting to #2 most played at triple j and hitting #4 on We Are Hunted. Then it was their graphic-storm video that was crowned Channel [V]’s Ripe Clip and scored over 80,000 views on Youtube throughout the festive season. Now the band are about to hit the road on a national sold out tour with the hottest band in the world, Foster The People.
To round it all off Last Dinosaurs’ anticipated album debut “In A Million Years” is set for release in a matter of weeks. Suffice to say the band is looking to share a few hi-fives, group hugs and rounds of drinks.
Last Dinosaurs are looking to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to unleash their debut album “In a Million Years”. The Toff in Melbourne, Spectrum in Sydney and Oh Hello in Brisbane will host the string of launch nights. To help the band kick up a storm Dinos are releasing a very limited amount of tickets for fans, so they can join in the good times with them.
The week of parties will end with the release of “In A Million Years” on Friday 2nd March, but if all this fun is just too far away, never fear. Last Dinosaurs have put together a tidy pre-sale that will make the wait a little easier. Head to http://www.lastdinosaurspreorder.com to pre-order now and you’ll have yourself a copy of 'Zoom' for free straight away. To make it all a little sweeter, all pre-orders have the chance to win a Last Dinosaurs custom Deus Cycleworks bike, valued at $3,000.
They’ve also put together a bit of a bundle, where you can grab yourself a ticket to one of these launch shows and also pre-order of “In A Million Years” for only $10.99. All bundle purchases will also go into the draw to win the Last Dinosaurs designed Deus Cycleworks bike.
Tickets for Last Dinosaurs’ “In a Million Years” launch parties will go on sale on Monday 23rd January. Their track ‘Zoom’ is digitally out now. Their debut album “In A Million Years” will be out via Dew Process / Universal on Friday 2nd March, 2012. It is also available for pre-order now via iTunes.  ( link: http://www.lastdinosaurspreorder.com/ )

The fakes Sudden Radiance and Fantastic Collapse For Melbourne Shoegaze/ Electro Pop band the fakes; 2012 has marked the release of their second album "Sudden Radiance and Fantastic Collapse." Taking three years to write and record; and featuring guest appearances by several international artists; the fakes; prior to a Uk relocation mid year; will bring it's XX; Warpaint; Portishead and classic 90's shoegaze sounds to life in this showcase event at the Toff in Town on February 29th. Gorgeous female vocals; wall of sound guitar; dark beats and electronica layered around instantly memorable songs; "Sudden Radiance and Fantastic Collapse has started making it's presence felt as it filters it's way through the countries radio airwaves. Supporting the fakes will be Eden Mulholland; whose song "Shanty Town has been receiving rotation on triple J. Eden is also singer and writer for pop group Motocade, who regularly tour overseas and recently showcased in New York as part of CMJ festival. Trouble Man is a new band hitting the live scene. The brainchild of producer Daniel Garrood; Trouble man play soulful, beat heavy synth/guitar pop that explodes in the ear drums and lingers well after the first play, Prince meets Bloc Part meets the Beach Boys.  ( link: http://www.myspace.com/thefakes )

Special guests: Sugarcraft and DJ-O
In September 2011, Australian soul singer/songwriter Ray Mann relocated to Berlin and began recording and releasing his new album Sketches, online, one track at a time. Instead of disappearing for 12 months and then resurfacing with a finished album, Ray is completing each song - and its accompanying video - online, month-to-month, with audience participation. 12 songs, 12 months.
Check it: www.ray-mann.com
In a time of huge transition in the music industry, Ray has decided to make the most of the fact that artists and audiences are experimenting with how they create and consume music, how they interact online and how multimedia affects and can influence this. The themes of ‘Change’ and ‘Reinvention’ are core to The Sketches Project: a framework in which Ray is not only creating and releasing his new music, but rethinking the way he does it – literally in front of his audience.
Sketches Volume 1
Bar the exception of run of 200 x limited edition promotional copies, Sketches vol. 1 is a digital-only EP that collects the first three tracks from this innovative, ongoing project. Namely, Showya (- a simple, seductive slow-jam that nods to Curtis Mayfield and The Tempations, Babylon - a stripped-back, deconstructed rhythm section propels this song forward in fits and starts – we may not speak the same language anymore, but we can still dance (Right?) and Who’s Loving You, a rowdy garage-soul protest song for the broken-hearted.
The next 3 songs recorded will be released as Sketches Volume # 2 early next year, Sketches Volume # 3 will follow mid next year - and so forth. Clip For Track #3 Who’s Loving You from Sketches Vol 1: http://vimeo.com/31762229
Sketches – From Conception to Completion
When Ray moved to Berlin, he also moved onto the internet. Using the theme of change, with input from the audience via Ray-Mann.com, Facebook and Twitter, Ray is single-handedly crafting each song and its accompanying music video from rough demo to finished product via live updates. Check out www.ray-mann.com for details or, how it works in his own words;
Each month I pose a new question about ‘Change‘. I post my initial, raw musical + visual response (my ‘Sketch’), and then develop it into a finished song + video by the end of that month. You can watch each new song + video evolve over the course of each month – or you can join in.
1. New Song + Video Every Month – Free.
Each ‘Sketch’ is audio AND visual. On day Three of each month, a new song by The Ray Mann Three will be released on Vimeo, streaming for free. The accompanying video might be anything: a drawing, a photograph, who knows? Both audio and visual will be a work-in-progress, and will change throughout that month – a “sketch” being developed.
2. My Ideas + Ray’s Music = Sketches
Got an idea for how the song should look? Send me a sketch of your own: a visual response to each song, and I’ll use it as the “video” for that song – remember, it doesn’t need to be a video; any visual thing that can be emailed or uploaded. Or, if you’re more audio-inclined, you can remix the song – “sketch” music of your own using elements of mine (stems will be available for download once each song is ‘completed’).
3. What are these Sketches about?
Each song + video is a different idea about or response to Change, and each song will be accompanied by a question about change (eg. “What’s something you can do now that you couldn’t do 5 years ago?”) – and your response can be something visual or musical. Anything goes.
ps. Sketches is not an Album
… but it might be one day. In the meantime, it’s an experiment in releasing music, making art, and connection between me and you. I’ll be working this out as I go along, and I hope to work this out with you – like a Q & A where we both suggest answers.  ( link: https://www.facebook.com/events/140257509417301 )

Secret Sounds is delighted to present LANA DEL REY on her first Australian tour in early 2012.
It's been a stellar year for this captivating New York native, whose breakout track 'Video Games' has amassed almost 10 million Youtube views and reached #1 on iTunes in 9 countries. Forthcoming single 'Born To Die' www.youtube.com/LanaDelRey appears to be on a similar trajectory, having hit over half a million views just a week after its appearance online.
Possessed of a hypnotic voice, beguiling persona and buckets of old-world charm, LANA DEY REY is a uniquely talented artist with all the makings of a bona-fide star. These intimate shows promise to be a highlight of the musical year. Don't miss them.

"There's something real, and rather special, here." The Guardian
'A flawless performance" GQ Magazine

"It’s impossible to deny that hers are great songs, full of character and personality and uniqueness that no-one else is conjuring right now " NME

LANA DEL REY's debut album Born to Die is out 3 February 2012.  ( link: http://lanadelrey.com/ )

“Decayed” is a journey through the immortality of music.
This intimate setting presented by the In Deep Music Archive also showcases Tiare’s debut shows playing songs from her two evocative EP’s The Inconsolable Isolation Of Intimacy and Black Unicorn. Conjurers of darkness in Tiare’s band are Producer/Musican David Skeet, multi-instrumentalist Craig Wilson and MWP.
This is also an opportunity for anyone that wishes to donate any records, CD’s, Cassettes or music new or old in any format including books, magazines and battered tubas to The In Deep Music Archive to do so at the shows. Go here for more info: www.facebook.com/pages/In-Deep-Music Archive/156942547687842  ( link: http://www.martywillsonpiper.net/ )

Melbourne Septet The Bon Scotts play a unique brand of folk-pop full of sarcastic rebellions, sweet melodies, arresting percussion, resonant catch-cries and sing-along choruses. Theirs is an infectious blend of playful cynicism and youthful fancy, laced with irony and hype, unconventional hooks and a distinct, eclectic sound that has won over audiences nationwide.

Their 2012 summer tour will promote the second single off their album 'We will all Die at the hands of CGI', which has received outstanding reviews nationally. Catch the launch of their new single 'Let's Do What the Catholic's Do' at The Toff with very special guests, Tessa and the Typecasts and Yeo.  ( link: http://www.thebonscotts.com/ )

The extraordinary Krystle Warren returns to captivate our hearts and minds once again
FROM RECENT ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION WAY TO BLUE:
“The deep, smoky, boundless voice of Paris-based soul singer Krystle Warren was the revelation of the show. She breathed a heart-stopping I Was Made to Love Magic unaccompanied, and earthed many a pitch-perfect harmony chorus.” The Age
“Krystle Warren… you should really give her a listen. You won’t believe what you’re hearing – she’s amazing.” K.D. Lang
“Warren's voice is an extraordinary instrument, murmuring with tenderness at times, growling with intensity at others. It vividly recalls Nina Simone in its depth and smokiness, as well as John Martyn and (Jeff) Buckley in terms of virtuosic variety.” The Guardian
For immediate release – The enigmatic and gifted folk-jazz-soul singer and songwriter Krystle Warren – one of the revelatory highlights of the recent concert event “Way to Blue: The Songs of Nick Drake” is returning to Australia very soon to wow audiences all over again.
Existing Australian fans and newer converts alike can catch Krystle in March 2012 at her own headline shows (as well as the support for folk-blues troubadour Eric Bibb). Krystle will perform at the Blue Mountains Music Festival, Port Fairy Festival, MossVale Music Festival, and the Brunswick Music Festival.
Krystle Warren burst upon English audiences with a show-stealing performance on the Jools Holland Later program in October 2009, around the same time she was receiving serious plaudits from Rufus Wainwright and kd lang. She repeated the trick at the Barbican’s Jazz Voice concert in the London Jazz Festival; “Songs of Grace and Danger – The Songs of John Martyn” curated by Danny Thompson.
She’s also now an honorary member of the extended Wainwright/McGarrigle/Thompson clan having played at Kate McGarrigle tribute shows in London and New York; and of course the Nick Drake “Way To Blue” posse with shows across the UK, Italy and very recently Australia. Last summer she featured alongside Rufus Wainwright and Kylie at the third annual Watermill Center Concert in the Hamptons – and she recently supported Joan As Police Woman on her UK tour.
Music critics instantly “get” Krystle too: As The Independent said, “There are elements of Nina Simone and Joan Armatrading in folk-jazz singer Krystle Warren's voice, and even Dusty at her dustiest.” While our own SMH said following the Way To Blue Sydney Opera House performance: “However, it was Warren, with a voice that has some of the character of Nina Simone and the buoyancy of a young Aretha Franklin, who regularly stilled the room".
There’s just something alluringly familiar about Krystle Warren. She instantly sounds classic, like a highly-regarded veteran .Much of her strength is down to the assured quality of her voice, which sashays elegantly among the hidden corridors linking jazz, blues, folk, funk and pop without a trace of self-consciousness and has you instinctively grasping for elusive comparisons. Tracy Chapman, Nina Simone, Joan Armatrading, Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux and Erykah Badu spring lazily to mind, but Warren really does have a distinctively forthright style of her own.
Originally from Kansas City, she served her apprenticeship busking in New York and Paris. Her original songs and soulful, husky singing brought her to the attention of the Paris-based Because label, home to Manu Chao and Amadou and Mariam, resulting in the release of her debut album Circles. “We are certainly in the presence of a mighty talent”, attested Colin Irwin of the BBC at the time.
Uncut Magazine echoed the sentiment saying: “Warren’s thrilling debut fully lives up to expectations….It’s all uncontrived and near faultless, really.”
‘LOVE SONGS. A Time You May Embrace’ is the title of the new CD from Krystle Warren & the Faculty available in Australia February via Planet/MGM Distribution.
Australian audiences are in for a real treat – let yourself be swept away by the intelligent, captivating, and wholly remarkable sound of Krystle Warren.  ( link: http://www.krystlewarren.com/ )

"Fusing unique instrumentation with a soulful and sometimes playful voice, Ben Sollee defies convention."
- World Cafe Live
“Cellist Ben Sollee is like Andrew Bird with a little more soul, or Arthur Russell with a bit more bounce.” Lost At E Minor
Ben is a genre-bending cellist and vocalist known for his percussive playing style, genre hopping songwriting, wide appeal, and political activism. His music incorporates banjo, guitar, percussion and unusual cello techniques to create a unique mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz and R&B.
Ben Sollee seeks to intertwine his music with art and life. The theme of Inclusions is large, humanistic and universal – how relationships influence us all whether intentional or not.

“This guy has it all: the singing, the playing, the songwriting. Here's hoping the world is wise enough to welcome his music with open arms.”
– Silas House for No Depression

As one reviewer has stated, he 'plays it like a rock star'; alternatively picking and bowing it so that it sounds like any number of different instruments. He also has a beautiful, soulful voice and a wonderful sense of pop melody, and proof of his virtuosity is on the fact that he has played alongside BELA FLECK. All this combined makes for the most uniquely talented young artist in acoustic circles today.
In addition to his activist work in regards to Mountain Top Removal coal mining (a cause recently taken up by Emmylou Harris as well), Ben is also known to go on bicyle tours - he cycles from town to town - to bring attention to his country's over-reliance on the motor vehicle (a theme also refelcted in the wonderful 'Bury Me In My Car'). This is one seriously motivated young man.
Ben was named one of NPR's “Top Ten Unknown Artists of the Year" a couple of years ago, and is now on his way to be coming one of the most influential young musicians in American music.
  ( link: http://www.bensollee.com/ )

“On the strength of their debut mini album, East London’s ahab could be the alt-country’s Mumford & Sons. kmvt is packed with bright, tight four- part harmonies, galloping drums and clever guitars and piano”
Q Magazine
"ahab is the real deal, top-notch UK Americana featuring tight four-piece harmonies."
Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 2

"I loved ahab's terrific performance at Cropredy festival. They are blistering live - alt-country edge and sheer class."
Bob Harris BBC Radio 2

Following the release of their 2009 CD a.h.a.b. and a YouTube video of them busking, ahab were invited to play Fairport Convention's Cropredy Festival. 'Whispering' Bob Harris watched them storm the 15,000 strong crowd from the side of the stage and invited them there and then to record a session for his Saturday night BBC Radio 2 programme.

In February 2011 ahab played their first national UK tour comprising of over 20 shows with most of the dates selling out in advance.

In April 2011 ahab recorded a 5 track EP, 'kmvt' at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, with John Leckie (Stone Roses, Simple Minds, Rodrigo y Gabriela) at the helm. 'kmvt' was released on Navigator Records in autumn 2011. BBC Radio 2 enthusiastically supported the key track "Wish You" with regular prime time plays. ‘kmvt’ was rush released into Scandinavian territories and "Wish You" was playlisted on Denmark's national radio station, NPR4.

Ahab wrapped up 2011 with an 18 show sell-out UK tour with label-mates, Bellowhead.  ( link: http://ahabofficial.com/ )

Atrophy is the first single from Melbourne band DEJA's anticipated debut album. Created in the band's home studio and mixed by renowned producer Scott Horscroft, the song takes its cues from the forefront of electronic/pop music from around the globe. A haunting marriage of dark vocals and growling bass lines over a galloping beat, Atrophy explores the themes of fear, death and loss.

With the help of filmmaker Josh Harris, the band has also created a music video that expresses the idea of ultimate optimism in the face of the unknown.
DEJA will be celebrating the release of the single and film clip with the help of good friends Smoking Toddlers and Yuko Nishiyama at The Toff Band Room on the 18th of March.  ( link: http://www.dejatheband.com/ )

Sabrina & the Red Vans launch their debut album ‘Cheap Romance’ at the Toff in Town on April Fools 2012.
The Red Vans are a first class line-up headed by Melbourne’s Sabrina Sandapa; nominee for best female vocalist at the Los Angeles Music Awards (2007), 1st place in the Folk/Acoustic sector of the Australian Songwriting Contest (2009), and winner of the 2007 Coke a Cola live and local unsigned competition.
Lead guitarist Greg Whitehead, backing vocalist and bassist Suzanne Kinsella and drummer Teal Bain- Roben come together as the Red Vans, an exceptional line up enabling Sabrina to expand her creative vision for her music and earn an outstanding reputation as a must see live act.
Supported by the Matt Green Band…
…a nice way to spend a Sunday night on the first day of April.
  ( link: http://www.sabrinaandtheredvans.com/ )

“The reason man created stringed instruments. David touched them with a lover’s fingers and they moaned that true love right back to him. Wood and wire and flesh spoke.” – Jerry Jeff Walker
He’s played with everyone, he’s toured everywhere, he can lead a raucous big band or hold an audience silent with a solo acoustic blues and now he’s heading our way! DAVID picked up a guitar at 13 and has since become a first-call “hired gun” guitarist for recording sessions, intimately playing on hundreds of records by artists including BOB DYLAN ( New Morning, Self Portrait, Dylan ), LINK WRAY, THE EAGLES, RINGO STARR, WILLIE NELSON and CARLY SIMON. It wasn’t long before his solo work took off as a multi instrumentalist and grew into the DAVID BROMBERG BIG BAND. 2011 saw the release his latest album Use Me which has re-affirmed his place amongst the greats. The album collaborating with and being produced by friends like fellow BLUESFEST artists, JOHN HIATT & KEB’ MO’ as well as LEVON HELM, LOS LOBOS, TIM O’BRIEN, VINCE GILL, WIDESPREAD PANIC, DR. JOHN and LINDA RONSTADT.

“BROMBERG is simply one of the finest musicians you’ll ever hear . . . the guests here are big fun...but it’s BROMBERG’s brilliant playing, and the inherent sense of humour embedded in most of the tunes, that make it beyond special. An artist who is the embodiment of the phrase “worldclass musician” Bromberg does not disappoint.” –Daily Freeman, NY
Come and hear wood and wire and flesh speak as one of the great multi-instrumentalists and genuine session players performs around Australia for the first time.  ( link: http://www.davidbromberg.net/ )

Irish troubadour James Vincent McMorrow makes his maiden voyage to Australia this April to introduce his remarkable solo talent. Alongside debut performances at Bluesfest, McMorrow will set out on an east coast run with stops in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. No novice to the stage, James has already captured audiences throughout Europe and USA with his passionate, pop
oriented folk, including the UK where his spot on last year’s Glastonbury lineup had many new fans witness his magic. His self recorded album “Early In The Morning” platforms his musical integrity and genuine talent with hypnotic lyrics inspired by life, love and literature.
James Vincent McMorrow’s live show is a hushed and reverential affair, each show met with pin drop silence as people are mesmerised by every word and syllable. It will not always be this way however, James shares his future and tells us his dream for a much grander affair that includes a full band in tow when he visits here again. “Playing on my own right now is beautiful because it allows me to connect on a very primitive level, but I’d like to be in a place soon where I can be surrounded with friends on stage to share this with me.”
James Vincent McMorrow’s “Early In the Morning” is released via Dew Process on Friday, March 2nd. Shows go on sale this Monday, February 6th. For a limited time only, fans have the chance to download his album for just $10.99 with tickets purchased online.
Listen to the album “Early In The Morning” streaming here jamesvincentmcmorrow.com.au
“Sounds both fresh and as if they’ve been in your head forever…McMorrow’s debut deserves its success.” – Q Magazine
“A captivating debut… An arresting journey from emotional trials to aural pleasure.” – Uncut ★★★★
  ( link: www.jamesvmcmorrow.com )