By: Crimson Cookie

CC: how many years have you been playing together?

MW: Midnight Woolf the band, has been playing around for about six years, but we have changed many memebers.

CC: Did any of you belong to another band before you formed Midnight Woolf?

MW: I was living in Spain untill three years ago and played in a couple of bands over there.... The Chewbaccas', an instumental surf band, Psycho a go go, Negative Waves, Extension 333 and Muffcake back in the day in Melbourn; I'm also now playing drums for Intoxica. Midnight Woolf the person played in Magic Dirt and Muffcake, he also plays now in River of Snakes. Tom el Furioso played for a while in Muffcake and some other country bands, I don't know the name of; Dante Gabriele played in Silence Dead Silence and the High times with Matt Sonic.

CC: Where have you been touring lately?

MW: Of late, we have just been enjoying playing around town and writing new songs for our next album, soon to be released, so we haven't been touring much. We'll be heading off to Europe next year some time after we get the record out.

CC: It is incredible how the band is able to incorporate Fuzzhound’s artistic abilities within the personality of the band. How was that idea formulated?

MW: Well, I've always drawn for the bands I've played in, and I really like to draw horror and stupid stuff ... Most bands try to give an impression of being hard arses and tough and serious... I find that really lame and boring... I rather have fun stuff....My brother also does some of the posters and our ex drummer did some too!

CC: how would you describe your music?

MW: Simple Primitive Rock 'n' Roll.

CC: When can fans expect the release of you next album?

MW: Well hopefully early next year... we have just written a whole batch of new songs, all we need to do now is record 'em, the good thing is, it doesn't take months to mix or produce our stuff, we pretty much know what we want and how to get it... so it's a pretty simple procedure.

CC: Any exciting ventures coming your way in the near future?

MW: Yeah every day is exciting... and playing dirty grimmy rock 'n' roll is the best!

Catch Midnight Woolf playing in the Bootleg show at Red Bennies November 26th.

By: Crimson Cookie

CC: You are not only an actress, dancer and singer, but you are also a writer! What styles of writing interest you and what do you enjoy to write?

MN: I’ve always had a penchant for the dark side of life and exploring the depths of that through my writing. When I was 11 years old my mother gave me a copy of ‘Flowers in the Attic,’ a gothic horror novel filled with sex, violence, incest, rape, murder and all sorts of goodies that everyone is fascinated with but no one ever really wants to delve into. That’s where I reside…I’m not interested in the fuzzy and shallow, sugar-coated prettiness of existence. I like to get inside the core of people’s souls and poke around in those shadowed corners where fear, lust, love and hate hide. I’ll drag my readers kicking and screaming into their own subconscious if I have to…but I can play nice if it suits the occasion. There’s something to be said for comedy and fun- those little sugar-coated cookies laced with arsenic I read about at 11.

CC: How does it feel to be the 2010 regular addition of ‘Burlesque Bar’? Discuss.

MN: Hehe, the same way it felt last year and probably a little like the way it’s gonna feel in 2011. I trotted in their upon request in mid-June 2009 to sing a cabaret song for a show, and am now Entertainment Manager, PR & Marketing, website and flyer designer, facebook guru and for all intents and purposes-according to the bar’s directors- the ‘face’ of the Burlesque Bar. It’s kind of disturbing when you think about it, there’s some pretty nice faces out there and they went and chose mine. But it’s an honour and a privilege that I don’t take lightly…they’ve given me a kingdom and allowed me to create with them a decadent little world that is rare in this day and age…how could a girl say no?

CC: Is it difficult to read or hear about your acts often being quite controversial? Discuss. 

MN: It never ceases to amaze me that people find what I say and do controversial- more from the perspective that I’ve been so desensitised to most things in life that nothing really shocks me any more, so I’m surprised when it shocks others. Regardless, it’s not really why I do or say things. I’m no Lady Gaga wearing an outfit made of meat for a publicity stunt, I like to have meaning and purpose behind whatever I say or do. When creating shows for Atrocity- Burlesque and Cabaret du Grand Guignol, the focus is not so much on  ‘what can we do to shock people,’ but ‘what are we trying to say, what message are we trying to convey and what is the most effective way to communicate this so that people really get it.’ Sometimes, as my partner Paul says, you have to hit people over the head with a shovel before they pay attention.  People can accuse someone of being controversial or exploitative, but if that person knows the reasons behind what they say and do, then it shouldn’t be an issue. Basically, everyone can say what they like…I know what I’m about and I know what I’m trying to achieve.

CC:  What kinds of reactions do you generally get from the crowds, when you perform?

MN: It depends on the show that I’m doing. The ‘Madame Natalia’ shows at Burlesque Bar are all in fun- though I love to throw someone a proverbial kick in the balls every now and again too. The reactions to these shows are almost always positive- people have a great night and a good laugh…and they often come back for more! I like that- entertaining people- I share my light and extract my own pound of flesh…everybody gives, it’s a nice little arrangement. And the performers that I work with are just amazing- the advantage of being the one to choose the acts that I work with is that it allows me to specifically cater the evening to my liking and to what I know the audience will adore. As for Atrocity- it often leaves people mortified…nine times out of ten we get very little in the way of reactions as the show unfolds (aside from the occasional people crying or fainting), but the rare few who hang about afterwards to chat with us are always very appreciative, very positive and they love to discuss the nitty gritty of the shows concepts. It’s certainly very rewarding, either way.

CC: Did you have to obtain certain qualifications or undergo training of sorts for fulfil your career path?

MN: Haha, no! My initial career path was preschool teaching. I was studying to do this and in my final year when I happened upon a local theatre group holding auditions for a musical. I’d always wanted to try theatre so I went along and got a lead role…it all just kind of snowballed from there. There’s this wonderful thing called ‘Theatre Depression’ that attacks you after you’ve done an intensive period of rehearsals, then shows…and then it just stops. You don’t know what to do with yourself, so you do another show…then another. And now, here I am.

CC: A quote on theatrepeople.com.au, mentions your performance skills of expression in a review: ‘Atrocity – Burlesque Du Grand Guignol’, “her greatest power lies in her expressive eyes”. Is this something that requires a lot of practice?

MN: Everyone always says that about me! I don’t know, I’m like an open book…you can always tell what I’m thinking by one look at me. I wear my heart on my sleeve…so I guess the best way to look at it is yes, it has taken a lot of practice in day to day life to be able to use that and shape it into what I want it to be. If I’m portraying a terrified child, for example, I try to get myself into that headspace…the emotion more than the character. I focus on the fear, and try to make sure that everyone around me knows I’m scared. Does that sound lame? I’m pretty sure it sounds lame.

CC: Can you give the fans a little taste of what is in store for them at your show, B&B Shuffle’s Madame Natalia’s Femmes Fatale?

MN: Mayhem! I don’t like to work with too much of a pre-arranged script…I’m basically going to strut my not-so-little ass about RB’s in knickers and see what happens. As far as I’m concerned, that whole venue is our stage and we’re looking forward to playing…with everyone! There are no rules here- no ‘oh you sit down and watch this and appreciate it cause I’m telling you to.’ The audience is as much part of the show as myself or any of the girls, and it’s important that they feel that. They should be warned, however, that we don’t always play nice…and like it or not, we’re coming to get them.

Madame Natalia will be performing as part of B&B Shuffle’s Madame Natalia’s Femmes Fatale on Nov 12^th at Red Bennies.   

By: Crimson Cookie

CC: What was it like being apart of 'House of Burlesque'? What would you say is your most unique moment while involved with the group?

FV: I really enjoyed the characters i played when i was performing with the House Of Burlesque and met some wonderful performers, including Lux St. Sin who recently did The Jitterbug Club with The Snake Oil Merchants And myself. My most enjoyable moment with the HOB would have to be playing the toy
soldier for the fringe festival. I really enjoyed developing that character and the performance, it was quite aggresive but really funny, a lot of fun to play with.

CC: You've been closely involved with Mojo Juju and The Snake Oil Merchants. What is it like performing with the band?

FV: The band is incredible, to be a part of that is an amazing experience. Mojo's has such an incredible creative vision, the shows that she puts on sum up everything i love about performing.  They completely transport you to another time and place, there is so much atmosphere and intense energy. They are the kind of shows that i want to go and see and you just can't find it these days, to be involved in that process and performance is fantastic . They are a really great group of people and all the performers she chooses to bring on board are great and i have a lot of respect for, Lillian Starr for one is an incredible performer and just gets what it's about, for me anyway, the
humour, the drama, the beauty...burlesque. To be able to work alongside these people makes is inspirational.

CC: You have an extensive fashion background. What inspired you to move into the burlesque scene from fashion?

FV: Costume. When i first started performing i was still concentrating more on fashion but wasn't very happy doing it. When i started performing i started making all my own costumes and was reminded of the reasons i began designing, pattern cutting and sewing in the first place. I love making one off pieces, things that are unique and i can be completely hands on with throughout from start to finish. The process of trade sketching and passing on to be mass produced was not exciting, and i'm a terrible sales woman. So burlesque actually led me back to what i love doing, costume, and that's what i'm focusing on now.

CC: To be as highly talented as yourself and make burlesque costumes too, is a double (if not triple) threat. Do you sell your costumes to perspective buyers?

FV: ha ha.... I'm not threatening! I do yes. I have not had a lot of time to take on freelance work this year tough. I have been lucky enough to work at The Malthouse with Amanda Carr who is an amazing head of wardrobe and has taught me so much. Between that and working on the Jitterbug Club with Mojo Juju, making all the showgirl costumes and touring i've been swamped.  But yes, i do custom made costume to prospective buyers.

CC: Have your acts changed dramatically since becoming part of Bad Ladies?

FV: Defintaely. I'm a lot more confident as a performer and clear on what i like and what i want to portray. My characters are a lot more developed, and of course the costumes more elaborate.

CC: Bootleg at Red Bennies is going to be an amazing show full of bands and burlesque. Can you give us a little taste of what you may be performing on the night?

FV: Hmmmm, well i don't want to give away too much, but i promise it will damn funny and entertaining.

Frankie Valentine will be performing in the Bootleg show on Nov 26th at Red Bennies.

By: Crimson Cookie

CC: with over a decade of cabaret and burlesque experience as well as being recognised nation wide, you must be pretty proud of your achievements thus far. Discuss.

GW: Yes as soon as I could make money taking my clothes off I discovered it was a ticket to the world.  I’m very grateful I discovered how far a naked girl can get!

CC: Did you graduate with a specialty from the Victorian college of Arts? E.g. performance, drama etc.

GW: Yes I graduated form the dance school, won a big scholarship to Europe and I ran out of money; so I became a stripper!

CC: How was it having a mother so experienced in the world or arts and performance?

GW: I’m glad that both my parents are able to understand and accept my decisions to become a performer. I’m very lucky that my family are so talented and also know how to be real people off stage!

CC: It was an achievement in itself to perform with John Howard’s head upon your own. How was it performing for the former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, on his 80th Birthday and even being cheered on by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd?

GW: It was a great highlight! I performed my John Howard act for two years and getting my act right to the top was amazing! John Howard even made a statement regarding the performance and the whole Labour party simply loved me! And I’m glad that as an artist I can have a political voice. When I began stripping, I never expected to meet or find myself naked in front of so many political figures, but I’m glad I did! My Dad was very proud!

CC: What are you plans for 2011?

GW:  I’ll be performing with Comic Strip and creating some hot new acts; heading to the Adelaide Fringe again and then to Europe. I perform each year at the Edinburgh festival and I love Paris, so I am often performing there.

See Gypsy Wood perform as part of the 'Comic Strip' show on Nov 10th at Red Bennies.

By: Crimson Cookie

CC: You become a huge success since being kicked out of Drama class in year eight, at your old High-School; wouldn’t you say?

AT: I have done okay for a Mullumbimby High School Drama drop out. I never really planned to get into show biz and it took me a long time to build up the courage to do stand up. Since then, it’s been going great; travelling the world performing and doing what I love.

CC: How long have you been performing on the streets as ‘Asher Tea’?

AT: I've been street performing for the last 4 years, I started out on the streets of Melbourne and then spent most of my early years working at London's notorious Covent Garden. En route to Covent Garden, I made some pretty disastrous decisions; for instance I went to Vienna to work during the winter of 2007 with a below par street show and 40 euros. I managed to get by on the kindness of friends but only just, I arrived in London 4 weeks later with only 20 pounds. Since then I've performed at the Street Performing World Championships and numerous other street festivals all over the world. 

CC: Comic Strip, sounds like a night of stand up and strip tease. Was the night a collective idea, collaborated by the performing artists?

AT: Gypsy and I got the idea for Comic strip after watching 'Lenny" the story of infamous stand up, Lenny Bruce. 60's Burlesque clubs were usually hosted by a stand up comedian who would riff and crack jokes in between the strip acts. It was a great environment for stand up comedians because of the strict profanity and obscenity laws,that restricted what could be said on stage, did not apply in burlesque clubs. There is something about the combination of strip tease and stand up which is just excellent, the crowd just goes off.

CC: Are you excited to be performing with the likes of a nationally recognized burlesque performer, Gypsy Wood?

AT: Of course! Gypsy Wood is one of the most glamourous and beautiful Burlesque performers I've ever seen, she just lights up a stage when she glides onto it.

CC: What kind of comedians can we expect to see in Comic Strip at Red Bennies? 

AT: The line up is awesome! We have Dave Callan from JJJ hosting, Hannah Gadsby who won the Directors Choice at the 2010 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and our headliner is Eddie Perfect. Eddie has just finished performing on the Channel 10 series 'Offspring', however most people probably know him as the writer and creator of 'Shane Warne' the musical.

CC: What was it like performing for 'La Clique' before launching your career as a comedian?

AT: La Clique is a wonderful performing experience and its totally addictive, the sense of history and atmosphere inside a Spiegel Tent, surrounded by some of the best variety performers in the world is sublime.

CC: what’s next for you in the performing arts world?

AT: I go to London to perform my show 'Secret Door' at the Soho Theatre, then after that I begin a huge 6 month touring season of Fringe and Comedy festivals in Australia, New Zealand and Edinburgh. We will be doing one more Comic Strip on November the 24th so stay tuned for more line up info to come.

Asher Treleaven will be performing as part of the Comic Strip show at Red Bennies on Nov 10th.

The Strawberry Siren Q&A

By: Crimson Cookie

CC: You have been performing since you were 12 years of age. Does it ever feel like you’ve spent 16 years on the stage?

SS: Hell yes!!!! But I wouldn’t have it any other way! Every time I try and take a break from stage life I slowly but surely end up back under the lights!

CC: ‘Cirlesque’ is such a cute and cheeky name to describe your performances. Has it always been your intention to combine your circus, theatre and dance experiences?

SS: Definitely. I have all these amazing skills; it would be a shame to leave them all behind.

CC: Congratulations on being crowned Miss Burlesque Victoria 2010! Have you won previous awards regarding your performing talents?

SS: No titles as such. But many rewarding experiences and shows that I have been privileged to be a part of.

CC: How long have you been teaching burlesque dancing?

SS: I used to teach Circus to kids when I was younger and I have always enjoyed sharing my skills and knowledge with others. I only started teaching Burlesque this year though and I’m loving it.

CC: Graduating after 7 years with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus is an achievement. Was it difficult leaving the circus group?

SS: It was very difficult! Not only was everyone in the Circus my ‘family’ but also it was a lifestyle that I was so used to. I was used to constant touring, training and performing and when all of that stopped suddenly, I was a little lost!

CC: What would have been your favorite destination whilst traveling overseas and why?

SS: My favorite destination I have performed in was Hawaii! It was my last tour with the fruit fly’s and it was such a beautiful place. Although my favorite place that I have been overseas is Venice! I went there for my birthday last year and it was magical!

CC: How different was living in New Zealand and performing to the crowds there as opposed to Melbourne audiences here?

SS: The Burlesque scene in New Zealand was only just starting to take off when I was there. There weren’t many performers or many events happening but the audiences loved it! I did a bit of corporate work and was in a Burlesque production for Wellington Fringe, which sold out!

CC: How long has your show ‘Cabaret Cirlesque’ been performing for and what are your future plans?

SS: Cabaret Cirlesque launched in August last year, it was a monthly event at The Toff in Town and ran till the end of last year. I took a bit of a break from my events for a bit, while I concentrated on my performing. But Cabaret Cirlesque will return in February next year and will run three times a year, as will my other events…. Bare-knuckled Burlesque & Bands, which returns this weekend at the Tote! And Strawberry Sundays which is my new event, launching on November 14^th at Red Bennies!!!!!

The Strawberry Siren performs Strawberry Sundays at Red Bennies Nov 14^th.

By: Crimson Cookie


CC: How long have you been performing burlesque shows?
SD: I have been performing Burlesque for around 4 years now.

CC: As an experienced model and make-up artist, was performing the natural progression?
SD: I have always danced from a young age, and burlesque was a natural choice for a show pony like me! What really attracted me was the opportunity to create shows from concept to completion, and the opportunity to wear such fabulous costumes was definitely a draw!

CC: What styles of modeling have you done in the past?
SD: I have done a bit of this and that, from fashion, beauty and pinup its all great fun.

CC: Your last performance with Ruby Riot as Kiss Kill Cabaret was in 2009; was it a difficult decision to make?
SD: My moving from Sydney to Melbourne made it difficult to continue Kiss Kill Cabaret, but we still love to dance together, it’s just on the dance floor now! Carla (Ruby Riot) and I are great friends and had some great adventures performing together.


CC: Have you always been confident in front of cameras and bright lights?
SD: Not always! Like most, I find it can be very nerve-wracking, but the reward of feeling like you have done a great show and hearing such great feedback from the crowd makes it all worthwhile.


CC: Did you ever dream of doing anything else but performing?
SD: The only thing I aspire to be is happy! Performing is a fantastic way to express yourself and I have made some great friends and worked with some amazingly talented people.


CC: Burlesque-A-Retrospective at Red Bennies will include your final farewell performance! What are you aspirations for the future?
SD: Well I’m planning my Vegas wedding and a big Trip around America for next year so that’s the next big thing on my agenda! Other than that I’m always working on projects - costuming, events, now a book! Who knows what ill come up with next!



CC: Where can we fans come and see you perform, before your final farewell performance?
SD: It’s tomorrow night, so the only place I’ll be dancing between now and then is in my hotel room!



Samantha Diamond performs Burlesque-A-Retrospective at Red Bennies
Oct 29th.

Red Bennies is proud to celebrate the 2010 Melbourne Fringe Festival Awards with the depiction of the diverse levels of achievement amongst all artists who performed at Red Bennies.

In its first year hosting the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Red Bennies has been awarded with the ‘Best Venue’ award. This honour is a testament to the south-side venue’s distinct style that has hosted an array of talent since launching the establishment earlier this year.

Showcasing outstanding cabaret, circus, burlesque as well as live music and Djs, this edgy and artsy venue has enjoyed much praise from performers and audiences alike.  
Ray Mann; ‘what hooked me was Red Bennies' deco-theatre-on-an-intimate-scale vibe; I definitely feel an affinity with that (Ray Mann Three, 2010).              

Red Bennies congratulates all the amazing artists who performed as part of the 2010 Melbourne Fringe Festival and extends special appreciation and recognition to the below-mentioned award winners who showcased at the venue.

Professional Development Awards

ACAPTA Circus Award – presented by Sue Broadway, Chair of ACAPTA, and last years’ winner Mitch Jones
WINNER:  ZOE ROBBINS, A4 CIRCUS ENSEMBLE FOR “DOWNPOUR”
AWARD: ACAPTA membership for one year and participation in the ‘Circus Festival’ in Tasmania (Feb 2011) OR participation in an ‘International Master-class’ with Witness Relocation from NYC, Nov 2010
Auspicious Arts Award for Best Emerging Producer – presented by John Paul Fischbach
WINNER: FEZ FAANANA FOR “BRIEFS”
AWARD: One term in the Auspicious Arts Incubator, worth $1200.
Circus Oz Award – presented by Antonella Casella
WINNER: NATANO FAANANA FOR “BRIEFS”
AWARD: Two weeks training/mentorship at ‘Circus Oz’ with Artistic Director, Mike Finch

Category Awards

Best Circus
WINNER: FEZ FAANANA FOR “BRIEFS ALL MALE SHRP SHOOTIN’ CIRCUS CABARET”
Best Music
WINNER: THE HARRY JAMES ANGUS BAND FOR “IT’S BEEN A LONG, LONG TIME…”
 
Best Venue
WINNER: RED BENNIES

By Crimson Cookie

CC:  What inspired the name ‘Deja Entendu’ based on the meaning:
“Heard it before”?
D: The name was originally inspired by the album 'Deja Entendu' by a band called Brand New. Not only did we love Brand New and their album Deja Entendu, but we really liked the sound of the name and the kind of cute irony that came with it. Unfortunately Deja Entendu ended up being far too big a mouthful for people so we ended up changing our name to just DEJA!

CC: Was it difficult to hold yourselves in “lockdown” to build a studio (and of course work on your music). I can imagine the result would be worth it, but was it ever frustrating at times?
D: Yes, at times it was definitely frustrating simply due to the fact that we were in such a state of limbo while the studio was being put together...we had to wait for certain equipment and gear to arrive before we could get the creative results that we wanted. Plus there was a lot of DIY studio building to be done! After that it was just a matter of being patient and persistent while we worked on all the new songs and held back from playing gigs.

CC: How do you all feel towards the degree of fandom you receive when you play live?
D: Obviously any fandom is lovely! We are just happy when our music and shows make people happy...And the more fun the crowd has, the more fun we have.

CC: Jack Arentz, how difficult was it for you to leave a success band such as Skye Harbour and start your own virtually from scratch?
D: It was extremely difficult. I had been in Skye Harbour since the age of fourteen, and the other band members were (and still are) my best friends and family all rolled into one. Not only had we been working together for years, but we made the move from Adelaide to Melbourne together. To leave an established band and try to do everything all over again from scratch was completely daunting!! Fortunately all the experience and knowledge I gained over the years made it possible, and DEJA happened pretty smoothly.

CC: Claire Rayner, what are your feelings towards being described as a “Rock n Roll Barbie”?
D: Fantastic! I love it. All of the best and most ballsy musical female hotties over the years have been very 'Rock n Roll Barbie', so I suppose being called that is a compliment. I just try to be myself.

CC: Corey Schnieder, is ‘Deja Entendu’ the first band you’ve ever played with? If so, was it difficult to transcend into a band already formed?
D: No- I originally played in a band called 'Red Menace' which is the complete opposite of DEJA. Think screamo rock! Despite that it wasn't hard making the transition. It really comes down to the people in your band, if you get along and if you love the music you are making. Jack and Claire were looking for a drummer before they had ever played a live gig (the first EP was already done at that stage) so we really did form the band as it is today together, despite me joining a little late.

CC: How does it feel it be described as, “potential electro-pop visionaries”?
D: It's very flattering. Our goal is to create innovative pop music that focuses on sound melodic ideas and killer production. We think that it is really important to be progressive and to challenge the standards of the current musical climate....so if that means we end up being "electro-pop visionaries", so be it!

DEJA perform at the B & B Shuffle Showcase "Freak show Carnival" on Friday 22nd October.

By: Crimson Cookie

CC: What inspired the name ‘Mojo Juju and The Snake Oil Merchants’?

MJ: Mojo Juju was a name given to me a long, long time ago. In a galaxy far, far away. The Snake Oil Merchants seemed fitting… as we spend quite a bit of time rolling into town, setting up show, pushing our wares and leaving before the sun comes up (and the fanatical mob sets in); just like the old medicine shows. I do believe that what we leave behind has some valuable healing properties. 
 

CC: Was it difficult to form the band at the beginning, gaining support and encouragement etc?

MJ: I find it quite easy to take up vices.  It’s also very easy to find people who are willing to indulge in these same vices. So it was not very difficult at all to start a band. It’s quitting that’s hard.   
 

CC: Was it always the bands intention to play jazz/rock n roll music as well as incorporating cabaret and burlesque dancing?

MJ: Hmmm, in a way. I don’t think we knew that it would end up like this. But it has been a natural evolution. I guess we do pay homage to our heroes, but at the same trying to push the sound in to new territory. A lot of the songs we write immediately come with a visual element in mind. It’s just slowly grown in to more and more of a show over time. 
 

CC: Four years together is an outstanding achievement. Do you celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the band each year? If so, how do you all celebrate? 

MJ: Sure. We try to spice it up a bit and be spontaneous. This year it was pretty low key, a candle lit dinner and quite little jazz quintet. Then we retreated for a Jacuzzi…and well you know…a jam session. 
 
CC: Your album of 2010, ‘Sellin’ you Salvation’, has been a tremendous success, when do we expect to see the release of your next album? 

MJ: We are planning to record and film the Jitterbug Club three nights in a row in Sydney early 2011. So hopefully we will see the release of a live recording and possibly a dvd in the next 12 months. We have already been working on a lot of new tunes. 
 
CC: How does it feel to be described as, ‘one of the most amazing, alluring and underrated bands in Australia’, (BMA Magazine)?

MJ: Haha. Well I guess it’s flattering in a sense.  But also am not sure what they mean by underrated?  It’s lovely to hear that people like what we do.  
 

CC: Do you have a uniting band tattoo that you all share? If not, would you consider getting one?

MJ: No. Collectively there are a lot of tattoos in this band. Most of them are probably on me. Sawn, who is our saw player was initiated into the band with a tattoo and told he couldn’t leave the band till he scrubbed it off. He’s still in the bathroom now trying to wash it away.   
 
 

B&B Shuffle presents The Jitterbug Club feat Mojo Juju and The Snake Oil Merchants performing at Red Bennies

on Oct 15^th