FRENCH SPACE POP ICONS AIR RECREATE THEIR VOYAGE TO THE MOON, ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE MELBOURNE SHOW AS PART OF ALWAYS LIVE 2024 PERFORMING DEBUT ALBUM MOON SAFARI IN FULL ON DECEMBER 4 AT SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL
A quarter of a century ago, two young French musicians embarked on a journey through the cosmos, returning to Earth armed with an album that would define a generation, soundtrack countless celluloid moments, and garner resounding critical and commercial acclaim. Releasing their debut record Moon Safari in 1998, French electronic duo Air oozed with lush electronics, swooning songcraft and lashings of irresistible European-hued retro-futurism across the album’s 10 tracks, the iconic album continues to entice listeners into its kaleidoscopic wonderland to this very day.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary since its release, Air are pleased to announce today a return down under for an exclusive Melbourne show as part of the 2024 ALWAYS LIVE 17-day celebration of live music across Victoria. Performing the iconic Moon Safarifrom start to finish, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl will be immersed in this dreamy sonic feast, under the stars, for one night only on December 4.
Presented by ALWAYS LIVE and TEG MJR, tickets for Air’s exclusive Melbourne performance are available from Tuesday 12 November from 10am AEDT from Ticketek, with a fan presale kicking off Monday 11 November at 10am AEDT.
Fittingly for the cosmic and prismatically-crafted album that would launch Air into musical infamy, band members Nicolas Godin andJean-Benoît Dunckel met while at university studying astrophysics and architecture, going on to collide their musical talents to form Airin the mid-90s. Announcing themselves to the world bathed in sounds of chilled electronica and retro-futurism, their 1998 debut full-length Moon Safari became a bona fide pop culture sensation, selling millions of copies with inescapable hits like Sexy Boy, Kelly Watch the Stars and All I Need. Moon Safari’s downtempo sound catapulted the album into a defining soundtrack of the era, with touches of David Bowie, Beck and Madonna, and influencing artists such as Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Charlotte Gainsbourg and
filmmaker Sofia Coppola – with whom Air would go on to collaborate with, penning music for the 1993 film The Virgin Suicides.
Moon Safari topped the year-end lists of acclaimed publications and was named one of the greatest albums of the 90s by Rolling Stone; since reflecting on their early days, Dunckel recalled their modest ambitions, “We were a duo doing some electronic thing, dreaming of selling 10,000 copies and being recognised by other musicians as cool. Then suddenly, we met the world.” Now, 25 years later, the enduring appeal of Moon Safari is unmistakable. It remains a timeless mood, a sonic haven that bewitches you in a state of bliss throughout. As Dunckel describes it, the album is “a deep, universal spell, full of love and mystery,” while Godin simply calls it “perfect.”
Speaking on this special upcoming performance from Air in Melbourne, ALWAYS LIVE Chief Executive Officer Psyche Payne shares, “It’s incredible to watch our season grow, giving even more opportunities for people to enjoy live music right here in Victoria. Adding the legendary duo AIR to our 2024 program, performing their iconic Moon Safari album in an open-air setting, is an exciting highlight in an already jam-packed 17 days of live music across the state. It’s moments like these that capture the essence of what ALWAYS LIVE is all about – creating unforgettable music experiences for fans and artists alike”
Often imitated but seldom equalled, few live performances can boast the transcendental magnetism that Air possess. And 25 years on, Moon Safari has lost none of its beguiling magic; it’s a mood that invites you to lose yourself in the music forever.
Tickets for Air’s exclusive Melbourne performance go on sale Tuesday 12 November 2024, 10am [local].
AIR PLAY MOON SAFARI
WED 4 DEC | SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL, MELBOURNE VIC | ALL AGES | TICKETS
Tickets available Tuesday 12 November, 2024. 10am local time from Ticketek
Press Images available HERE
Tour art available HERE
For more information, visit:
mjrpresents.com/
airfrenchband.com/
ABOUT ALWAYS LIVE:
This event is part of ALWAYS LIVE, a 17-day statewide celebration of more than 100 shows of contemporary live music supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria. The ALWAYS LIVE program showcases over 400 artists, including 300 homegrown talents from Victoria, featuring some of Australia’s hottest emerging artists alongside beloved international and Australian acts. ALWAYS LIVE will take place exclusively in Victoria from November 22 to December 8, 2024. Visit alwayslive.com.au for program details and ticket information.
About TEG MJR:
TEG MJR is owned by TEG Pty Limited, Australasia’s leading Ticketing, Live Entertainment and Data Analytics Company. TEG operates worldwide out of seven country offices and includes Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Ticketek UK, Ticketek New Zealand, Ticketek Malaysia, Ticketek Philippines, Eventopia, Softix, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Sport, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, SXSW Sydney, TEG Theatrical, TEG Lifelike Touring, TEG TES Live, Brickman, Rugby Live, TEG Europe, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, FAN+, VIP NOW and Ovation.
ALEX ELBERY SHARES EXUBERANT NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘RIPCORD’
Perth-born, Melbourne-based songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Elbery takes an exuberant leap via his brand new single Ripcord. Releasing today with an accompanying whimsical music video, Ripcord is a warm and dynamic ode to falling in love, coated with billowing pop hues, driving alt rock undertones and an endearing Aussie tinge alongside heartfelt lyricism.
Starting production before the COVID pandemic, the journey to finally releasing Ripcord was lined with hurdles for Elbery, both internal and external. But against the odds and also sonically inspired by a myriad of iconic artists at the time, including Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, and Cyndi Lauper, Elbery’s buoyant capturing of impetuous love was also fortified by teaming up with prolific producer Jon Grace (Dear Seattle, Bakers Eddy, Kingswood, Dune Rats). “Ripcord was really a collaboration between Jon and I,” explains Elbery. “I wrote it, brought it to Jon and then we spent a fairly long time working to get it to be the best version it could be. Everything except the drums was played my either myself or Jon. Jon, who has since retired from music, is an absolute genius and I loved working with him.”
“Ripcord is a song about falling in love,” Elbery continues. “I wrote it as I was/after I had fallen in love with my partner. I wanted to write a love song that was honest and leaned into the messier, less fairytale aspects of falling in love. I liked the analogy of falling in love being like falling out of the sky. Your destination is inevitable but the velocity with which you’re travelling towards it determines whether you’ll land safely or crash and burn – hence – ‘pull on the ripcord.’ I’ve always been someone who rushes into things with reckless abandon, so this song was almost like a mantra I was writing to myself. “
Mastered by Tony “Jack The Bear” Mantz (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Augie March, Silverchair), Ripcord is a lively and polished outing from Elbery, whose creative charms have previously been described as “Bruce Springsteen meets The Muppets” and “Outback Prince”. And while Ripcord is the first release of 2024 for Elbery, it also marks the debut single from a planned upcoming EP Unbelievably Good News; and the accompanying music video perfectly ties into the EP’s overarching themes, with the video production courtesy of Helen Turton, Jordan Laut and Jack Rintoul of Wendyhouse Films. “A big theme of Ripcord and the EP it belongs to is falling/flying,” Elbery shares, “so I wanted to create something that played with these ideas. There’s a scene in Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey where they’re falling to hell and they’re just falling for ages in this black void – I showed this scene to the folks at Wendyhouse and they took it and ran with it. They also came up with the idea of ‘ninja stage hands.’ It’s an idea that comes from Japanese theatre, it’s about acknowledging artifice, and I really loved that concept.”
Hailing from Perth, Alex Elbery has been immersed in creativity since he was five years old when he started playing the violin. Elbery went on to start his first band at the age of 13, putting on gigs at lunchtime while at school, and played in bands Mulder and Stereoflower before moving to Melbourne. A passionate supporter for social justice, particularly LGBTQIA+ issues and issues surrounding gender inequality, addiction, and mental health, Elbery also has a fondness for birds, particularly his two beloved pet cockatiels, and is a dedicated fan of wrestling (“I hate violence, but I sure do love some soap opera in spandex”, Elbery reveals). Currently also involved with other Melbourne bands Damaged Goods Club and Overthinker, the latest chapter for Elbery’s solo creative pursuits is sparked today by the release of Ripcord, heralding a new EP Unbelievably Good Things in the not-too-distant future, with a chance for fans to also catch the new tune live in action on Saturday 14 December at Melbourne’s Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar.
“Fans can expect a huge amount of energy, a huge amount of love, some silly outfits and a lot of bad dance moves,” shares Elbery of his upcoming live show. “I feel a mix of excitement and relief about the release of Ripcord. It’s been a long and weird road. We started production back before COVID and there’s been many roadblocks along the way; first lock downs, then my own personal struggles with addiction and mental health issues. I’m in a really good place now and just can’t wait to share this music with the world as it’s come to mean so much to me over the past few years that I’ve been working towards its release.”
Ripcord is out today, Wednesday November 6.
ALEX ELBERY – UPCOMING SHOWS:
SAT 14 DEC | LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
TICVKETS HERE: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/bd2588ed-e8ab-4e54-a169-e74ea8f53c36
CUB PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ‘LIV LOUD 2024’ TO SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC VENUES, FEATURING MAJOR AND EMERGING AUSSIE ARTISTS
Carlton & United Breweries is again throwing its support behind Australia’s live music scene to the tune of around $100,000 by organising a stellar line up to play at Aussie pubs and clubs next month.
CUB LIV LOUD 2024 will see about 40 venues across Australia receive cash grants from CUB to host artists on off-peak days through Ausmusic month in November.
Grinspoon, The Rubens, The Rions and even ex-Red Wiggle Murray Cook’s band The Soul Movers are among the acts in this year’s lineup.
CUB will also donate funds directly to charity Support Act to help fund their mission to deliver crisis relief, mental health programs and more for live music industry workers.
Murray Cook said: “The Soul Movers are super excited to be playing at the Hoey Moey in Coffs Harbour on Sunday 17 November as part of this fantastic initiative, LIV LOUD. Support Act’s work is so important to our industry and we are happy to be able to contribute alongside many great acts across so many venues.
“As someone who grew up in regional NSW, I am delighted that the initiative is taking music to regional areas. So get along to some shows, wear a band shirt for Ausmusic T-shirt Day and support Aussie Musicians through Support Act.”
CUB Marketing Manager Sarah Wilcox said: “CUB has supported Aussie pubs for many years and we’re thrilled to continue this tradition with LIV LOUD.
“Venues use their grants from CUB to pay for putting on their shows – from paying the performers to hiring extra staff so punters can enjoy a great night out. Formats will vary from live music to DJs and trivia so that there is something for everyone.
“LIV LOUD 2024 will drive foot traffic through the door on off-peak nights and support venues when they need it. Our first LIV LOUD program last year was so well-received we had to do it again and it’s terrific we can help Support Act as part of it.”
Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, scheduled for November 28 this year, is coordinated by Support Act annually to raise urgently-needed funds for music workers in crisis. Aussies can show their support by buying an Aussie music t-shirt throughout November, making a donation to Support Act or setting up a team to fundraise.
Support Act’s CEO Clive Miller said: “We are delighted that CUB will be presenting its LIV LOUD program in support of Ausmusic T-Shirt Day and live music venues once again this year. Last year’s program was a fantastic success, bringing music events into venues across the country throughout November to celebrate Australian music and raise funds for Support Act. As our tagline says, Life’s better with Australian music and we thank CUB for their generous support for the campaign and for their help in keeping the music playing for everyone who works in Australian music.”
For all shows, tickets and further information about LIV LOUD 2024, visit CUB ‘LIV LOUD’
For more information about Ausmusic T-Shirt Day visit www.ausmusictshirtday.org.au