We got access to a bunch of Laneway artists in the leadup to this year’s bash. Sydney-based Stones Throw Records rookie Jonti, previously known as Djanimals, graciously sits in the firing line:

What’s the last record you stole/torrented/mediafire’d? (We won’t tell,

promise):

Beyonce’s ’4′. Probably because it’s a secret pleasure more than anything.

In this day and age how often do you find a straight up un-ironic love

album!..and a great one! *something gives me the feeling you will tell :p*

Who’s tougher – ASAP Rocky or Odd Future crew ?

Odd Future. ‘Live.Love.ASAP’ is beyond ill. But I think it took more guts to

start Odd Future especially at that time. ASAP Rocky did borrow a lot of Lil

B’s ‘swag’. Plus OF is family.

You’re not a man that’s afraid of collaborations, any dream pairings

you’d like to happen in your career?

Maybe the Beastie Boys or Outkast

What was your nickname at high-school?

‘Joint’ which is a play on Jonti of course. Also ‘Baby Dinosaur’ by this group of

girls because that’s apparently what I resembled. That was weird…

Twirligig by Jonti is out now on Mistletone Records / Inertia.

Jonti plays at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival in Melbourne on Saturday the 4th of Feb alongside M83, SBTRKT, Active Child and many more 

They’re touring for the BDO this year as Mariachi El Bronx and paying sideshows as both. In Melbourne, they’ll be bringing their laidback Mexican vibes to Billboard on 30th January, with support by the Vasco Era.

If you like your Bronx a little harder, check them a couple of days later at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl supported by Soundgarden.

Enjoy the show if you’re hitting BDO and spare a thought for those boys going hard on stage in full Mariachi outfits.

WHAT Mariachi El Bronx
WHEN Monday 30th January
WHERE Billboard
TIX Music Feed

We’ll certainly be cruising down there for safe keeping of our new ride. 

The lot will be closed while these guys lay down their finishing touches, but we’ll keep you posted on where to find this epic location.

Via Just Another Agency

WHAT Melbourne Underground
WHERE Somewhere in South Melbourne
WHEN Everytime you need to park at the markets

Dangerfork have curated a show featuring the artists laying down some of their imagery on canvas that is made from something other than your skin. Featuring the talent of Geordie Cole, Sean Jackson, William Yoneyama, Simple Sime, Caleb Walmsley, Danny Young and Adrian Krygsman all work is presented in both original format and prints, making it collectable or affordable.

Purchase prints alone or get the Dangerfork crew to frame it up and give it away to someone special.

The opening party drops tonight with drinks on offer from Sailor Jerry, which makes a fair bit of sense.

WHAT Dangerfork presents Tattoo Magic Group Show
WHERE 143 Johnston St Collingwood
WHEN Tonight from 6pm – 15th December 2011
WEB Dangerfork or Tattoo Magic 

Bringing over 300 vintage and designer pieces into the real world for all to be inspired by and ultimately purchased, it’s causing a stir amongst those in the know.

For those of who new to Miishka, check the blog for a constant stream of incredible inspiration and use the Facebook page to snare the daily offerings of vintage designer goodness.

WHAT Miishka Pop Up

WHERE St. Ali, 12-18 Yarra Place, Sth Melbourne

WHEN Thursday 15th December 10am – 7pm

WEB Facebook Event

Focussing on furniture of the Danish variety, there is also a host of other smaller items including ceramics and artworks from local and international names.

Highly curated and amazingly well styled, this is an envy invoking store. The true benefit of timeless and classic items outweighs the temporary depletion of your credit resources.

WHAT Modern Times Pop Up Shop #2

WHERE 260 Smith St, Collingwood

WHEN December 10 – December 31st (Launch December 9)

WEB Modern Times

So it’s with a good deal enthusiasm that we welcome SO:ME Space to the centre of the markets. Taking a space and transforming into a fitting but altogether more aesthetically pleasing setting, it’s a combination of permanent and semi-permanent retailers to show their wares.

A good mix of fresh fashion from the likes Asuza, Mr. Simple and Jane (housing some great local labels like Jesen and Life with Bird) pairs up with jewellery, bicycles and tidy little bookstore with some niche reads. Down the corner is a off shoot of the popular No Vacancy Gallery curated by the sharp eye of Andrew Chew.

The middle sections of the space are available for short term lease for some of the city’s up and comers, with cheap rent and an available cashed up audience giving these guys an opportunity to have their own stores without the commonly associated nightmares that going along with opening a standalone store. Right now Wet & Wendy weatherwear, maidenlove swimwear, Chip Chop! and the beautiful Livia Arena are holding court in the centre spaces.

A great concept that not only gives a good chance for local designers to show their stuff, but ultimately bring the standard of the markets up for the better.

Couple of baguettes and some creamy chinos thanks. Tasty.

SO:ME Space
South Melbourne Market, Cecil St, South Melbourne

Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday

Details:
SO:ME Space 

If you haven’t seen the hype around for the event that will be Kirin x Ksubi Big in Japan event dropping tonight and tomorrow at 1000 £ Bend then click it here. 

But as this is probably the most publicised event since U2 came to town with Jay-Z (still trying to figure that one out) we’re plugging the after party.

Killer Pub Disco Diner, The Bottom End are graciosuly hosting the after party that guarantees to keep the dream alive long after Big In Japan has wound up. Awesome food til late, mad DJs, people taking clothes off, cheap drinks and general mayhem. The Bottom End is good.

Official Big In Japan After Party
The Bottom End
Saturday 19th November 10pm ’til the death
Details: Big In Japan
The Bottom End

The Dangerfork crew have installed a pop up shop in Collingwood in the lead up to the silly season. In addition to selling a selection of prints that make awesome gifts, they’re hosting two exhibitions.

The first one drops tonight with Andrea Prosciutti’s Roman the Green Robot. With a launch party this evening from 6pm, you can be first in to check the works and snap up some originals. The exhibition runs until 20th November with another exciting show coming up before the end of the year.

The space is open Wed – Sat from 10 -5 and Sun 11 – 4.

Roman the Green Robot 
Dangerfork Pop Up Shop
143 Johnston St, Collingwood
Details: Dangerfork

Take some of Melbourne’s best indie music talent and smash it together with a massive independent orchestra and you’ve got a pretty special result.

Charles Jenkins and The Zhivagos, Autumn Gray (also launching a live album) and Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar) will all be playing to the backing of Orchestre Nouveau.

Set to be an incredible night of great, groundbreaking local Indie talent, it goes down at The Thornbury Theatre this Friday 18th November.

Kinfolk Indie Symphony