IN Birds of Tokyo

 
Before skinny leg jeans and sailor tats became laissez faire, “indie” meant independent.

With no record label to its name, Birds of Tokyo worked hard to secure its place as one of Australia’s top touring acts.

Right now the five-piece is touring their fourth record, ‘March Fires’, around Australia.

We spoke to keyboardist and newest member, Glenn Sarangapany during the Perth leg of the band’s national tour.

Was there conscious thinking behind the shift in sound on this album?

There was never an idea to change sounds just for the sake of changing sounds, but we did have a lot of discussions about what we wanted the album to say.

I think art is about having a conversation or expressing a feeling. And real human feelings are very complicated.

Sometimes we take pride in being lost. Sometimes we cherish being lonely. It was an amazing challenge to try to capture that mess of emotions in a song!

We had to expand our musical palate well beyond our comfort zones.

What’s the dynamic like between you guys?

We’re at that slightly creepy level of closeness. I reckon any one in the band could pick what I was going to order off a menu. And I mean a three-course meal with drinks and desert.

We live in separate states so our time apart is spent quite far apart. But our together time can involve sharing undies. Yuck.

You guys are known for putting on an intense live show. What can audiences expect this time round?

We’ve been working very hard on our live show. It’s sounding big and it’s looking big. We want people to come to a gig and experience something that is uniquely Birds. Something they can’t get anywhere else.

A lot of you have said goodbye to your hometown of Perth, where are you now and how is the place treating you?

Kenny is in Melbourne. Westy is in Brisbane. And Sparky, Berney and I are team Sydney.

I’m digging Sydney. Turns out I live in the same suburb as Leo Sayer. What a neighborhood! I haven’t seen him out and about yet.

Band comps and Australian Idol make it seem like becoming a professional touring musician is an accessible dream for young artists. What’s your perspective on this?

Everyone should follow whatever path they want to take but I do think that shows like that focus more on entertaining viewers rather than artist development.

There’s a bit of Pretty Woman syndrome going on. Not every prostitute with a heart of gold is going to end up marrying Richard Gere. But it’s nice to have the dream I guess.

What do you like to do when you’re not touring?

I’ve just started playing golf. It’s so addictive. So far I’ve only been to the driving range and even that’s been great fun. Our bass player Berney is going to take me out for my first game on a course when we get home after this run.

This album had roots in France, LA and Australia – are there plans to break into any international markets?

We’re always trying to reach a wider audience. It would be nice to get back to the states some time this year. We enjoyed our time there and met some great people. The idea of doing a long tour in the US is really appealing right now.

Rumour has it that when you booked your first sold out tour everyone bought a house, is this true?

Hah! I wish! When I went away for the first sold out tour, I had to beg the education department to give me a month off from teaching kids how to play Sweet Child of Mine on guitar.

I wonder where these rumours came from. It would be great if we bought a house and lived in it together like The Monkees. Ah the hi-jinks we would get up to...

Our mag is mostly read by people in their thirties. Any advice for them?

Anyone born in the early 80’s knows everything that they need to know about life. If you can “stop, collaborate and listen” and you know which turtle is a party dude, there is very little advice anyone can give you.

‘March Fires’ is available at all good record stores.

IN Settlement Agents

Heard about the fellow who came home from holiday to find his house had been sold?

Thanks to changes in legislation, a seller’s identity must now be verified before a property can be registered to new owners.

The goal of this new regulation is to prevent scammers from fraudulently selling property.

That’s just one of the interesting facts we garnered from Liz Earnshaw, principal settlement agent at Sure Settlements.

Ms Earnshaw explained to us exactly what a settlement agent does.

“The main task of a settlement agent is to get a property legally transferred, most commonly from the seller to the buyer under a contract of sale,” she said.

“But it can also be in the case of a marriage split, deceased estate, refinancing or other circumstances.”

From speaking with real estate agents and banks to liaising with solicitors, finance brokers and other interested parties, a settlement agent ensures the entire settlement process runs smoothly.

Ms Earnshaw highlighted how a small oversight can cost big if settlement is not conducted correctly.

“Being a settlement agent involves attention to detail, for example, a misspelt name can mean settlement does not go ahead, which results in extra costs for the client and inconvenience,” she said.

A settlement agent cannot provide clients with legal advice, and doing so could result in their license being revoked.

Ms Earnshaw recommends searching for a settlement agent that has an independent, in-house legal counsel or access to  legal advice.

Also consider whether your settlement agent is a member of a professional association such as the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA (AICWA).

To speak with Ms Earnshaw contact (08) 9274 0544 or email liz@earnshawlawyers.com.au.

IN Perth Bars

The Dutch call it gezellig. Gezellig is the romance of a lampshade’s low-cast light, a room made cosy by intimately set furniture or a song that nestles itself in the moment like an old-friend. It’s atmosphere and ambience and so much more.

And while there is no equivalent to this word in the English language, maybe there should be, because more than a handful of small bar owners in Western Australia are bringing that extra something special to their bustling establishments.

Thanks to changes in liquor licensing laws, a plethora of Western Australian publicans have come out of the landscape previously known as ‘Dullsville’. We checked out five little venues with big personalities.

The Precint, 834 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park.

It might be on the main strip of East Victoria Park’s town centre, but you may still be forgiven for not noticing The Precinct.

Such is the mystery of this sophisticated yet quirky den, loaded with attitude, not to mention a thoughtfully considered wine list and edgy, flavoursome cuisine.

Owner Sarita Leal explains her own love of seemingly hidden places.

“I find these types of places become a favourite haunt that you feel comfortable visiting on a regular basis,” she said.

“I hope our customers feel they can step off the busy strip into a cool, funky, intimate venue, and even given the size, still snap up a great seat in a quiet spot.”

We think this hidden treasure just might be one of our favourites too.

Hula Bula Bar, 12 Victoria Avenue, Perth

If you dream about drinking out of a monkey’s head in a tropical paradise then the Hula Bula Bar is a must-see.

Sure, the head is as false as the plastic palm trees and totems that adorn the South Pacific wonderland, but that’s all part of the charm.

Known for it’s outrageous cocktails (think eyeballs, little umbrellas and twirly straws) the Hula Bula Bar was a small bar before there was a small bar scene.

So if you haven’t visited it yet, get cracking. It’s a treasure trove of 60’s beach rock and the perfect medicine for rum-loving pirates everywhere.

el Público, 511 Beaufort Street, Highgate

A bright neon donkey sign surrounded by bottles of tequila and top-shelf spirits is the first thing punters notice when they step into el Público.

Then there’s the mouth-watering traditional Mexican menu proclaiming, ‘Mary gave you hands to eat taco with.’ And after eating their tacos, perhaps she did.

In fact, el Público’s delectable share-food has made it a firm favourite with Perth foodies. So much so that even those without a penchant for tequila are giving it a try.

As co-owner Aron Paul puts it, el Público has many dimensions.

“el Público has interesting artwork, great music and exciting Mexican cuisine with flavour profiles many have not experienced before,” he said.

“People love the freedom of just popping in for a drink and a quick bite, or sitting down for a shared meal with friends.”

el Público is open seven days a week.

The Classroom, 1/356 Charles Street, North Perth

With Principal’s Specials and an award winning cocktail list based on school subjects, The Classroom is an educational drinking and dining experience.

The bartenders (known as teachers!) can whip you up a science themed cocktail using the perfect blend of scientific methodology and classic bartending principles.

If you’re peckish, then head to the tuck shop! (A bit fancier than the average choc milk and cheesy.)

Choose from a delectable fig carpaccio made with goats curd and apple crumble. Or a classic back to school burger, with lamb, a fresh lemon yoghurt dressing and onion rings

According to co-owner Andrew Bennett the completely immersive theme is all part of the small bar’s appeal.

“We’re positioned as a class room theme, so everything, from the school desks and chairs to the chalk boards and lockers behind the bar fits in with this,” he said.

“On top of this, we wanted to create something fun and entertaining with some surprises in store.”

Next time you’re in the area, stop in for a history lesson. Just make sure you play by the rules!

R Bar, 57a Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham

Winning Best Small Bar of the Year in 2012 from the Small Bar Association is a big feat for a small bar, especially one outside the big smoke of Northbridge.

But R Bar isn’t your average Rockingham bar.

Run by a bunch of girls whose mission is to make sure everyone has a great time, R Bar has attracted the likes of high-profile women like the PM herself.

Maybe it’s the old-school way they remember your drink, or the sophisticated, modern décor that makes drinking before sundown classy, whatever it is, R Bar has the attention of locals, tourists and even naval base employees.

Co-owner Siobhan Gavin goes some way to explaining the venue’s far-reaching appeal.

“We went for a design that can be appreciated and atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all,” she said.

“We are on the beachfront so maximising the inside-outside feel was a must and is a great draw card.”

Whether you’re a local or not, consider a relaxing sundowner at the R Bar. You might even get to talk politics with Ms Gillard herself.

IN Mortgage Broking

 Hiring someone to help you secure a loan seems a little silly at first. How hard can it be? Find the best interest rate, walk into the bank and sign across the dotted line.

Unfortunately, many people do make bad decisions when it comes to home loans. And it’s not due to lack of research. As Perth property broker Mr Mark Thomas puts it, it’s smart research that makes a difference.

“The advantage of a broker is that they have access to many loans from a variety of banks, so they have the ability to find the most suitable loan for your personal needs,” he said.

Mr Thomas has been in the mortgage broking profession for only a few years. Despite this, he has secured a loyal client-base that continues to grow steadily.

We asked him about the biggest mistakes people make when looking for a home loan.

“Although important, the interest rate is not the only feature you should be looking for in a home loan, and it'd be a mistake to only look at this when choosing a home loan,” he said.

“You need to be fully aware of the fees involved, and the loan needs to be structured in a way that works best for you, now and into the future.”

Mr Thomas believes that a good mortgage broker is defined by the after-care he or she provides. This support varies according to the client’s needs.

“Many first home buyers find the process rather daunting, so I ensure these clients are given extra support,” he said.

“I ensure that those investing in property are provided with a non-complicated loan that will help progress their property portfolio.”

If you think a mortgage broker will make your life a little easier, Mr Thomas recommends getting in touch with one several months before going forward with a purchase.

And if you’re thinking of leaving your job, wait till you are settled on your new property as a premature departure may delay your ability to finance a property.

But aside from the elements we can control, what about the impact of market conditions? Mr Thomas gave us his insights.

“It is very difficult to pinpoint where the market is heading however we are certainly seeing some very promising signs,” he said.

“I believe that the client's current and projected future is more important than the perceived market conditions, because you cannot control the market, however you can tailor a loan to accommodate the path in which the client is heading."

If you would like to speak with Mr Thomas from Sicuro Finance Group about securing a home loan, call 0413 333 118.

IN Lifestyle

Passionate foodie, storm chaser, Turkish soap star and hard hitting journalist are just some of the talents Sally Ayhan brings to her new role as Channel Nine’s weather presenter and reporter.

While some of these talents – Turkish soap star experience included – have been left in the past, the adventurous Ayhan brings a vibrancy and warmth to the Channel Nine team.

We asked Ms Ayhan what she thought of her newfound hometown.

“I love it,” said Ms Ayhan.

“I’ve got a real outdoor lifestyle so it suits me to a tee.”

As a weather presenter with years of forecasting experience, it’s not surprising that Ms Ayhan turns the conversation to weather.

“I must admit I was a little bit nervous about the weather before I came over because even though I’m a weather presenter, I’d see 35 degrees and think oh my gosh how am I going to manage that heat,” she said.

“It’s actually so much more bearable because it’s dry, beautiful fresh clear mornings, rather than the humidity of Sydney.”

When asked whether she would consider buying in Perth, Ms Ayhan does not rule out the option.

“I was thinking of buying in the Freo area at some point, but I’m not sure.”

Fremantle is a much-loved area for the reporter who also frequents Mount Lawley and Leederville.

“I love the farmers markets and I’m a big fan of community events, festivals and things like that,” she said.

“So I guess the inner hippy in me is drawn to Freo, but I’m attracted to any place with a community buzz.”

Ms Ayhan’s appreciation for vibrant, cultural hubs may go someway to explaining why she chose Bondi as the location for the Sydney restaurant she opened recently with her husband. Sefa Kitchen serves Middle Eastern fare with a modern twist.

With a new restaurant and a widely read blog called The Food Anthropologist, Ms Ayhan’s passion for food is more than the usual My Kitchen Rules’ fan, a passion she blames on her husband whom she met in Melbourne ten years ago.

“We tended to bond over food and he would teach me about cooking traditions, Turkish breakfast was a big deal for us,” she said.

“I think over the years I learned a passion by osmosis and really enjoyed the pleasures of sharing food, not just eating it.”

After finishing her studies in Turkey, Ms Ayhan became feature writer at a Turkish magazine. But thanks to limited work opportunities for people who could not speak fluent Turkish, Ms Ayhan explored less conventional work.

“I appeared in the odd soap opera and commercial in between my journalism work,” she said.

“It was a little bit intense for my liking – a lot of dramatic people, famous actors getting fantastic treatment but perhaps not quite appreciating it.”

When asked how her soap opera stint compares to Channel Nine, Ms Ayhan laughs good-naturedly.

“Channel Nine is much more exciting!” she said.

“I have a lot more freedom to create my own work and do journalism as well as presenting the weather, so it’s multi-faceted and a great role for that reason.”

As a multi-talented woman for all seasons, we couldn’t help but ask Ms Ayhan, summer or winter?

“Spring,” quips Ms Ayhan with a laugh.

“I do love my sunshine, but I also love the freshness of the morning.”

For a reporter who pleasantly refuses to fit into most boxes, it’s no surprise her answer doesn’t either.

Watch Ms Ayhan present the weather week nights on Channel Nine and check out her blog at www.thefoodanthropologist.com.

IN Property Investing

Investing in property isn’t new to Briony and Brett - the young couple have bought and sold separately twice and three times respectively.

You could say the pair is quietly confident about building their investment portfolio, an increasingly common trend among thirty-something’s.

Their most recent acquisition is a Balcatta property, just three streets from the house they sold. But keeping moving costs to a minimum wasn’t the only motivator for the sale.

“We wanted to get in a better and more comfortable financial situation,” said Brett.

As a part-time physiotherapist, Pilate’s fan, ballet dancer and mother to 17-month-old Katia, Briony is not afraid of a challenge. In fact, ‘renovator’ may soon be added to her list of achievements.

“By purchasing a cheaper property with renovation potential, we saw an opportunity to make money,” Briony explained.

“And we decided to sell to use the equity in our home to decrease the mortgage on our new home.”

Like many sellers, Briony and Brett chose to use an agent to streamline the process
“The agent made the whole process as stress free as possible,” praised Brett.

The benefits of having a great agent are not lost on Briony either.

“A good agent that you feel comfortable with is important,” she said.

“No question was ever too silly for our agent and he had a good eye for who was seriously interested and who was not.”

But not every agent is ideal. Briony described how one agent built a great rapport with her as a seller, but lacked experience and market expertise on the buyer side.

“One agent I encountered was lovely when she came to appraise, but I had previously been to a home open she was running and she was abrupt, judgemental and pushy, which put me off using her,” she said.

So what advice can these seasoned sellers give to others wanting to follow in their footsteps?

Brett encourages people to be realistic about the fees involved while Briony has sound advice on making a property appealing to potential buyers.

“An overall good first impression will capture attention,” she said.

“Decrease clutter, clean your property, make sure it’s well lit and maintain temperature at a comfortable level.”

Briony and Brett are just one of many couples in WA choosing smart investment strategies over long-term renting. And with rental prices increasing, and the median sale price on the rise, more and more West Aussies are dipping their toes in the market.

When it comes to getting premium results, choosing an agent that understands the market and knows how to effectively communicate with buyers is crucial.

If you need help selling, buying or investing, talk to Realmark.

IN Burlesque

With sultry pseudonyms like Ruby DeLure and tantalising performances that make removing a glove feel simply provocative, you might think burlesque was just for the blokes. But according to Melanie Bruyer of Perth Burlesque troupe Sugar Blue Burlesque, the reality could not be further from the truth.

“Women love burlesque because of its romantic element of illusion, not to mention the glamour and gorgeous costumes,” she said.

Ms Bruyer, AKA A’dora Derriere, is Sugar Blue’s sole business director. She is also a performer, costume designer and mentor to Western Australia’s most renowned burlesque troupe.

The troupe brings the art of tease to the Perth Fringe Festival this month with The Chronicles of Burlesque, a show which pays homage to burlesque dancers through the ages.

“Watching burlesque is particularly romantic, especially when watching the classic acts, as you can be taken into another world for a moment or two,” said Ms Derriere.

The always-controversial Dita Von Teese and infamous Betty Page are just some of the burlesque performers that inspire the show. While Sally Rand, famous for her ostrich feather fan dance, is an icon from earlier days.

According to Ms Derriere, burlesque began as a social commentary or parody. The working classes would mock the upper classes by spoofing operas, plays and other aristocratic forms of entertainment.

Eventually, burlesque became a spectacular stage show featuring wondrous costumes, props and chorus lines. It was in the 40’s and 50’s that burlesque changed.

“Burlesque became all about men’s entertainment and eventually it had to go into underground nightclubs as some states in the US outlawed it”, said Ms Derriere.

Thanks to performers like Dita Von Teese, burlesque experienced a revival in the 1990’s.

“It was a feminist revival, with a feeling of empowerment,” muses Ms Derriere.

“Any woman could be a burlesque dancer, no matter what size or shape they were, and still, a lot of the performances were based on comedy.”

The bombshell vintage glamour of the past remains a strong element of contemporary burlesque performances. But many modern performers like to add their own creative flair.

“Some take on a more ‘Neo’ approach, going as far as ‘gorelesque’ with very dark and gothic themes like vampires,” explains Ms Derriere.

“There is an audience for all styles performed today.”

So what can audiences expect from The Chronicles of Burlesque? According to Ms Derriere, the show is very beautiful, with gorgeous performers, costumes and choreography. And of course, a touch of comedy.

If that isn’t enough, Sugar Blue Burlesque also hold burlesque classes for beginners and seasoned performers. Classes give women the opportunity to express themselves with no boundaries.

“The feedback we get off a lot of women who attend our classes is that it gives them a new found confidence,” she said.

“They find it truly liberating.”

For those of us content with sitting back and enjoying the timeless glamour of burlesque, check out the The Chronicles of Burlesque at the Perth Fringe Festival.

The show runs from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd February. Tickets cost $30 and are available through www.fringeworld.com.au.