I hung out with Troy and Arlin at Troys studio last weekend. I've known Troy forever, we grew up just a few houses away and, along with our respective sisters, spent a fair bit of time together as young'ns having all kinds of adventures.. Then high-school happened. Some people thrive in that environment, some people don't and others have no idea what is going on most of the time and bullshit their way through to 'fit-in' the best that they can. I'm of the third category persuasion.. At least I think I was, it was all a good while ago now. Hash tag; I'm old. Troy has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and that has led him to an existence where he creates things on a daily basis. His friend Rachel, who goes by the name Arlin when making music, joined us and we had a chat about their respective projects all whilst having a good old fashioned conversation jam session over a couple of cold beverages. Oh, and this picture was waiting for me when I arrived to record, drawn by the maestro Troy himself. If you're not familiar with either Troy or Arlin's work be sure to check the links to their networks I've included below. 

Anne-Louise runs the Vault Cabaret, which is held at the Vault on Wentworth Street here in mighty-mighty Port Kembla, and has done the last 13 years. I reached out to Anne-Louise a little while ago because I came across an article about how she was starting up walking tours in Port Kembla. This area has a rich history throughout it's boom times as well as it's not so boom times, up until now where it seems there is a resurgence which has been happening for a few years now. In the walking tours, titled "Where Lies Beauty", this history is explored through examining the area, the architecture and the community through their stories. The first tour was held in April to a very favourable reception. The next is scheduled for the 18th of this month of June, and then again on Saturday the 23rd of July. To keep up with the happenings follow Where Lies Beauty on Twitter and Facebook and drop them a line to get more information. Also, keep an eye out for the Vault Cabaret by checking in with the Merrigong Theatre Co. A gigantic thank-you to Anne-Louise for taking time out of her day to have a chat, on that day in particular, as it was the afternoon of the most recent Vault Cabaret. Recorded at the Commercial Hotel. Our unofficial home away from home. 

I've mentioned Andy on the podcast numerous times before, and now he's on Pod Kembla! Ahh the magic of podcasts.. So now you're going to hear me talking about 9 million* dollars until it arrives, ALL. THE. TIME. YAWL! 

No, in all seriousness, I came across Andy at the beginning of the year through his podcast "The Andy Social Podcast", but that's not all he does. He's also very prominently the bassist in Australian metal band "LORD" and has toured the world with them. However, his podcast is what I've come to know him for. If you haven't already, you should definitely check it out on iTunes, YouTube or any of the other various platforms he has available to get it. He has an array of interesting guests on his show, and I always feel like I've learned something after listening. Whether it be about music, philosophy, business and a broader sense life in general. This is probably something I should be putting in an iTunes review to be honest.. Which I may just do once I get this little blurb thing finished and the episode uploaded.