All About Honkytonks
Honkytonks: Urban Legend #5
Whatever textbook qualities are required to create an urban legend, five years of poking a burlesque stick at the underworld of Melbourne must surely accrue some points in favour of the obscure institution known as Honkytonks. [more]
Superpitcher: Melodic warmth
Best known for his string of rich, warm, emotive and often melancholic remixes and solo production Superpitcher has been described as the 'perfect blend of techno and pop' and touches everything from bottom heavy beats to schaffel-house, Moroder-esque basslines through to soaring strings. [more]
The destination may change weekly, but the blueprint will remain unwavering. The hearts will still be beating. The lives will still be emerging. The stories will still be formulating and we will still be here decrypting and creating a nexus between music, heartbeats, allegories and Aril Brikha. [more]
In most consequential cases we follow the mould that one plus one must surely equal two. Even for a young spirited German boy who detested maths. That is, one humans desire for music + the self confidence to dare something = a now adult Michael Mayer screaming: music is my past, present and future. [more]
Techno may have returned underground yet DJ Rolando, Aril Brikha and Fabrice Lig are creating a new - and deeper - form of the music that intrigues Detroit purists, house heads and those who always loved classic electronica without the tags. [more]
It's not uncommon for musicians and music journalists alike to fall back on the word "funk" when trying to describe a broad array of musical styles. [more]
Prince stands as the most influential pop artist of all time, inspiring everyone from Tricky to Andre 3000 to Green Velvet. It's 20 years. Yes, 20 years - since Prince unleashed his blockbuster Purple Rain and this weekend the Slap Shack is painted purple with DJs playing props to the purple royal. [more]
Playing at many gigs around Melbourne and beyond on a frequent basis as well as working at Listen 24-7, one of Australia's leading online vinyl distributors, Mike takes some time out to answer some questions for ITM reporter miss munnee. [more]
Adelaide's DJ HMC - aka Carmelo Bianchetti - is widely regarded as Australia's Godfather of Techno. In the early 80s House Master Cam was among the first DJs in Australia to champion Chicago house and Detroit techno. Cyclone gets the latest lowdown on HMC. [more]
"Just a girl with a few good tunes and couple of special frocks" or Gidget-on-Acid? From German oompah to chocolate fondu hot tub parties, Miss PLeisure is a woman with range. Lasergunners - cross your legs and start your engines! [more]
Chicks on Speed DJ Set at Honkytonks
Honkytonks and Hear Now have announced that Chicks on Speed member - Alex Murray Leslie will be DJing at the club this Wednesday 29th November, a follow up performance to the COS live show that was on over the weekend. [more]
Cocoa Butter returns to Honkytonks
The infamous funk night Cocoa Butter returns to Melbourne on Friday 21st December at Honkytonks. [more]
Derrick Carter to play encore show at Honkys
With Honkytonks' end rapidly approaching, it seems they're pulling out all the stops in the lead up to their final New Years Eve send off... [more]
Slap Shack Reunion at Honkytonks
In the spirit of our closing down celebrations Honkytonks have invited Angela Maison and Ant J Steep (creators of the Slap Shack and ex-long term Saturday night residents of Honkytonks).... back for one last Slap Shack party on Saturday November 25th [more]
This Saturday 28th October Mike Callander & Aram Chapers will be joined by house music legend Maurice Fulton! The Last Dance. [more]
Before its closure on NYD 2007, Honkytonks in Melbourne will be launching their first and only mix CD compilation, aptly name Honkytonks: The Last Dance. [more]
Honkytonks has announced that Alexkid - DJ/Producer from he Fcom camp in France will be playing at the club on Monday 6th November (Cup Eve). [more]
Honkytonks has announced the lineup for their "last dance"/New Year's Eve lineup. It will be an all local affair and tickets for the event are now on sale. [more]
The Save Honkytonks movement was created by the party people of Melbourne, a movement against the removal of one of Melbourne's notoriously popular night spots. [more]
Honkytonks this week announced that Kevin Saunderson will be playing a DJ House set on Friday 6th October. [more]
European electro/house act REX THE DOG returns to Melbourne for an encore show on Monday 24th April after wowing the Honkytonks VIP at area at Digital. [more]
Honkytonks has been named as one of the top 5 clubs in the "Universe" according to V Magazine in New York, which is quite a feat considering the club was named alongside world greats such as Rio in Berlin and '00' in Rio. [more]
Next Friday 17th March Break3000 who is one half of Dirt Crew duo will be gracing the Honkytonks baby grand alongside Boogs and Tarek. [more]
News just came in that Ali B and Lee Coombs will be DJing an encore show at Honkytonks this Wednesday 1st March. [more]
Word just came in from Honkytonks HQ that Vitalic will be playing a last minute sideshow this Wednesday 1st February with support from Nick Thayer, Agent 86 and Dave Pham. [more]
Honkytonks have recently released what they have conjured up for their New Year's Eve party. Har Mar Superstar has been announced to headline the lineup on NYE with support from Honkytonks residents and regulars. [more]
Honkytonks in conjunction with Tiger Beer, are going to be undergoing an exciting documentary film project entitled "Magic Made Real". [more]
That time of the year has come around again for Honkytonks, on Sunday 30th October, Honkytonks turns 5 and they dedicating a whole 12 hours so that punters can "rave on" until the early hours of the morning. [more]
It has recently been announced that Detroit DJ/Producer Matthew Dear will be touring Australia in a few weeks time to promote his Suckfish EP from his Audion moniker. [more]
Honkytonks has announced another lot of internationals that will grace the baby grand for the coming weeks. A-Skillz is playing on Wednesday 28th September, Ben Mono on Thursday 6th October and Disco D on Friday 14th October. [more]
Honkytonks has just announced their next three international guests for the September and October. [more]
On Friday 26th August Lasergun and Honkytonks play host to Kiko from International Deejay Gigolos. [more]
It has just been announced that Superpitcher (Germany/Kompact) will be playing two dates in Australia in early September. Superpitcher is Aksel Schaufler, a German producer with close ties to Cologne's Kompakt label. [more]
Honkytonks have announced the news that Aril Brikha will be back to play an exclusive Australian show in Melbourne on Saturday 20th August. [more]
The Sydney based independent record label Southern Outpost have just released their ninth EP - SO-09 "Electic Shock" EP and on Friday 3rd June, two of the outfit's members will be put to the five hour challenge as Lasergun hosts the Melbourne launch at Honkytonks. [more]
It has just been announced that Derrick May will be back in Melbourne once again on Sunday 24th April at Honkytonks. [more]
A jazz musician turned DJ and producer Mathew Chicoine aka Recloose who was originally from Detroit but now residing in New Zealand is is putting the finishing touches to his new album 'Hiatus On The Horizon' and will be in Australia for two shows in April. [more]
Honkytonks has just informed ITM that previous dates surrounding the Ewan Pearson show at HTs have been incorrect. Ewan Pearson is in fact playing this Friday 3rd December. [more]
UK DJ/Producer Andy Brooks will be touring Australia this month upon his latest release "Red Tape" [more]
Truth Events and Soma Corp in Melbourne have teamed up yet again to bring to Australia techno/house producer from Belgium - Fabrice Lig aka Soul Designer. [more]
Hardware is going intimate with their next Telephunk installment, which will feature the ED DMX KREW LIVE all the way from the UK. The residents at the Slap Shack mingle with some of Melbourne's finest techno and electro purveyors on Saturday 2nd October. [more]
Honkytonks are teaming up with Soma Corp and Truth events to bring to you another instalment of "Blow Your Own Way" on Friday 23rd April, featuring Swedish producer with strong Detroit affiliates -Aril Brikha (Transmat). [more]
The new conceptual and genre-defying musical world of Data on Dub is about to be launched on Friday 20th August. Destination - Honkytonks. Past, present and future. Listen to it echo through the city of Melbourne. [more]
It has just been announced that Stacey Pullen will be playing a second show in Melbourne at Honkytonks on Sunday 4th July. [more]
Honkytonks will be teaming ups with new crew on the block - Data on Dub on Sunday 13th June, to launch a new concept night in Melbourne; "A Cutfunk Buzz". [more]
Honkytonks and Ecko Unltd have just announced that Cisco Ferreira from the Advent is playing a 2nd show in Melbourne. Cisco will be performing a very special live electro show on Friday 14th May at Honkytonks. [more]
Open Sesame @ Honkytonks have announced that DJ Nik Weston (Mukatsuku) from the UK will be djing next week on Thursday 22nd April. [more]
The hip hop crew on Wednesday night at Honkytonks have just announced that Melo-D from the World Famous Beat Junkies will be their special guest for next Wednesday, 21st April. [more]
Honkytonks is bringing in the craziness that is Lasergun, on Sunday 11th April, and they have announced their very special guest from Brisbane - Miss Penelope Leisure. [more]
Live acts that have the ability to really rev up a smallish venue like ‘tonks are rare, and the evolutionary exuberance of this band, with groovy jazzy sounds peppered with breaky old school deep funk grit made this an experience world class. [more]
Opening the night Mike Callander proved more than successful at getting the Honkytonkers out on the dance floor. [more]
I’ll miss Honkytonks’ midweek and Sunday night debauchery although nights like this remind me why I fell in love with dance music and clubbing in the first place. [more]
Walking into Honkytonks on Saturday night, a person could be in no doubt as to the continuing popularity of German DJ Steve Bug with Melbourne's clubbing community. [more]
Melbourne Cup Eve 2006 was one of those legendary nights of music I won’t stop talking about for a long time. [more]
ot an epiphany, but certainly a wake up call for how "electro" in clubs could be with the right crate of gems. Grazie Marco!!! [more]
It was awesome experiencing a dj perform who shaped a sound, a scene and a style; who’s continued love for sharing music that moves you deserves him his rank as dj diety. [more]
Honkytonks plays host to one of the Swedish techno kings Deetron. [more]
Honkytonks had a massive turnout to see DJ A-Trak work his magic on the turntables. Being a former multiple DMC Champion as well as Kanye West's liveshow DJ, A-Traks live sets are eagerly anticipated. DJ J-Red warmed up the crowd and welcomed A-Trak to the club. [more]
Monday-itis? Defy it by dancing into the wee hours of the morning at LOUD - Honkytonks' latest ambitious monthly Sunday offering, celebrating brutal electro techno. [more]
Perfect evening, perfect tracks, perfect venue and a perfect crowd. Successful night? Absolutely. [more]
By declaring this the best set I'll hear in 2006 many people would think I was crazy, especially considering it's not even three weeks into January. However I am prepared to make that call, as I can't imagine my self hearing a more complete DJ set in a long time. [more]
One of the best gigs of the year - who would have thought house could be so much fun! [more]
Without further ado Dear took the spotlight at around 1ish to deliver what would later be considered a fresh and deep musical highlight. Taking the acetate in his stride, Dear tapped into the bodies on the dance floor and lured them further into the minimal underworld. [more]
The cold winter months definitely see the "nannaship" (old reformed club hags) of Melbourne hibernating. As we have had a taste of spring lately, well a day or two at least, a couple of us decided to head out to celebrate the added new residents at Honkytonks. [more]
First time out I missed him, second time I was front and centre - a true conductor of sound? Definately. If your still not familiar, then make the third time Aril is around the time you have your ears open and your feet firmly in front of him. [more]
In all a most enjoyable night of first class hip-hop bravado, mixed with an 'up for it' crowd that made it all the more special. [more]
Style, style, flair and style. Meccanoid does it with class and this 'Casino Royale' themed jaunt at Honkytonks was a great evening involving happy faces and some analogue awibblery... [more]
Chris Duckenfield (Swag) wooed audiences at Honkytonks with his acid funk! [more]
Derrick May is a machine - and will forever have a place in my heart as one of the most consistent greats. No bad nights, no off mixes - just smiles and a sore booty to take it all to bed with you. [more]
The recent visit to our shores of one of the world's most respected producers brought the usual speculation about whether their DJ skills would match up to their production prowess. [more]
Oh what a night! Scorching temperatures and tunes made this close encounter all night long with Kompakt's kommander Michael Mayer quite the unforgettable affair. [more]
UK's puzzle/click house maestro Herbert mixes up a storm at Honkytonks [more]
Soul'sa, Mike Callander, Ben Cromack, Birthday boy Vance and Bongmist at Honkytonks, Sunday January 23, 2005 [more]
Unforgettable sounds from Belgian melodic man of the moment Fabrice Lig the Soul Designer and local crowd favourites Phunk de Sonique delivering Melbourne-tech with the quality of a well tailored suit. [more]
Honkytonks played host to a hot night of house, techno and everything in between, featuring one of the most exciting up and comers on the Detroit house stage in Swede Aril Brikha and a dark and dirty live performance from local trio Phunk de Sonique. [more]
It was another gloomy Melbourne Friday night when I once again found myself making the journey down to Honky Tonks. On this particular occasion, Mike Callander was down to play a three hour set that would tickle not only my fancy, but a nicely full club's fancy too. [more]
I have always been the one to uphold the ideal that DJs don't need to be technically perfect as long as they have a fantastic taste in music but I must say I was quite disappointed with Di'jital's performance. [more]
Friday 4th July in America heralds Independence Day, but for us folk in Melbourne, Australia the fourth of July meant a voyage to destination - Weird Gear, Honkytonks - for round two of the Ben Cromack grand piano duel and a night of quality controlled mayhem. [more]
DJ Assault took Honkytonks by storm as he dished out his potent mix of accelerated funk putting the dance floor into an absolute frenzy! [more]
This time around it was James Curd (of Greens Keepers fame) venturing on the Chi-town express, 'next stop Melbourne', to take to the grand piano, and all for a good cause - Honkytonks 3rd Birthday! [more]
With an eloquence and ferocity, Lidbo knew exactly where to place and manipulate the sounds, allowing the set to move with a climactic freedom. Sounds splattered from left to right, only to build into a deep, percussive haul. [more]
We started our long-weekend at Honkytonks, and it was guaranteed that we were to finish our long-weekend at Honkytonks. Yes, we were back. Back to witness the first ever Lasergun held behind the grand piano. [more]
I don't know how to sum this all up except to say thank you for that experience, over and over again. There really isn't anything you could experience that comes remotely close to five plus hours with Derrick May. [more]
Honkytonks played host to new crew on the block Data on Dub as Melbourne jumped onto the minimal-esque bandwagon in style. Underground Sounds. [more]