At 8pm on Valentine’s Day, while couples filtered into candlelit restaurants across Melbourne, I walked through the doors of Northcote Social Club, beer in hand, ready for something far more romantic: live music. This was Daezy’s night.

I saw Spacey Jane for the first time in Brisbane, in 2018. I remember thinking ‘this band will take off because they use the stage really well. That’s a sign of a great band–they make use of the stage.’ Nothing has changed - in a good way.

Good Things Festival. For many Australian alternative music fans it’s a yearly tradition that rounds out the year in early December and I dear reader, am no exception. This year’s Good Things was ultimately a success I’d say, even if it might not have reached the same heights of previous years (in my humble opinion).

The Hives are the best live band in the world and they know it. There was no manufactured humility Saturday night as they made their triumphant return to Australia nearly a decade after their last visit. Australian punk rockers ‘Split System’ ran a blistering set of raucous tunes in support, capably engaging in short, fast, loud exposure therapy, preparing the crowd for the oncoming event.

The lights dimmed, and out came the four loves of my life: Ashton (and his majestic mane), Caleb, Kieran, and Peppa. The opening notes of Skin filled the room, and I was immediately overcome with gratitude.