Jamie Farkas joined VICE in 2003, at the launch of the VICE Records label with the release of The Streets’ critically acclaimed debut album, Original Pirate Material. Since, Farkas has overseen VICE Music partner with leading artists across genres including Justice, Action Bronson, Snoop Lion, Black Lips, The Raveonettes, OFF!, and Death From Above 1979. In 2011, Farkas helped launched a strategic partnership between VICE Music and Warner Bros. Records, expanding the label’s presence and global distribution network to what we know Vice as today.
Jamie is heading to our fine shores as a speaker for Face The Music 2013 and an international delegate for Melbourne Music Week.
Face The Music 2013 – Friday 15 and Saturday 16 November. She will appear on the following sessions:
Keynote Address: Jamie Farkas, VICE Music (USA) – Being A Global Artist
2014 – The Year That Was
The Sounding Board: Face-to-Face with Radio and Label Tastemakers
The Bats – ‘North by North’
I discovered The Clean when I was about 15 years old and was mesmerized by their sound and quickly devoured everything on their label, Flying Nun. Label mates like The Chills and the Verlaines became quick favorites as well, but it was The Bats who I felt a special kinship for that has never faded away. When I saw them in the line up for MMW I screamed like the 15 year old girl I was when I first discovered them and cannot wait to see them play.
Courtney Barnett – ‘Avant Gardener’
Courtney Barnett’s charmingly honest songwriting is epitomized in the track ‘Avant Gardener.’ Who can deny a song by a self described slacker who has a panic attack while gardening? Catch Courtney Barnett at the APRA sponsored Song Writing Masterclass and the How To Sell Your Music panel.
Dick Diver – ‘Alice’
The beauty and sincerity of Dick Diver’s ‘Alice’ is subtle and so ridiculously delightful to listen to. The unassuming and jangly tune is an ode to Alice, and talks about – of all things – waking up and getting your “toast to the perfect shade of gold.
Team Spirit – ‘Fuck The Beach’
A mix tape wouldn’t be viable if I didn’t add some of our own bands to it! Team Spirit’s Fuck The Beach is a summer anthem and seeing as it will be spring in Australia when I come over a warm weather jam seemed like a good choice!
Action Bronson – ‘The Rockers’ ft. Wiz Khalifa
Action Bronson loved Australia when he was there in early 2013 and we needed one non rock song to round this out!
Twerps – ‘Dreamin’
When I listen to this song I feel like Twerps are Melbourne’s Beach Boys a la 2013 instead of a la Pet Sounds. ‘Dreamin’ is a garage pop tune that epitomizes it’s namesake. Catch Dick Diver and Twerps performing at their label Chapter Records’ 21st birthday at Chapterfest 21.
Beaches – ‘The Rip’
‘The Rip’ quite literally rips through a seriously primal drum opening and into a fuzzy wall of swirling shoegaze madness. The whirring guitar lines are equally as enthralling and they are chilling as the track bursts through just under five minutes of a tripped out psychedelic haze. Check them out at Polyfest – 30 Years Of Polyester Records showcase.
Boomgates – ‘Flood Plains’
I have a thing with supergroups and Boomgates are certainly an Australian one. Made up of members from bands including Dick Diver, Twerps and Eddy Current Suppression Ring, their music is as awesome as their lineup. Boomgates will appear at the opening night of Melbourne Music Week.
Sonny & The Sunsets – ‘Reflections On Youth’
I had to pick at least one American! Seriously though, Sonny Smith is a man of many talents and Melbourne is lucky to have him coming with the SF band he fronts. Sonny will be appearing at both the Melbourne Music Week opening night gig with his Sunsets as well as the Face The Music session Music = Art.
