Save Live Australia’s Music (SLAM) is a collective of non-politically aligned, independent, local music-loving citizens, non-funded and run by volunteers. Sounds pretty DIY huh? Which is just how the musicians like it.

You probably remember the SLAM Rally that happened in Melbourne in early 2010, in protest against over-arching Victorian Liquor Licensing policies that unfairly linked live music to high risk activity. A Live Music Accord was signed on the eve of the protest, a Live Music Agreement was signed some seven months later, and a new law introduced in Victoria in late 2011 where Live Music was recognised in the Objects of the Liquor Licensing Act.

But that's just some history for you.

In the current, SLAM continues to lobby and contribute to better outcomes and political agendas for Live Music.

And now for the SUPER current, here and now - this Saturday 23rd is National SLAM Day - celebrating the anniversary of that original SLAM rally and loving the shit out of our local musicians and the multitude of gigs they do every year.

If you'd like to check out what gigs are happening as part of SLAM 2013 - head on over here: http://slamrally.org/tas

If you're doing a gig that day/night and haven't registered on their website...why not?

B-Film & The Cannibalistic Po Howard Band is a Hobart duo made up of Paul Luttrell and Caitlin Barnett, who you may know as one half of King Carousel. 

Their debut album "B-Film & The Cannibalistic Po Howard Band Strike Back" was written and recorded in the space of six weeks in their home studio and released as a free download on Bandcamp last week.

I've always had a thing for two-pieces and these guys are no exception, bringing home a huge sound of soaring electronic riffs and sweet vocals. That's all I know. Take a listen for yourself.

Crixus, an MC, producer and DJ all rolled in to one, returns with his follow up EP 'Prototypecast', available both digitally and as a delicious  12”.

Continually pushing the standards of Tasmanian hiphop and raising the bar of professionalism, all the songs are written, recorded and mixed by Crixus himself, who is no stranger to the DIY ethic that purveys the local music scene. 

He smartly features the talents of vocalist Urshula Leung and electric cellist Nicholas Mercer from fellow Tasmanian band Little Bear and provides a whole stack of digital download bonuses to accompany the vinyl release. Instrumentals of all six EP songs, remixes by feature producers, and extra unreleased songs are all available via the digital download code included with each record. 

Personally I'm a fan of the urgency of the track The Awesome Things My Parents Have Taught Me. But have a listen over on the bandcamp and make up your own mind.