BLOG: Changes Coming Up...

Dear Faithful Readers,

It has come to my attention that in the past year you have all been loyal to all my little spats and quirks from Justin Bieber rants to McFly promotions and I thank you all for that. As you've seen in the past 19 months there have been some relatively 'big' changes:

• Opening a Twitter account (twitter.com/strictlyLeisure) and
• Tumblr (strictlyleisure.tumblr.com)
• as well as changing from "stricKlyLeisure" to "stricTlyLeisure".

Along as the small:

• I no longer review "LIVE Shows" - just concerts,
• I also gave up on book reviews (since I didn't have time to read them and then review them for you guys)
• and I have been active on my YouTube Channel (youtube.com/stricklyMEH)

There are MORE changes coming along that I need to let you guys know about.

• Taylor Swift's 2012 Speak Now Tour may be my last ever concert that I will review. Since Miss Swift was my first review, I saw it fit that she would be my last. Depending on me calendar, her concert may be the last concert I share with you guys. If not...
• New Empire's 2011 Symmetry Tour will be my final concert that I will review.

The reason for these changes is that concerts eat a lot out of my pockets. The tickets are usually well priced, but when transport, food and paraphernalia are added to the mix it's not as appealing to do too often (as a Uni student anyway!). So, as soon as I make a decision about Taylor Swift, I'll let you guys know which will be my last concert.

• Books and DVDs (rented films) are also being taken off the list.

Like I said, it was taking too long for me to read books and I watch movies at the cinemas too often to need to hire more films out. It's actually cheaper for me to do my mini-movie-marathons than hiring out new releases. So that's why they're coming off the list as well.

***

Which means as early as next year, I will only be reviewing movies (in cinemas) and music. But don't stress! If I go to a gig, I will share as many photos and videos I can on my Facebook and YouTube Channel. So you won't miss out on much from that end. At the end of each year I will also make a video about books I recommend - just in time for Christmas!

So don't worry! Not too many changes, it's been a long time coming anyway. So what I'm saying is not too much if a surprise. :P

Thank you all again for reading my stuff, I really appreciate it.

God bless and Lots of Love,

sL xxx

Next on sL: Crazy, Stupid Love.

NEW ALBUM: New Empire - Symmetry

SYMMETRY has been out for exactly a week and it’s already sold out across the nation! 2011 is shaping up to be a great year for New Empire as they’ve been on the road with the likes of Good Charlotte, Owl City and soon, Simple Plan. With a track record like that, it seems only fitting to release their second album as well as their own national tour later on this year.

From the consensus, there have already been favourites picked out by fans from this long awaited album after two weeks of previews. Songs such as: Here In Your Eyes, Give Me The World, Train On Time and One Heart / Million Voices have resounded through the crowds throughout the nation.

Just like Speak Now, I’ve reviewed Symmetry song-by-song and added my favourite lines from each song. Enjoy!

***

Across The Oceans

“In coming home you’ll find you’ll have all you need.”

What I really like about this song is the drum beat that is complemented by the acoustic riff. When I listen to this song I think of Pirates of the Caribbean and Pocahontas all in one. Especially in the second verse, where Jeremy sings about buried treasure and the anticipation of hitting the unknown shores. This song talks about a journey all across the world and yet finding that there’s no place like home.

The first time I heard this song I was lying in my bed at 3am and I was thinking, “I could really get up and dance right now.” (I didn’t, because I was up at an ungodly hour!) But seriously, it’s one of those songs that you can’t stand still to. You have to be bopping your head, tapping your foot or mouthing along to the lyrics.

Train On Time

“You just have to know, that I can’t let you go.”

Who doesn’t like a song with a ‘call and response’ aspect to it? What’s really good about this song is the music coincides with the story it’s telling. There’s a sense of urgency that the music builds up until the final moments where it dies down – like the person running is taking a breath from their run – and then the chase picks up again.

Did anyone notice the paradox between the story and the title of the song?

“When your head says, ‘Go, ’cause they’re coming after you, like a train on time.”

The protagonist is running away and the people running after her are ‘like a train on time’. Usually when you go to catch a train you’re hoping it’s on time, but in this simile she’s hoping that there’ll be a delay, but there’s an expectation that she will be caught (because they’re ‘on time’). That is, she can keep running, but she may never get away.

Moving away from my English student persona – this song really pushes you to run. I recommend playing it while you’re exercising. Sadly, yes, I have done this – but exercise is exercise! Why not?! Or dance - which ever is fine!

Give Me The World

“So count me in, you can count on me.”

Music wise, it’s very rock-ish and different to all the other songs that we’ve previously heard from New Empire. It’s definitely one of the louder tracks on the album and it’s one of those songs that you belt out.

Lyrically though I can’t pin down who the speaker is asking the world from, neither can I see from who’s perspective it is being sung. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I just think it’s a little too simple to say that it’s coming from a guy who is saying it to the girl. Or maybe it is…the story behind this song is a little ambiguous as to who the lyrics are talking about. Another perspective I can think of is God talking to His people – but then the entire song breaks down. Like, why would God need the world and then give it back? (John 15:18-25)

To be honest, I may just be reading into the song. (Which is probably that English student rearing in her ugly head!) But whenever I listen or sing this song, it’s the question that runs through my head; my question aside, this song is worth a listen and is one you can rock out to.

Ghosts

“I’m chasing shadows as they surround you in this empty room.”

At first I didn’t really like this song. I thought it was just a little too different. The only way I can explain my discomfort is if you type in “McFly” into iTunes and compare their earlier tuff to their current album (Above the Noise). There’s a conscious change in the musical direction and it’s similar to what New Empire have chosen to do with Symmetry.

With Ghosts I just felt like it wasn’t New Empire. But what ‘salvaged’ this song from the skip button are the lyrics. I’m not saying that the music is terrible – it’s just a little too common (different to New Empire’s sound, but similar to many others already being played all around the world). What I like to do with this song is just sit and listen to the lyrics. Unlike Across The Oceans - where you need to be moving - this song just allows you to sit or laydown to contemplate.

I like poetry; so songs with great imagery, allusions and ambiguities capture my attention – and this is one of those songs. I guess the reason I didn’t like it at first was because I saw the video clip before I heard the song. I was focusing a little more on the story of the video than the song. Relax guys; I did like the video clip. I’m pretty sure I’m part of the 100% of New Empire fans who enjoyed the running on the beach, but my favourite part was at the end. As the song finished and they're all slowly disappearing and eventually all you can see are the piano keys playing themselves.

Tightrope

“Keeping your balance is easy when you are sure of the promise that you’ll never fall.”

My favourite song from this album since 16.07.11 (Here In Your Eyes Tour). I loved this song two months before I heard it through and through. The strings at the beginning, the claps in the verses and the metaphor of a tightrope – sold!

What I really like about this song when I heard it live was the mixture of not knowing the song and having to appreciate it as a wall of sound that embraces you - it was just utter bliss. It was a little hard to hear Jeremy, so all I could decipher was, “You could’ve lied to me…and would you write to me…the hardest part is giving up.” When I got the album and heard the song all the way through, I was really encouraged and inspired by it.

Like I told you guys on Tumblr, sometimes confidence in something you’re not sure you can do is all you need. There’s a part of all of us that hesitates before we take that first step, but we all need to know that there’s always going to be a bar in our hands that will help us keep our balance. Even at the point when we feel like we’re about to fall, we need to know that there’s always going to be someone there to catch us. In truth, the hardest part is not trying, but “giving up”.

Worth The Wait

“I wanna say that you have been worth the wait.”

Another rocky song that requires a series of head banging! Don’t hate me for saying this, but the entire theme of the song kind of reminds me of Taylor Swift’s, Change and Long Live. When I listen to this song I see this image that you only get in those great epic movies when the war is over.

You know what I mean? The mise-en-scene where the hero stands at the centre looking over the damage, but as the sun rises it’s not just him that you see. You also see his men and they’re standing perfectly diagonal on either side of him and they all have that look. The whole, “It is finished.”

Yeah, I watch to many movies. Let me know if you feel the same way when you listen to this song. (Does anyone else get a picture of King David when they listen to this song?!)

Staircase

“I will give you all of my soldier’s heart.”

It does have that R’n’B feel to it, much like One Republic’s, Apologise. Much like Ghost, it’s the lyrics that saved this song from being skipped. But in saying that, what I love the most is the dynamics in the chorus with Jeremy’s falsettos.

I am a little hesitant to say that I prefer the piano version that you get on iTunes over the original because the song overall is not overly embedded with the heavy R’n’B beats, it just has minor elements. As a whole the song is rather quiet so there’s not big difference between the acoustic version and the original track.

Aside from that, I like that it’s kind of like a little prayer. Similar to Tightrope, it gives me the sense of pushing through even if the fight is harder than you thought. Listening to this song I get that feeling that it's ok to ask for help, because it's always there to be found.

Long Way Home

“I will fight for your every word, from years of fighting for me first.”

Another one of my favourites and it’s definitely one of the quieter tracks. I like this song because this is definitely a ballad of surrendering all that you are for a greater cause. I love knowing that this life is not to be done alone – that it’s supposed to be done together, and this song just depicts that beautifully.

I get the image of Footprints whenever I hear this song. The image that God is always walking along side us and whenever we come across challenges He’s right there with us – even better He’s gone a head of us. This song stirs my spirit to a place of security and peace. It’s a really encouraging song, especially on this narrow road we walk.

Here In Your Eyes

“As I run through this forest, I’m just a child inside.”

The first single from this album and I have to say, the first time I heard this song I was a little shocked to recognise Jeremy’s voice! I had been so out of the New Empire loop (two years to be exact!) that I felt like I didn’t even know who they were anymore!

But when I saw the video lip, I was like, “This is a great song!” I love that you can dance and sing to it all at the same time. I also like the whole idea of past and present colliding in a moment of bliss. This song is like a secret between two friends that’s been communicated through a single glance.

Imagination

“Do they really need us back in the real world?”

This song reminds me of reading a book or trying to stay asleep when you’re having a great dream. Who doesn’t like to delve into their imagination every now and again? When I listen to this song, I close my eyes and see what it brings to life. Nothing freakish like new worlds or psychedelic metric shapes or anything like that! More like memories of good times I’ve had with family and friends or stories I’ve read or even moments where I was just really happy.

It’s so cheery with the drums and the piano, you can’t help but think of the good things – or see the positive in the negative. There’s always something good, no matter how bad things seem.

One Heart / Million Voices

“Hold on to the words they taught us.”

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have this song as his or her new anthem. The quiet start all the way through to the second chorus just has you contemplating over the words being sung. It talks about promises that are being whispered throughout life that remains with those who are willing to listen. If you listen carefully the heart the beats inside of you may resound the voices that have come long before; voices who listened to those promises.

I’m not going to say much about this song because I generally don’t have many words to explain how encouraging this song is; and because I know you many of you love this song.

Overall

The album is perfect for your everyday commute and chillaxing with friends. I have to admit that some of the slower songs resonate with Jeremy’s solo album, Diamonds Without A Name, but it’s definitely the New Empire that people have known and new fans have grown to love. To secure your copy, be sure to call your nearest JB Hi-Fi / Koorong stores so they can order/save a copy for you. It’s also available on iTunes with TWO bonus tracks and a digital copy of the lyric booklet. I’m pretty sure it’ll be available when the tour starts as well. (PS. If you click the titles for Give Me the World, Ghosts and Here In Your Eyes they'll take you to the video clips.)

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: CHANGES to sL

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Owl City - All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour

OWL CITY

Literally a month after New Empire I was back at The Metro Theatre with my hands raised and voice warmed up for Mr. Adam Young – aka. OWL CITY!!! Here’s how the night went…

Breanne Duren

Breanne Duren started the night with her smooth, soft tunes to set the evening’s atmosphere. With nothing but her keyboard and her unique voice to get this show going, Breanne serenaded the audiences with her solo tunes. Encouraging us to dance for her final two songs and with voluntary ‘clap-alongs’ (as well as swaying from time to time!) for her earlier songs, it was soon established that this night was one where you would not stand still – and what kind of concert would that be!!!

I have tremendous respect for Breanne since she acted very professionally when a member of the audience was yelling out obscene things while she was performing. She kept a smile on her face and kept speaking to the rest of us, even if the person in question was yelling over the top of her. (Mental note to audiences: please DON’T come to a concert drunk. Others: Don’t laugh or give them death eyes if they do, it’ll only encourage them.) Otherwise, Breanne started the night brilliantly – I only hope I could’ve told her how much respect I had to her to her face. Nevertheless, I had a great time swaying, clapping and clicking with the crowd! (KUDOS to the young lady next to me who knew all the words to Breanne’s songs!)

New Empire

Do I really need to talk about this band?! Seeing as I reviewed their Sydney show a month ago, I’ll make it quick!

As always Jez, Pete, Kale, Kyle and Thom were a blast to sing and dance along with. New or old songs I was jumping and clapping. I surprised myself a little when I knew the words to some of the new songs - slips in the reminder: SYMMETRY release 16^th September 2011.

For more on this band see my last blog post: stricklyleisure.blogspot.com/2011/07/here-in-your-eyes.html

OWL CITY

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you’re in Sydney, Australia? The Opera House? Harbour Bridge? No. For Adam Young it’s, “P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney!!!” The crowd was up in a roar of laughter with Adam’s hello and his instrumental start. Entering to the sound of owl’s hooting (appropriate, right?) Owl City picked up where New Empire left off and expressed his delight of being with his Sydney fans on a beautiful Tuesday night.

Playing songs from Ocean Eyes and his current album, All Things Bright and Beautiful, the crowd was not short in knowing all the lyrics and joining Adam and the rest of the band in their dancing. Adam waved his hands about to keep us in time like a professional conductor as we happy sang along. Fans showed their appreciation as favourites like: Cave In, Hello Seattle, Meteor Shower, The Tip of the Iceberg, Vanilla Twilight, The Real World, Deer in the Headlights, Angels, Galaxies, Alligator Skies, The Yacht Club and more filled The Metro.

And what would a night be without their most popular song: FIREFLIES!!! Without a doubt, the beloved song was not short in voices as the entire first chorus was sung by the crowd. With a grin on their faces Owl City danced along with us. That’s what happens when we nocturnal few prefer “to stay awake when we’re sleep”.

The entire night Adam told us bits and pieces of his adventured here in Australia. From eating fish‘n’chips on the beach or shopping for Ugg Boots, his stories were never short of a chuckle or a cheer. One thing I loved the most was Adam’s some-what interpretive dance, whether it was with his guitar or just in general – it as infectious (and painful for me the next morning! Worth it!)!!!

I was absolutely glad when I heard my two personal favourites: Meteor Shower and Galaxies. These songs are such powerful songs about the incredible love and grace of God. Simple in their lyrics and absolutely dynamic in their musicality, I was put into a flash back to Easter Fest with Hawk Nelson. Jason said, “We have the best job in the world. Touring and making music are not just routines – it’s our ministry.” Such powerful words of truth! And I’m glad they’re not the only ones who see their passion for music as a ministry.

Overall…

BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT NIGHT!!! I seriously have never danced and cheered so hard in my life (sorry New Empire!)! I was so glad to have shared it with a close friend and I’m glad she had a great night out. Happy engagement Miss Lord!!! (Yes her last name is ‘L.o.r.d.’)

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars!

Next: SYMMETRY

FILM: Green Lantern

Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) was your typical daredevil pilot who loves a challenge. The only thing is, the challenge is sometimes facing his fear of being close to people. Scared by his emotional past, Hal has not been able to commit to anything. While he deals with his own problems on earth, the fate of the universe is in peril as a new threat has been released from its bondage.

Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison), leader of the Green Lanterns (the intergalactic space rangers who keep the peace), has been hit by Parallax (voiced by Clancy Brown) and must now flee to find a suitable replacement – which brings us back to earth.

The prerequisite to be chosen as a Green Lantern is to be fearless. When fear is a noun rather than a verb and is about to destroy your home planet, quitting is not an option. With his ring on his finger and his greatest power – will – at hand (pun not intended), Hal comes face to face with Fear and it’s a fight to the death.

The Story

Much like Thor I’m not big expert on the comic book story, so I have to take what I’ve been given. The whole idea of personifying (or should I say ‘alienifying’) fear is a little cliché. Removing the great names of ‘Green Lantern’ and ‘Parallax’, this is a story about facing your fears.

The storyline was sweet and simple wrapped in some warped science-fiction theme with cool masks and super-suits. But let’s face it. You can’t really have enough ‘face your fears’ movies can you?

The Cast

I’ll be honest, at first I wasn’t so sure if Ryan Reynolds was a great option for a super-hero film. Coming from his Wade Wilson/ Deadpool character from X-Men Origins: Wolverine role where he was comical, I just did not think his comedic charm was appropriate for a super hero film. And you know what? I think I’m right. Agree or disagree with me, you know that the comedic lines in this film were going to be 100% delivered perfectly by the comedy star. Don’t get me wrong! I’m not bagging Reynolds out! It’s just usually the comic relief comes from the supporting actors not the protagonist in super hero films – so I think it’s a fresh take on the whole genre. Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t super heroes usually disturbed (Batman) or somehow depressed (Superman) – Green Lantern (according to cartoons) is the same. I suppose it’s a nice change to have a super hero who can nail the punch line once in a while.

Blake Lively in her brunette appearance delivered a very good portrayal of Carol Ferris, Hal’s childhood friend and love interest. Strong, smart and dangerous in flight, Lively lives up to her name and brought her character to life in order to resonate with many women today. Carol is the epitome of a woman who can hold a career and yet still want a solid relationship with someone. But as the storyline would have it, Hal’s not the ‘commitment type’. Nevertheless, she was amazing – Carol is definitely far from her Gossip Girl or Sisterhood roles. This is definitely a more serious role for Blake.

Peter Sarsgaard who plays Parallax’s protégé on earth, Hector Hammond, was a great super villain! He totally freaked me out and amazed me when fear consumed his entire being. I love how he fits in the political scene along with the climax of the film and even the romance dynamic of the plot. I think he’s one of the best super villains that I actually believe in. There’s a sense of humanity in him, unlike the Joker or Magneto (in the first few X-men films). I think it’s because he fit so well into the entirety of the film that he’s believable.

Mark Strong, aka. Sinestro was a great contrast to Reynolds’ comic presence. It would make sense considering he’s the predecessor of the Green Lantern company. He balanced out all the funny tones that Reynolds’ character had and made Hal a little more believable in terms of the film’s focus on his humanity. (Kudos to the writers in that regard.)

The Graphics

100% brilliant! All the cool will-made weapons were so well thought through and coincided with the personalities of each Green Lantern. I thought that was cool. I love that you knew that theses abilities weren’t real. Because their weapons were made from their imagination, the graphics were a little easier to marvel at (or laugh at).

The green screen scenes are hardly worth talking about really – I mean it’s a super hero movie. Majority of super hero films are all strings and green screen anyway! I supposed all I can say is: you turn a blind eye to the unrealistic because you knowingly submit yourself to the fictitious images on the screen.

Overall…

It a typical super hero movie – nothing new besides the inversion of who brings the comic relief. The storyline wasn’t anything new – just engulfed in a different hero. Graphics were cool, better than Thor. That’s about it.

sL Star Rating: 3.5 Stars – it just didn’t surprise me.

Next: OWL CITY!!!

BLOG: NEW SITE!!! (Not really...)

Hey All!

Important admin news, stricklyLeisure will now be adding TUMBLR to the social networking family! Blogger.com has been so good to me these last SEVENTEEN months, but due personal preferences, I have felt the need to add to my writing. This site will still be open for my formal reviews so...I'm not disappearing!!! I'm still going to be here for all those who are worried I'm going to abandon them :D

This will be where I post all my reviews and give my star ratings. TUMBLR will be the more personal side of things - photos with friends, personal thoughts on movie trailers, funny back stories to events, etc. - so please don't be too shocked! I've just missed TUMBLR that's all :D

I hope you're all having a swell time doing what you do and I hope to be around more in the next coming years!

God bless and lots of love,'

sL

PS. OWL CITY and GREEN LANTERN next!!!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: New Empire - Here In Your Eyes Tour

As you know, I always start with a little story before we actually go into my actually review – this review is not different. After getting into the city FOUR hours EARLY, my dear friend (Alyssa), sister (Andrea) and I decide to line up for NEW EMPIRE’s Here In Your Eyes Sydney Show at The Metro Theatre. We got a little confused about which end was the entrance, but eventually we made friends with a few girls who knew where to enter. Which is great too – considering Jeremy, Kyle and Kale walked out the doors at about 6pm-ish and about 20 minutes later Pete opened the door (was a little amused at the fans already at the door) and waved and wisely closed the door back again.

Overall, the night was a blast and I was so stocked to be able to be reviewing such a great show!

I Am Apollo

You cannot have a show without supporting bands! BIG, BIG, BIG KUDOS to the opening band, I Am Apollo, for starting the night with an amazing line up of hands-in-the-air-and-sway-them tune that automatically made you want to raise your voice for more and dance – even if you only had about 15 centimetres around you to move!

I Am Apollo’s performance made me want to pop, sway and slow-dance the night away. Their talents must be commended and supported – so much so, I bought their music on iTunes while I was writing this review! The band of 5 began the night with an energy that could only be lifted by the time New Empire hit the stage

Check out their music on: www.iamapollo.com

Sons Of Mercury

This band had high-energy from the moment they were setting up the stage! Happy to pose for pictures for and with fans, Sons Of Mercury, followed with a blast of electrifying sounds. Lead singer, Matt, was a great front-man as he encouraged the audience to dance with him and raise their hands in the air and jump to match the beat of the song.

Whether they were dancing or rocking out, Sons of Mercury did not fail to deliver in their highly energetic performance. Well done boys!

Check out their music on: www.myspace.com/sonsofmercury

New Empire

No doubt by the time 9:30pm rolled in you could tell that the crowd was pumped to have New Empire in front of them. But in tradition, delaying the stage time meant teaching their fans the value of patience. But it was worth the wait as New Empire started the night with Here In Your Eyes – appropriate considering that’s the name of their tour!

With a new album coming out soon, I loved the fact they played both NEW and OLD songs. As soon as I heard If He Hurst You (a personal anthem that means a lot!) I couldn’t help but sing at the top of my lungs! But as other crowd favourites such as: Hero (Andrea’s anthem!), Take Me Back, and of course their new single, Give Me The World filled The Lair everyone had their own way of showing their excitement in hearing their favourites. Whether it was head-banging, raising their hands to clap along, jumping up and down or just singing along – the crowd was happy to show their appreciation.

I love the fact they played upcoming songs – I will NOT attempt to name them because frankly in the mix of screaming fans and loud music I couldn’t really hear the names of the new songs (not to mention not knowing them from their melodies because, obviously, I hadn’t heard them before! :P) But I loved them all, ESPECIALLY the encore of the night: One Heart, Million Voices. After hearing that song I was like, “This next album is going to be E.P.I.C!!!”

From start to finish Jeremy, Pete, Kale, Kyle and Thom were amazing – I loved the transitions between songs and even instruments!!! At one stage Jeremy was at the keyboard with the guitar on his shoulders – skill times one hundred! I was amused by bass player, Kyle’s return to the cello by taking out his bow and shooting musical arrows to the crowd! They were all brilliant in their own way!

The Lair was a great place to hold the show – I was so happy to get hi-5s from both Pete and Jeremy when they were reaching out to the crowd. All 5 men are absolutely top-notch performers and they deserve all the “Wooohooos!” and “Yeahs!” they got on Saturday night.

It was great to have a chat to the boys after the show as well, fun fact – Thom knows McFly (that made my sister’s day I tell you)! 

If you have not heard anything by them checkout: www.myspace.com/newempiresound

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

NB: This is the last review for a few months - I'll notify you guys via Facebook, Twitter or this blog if I'm back online. I'll try not to be a stranger :D

INTERVIEW: Meet MOLOTOV JUKEBOX, along with fans - Claire and Eleanor

With the hype of the new and FINAL Harry Potter film gracing our screens this week, I thought it'd be nice to see what some of the stars are doing outside of the cinema hit. Natalia Tena (aka. Tonks) has had her band for a while and a few Harry Potter fans are crying out to hear them in their respective countries. So it's time to meet: Eleanor and Claire.

Get to know these lovely girls as well as Molotov Jukebox...

First of all, let’s introduce you guys to my readers. Tell us THREE interesting things about yourselves.

Claire: 1- As well as a massive Potterhead, I am also quite the Whovian (Doctor Who Fan.) My favourite Doctor Who character is River Song. 2- I like to cook too, especially desserts and sweet stuff. And I decorate cakes. 3- I have a huge phobia of onions, which leads back into my early years.

Eleanor: Well, my name is Eleanor and I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I have a highly irrational fear of the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park and I love watching musical theatre.

Obviously you guys are big fans of Harry Potter Series (the books and the films) – but what is it about the series that you guys love so much?

Claire: I find that I can escape from the world into what JK Rowling has created. The series is so different to many books these days (cough-Twilight-cough) which don’t address world issues. Like, with the Wizarding Wars, there was the issue of genocide (Muggle borns/muggles/blood traitors against the blood purists), as well as some issues as they grew. I believe this is what has made the series special.

Eleanor: Harry Potter is a lot more than a story; it's about real struggles that real people deal with. The characters fight a war against hate and discrimination, which is something we are constantly battling in our world. They fight for love, something you can never fight for enough. The characters are also incredibly easy to relate to and real.

If there was one person from the cast you guys could spend a whole day with, it would definitely be Natalia Tena. Tell us a little bit of your appreciation for her – what is it about her that you love the most?

Claire: Well, Eleanor has had the pleasure of meeting her, and I unfortunately haven’t. But it is on my bucket list to meet her!

I find that Nat is very independent. She wears all these weird and wacky outfits, colours her hair, acts crazy. I admire people who don’t want to fit in, much like myself. Also, she is fairly musical as well, much like myself.

Eleanor: Well first off, she's insanely talented. Her Harry Potter character is Tonks, and she's been my favourite character for almost 10 years, and I've always loved her portrayal of her. She has an amazing voice and I honestly could listen to her sing all day. I love how real she is, she isn't a diva and she doesn't place herself on a pedestal. She's so humble and easy going, it's incredibly easy to love her.

The reason for this interview is to get Molotov Jukebox to be a household name. So tell us a bit about them. Who’s in the band and what do they play? Do you prefer one particular member of the band or is it pretty even?

Claire: They are a six piece band, with vocals, accordion, violin, drums, acoustic guitar, bass and trumpet. They don’t have a precise genre, however, on iTunes they are classified as Alternative. The members are Natalia Tena, who sings lead vocals and plays the accordion, Sam Apley, who does vocals too as well as play the violin, Adam Burke plays the acoustic guitar, Tom Wilson plays the bass, Angus Moncrieff plays the trumpet and Max Burnett-Wain plays the drums.

I like them all, but we talk to Tom quite often on Twitter, as he sometimes manages their account.

Eleanor: At the moment, I have the new edition of the song Double Dare on repeat, so I'm in love with Angus and his trumpet. But they really are all insanely talented.

By now you have favourites to recommend to others, what are TWO song’s you would recommend buying on iTunes?

Claire: My favourites currently, both from the new single, are Voodoo and Soldieress’s Lament. Both are very catchy and I recommend them.

Eleanor: Well of course you should buy their recently released EP Double Dare and also their single Laid to Rest. But my current favourites are Double Dare, off their new EP and Before I go.

Give us FIVE reasons why we have to listen to them.

Claire:

1- Different musical style to the modern style hitting the charts currently (no synthesisers)

2- You will LOVE them if you have a very broad taste of music.

3- The lyrics have a sense of realness to them; Trying is one of my favourites because it relates to me.

4- Very catchy rhythms and beats will get you up and dancing in no time!

5- Nat’s singing is beautiful!

Eleanor:

1-Each song is different; they don't repeat the same thing.

2-They don't sound like anything else on the radio.

3-They've invented their own genre called GypStep (Gypsy & Dubstep).

4-They care about their music and their fans.

5-They make you want to dance crazy and touch people inappropriately.

If Molotov Jukebox could come to Australia, where would they play and why?

Claire: I would love it if they came to play in my city, Adelaide, because nothing happens here! Plus, it is so expensive to fly and stay around Australia, because everything isn’t close together like in other countries. I would've loved to have gone to one of the Harry Potter conventions in Melbourne or Sydney in March, but due to the geographical issues of Australia, it is a bit of a pain in the bottom.

Eleanor: Sydney and Melbourne of course, as well as hopefully several other cities in New South Wales. Australia is big, but it would be ideal if they went to Western and South Australia too.

How much would it mean to you if they came and played a gig here in Australia?

Claire: It would be brilliant. Ever since their trip to Brazil, we have been asking for a trip here. (Other countries also followed us) Plus they have been to European countries too, recently Italy, so why should Australia miss out on the fun?!

Eleanor: So much! I've already had the immense pleasure of meeting Natalia, but to spend time with them all would be phenomenal. They are the first band that I've ever really connected with and developed a big love for, so it would be amazing to see them live.

How can people contact you if they want to sign the petition you’ve been sending around? Or get in contact with you if they knew a place you could have them play at?

Claire: The petition link is : http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41617.html - Our contact details are within the description as well.

Eleanor: They can contact me at my twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/eleanorclark) or tumblr (http://wotcher-remus.tumblr.com/). I also run the Molotov Jukebox fansite (http://fuckyeahmolotovjukebox.tumblr.com/). Claire runs a Natalia Tena fansite too (http://fyeahnataliatena.tumblr.com/). We help each other out with those.

Are you guys going to gear up for the premier of the FINAL Harry Potter movie?

Claire: If it was in my city, I would, however I will be attending a fundraiser one the day after release on the 14th. And I’m going as a Quidditch player for my house, Slytherin!

Eleanor: YES! I have my complete Ravenclaw uniform ready to go!

Coming up on sL: NEW EMPIRE LIVE in Sydney