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The Thrill of Greyhound Racing: Why It’s More Than Just a Sport in Australia

The Origins of Greyhound Racing

Greyhound racing has a long and storied history, with its Australian journey beginning in the early 20th century. The sport has its roots in ancient civilizations, where greyhounds were valued for their speed and sharp instincts, but it found a distinctive home in Australia.

The first official greyhound race with a mechanical lure in Australia was held in 1927, marking the beginning of a new era. From its humble beginnings, greyhound racing has evolved into a popular sport, captivating Australians with its blend of speed, strategy, and excitement.

From Ancient Hunts to Modern Australian Tracks

While greyhounds historically hunted for survival, their modern role in Australia is as athletes competing on professional tracks under bright stadium lights. This transition from countryside hunts to structured urban events reflects the sport’s ability to adapt while retaining its core—showcasing the greyhound’s unmatched athleticism and training.

What Makes Greyhound Racing Unique in Australia?

In Australia, few sports can rival greyhound racing for its blend of speed, agility, and tactics. Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 72 kilometres per hour, demonstrating their incredible physical capabilities.

Australian trainers and handlers play a crucial role in preparing greyhounds for the track, highlighting the dedication and strategy involved in the sport.

Speed, Agility, and Strategy

Every Australian greyhound race showcases a thrilling combination of speed and decision-making. As the dogs navigate sharp turns, often centimetres apart, each race becomes an unpredictable and exhilarating spectacle.

This dynamic blend of physical prowess and strategic racing keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

The Social Experience of Greyhound Racing in Australia

Greyhound racing in Australia isn’t just about the competition—it’s a social event that brings people together. Whether at major tracks like Sandown Park in Melbourne or regional venues, the atmosphere is electric.

A Gathering of Enthusiasts

For Australians, greyhound racing is an opportunity to connect with family and friends, share in the excitement, and cheer on their favourites. The camaraderie at the track creates a uniquely Australian sense of community and makes every race an unforgettable experience.

Supporting the Dogs: Welfare in Australian Greyhound Racing

Animal welfare is a top priority in Australian greyhound racing. The industry is governed by strict regulations to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs both during their racing careers and after retirement.

Ensuring Ethical Standards

Australia has implemented rigorous welfare standards, including regular veterinary checks, high-quality housing, and adoption programs for retired greyhounds. These practices reflect the sport’s commitment to ethical care, ensuring that greyhound racing in Australia balances excitement with compassion.

Greyhound racing in Australia is more than just a sport—it’s a celebration of speed, skill, and community. From its historic roots to its modern-day appeal, it remains an iconic part of Australian culture, blending heart-pounding action with a deep commitment to animal welfare.

The Weather Station Releases New Single ‘Window’

The Weather Station has unveiled ‘Window’, the second single from her forthcoming album Humanhood. Following lead single ‘Neon Signs’, the track arrives with a Philippe Léonard-directed video, which was “filmed on the island of Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs, Quebec late one night with battery powered projector, with many attempts to get that one perfect take,” according to bandleader Tamara Lindeman. “Philippe’s note to me was ‘you are the window.’” Check it out below, along with the Weather Station’s upcoming tour dates.

Humanhood is due out January 17 via Fat Possum. It follows 2021’s Ignorance and its 2022 companion, How Is It That I Should Look at the Stars.

The Weather Station 2024 Tour Dates:

Sat Jan 18 – Birmingham, UK – HMV Birmingham
Sun Jan 19 – Bristol, UK – RT Bristol
Mon Jan 20 – Liverpool, UK – RT Liverpool
Tue Jan 21 – Leeds, UK – Jumbo Leeds
Wed Jan 22 – Nottingham, UK – RT Nottingham
Thu Jan 23 – London, UK – Rough Trade East
Wed Feb 26 – Hamburg, DE – Nochtspeicher
Thu Feb 27 – Copenhagen, DK – DR Studie 2
Fri Feb 28 – Berlin, DE – Silent Green
Sun Mar 2 – Amsterdam, NL – Tolhuistuin
Mon Mar 3 – Brussels, BE – Botanique / Museum
Tue Mar 4 – Paris, FR – Point Ephemere
Thu Mar 6 – Brighton, UK – CHALK
Fri Mar 7 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
Sat Mar 8 – Dublin, IE – Button Factory
Mon Mar 10 – Glasgow, UK – Saint Luke’s
Tue Mar 11 – Manchester, UK – Band On The Wall
Wed Mar 12 – Bristol, UK – The Fleece
Thu Mar 13 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall

MJ Lenderman Shares New Video for ‘You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In’

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MJ Lenderman has shared the music video for ‘You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In’, a highlight from his latest album Manning Fireworks. The video was directed by Chuck Shreve and Angel James, who described it as being about “a defective model who struggles to make sense of the world he’s born into. Ultimately, this is our attempt at a 1:1 remake of Toy Story 2.” Watch it below.

Following his television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last month, Lenderman has today also announced a March 2025 Australia/New Zealand tour, including a headline performance at the Sydney Opera House. Find Lenderman’s tour schedule below, too.

MJ Lenderman Tour Dates:

Thu Nov 21 – Manchester, UK – YES Pink Room + [SOLD OUT]
Fri Nov 22 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club + [SOLD OUT]
Sat Nov 23 – Dublin, IE – Workman’s Club + [SOLD OUT]
Sun Nov 24 – Dublin, IE – Whelan’s + [SOLD OUT]
Fri Dec 20 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel & [SOLD OUT]
Sat Dec 21 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel &
Sat Jan 25 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville & [SOLD OUT]
Sun Jan 26 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse & [SOLD OUT]
Mon Jan 27 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse & [SOLD OUT]
Wed Jan 29 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle ^ [SOLD OUT]
Thu Jan 30 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle ^ [SOLD OUT]
Fri Jan 31 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt ^ [SOLD OUT]
Sat Feb 1 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn ^ [SOLD OUT]
Sun Feb 2 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s ^ [SOLD OUT]
Tue Feb 4 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s ^ [SOLD OUT]
Wed Feb 5 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs) ^
Thu Feb 6 – Austin, TX – Emo’s ^ [SOLD OUT]
Sat Feb 8 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall ^ [SOLD OUT]
Mon Feb 10 – Santa Fe, NM – Tumbleroot ^ [SOLD OUT]
Tue Feb 11 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre ^
Thu Feb 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda ^ [SOLD OUT]
Fri Feb 14 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda ^ [SOLD OUT]
Sat Feb 15 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre ^ [SOLD OUT]
Mon Feb 17 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent ^ [SOLD OUT]
Tue Feb 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent ^ [SOLD OUT]
Thu Feb 20 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^ [SOLD OUT]
Fri Feb 21 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre ^ [SOLD OUT]
Sat Feb 22 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre ^ [SOLD OUT]
Sun Feb 23 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club ^
Mon Feb 24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell ^ [SOLD OUT]
Wed Feb 26 – Fort Collins, CO – The Aggie ^ [SOLD OUT]
Thu Feb 27 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre ^ [SOLD OUT]
Fri Feb 28 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theatre ^ [SOLD OUT]
Sat Mar 1 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep ^ [SOLD OUT]
Mon Mar 3 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck ^ [SOLD OUT]
Tue Mar 4 – Urbana, IL – Rose Bowl Tavern ^ [SOLD OUT]
Thu Mar 6 – Lexington, KY – Green Lantern ^ [SOLD OUT]
Fri Mar 7 – Lexington, KY – Green Lantern ^ [SOLD OUT]
Fri Mar 21 – Melbourne, AU – Northcote Theatre
Sat Mar 22 – Bambra, AU – Meadow Festival
Tue Mar 25 – Sydney, AU – Sydney Opera House
Thu Mar 27 – Brisbane, AU – The Princess
Sun Mar 30 – Christchurch, NZ – Loon
Mon Mar 31 – Wellington, NZ – Meow
Tue Apr 1 – Auckland, NZ – Double Whammy
Mon Apr 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel % [SOLD OUT]
Tue Apr 29 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel = [SOLD OUT]
Wed Apr 30 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel # [SOLD OUT]
Fri May 2 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios = [SOLD OUT]
Sat May 3 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios = [SOLD OUT]
Sun May 4 – Portland, ME – State Theatre =
Mon May 5 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom = [SOLD OUT]
Wed May 7 – Ottawa, ON – Bronson Center =
Thu May 8 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall =
Fri May 9 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall =
Sat May 10 – Buffalo, NY – Asbury Hall at Babeville =
Sun May 11 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Cathedral Theatre =
Wed May 14 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live =
Thu May 15 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club = [SOLD OUT]
Fri May 16 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club =
Sat May 17 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall =
Mon May 19 – Richmond, VA – The National =
Tue May 20 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground =
Wed May 21 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat =
Thu May 29 – Bristol, UK – The Fleece * [SOLD OUT]
Fri May 30 – Brighton, UK – CHALK *
Sat May 31 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms *
Mon Jun 2 – Glasgow, UK – St. Luke’s *
Tue Jun 3 – Manchester, UK – Gorilla *
Wed Jun 4 – London, UK – Electric Ballroom *
Thu Jun 5 – Sun Jun 8 – Barcelona, ES – Primavera
Wed Jun 18 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
Sat Jun 21 – Lafayette, NY – Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards !

+ with Hollow Hand
& with Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band
^ with Wild Pink
% Joanna Sternberg
= with This is Lorelei
# with Nap Eyes
* with Trace Mountains
! with Waxahatchee and Hurray for the Riff Raff

Ela Minus Releases Video for New Song ‘UPWARDS’

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Ela Minus has dropped a new single, ‘UPWARDS’, taken from her upcoming album DIA – out January 17 via Domino. Arriving on the heels of lead single ‘BROKEN’, the song is meant for “safeguarding yourself, your body, and your soul,” according to the artist. Check out its accompanying video, directed by Albert Estruch and Marc Sancho (of Querida), below.

The new album follows the Colombian artist’s 2020 debut, acts of rebellion, as well as her collaborative ♡ EP with DJ Python. Revisit our 2022 interview with Ela Minus and DJ Python.

 

Vashti Bunyan Announces 20th Anniversary Reissue of ‘Lookaftering’

Vashti Bunyan has announced a 20th anniversary reissue of her Max Richter-produced second album, Lookaftering, to coincide with her 80th birthday. The new expanded edition, out February 7 via FatCat Records, includes the original studio album along with a second LP featuring demos, an alternate take, and a live performance. It also contains sleeve notes from Bunyan, Richter, Devendra Banhart, and FatCat’s Dave Howell, as well as a 16-page lyric booklet with paintings by Bunyan’s daughter Whyn Lewis. Listen to ‘If I Were (Demo)’ and take a look at the full tracklist below.

The Lookafternig demos were originally recorded between 2001 and 2005 by Bunyan at her home studio, where she accompanied herself on electric and acoustic guitar and experimented with accordion, piano, strings, pipe organ, harmonium, and recorders. Additionally, the live rendition of ‘Lately’ was recorded at an early “comeback” gig in LA in 2006, orchestrated to match the album version.

“It felt like a community project; a family of people coming together,” Richter reflected on the making of the album, which also involved Joanna Newson, Adem Ilhan, Robert Kirby, and members of the band Vetiver.

“The beautiful photograph of Max in the studio playing wine glasses with his young daughter’s violin bow, brings it all back to me – how very fortunate I have been,” Bunyan remarked.

Devendra Banhart added: “Lookaftering is a quiet prayer for a world left behind, a remembrance of a world that could have been but never was, a Lookforwarding to a world that may yet still be… As ethereal and haunted as these eleven songs may be, they are also rooted in the earthly magic of wisdom born from experience. Something so rare and honest it’s nearly otherworldly in its total human-ness.”

Read our interview with designer dlt (Dave Thomas), who worked on every record Vashti Bunyan put out in the second phase of her career.

Lookaftering – Expanded Edition Tracklist:

1. Lately
2. Here Before
3. Wayward
4. Hidden
5. Against The Sky
6. Turning Backs
7. If I Were
8. Same But Different
9. Brother
10. Feet Of Clay
11. Wayward Hum
12. Lately (Live, The Echo, Los Angeles, 2006)
13. Here Before (Demo, 2005)
14. Wayward (Alternative take, 2005)
15. Hidden (Demo, 2002)
16. Against The Sky (Demo, 2004)
17. Turning Backs (Demo, 2003)
18. If I Were (Demo, 2001)
19. Same But Different (Demo, 2005)
20. Brother (Demo, 2002)
21. Feet Of Clay (Demo, 2002)

two blinks, i love you Unveils New Song ‘baby drums’

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Ahead of the release of his new ep 2 this Fiday (November 22), two blinks, i love you – aka Liverpool songwriter Liam Brown – has shared a new single from it. ‘baby drums’ follows the previously unveiled cuts ‘alright’, ‘better the knife you know’, and ‘my girl’. “It’s got loads of heart this one and that’s why I think it felt like a good closer!” Brown remarked. Listen to it below.

Sophie Jamieson Shares New Single ‘How do you want to be loved?’

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Sophie Jamieson has released a new song, ‘How do you want to be loved?’, lifted from her upcoming album I still want to share. It follows previous offerings ‘I don’t know what to save’ and ‘Camera’. Check out a video for it below.

“I wrote this song after a particularly upsetting fight with a close family member,” Jamieson explained in a statement. “I wanted to write a song that would help me forgive and understand them – to write my way into being able to love them in the way I felt I should. But I couldn’t keep my anger and frustration out of the song. It kept bubbling through my attempts to embrace their humanity and complexity. In the end, the song seemed to become a battle between the wounded children in both of us. Their voice and pain came through somehow in a way that broke my heart. The song had to hold the very depths of my hurt, and the depths of theirs all in one.”

I still want to share arrives January 17 via Bella Union. Revisit our Artist Spotlight interview with Sophie Jamieson.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Announce New Rarities Compilation ‘Perfect Right Now’

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have announced a new B-sides compilation, Perfect Right Now: A Slumberland Collection 2008-2010. It’s set to arrive on February 7. The album’s ten tracks are taken from 7″s that accompanied the band’s 2009 self-titled debut album, the Higher Than the Stars EP, and split singles. It ends with ‘Say No To Love’, which “points the way forward to the band’s next chapter,” according to a press release. Check out the tracklist below.

“Many of these songs, like those that comprised our debut record, were written in that *now* – making up in wild pop fantasy what we couldn’t quite yet achieve through musical ability,” the band’s Kip Berman said in a statement. “But even if that *now* is now an irrevocable *then,* I still believe that there is nothing better than making music with your friends and dreaming, as our Myspace page once proclaimed, of ‘being the biggest band in the world—to about 18 people.'”

Earlier this year, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart announced a string of reunion shows celebrating the anniversary of their first album. After the band broke up in 2019, Berman continued to release music as the Natvral. Check out our Artist Spotlight interview with the Natvrual. 

Perfect Right Now: A Slumberland Collection 2008-2010 Cover Artwork:

Perfect Right Now: A Slumberland Collection 2008-2010 Tracklist:

1. Kurt Cobain‘s Cardigan
2. Come Saturday
3. Ramona
4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
5. Side Ponytail
6. Higher Than the Stars
7. 103
8. Falling Over
9. Twins
10. Say No to Love

Angel Olsen Shares New Songs From Upcoming Compilation ‘Cosmic Waves Vol. 1’

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Angel Olsen has previewed the upcoming compilation Cosmic Waves Vol. 1 with two more songs. ‘Wonder Now’, an original track by NY-based band Camp Saint Helene, comes paired with Olsen’s acoustic rendition of their track ‘Farfisa Song’. Take a listen below.

Talking about her introduction to Camp Saint Helene, Olsen said: “We were driving to Trust, NC to shoot the cover and campaign for Big Time and Silken Weinberg and Angela Ricciardi were introducing me to some projects they were about to work on – one being for the band Camp Saint Helene, an album that was the perfect backdrop of cult folk for our adventure into the wild mountains of Buncombe county. After our shoot wrapped, I kept coming back to the record and feeling like it had encapsulated the memory of a chapter ending, and when I want to go back to the days of sunset at max patch, I put it on.”

Cosmic Waves Volume 1, which is out December 6, also features original songs (personally curated by Olsen) from Poppy Jean Crawford, Coffin Prick, Sarah Grace White, and Maxim Ludwig. Side B collects covers of songs from the aforementioned artists performed and recorded by Olsen.

Rabbits Vs Guinea Pigs: A Guide to Feeding Your Furry Friends

Rabbits and guinea pigs require high-quality nutrition in order to stay happy and healthy.

Their dietary needs may seem simple to those unfamiliar with these furry-friends, but there are key components needed in order to feed your small pets a healthy and balanced diet. Getting this right is key to their well-being!

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of feeding your small pets the correct food and making every mealtime enjoyable!

Why Hay is a Hero 

For rabbits and guinea pigs alike, hay isn’t just a snack: it should be the number one component of their diet. It plays a vital role in their overall health and wellbeing, from maintaining great and healthy teeth to aiding digestion.

  • Dental Health: Hay helps wear down their ever-growing teeth naturally, preventing painful overgrowth or dental disease
  • Digestive Benefits: Packed with fibre, hay helps keep their digestive systems in tip-top shape
  • Mental Enrichment: The act of nibbling on hay encourages natural foraging behavior, preventing boredom

Timothy hay is an excellent choice for both rabbits and guinea pigs. Timothy hay typically boasts high protein and high fibre, with a coarse texture that your pets will love. 

Also, it’s key to take into consideration high-quality pet hay that’s dust extracted as it can make a world of difference in terms of palatability. 

If you are eco-conscious as we all should be, then ensure that it is barn-dried using renewable energy such as solar panels. Anyway, let’s dive in more:

Similar but Different Diets

While rabbits and guinea pigs share a love for hay, fresh leafy greens, and a sprinkle of pellets daily, their specific needs differ in key ways.

The most significant difference lies in Vitamin C. Guinea pigs cannot produce this vital nutrient naturally, so their diet must include Vitamin C-rich foods such as bell peppers or spinach. Guinea pig specific pellets are also a great option.

Rabbits, on the other hand, can produce their own Vitamin C and don’t require foods high in it.

When it comes to fruit, both species can enjoy an occasional treat. Always remember to keep portions small, as too much sugar can be harmful to both rabbits and guinea pigs.

Types of Hay: Which is Best for Your Pet? 

Different hay types bring different health benefits, so let’s compare timothy hay, meadow hay, ryegrass hay and alfalfa hay,to help you pick the perfect option for your furry friends.

Timothy Hay 

This is the gold standard for rabbits and guinea pigs. High in fibre and high in protein, it supports dental and digestive health. Timothy hay typically has coarse, long stems and is sweet to taste – making it a hit with the small pet community.

Best For: Rabbits and guinea pigs.

Pro Tip: To encourage your small pets to eat more hay, try incorporating hay feeders and toys to their daily routine. Watch them have fun, whilst nibbling more hay!

Meadow Hay

A softer hay which is typically a mix of various, traditional meadow grasses. Meadow Hay is high in fibre to support dental and digestive health, whilst being extremely palatable.

Best For: Rabbits and guinea pigs.

Pro Tip: Due to its soft texture, it also pairs as a great bedding hay too!

Ryegrass Haye

Known for its palatability and fibre content, ryegrass hay is a great option to feed alongside Timothy Hay and Meadow Hay. It’s great for enrichment and additional nutrition too, suiting the fussiest of small pets!

Best For: Rabbits and guinea pigs who need variety or softer hay.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle a handful of Ryegrass Hay on top of Timothy or Meadow Hay to encourage foraging

Alfalfa Hay

Rich in protein and calcium, alfalfa hay is best suited for young rabbits, growing (up to 6 months) or pregnant small pets to support health and development.

Best For: Young, growing rabbits or guinea pigs, or pregnant/nursing pets

Pro Tip: Adult pets can enjoy small amounts of Alfalfa Hay, however we would recommend that the majority of their diet consist of Timothy or Meadow Hay

Everyday Essentials for Small Pets

Ensuring you feed the correct diet for your small pets can go a long way in ensuring your pets thrive:

  • 80% to 90% of their diet should consist of high-quality hay
  • 5-10% pet specific pellets
  • 5-10% leafy greens and vegetables
  • Provide fresh, clean water daily

It’s recommended to schedule regular exotic vet check-ups to ensure your small pets are nice and healthy.

By focusing on a diet built around hay, fresh veggies, and just the right amount of pellets, you’re setting your furry friends up for a long, happy, and healthy life. 

So, go ahead and enjoy the sound of nibbling hay, binkying and popcorning – it’s a sign you’re doing everything right!