You wake up everyday and you have no idea what to expect, how can you – you’re in a different city every few weeks. The usual is no longer good enough, only the extraordinary.
Sydney, an extraordinary city welcomed me with open arms and showed me her sparkle almost immediately. Her shiny buildings with all sorts housed in them, old, European style buildings holding the secrets to some of the most exciting nightlife yet.
One warm starry night, Ben and I went to the Oxford Art Factory located in the one of the main nightlife areas of Sydney. A dark basement joint in the middle of Oxford Street with a long list of live music acts to satisfy any aficionado. On this particular night, we were going to see Andrew W.K. Who is this you ask? Well, so did I. We had no idea what to expect, but had heard that this was to be one hell of a show.
I decided I didn’t want a conventional pic with the guy, so asked him to put his hands against the wall and smile. We got to have a quick chat afterwards and find out just a little bit more.
Our sources had informed us that the event was at 10pm and we arrived comfortably at 10:10pm, to an emptying venue. My first thought, ‘Was he that bad? The bouncer, still seemingly shocked out of her uniform told us with a surprisingly shaky voice, for a woman her size, that thankfully the show was over. Further investigation gave us only this response. ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’ and that was all the information she was going to offer.
In come two random guys, big smiles on their faces. One, a slick, confident, fresh faced and funny guy, the other, a more reserved, big eyed, sweet guy. The best random meeting I’ve ever had, two friends I will keep for life and the reason I’m even able to tell you about the show.
They offered a lot more info about the show, how the singer (whose music I still have to find) got up on stage, stared into the crowd for the longest five minutes ever, proceeded to play a rock tune on the keyboard for twenty wonderful minutes, then nothing. At this point, he invited the crowd onto the stage to sing the lyrics to his popular songs while he played the instruments. The energy in that room was electric. More people on stage than in the audience. For about an hour or so, it is said to have been the craziest party seen at The Oxford Art factory, people were still buzzing and could not believe the experience they had just had.
Luckily, the singer was available to talk to and take pictures. So, we stood in line, and waited our turn to meet this said musical genius and crazy fun maker. Our turn came, my friend was so excited, he couldn’t speak – which is a phenomenon altogether.
I decided I didn’t want a conventional pic with the guy, so asked him to put his hands against the wall and smile. We got to have a quick chat afterwards and find out just a little bit more.
Andrew is a poetic and spiritual rock musician, his music inspiring, his heart full of love and his life purpose to creatively express his soul. He said the reason he was jamming hard with his fans on stage was to create an experience that was unexpected. Changing the roles and letting everyone join his own mini Woodstock. This Californian completely changed my view on rock artists. Google him, his 1st album cover is of him with a bleeding nose. Hence the T-shirt.
After the chat, Will, Rob, Ben and I decided to go for a drink at a bar that Rob claimed to be his favourite hang out spot and would be a walkable distance – true Sydney style.
All caught up in great conversation, we took a wrong turn or three and found ourselves lost, in Sydney, with two locals. Beats me. Finally, after short cab ride to the right side of town, all of us laughing at how we got lost with locals, we got to Deans.
How do I explain Deans? Start with the fact that it is in a King’s Cross, another central party district filled door to door with bars, clubs and restaurants for all tastes. At first glance, it looks like you’re about to walk into someone’s house, which I believe it once was. A small outdoor terrace area, with small garden chairs and tables. inside, old mismatched furniture, beautiful art on the walls, an old juke box playing whatever golden oldies you want, dim lighting and that comfortable smell of an old home. The food is amazing, the atmosphere very chilled out and the staff carefree and friendly. We had a delicious dinner, stimulating conversation and an introduction to the Sydney we fell in love with.
The final stop for the night was The World Bar, around the corner from Deans, on the main street of King’s Cross.
World Bar was the crème brulee of the amazing night and became an almost regular part of my night out. The cocktails were served in teapots, four floors of Victorian style house each playing different genre’s of music and a fabulous crowd of people with no agenda except to have fun and meet other people. World Bar has changed me. Teapots are a way of life!!
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