Lip Magazine Launch @ SmithsAlternative Bookshop, Canberra(30/6/10)

Fri 2nd Jul, 2010 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT THE PICS HERE!

On Wednesday feministas, literary types and fan-girls alike gathered at Smiths Alternative Bookshop to celebrate the launch of lip Magazine’s 19th issue. lip is the antithesis to the glossy, airbrushed magazines we see on newsagent shelves, so it’s only fitting that the launch was held in a place that stocks books that are less then generic.

The wine was abundant, the mood mellow and the adoring mob all there to do the same thing-support a really great local publication. Lovely singer-songwriters’ Bec Taylor and Brook Fensom were on hand to provide the sounds for the evening, and these ladies did not disappoint, each bringing their unique brand of dreamy, acoustic pop.

Once everyone was assembled, Bec kicked off the evening, her quirky sound making for a perfect, toe-tapping accompaniment to browsing through new and back issues of lip. Bec has a sound that’s akin to young Katie Melua, with cute lyrics, soaring vocals and pretty melodies that all combine to put smiles on the faces of anyone listening. After the first set, lip’s charming editor Zoya Patel addressed the chilled-out audience, thanking them for coming, imploring them to buy or donate and not missing an opportunity to reference our new female PM.

This was followed by Brook Fenson and her guitar, an impressive set that showed off her dynamite vocals and ethereal stage presence. Brook gave the audience a taste of what a talented songwriter she is, with a slew of original, floaty, pop numbers, as well as a pretty great cover of Bon Iver’s Skinny Love. Since lip is a feminist magazine, it makes sense that the launch would be graced by the presence of such talented, accomplished ladies.

It was great to see so many people come out on a cold night to support what is a really great Canberra venture. lip relies on donations and the profits from the sale of the magazine, so it’s so important that events like the launch continue to happen, letting people know what a great publication it is. And in case you lovely Canberrans are wondering where to pick up your copy of Lip, they’ll be available at the Canberra Zine Fair on Saturday the 3rd of July and online sometime very soon! Make sure you get yours.

CHECK OUT THE PICS HERE!