We are excited to announce, iconic New Zealand Born Singer/Songwriter Ben Merito will be returning to 140!

Whilst Merito can be described as many things - overnight success is not one of them. Since his early teenage years this talented artist has put in the hard graft, determination and commitment into his love of musicianship and creative expression. His hard slog has won him scholarships, peer approval, acclaim and competitions, but what drives his passion is the truth in his music. It's this authenticity and musical integrity that is at the heart of the connection he has with audiences around Australia and New Zealand.

With invitations for support performances with iconic performers such as Neil Finn and Paul Kelly acclaim for Ben Merito continues to grow. Ben performs with heart and soul. His audiences continue to grow rapidly and it's only a matter of time before he becomes contentious property between Australia and NZ.

Ben will be performing LIVE on Level 1 every Friday, from 11:30am - 1:30pm until March.

If you didn't get the chance before Christmas, be sure to make the most of the opportunity now!! Get down and support this talented artist!

Visit the 140 Facebook for further event details, or you can check out Ben Merito online.

Music is such an integral part of a fashion parade, however so often its importance in adding flavor to a show is disregarded. For our 140 Hearts WA Creatives parade we wanted to embrace all aspects of the WA arts arena and in another exclusive, are excited to announce that two of Perth's most experienced bands will be launching their as-yet-un-released tracks at the show.

Our live DJ, Will Slade of Triple J's unearthed band, Bastian's Happy Flight will play tracks by The Witches and End of Fashion off their upcoming new albums along with other WA artists including The Voltaire Twins, Sugar Army and The Canyons.

THE WITCHES

The Witches are a new ensemble composed of two members from one of Perth's popular pop/rock acts, the Panda Band, their new track will launch at the event and will mark the official debut of their sure-to-be a hit single, 'I Thought I Saw A Ghost,' from their upcoming self titled album. 140 sat down with lead vocalist, Chris Callan for an exclusive interview on their involvement with the 140 Hearts WA Creatives fashion parade.

Name: Chris Callan
Band Name: The Witches
Band Members: Christopher Callan, Scott Howard, Jon Fernandes, Karl Hiller
Hometown: Perth
Established: March 2011
Sounds Like: Modest Mouse meets Twin Peaks, Crowded House on steroids.
Influences: Super Furry Animals, Pink Floyd, Steely Dan.

Q&A with The Witches

140: Are you excited to be launching your as-yet-un-released track 'I
Thought I Saw A Ghost' at the 140 Hearts WA Creatives Fashion Parade as
part of Perth Fashion Festival?

We are stoked, it is always great when the arts combine to make something special together. When you make music you never really know where its going to end up unless you are writing the theme song to a James Bond film…then you know it is going to end up on James bond film. To start off on the catwalk is a great start for The Witches.

140: What was the inspiration behind the song?

Ha, it is lyrically a very simple song, everyone has had a moment in their life where they have caught their shadow and thought it was a ghost. My moment was running late one night by myself, it is amazing how fast you can run when you think some scary assed ghost is on your tail.

140: How did you come up with the band name, The Witches?

We were all sitting around coming up with ideas and someone suggested The Witches, everyone said no so we thought it would be a good idea. Bad publicity is good publicity so bad band name is a good band name right?

140: Did you realise when creating the song that it would work well for the
runway?

Considering I was running when I came up with the idea I will have to say no, 140 better be hooking the models up with some running shoes and the catwalk will want to be at least 4ks.

140: What do the other band members think of this experience?

Everyone is really excited to be launching the song in a way that is different to what we are used to, we are used to seeing each other bobbing along to the song in the rehearsal room, I think watching the models bobbing along to it on the catwalk will be a much prettier site.

140: What is the name of your upcoming album and when is it due for
release?

It will be a self titled release 'The Witches'. We plan to have it out in the summer time next year.

140: Tell me a few of your favourite things…

Running, hacking into peoples face book accounts and commenting on their friends photos, hanging out on the stoop and eating Thai food.

140: Do you like fashion? What does fashion mean to you?

I do like fashion, I think it identifies who you are and how you like to be seen. I find it funny how the people that say they are not into fashion are usually putting so much effort into not being fashionable that they stand out more than the people who are.

140: You are also in The Panda Band, what was it like being styled by
140's Stylist Marcia Ball for your Spill music video also due for release
soon?

It was an interesting experience, Marcia is very imaginative, she can see what will work for you from just a picture, we got in a bit of trouble for some things that were a big no no in the industry, I remember wearing white socks with black jeans and she pulled out these skin colored socks from her handbag to cover up my mistake, it kinda scared me for what other back up plans she had hidden in that handbag.

140: The 140 fashion parade is named '140 Hearts WA Creatives', how is
this music collaboration with the show supporting The Witches?

It's obviously exposing our music to a whole new scene, it's interesting how hard it is to be a band in this day and age, it is these collaborations that give a breath of fresh air to what is a very hard career path. I think the future of music will be more of these sorts of collaborations.

140: What do you love most about the WA music industry?

The WA music industry has always been so strong, we are recognized all around the country for having some of the best bands in Australia, with that sort of competition as a WA musician it is no wonder why we keep creating such amazing bands.

END OF FASHION

End of Fashion are an incredibly popular WA band who's music has gained fans world wide and brought fame and accolades to its members for their catchy tunes and top 40 successes. They have received rave reviews over the years from some of the music industries toughest critics and will go down in WA music history for breaking into the mainstream with songs, 'O Yeah' and 'The Game'. 140 was lucky enough to catch up with lead singer, guitarist and (to many who will admit it) heartthrob extraordinaire, Justin Burford from End of Fashion.

Name: Justin Burford
Band Name: End of Fashion
Band Members: Justin Burford, Rodney Aravena, Simon Fasolo
Hometown: Perth
Established: Early naughties, roughly
Sounds Like: Our influences
Influences: Anything that grabs our attention

Q&A with End of Fashion

140: End of Fashion are such an established WA band, why did you agree to let us use your un-released song 'Legs Grow Long?'

The band has taken a fresh direction on this upcoming record and we feel an event like 140 is a perfect forum to showcase this new sound. It's always really exciting for us to align ourselves with these kinds of cultural events. Perth has a rich creative atmosphere with so many talented people in a wide variety of fields, so naturally we are always enthusiastic to get involved in celebrating and participating in anything that enriches or expands the arts community. The pleasure is all ours.

140: When can fans expect to get their hands on the upcoming album 'Holiday Trip of A Lifetime?'

We've been working hard on this record for over two years now getting everything just how we wanted it. It's our first independent release so it's been a labour of love for us and a chance to make a statement. We don't have an exact date yet, but with the artwork and the final touches finally in place, it's looking like we'll release it really soon. It's a fun summery record so the aim is to get it out as the weather warms up.

140: 140 is all about supporting WA Creatives, what do you think is so great about the WA music industry?

It's no secret Perth has had a flourishing arts scene for many many years. There's been articles and books and movies all asking the same question. I think it's just a great place to live and work. There's a strong sense of community there and people are happy to bounce ideas off of each other all in the name of creating stuff that will stand on par nationally and even internationally while carving out our own sense of identity. The isolation works for us in that capacity. Perth people are proud of our arts heritage and because its so small and focused we have a shared passion and belief in what we do. I think it's the unity that makes us strong.

140: You have played to thousands of fans at countless festivals over the years, graced the pages of multiple magazines and performed on TV shows such as Rove Live, what is it like to be loved for something you enjoy doing?

It's the greatest thing in the world. Any artist or performer's dream is to be recognised and acknowledged that what you're putting out there is ok. I dont think it's about the accolades as much as it's about being appreciated for sharing what you love doing. We're blessed for the experiences and opportunities we have had. That's not to say it isnt hard work and it comes with certain sacrifices and down sides, but I wouldnt want to do anything else.

140: What are a few of your favourite things…

I tend to love the little things. A good book. A nice meal. The company of people I love. I've never made it any secret that I'm an avid film fan with seriously geeky tendencies. I love performing and I love creating. I'm really enjoying the opportunity I have now to explore acting [currently working on a musical production in Melbourne called 'Rock Of Ages'] and that's something I will definitely continue to pursue. I have a penchant for a good cigar every now and then. I just love life I guess.

140: Anyone who knows you and the band, knows you have some serious style Justin, what do you like most about fashion and how would you describe your style?

The irony of being in a band called 'End of Fashion' while having something of an interest in fashion has never been lost on me. It's kind of part of the joke so to speak. Fashion will never end because the need for people to express themselves will never end. Fashion is really just an extension of identity. There are conformists and there are radicals and sometimes they're one and the same. I dont know if I have a particular style. I'm drawn to certain looks I guess but for me it's more about moods then trends. It's just something else to have fun with and explore. I know what I like and I trust my instincts, for better or worse.

140: We're planning on playing your song to end our fashion show (pun intended), did you ever think the song could work well for fashion runway?

First I want to say it's an honour having a song of ours being chosen to close an event like this. It's pretty cool. Things like that always spin me out because I remember when I wrote it which was, like usual, in my bedroom. To think a tune I pen in my bedroom ends up closing a fashion event tickles me. Funnily enough, I wrote this song with the hope and intention that it would be used on a fashion runway. There's a stoic rhythm to the song that made me think of long legs strutting and all the glitter and fanfare of a fashion show. It's something Ive always enjoyed as subject matter. Our last record had a song called 'Exotca' that commented on the glitterati. It definitely gives me a quiet sense of satisfaction that 'Legs Grow Long' is being used for one. I can tick that box.

140: Some of the lyrics of the song include the words 'covered in style' - How important do you think it is to be covered in style?

Style, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. It's completely subjective. I think what that means is being comfortable in your own skin. It's a means to and end. If you feel like dressing down, do it. If you feel like being kooky, do it. If you want to feel sexy or stylish, do it in a way that makes you feel like you. Too many people use fashion as a form of competition I think. Or intimidation or manipulation. It should just be about expression. Finding characters that express different sides of your personality. People are complex creatures. We shouldnt feel the pressure to conform unless thats something that feeds our identity. Do what you like. Develop your own style or follow a trend, it shouldnt matter as long as it makes you feel good. Confidence is the ultimate fashion statement.

140: What was the inspiration behind this song?

It's meant to be a kind of coming of age song. I like to write from the perspective of characters a lot. Imagining a young girl finding her feet and taking her place in the world. The fashion world is competitive and can be brutal and harsh which has parallels to everyday life in a way. I just imagined this girl growing up feeling like an ugly duckling or a fish out of water and then blossoming into something beautiful and realising her full potential. Ive always felt like a bit of a misfit so a lot of my songs tend to be about overcoming those obstacles and discovering your true inner strength and beauty. I think I wrote it after seeing 'The Black Swan' actually. It's not about that film per se but it had an effect on me. I empathise with these characters I create because they reflect different sides of myself and hopefully other people find something in this song, or any of my songs that they can relate too. I never write anything too literal though. Ambiguity allows other people to project their own ideas onto the songs. I just like creating little worlds and give people impressions rather then tell strict narratives. I have my stories and characters in these songs but it's far more fun for me to imagine other people drawing their own conclusions or having their own interpretations.

140: Our show is titled '140 Hearts WA Creatives,' why do you think it is important for WA creatives to be heralded for their efforts?

Perth is a really special place. It's an anomaly really. We are so isolated yet there is an ever growing sophistication about the place. Its size and isolation has kind of incubated it's own scene of creatives who are given freedom to explore ideas largely unhindered. This should be acknowledged and celebrated. Perth's sense of identity is growing stronger and stronger every year as is the quality of product that comes out of it. I think it's only a matter of time before Perth is recognised as the creative city that it is. Eventually, I'd like to think it can take it's place next to the likes of Milan or Montreal or any other smaller but no less important international creative and cultural hub on the world stage. All it needs is encouragement, enthusiasm and support. There's certainly no shortage in talent.