Madder Lake Back Together for Queenscliff

Fans of vintage Oz rock will be thrilled to hear Madder Lake have reformed to play this year’s Queenscliff Music Festival.

Madder Lake was one of Mushroom Records early success stories thanks to the hits “12 lb Toothbrush” and “Goodbye Lollipop.” They also wowed crowds at Australia’s Woodstock, the Sunbury Festival. And there’s more good news for fans of the band. According to the press kit the band they’re planning to release another album next year!

Madder Lake will join an eclectic line-up featuring American troubadour Howie Day, Aussie singer-songwriter Josh Pyke, comedy trio Tripod, local legend Ross Wilson, and eclectic songstress Kate Miller-Heidke.

It’s all happening in Victoria on November 28-30. Big Weekend tickets are on sale now from the Queenscliff Music Festival website.

Image source: Jsarcadia @ Flickr

Immaculate Yves Klein Blue and The Holidays Shows

Two of Australia’s hottest new indie acts are teaming up for one massive tour. Yves Klein Blue and The Holidays are joining forces for the Immaculate Confection tour this October. And what a sweet experience it should be!

Yves Klein Blue wowed the crowds at Splendour, and these gigs are the last time you’ll catch them before they buckle down to record their debut album. The Holidays have also been impressing folks around the traps with their dynamic performances alongside international acts The Wombats, The View, and Ben Kweller.

The democratic bands will take turns headlining the shows, which they’ll play with a local opening act in each city. Tickets go on sale next Thursday.

Here are all the dates!

3 October 2008 – Mona Vale Hotel, Sydney
4 October 2008  – ANU Bar, Canberra
9 October 2008 – Enigma, Adelaide
10 October 2008 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
11 October 2008 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
12 October 2008 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
16 October 2008 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
17 October 2008 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 October 2008 – Coolongatta Hotel
19 October 2008 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
23 October 2008 – Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
24 October 2008 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
25 October 2008 – Northern Star, Newcastle
26 October 2008 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (under 18s)
29 October 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
30 October 2008 – National Hotel, Geelong
31 October and 1 November 2008 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne

Image source: Sing me a song @ Flickr

Katie Noonan Signs with Sony BMG

The gorgeous Katie Noonan has just signed a new record deal with Sony BMG Australia that will see her release a new album by the end of the year.

“I have admired Katie from her first release and I am delighted that she has joined our label. We will be releasing her new studio album in October and I am sure it will gain her even further acclaim from existing and new fans here and abroad,” said Sony BMG Chairman Denis Handlin.

Katie will head to New York shortly to record the release with some massive names. Her band will include original Miles Davis quartet member Lewis Nash, Grammy-award winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, jazz guitar legend John Scofield, and Melbourne’s own Sam Keevers. I thought Katie’s first solo effort Skin was brilliant, so I can’t wait to hear this star-studded new release!

Image source: Ina Banina @ Flickr

Jackson Browne Brings Friends for Massive Aussie Shows

Five years ago I saw Jackson Browne perform at Bimbadgen Estate as part of the Day on the Green concert series. It was one of the most amazing shows I’ve ever seen, so I’m thrilled to see Jackson’s heading back to our shores to support the release of his latest album, Time The Conqueror.

Jackson on his own is worth seeing. Jackson with the sort of support acts he’s recruited for this tour is unmissable. We’ve got American songstress Toni Childs, Whitlams’ frontman Tim Freedman, and Aussie music legend Richard Clapton. Not all shows have all these artists, but when they all get together, boy, it’ll be amazing. I’m so excited that I live close enough to the Hunter Valley that I can catch this awesome foursome on the same bill.

Tickets go on sale on September 5. This will be the sort of concert people will talk about for years. Make sure you don’t miss out. Here are all the dates!

27 February 2009 – Riverstage, Brisbane (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
28 February 2009 – Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
2 March 2009 – Harbour Theatre, Sydney (with Tim Freedman)
5 March 2009 – Palais, Sydney (with Tim Freedman)
7 March 2009 – Sutton Grange Winery, Sutton Grange (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
10 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Townsville (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
11 March 2009 – Convention Centre, Cairns (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
14 March 2009 – Kings Park, Perth (with Tim Freedman and Toni Childs)
15 March 2009 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide (with Tim Freedman)

Image source: Minds-eye @ Flickr

Liam Gallagher Loves Gabriella Cilmi

Aussie teen superstar Gabriella Cilmi has an unexpected fan: Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher! The loud-mouthed Brit says “Sweet About Me” is his favourite song this year!

The admiration is mutual, with Gabriella telling The Daily Star “I love Oasis but it was crazy to hear that!”

Gabriella has adored Oasis all her life as her dad used to sing their songs to her as a child!

“My dad used to sing ‘Live Forever’ to me as a kid, so it’s a real honour.”

It’s probably a more appropriate choice than “Cigarettes and Alcohol”!

Image source: Lee Jordan @ Flickr

Pyramid Festival Rocks New Years

Do you fancy ringing in the New Year with a little music? Well the Pyramid Rock Festival on Phillip Island might be just the ticket.

It’s a truly international affair with British outfit Morcheeba, American duo The Black Keys, and German dance band Digitalism all making an appearance. There’s also a strong local contingent, with Midnight Juggernauts, Gyroscope, The Living End, Karnivool, Cut Copy, and The Galvatrons all on the bill.

Tickets to this massive NYE party go on sale on Thursday 4 September. Get yours from the festival website or selected indie music retailers.

Image source: CharlesFred @ Flickr

Win Keith Urban’s Shirt!

Ever wanted to take the shirt from Keith Urban’s back? Now you can, and it’s all for a good cause!

Keith is teaming up with some of country music’s biggest stars for the “You Look Good in my Old T-shirt” auction. Keith, Leanne Rimes, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and more will donate autographed shirts to the online auction. All monies raised will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“St. Jude is a charity that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Keith. “Our fans have always graciously offered their support in past fund-raisers we have done for St. Jude, so I think this auction will be a great success.”

Fans have two weeks to bid on the shirts at www.KeithUrbanAuction.com. Good luck everyone!

Image source: Frank Roche @ Flickr

AC/DC Release "Black Ice" in October

Mark your calendars AC/DC fans. Their long-awaited new album Black Ice will be released on October 18 in Australia and October 20 in the United States.

Black Ice is the band’s first studio album in eight long years. It contains 15 new songs including the first single “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train.” Fans will get a sneak peek of the new material when the track hits radio on August 28.

Black Ice was produced by Brendan O’Brien in Vancouver, Canada. Music fans will know Brendan as the man behind massive albums from Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, and Rage Against the Machine. Will Black Ice rock as much as these releases? You betcha.

AC/DC will kick off a world tour at the end of October in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for those dates as they come to hand! Until then, here’s the complete track Black Ice listing!

  1. Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
  2. Skies On Fire
  3. Big Jack
  4. Anything Goes
  5. War Machine
  6. Smash ‘n’ Grab
  7. Spoilin’ For A Fight
  8. Wheels
  9. Decibel
  10. Stormy May Day
  11. She Likes Rock N Roll
  12. Money Made
  13. Rock N Roll Dream
  14. Rocking All The Way
  15. Black Ice

Image source: AC/DC website

Star in Something with Numbers Music Video

Central Coast rockers Something with Numbers are giving fans the chance to appear in their next music video! They’ll need 100 extras to help them shoot the clip for the second single from their soon-to-be-released album Engineering the Soul.

It’s all happening in Newcastle from 10 am this Saturday, 23 August. The shoot will take until 5 pm. If you’ve got the time to spare make sure you e-mail tanya@selectmusic.com.au with all your details. They’re after people of all ages, from young kiddies to grandmas, so anyone can join in!

I’d love to hear from any of my readers who end up starring in the music video!

Image source: Pop Weasle @ Flickr

Feature Post Roundup: Soundtracks for the Season

Yesterday I showed you my favourite songs for winter. Meanwhile my colleagues were chatting about the fabulous summers they’re all experiencing. If you’re looking for something to get you in the mood for the warmer weather ahead, look no further than these gems.

All this is making me crave summer! But you just watch me hate it when those 40 degree days rolls around!

Image source: Stephanie Berghaeuser @ Stock.xchng