Month: July 2009

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jane's Addiction Cancel Australian Appearances

Sorry Jane’s Addiction fans: the band has cancelled their Sydney and Melbourne shows, and their appearance at Splendour in the Grass. But this isn’t just another example of flaky rock stars not valuing their Aussie fans. Percussionist Steven Perkins has been admitted to the Infectious Disease Ward at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital, so they’ve got a pretty damned good excuse!

“I know how excited we were to come play in Australia, and how long the fans there have waited for this,” lead singer Perry Farrell announced in a statement. “I want everyone Down Under to know that we will come back as soon as we can.”

“We are saddened by the news that Jane’s Addiction will not be playing and they will be greatly missed at Splendour,” added co-promoters Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco. “We wish Stephen a speedy recovery.”

The Living End have gallantly stepped up as a last-minute Splendour replacements, but if that doesn’t satisfy you refunds are available. But there are conditions. You’ve got to submit your request before 10 am tomorrow morning, Saturday 25th July. You can do this online through http://support.qjump.com.au or in person at the Splendour in the Grass Festival box office.

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tori Amos Announces Sinful Aussie Tour

There are certain artists that really thrill me. Announcements of new albums or tours send me spinning. They bring me heady joy that’s pure and unadulterated. Tori Amos is one such artist.

I’ve seen her live a few times now, and she always keeps me coming back for more. Her Abnormally Attracted to Sin tour will be no exception.

Tori will wing her way around the country in November, stopping in at some of the country’s most hallowed venues along the way. She’s doing it at a fairly leisurely pace, which suggests there may be more dates to come. But I’m not taking any chances, and grabbing my tickets when they go on sale on July 31.

12 November 2009 – Regent Theatre, Melbourne
16 November 2009 – Opera House, Sydney
19 November 2009 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
21 November 2009 – PCEC Riverside Theatre, Perth
24 November 2009 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Powderfinger Head Up Homebake Lineup

The cream of Australia’s music industry will head to The Domain in Sydney on December 5 for the 15th anniversary of Homebake.

Powderfinger have been named as headliners, but there’s plenty more of interest on the bill. Take for example the reunions of Underground Lovers and Tumbleweed, with original line-ups no less. The line-up also boasts “A special performance by Tim Finn,” as if his regular slots weren’t special enough. And acts that spend most of their time abroad like Sia, Daniel Merriweather, and Midnight Juggernauts will also make their presence felt. Add perennial favourites Jet, Hilltop Hoods, Eskimo Joe, Sarah Blasko, and more and you’ve got the recipe for a rollicking good time.

Tickets are on sale from August 17 from Ticketek, Moshtix, and the Homebake website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tame Impala Announce Sundown Syndrome Aussie Tour

The lads from Tame Impala have a new single, “Sundown Syndrome,” and they want to celebrate its release with all the fans. So they’re packing up their guitars and heading all around the country for, funnily enough, the Sundown Syndrome tour.

They’ll start in Caringbah on September 16 and snake their way around Oz for 22 big shows. The dates go on sale tomorrow, ahead of the iTunes release of “Sundown Syndrome” this Friday.

16 September 2009 – Bizzo’s, Caringbah
17 September 2009 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
18 September 2009 – ANU, Canberra
19 September 2009 – Indie Music Festival, Albury
24 September 2009 – Mona Vale Hotel
26 September 2009 – Manning Bar, Sydney
27 September 2009 – Coffs Harbour Hotel
30 September 2009 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
1 October 2009 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
2 October 2009 – HiFi Bar, Brisbane
4 October 2009 – Sands Tavern, Maroochydore
8 October 2009 – Breakers, Geraldton
9 October 2009 – Arts Centre, Fremantle
10 October 2009 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
15 October 2009 – Republic Bar, Hobart
16 October 2009 – Hotel New York, Launceston
17 October 2009 – Uni Bar, Adelaide
18 October 2009 – Sandbar, Mildura
21 October 2009 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
22 October 2009 – Eureka, Geelong
23 October 2009 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pink Bounces Back in Brisbane

Pink is back in action tonight following the postponement of Monday night’s show.

The pop star delayed the Brisbane show due to a nasty bout of laryngitis, but her touring agent Michael Coppel says tonight’s show will go ahead as planned.

Remarkably Monday’s show is the first she couldn’t perform in two years. If that’s not commitment, I don’t know what is. The show has been rescheduled, and will now take place next Monday, July 27.

Image source: INF

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian's Likable New Single

Guy Sebastian left us pining when he packed up his things and headed to the Big Apple. But our patience has been rewarded with “Like It Like That,” the first single and title track from Guy’s fifth album. It’s an addictive slice of sixties-inspired pop, which should have everyone tapping their toes. The single is expected in stores and online on August 21. Until then, we’ll just have to be satisfied with this fun video!

 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Badloves Ready to Record

I was pretty thrilled recently to snap up tickets to see The Badloves. I was too young to frequent pubs and clubs when the band was at the height of its fame, so the chance to see them live will fulfill a childhood dream.

But it seems the show is to be no flash-in-the-pan nostalgic trip. I’m sure I’ll hear “Lost,” “Green Limousine,” “Caroline” and all the other biggies from Get On Board and Holy Roadside. But I’m now excited at the prospect of hearing new material, the tracks which will feature on The Badloves long-awaited third album.

The Badloves third album is scheduled for a February 2010 release, some 15 years after the last one! If you just can’t wait that long you can see the band at the following shows.

26 August 2009 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
29 August 2009 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
30 August 2009 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla,
4 September 2009 – Milanos, Brighton
5 September 2009 – The Norwood Hotel, Adelaide
4 October 2009 – Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Festival, Narooma

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A With Lisa Mitchell

At the tender age of 19, Lisa Mitchell is taking on the world with her sweet folk voice and exceptional songwriting skills. On the eve of the release of her debut album Wonder I chatted to her about the new CD, her upcoming Australian tour, and what it’s like to live the life of a nomad.

You’ve just come back from playing the Glastonbury festival. How was that?
Amazing. It was so cool. It was great. I would have loved to have stayed the whole weekend and have camped out – I had some friends there – but I had a gig the next day. So I literally just played. The gig went well, it was good. The thing is, over in the UK they know the “Neopolitan Dreams” song from the ad on TV. So it was good; they all sing along with that. So we did the gig, and then went and saw Fleet Foxes who were fucking amazing, and then I had to go back to London. And it was for a good gig, it was for a good cause. It was support for the James Morrison show in Canterbury, Kent. So it was a good gig, but I would have liked to have stayed and camped.

So how did the Glastonbury crowds respond to the other songs that maybe they weren’t so familiar with?
They responded well I think, from what I can remember. It was a good gig. A lot of people came in off the muddy thing we were on. Typical festival. The sun was out the whole time I was there, but we had our wellies on and it rained a little bit the day before we were there, so it was all nice and muddy. Which was good; you don’t want to go to Glastonbury and it be dry. So it was a real experience. I was absolutely stoked to play it.

Last time we spoke you mentioned how much you love to travel. So did you have any time in the UK to just kick back and enjoy your holiday?
I did. I had a fair bit of downtime. I spent lots of Sunday afternoons in the nice pubs and the parks. The weather was absolutely gorgeous when I was there. The sun was out every day, and back here it’s freezing! Music-wise it was going really good. I think it takes a lot of your energy up, being in a new place. You’re very aware of trying to make friends and just being in this new place. By the end of the time I was there, my last week, I was feeling nice and settled. I think the more I go over the more I’ll build up a little network.

It seems a shame that you just get settled and then you’ve got to come back home and start promoting the album over here!
Yeah. It’s the life of a troubadour, always on the road.

Continue reading “Q & A With Lisa Mitchell” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassie Davis Does it Again

Perth’s Cassie Davis is back with her brand new single “Do it Again.” It’s another strong rock/dance track, in the same vein as previous singles “Like it Loud” and “Differently,” so if you liked those this will probably be just your cup of chai. I worry that Cassie’s turning into a bit of a one-trick pony, and I’d really like to see a more sensitive side. Yet there’s no denying that she’s very comfortably filling the void the Natalie Bassingthwaighte led Rogue Traders have left in the Aussie music landscape.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Birdy on the Road Again

One of Australia’s hardest-working bands, Little Birdy, are hitting the road again following the success of their new album Confetti.

The band will visit pubs and clubs, theatres and entertainment centres around the country throughout September and October. Lead singer Katy Steele will also step out to perform a solo set at Brisbane’s Spiegeltent at the end of September.

If you missed them last time around, don’t make the same mistake. Grab your tickets for all shows when they go on sale on July 31.

10 September 2009 – HQ Bar, Adelaide
11 September 2009 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
12 September 2009 – Commercial Hotel, South Morang
13 September 2009 – Hellenic Club, Canberra
16 September 2009 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
18 September 2009 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
19 September 2009 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
25 September 2009 – Yamba Bowling Club
26 September 2009 – Sounds Of Spring Festival, Brisbane
27 September 2009 – Spiegeltent, Brisbane (Katy Steele solo show)
29 September 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Gladstone
30 September 2009 – Convention Centre, Mackay
2 October 2009 – Bombay Rock, Townsville
3 October 2009 – Brothers Leagues, Cairns
9 October 2009 – Astor Theatre, Perth

Image source: Stuart Sevastos @ Wikimedia Commons