Month: July 2009

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2009 ARIA Hall of Famers Announced

Mental as Anything, John Paul Young, Kev Carmody, Little Patti, and The Dingoes will join the illustrious artists in the ARIA Hall of Fame next month.

“I do feel proud and humbled to accept this Induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, on behalf of my Culture, my Community and my Family,” Kev Carmody said in a statement.

Little Patti is thrilled to be the second member of her family to be honored. I’m sure all the Amphletts will be celebrating with her!

“This induction into the ARIA Hall Of Fame comes as such a surprise, I wasn’t expecting it, I am so thrilled and honoured. It’s incredibly special to be joining my cousin Chrissy (Divinyls) in receiving this recognition,” she said.

“It is an honour to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame alongside all the great Australian acts who are already there and those that will be included in the future,” Reg Mombassa said, on behalf of the Mentals. “We had no inkling of such things when we did our first gigs as an art school party band in 1976. I would like to thank the fans who have supported us and all the people in the industry that we have worked with over the years.”

Broderick Smith from the Dingoes said, “The last time I was inducted, it was into the army. This certainly feels a whole lot better. Seriously, the band feels honoured and privileged to be recognised by our peers by being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. For all of us, it’s going to be one hell of a reunion!”

“It’s an honour to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, now point me to the lounge room, I wonder who’s in there,” said John Paul Young.

The ARIA Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on August 27 in Melbourne.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bran Nue Dae Teaser Trailer Released | Jessica Mauboy and Missy Higgins Star in New Aussie Film

Here’s our first look at Bran Nue Dae, the flick that sees Aussie singers Jessica Mauboy and Missy Higgins make their cinematic debuts. They join Aussie film royalty in the form of Ernie Dingo, Deborah Mailman, Magda Szubanski, and the incomparable Geoffrey Rush. The film looks like great fun, a real change of pace from the gritty dramas the Aussie industry is so fond of churning out! Bran Nue Dae makes it premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival next month.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Empire of the Sun Get Eclipsed

Solar eclipses are big news for science nerds, but not so riveting for music fans … until now. The forthcoming solar eclipse on July 22 will have a little musical flair thanks to Aussie electro outfit Empire of the Sun.

A little after 1 pm AEST Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore will log on for a very special webcast, scheduled to last six minutes and 39 seconds. It’s precise I know, but it’s not entirely coincidental that the solar eclipse will last just that long. The content of the event is shrouded in mystery, which should make you ever more eager to tune in!

To join in the fun head to the brand new Eclipse of the Sun site!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marc Collis Sets Heart A-Flutter

Cutie-pie Marc Collis has burst onto the scene with his perfect pop/rock single “I Miss Everything.” Marc has the kind of face that makes young girls squeal, and a voice with enough grit to sucker in a few older fans. The lyrics are lovely, and I personally find it a little hard to resist a guy with a guitar. If this first taste is any indication, his debut album Louder on the Inside will explode when released later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Laser Graffiti" – The Galvatrons

lasergraffiti

It’s a pretty gutsy move for a band to open an album with a full choir declaring “We’re here to save the world.” When these are the first lines of your debut album, it’s even riskier. Yet something about The Galvatrons makes you believe them.

Just like that dramatic opening, Laser Graffiti is an album impossible to ignore. Everything is big: the guitars, the synth chords, and ego. But that’s the point. This is a disc which takes its cues from Van Halen, Queen’s Flash Gordon soundtrack, and the pretentious hair bands of the 80s. Some might accuse it of being derivative, but it also sounds like nothing else on the modern music landscape.

The Galvatrons wear their influences and hearts on their sleeve. They may be flamboyant, but their unwavering belief in that vision encourages listeners to go along for the ride. The band captures our imagination with lyrics about driving the car too fast, staying out all night, and skipping school. Those familiar themes are so appealing to someone of my vintage who remembers hearing them first on Poison and Bon Jovi albums, and they might just inspire today’s rebellious teens.

The Galvatrons are either crazy or geniuses. No one makes a record like this today. Yet as the closing strains of the final track “Galaxy Destroyer” repeated the refrain, “We’re here to save the world,” I believed them. They won’t do it by reversing climate change or ending any wars. But The Galvatrons compel us to punch our fists in the air and remember how good music can feel, and that’s a start.

Image source: Cream; Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Goes Back to the Blues

He might be 53 years old, but Jimmy Barnes shows no signs of slowing down. The Aussie music veteran recorded not one, but two new albums in a recent trip to the United States.

The first is a prequel to his famous Soul Deep album, titled The Rhythm & the Blues. As the name suggests, the covers disc will feature bluesy numbers from the 50s and 60s.

Jimmy assembled an all-star band for the disc, including guitarist Johnny Lee Schell (Lucinda Williams, BB King), pianist Mike Thompson (Eagles), bassist Reggie McBride (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder) and drummer James Gadson (Quincy Jones, Bill Withers). Being the consummate professionals that they are, the album was recorded in just three days. We’ll hear a taste of it next month when the first single is released.

While stateside Jimmy also teamed up with Jonathan Cain, the co-writer of “Working Class Man” for another original rock album. Who knows whether another single so strong will grace this disc, but I can’t help crossing my fingers.

We can expect both albums to hit record stores soon.

Image source: DianeSunshineCoast @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A With Nick Beresford-Wylie of Hancock Basement

Canberra band Hancock Basement are ready to take Australia by storm with their catchy tunes and infectious energy. I caught up with the multi-talented Nick Beresford-Wylie (he sings, and plays guitar, keyboards, and saxophone!) to hear about the Canberra music scene, his love of vinyl, and the band’s upcoming Sydney shows.

You won the Triple J Trackside Unearthed competition last year. How many doors has that title opened for the band?
Winning the Trackside Unearthed competition has certainly been a great help as it earned us national exposure and radio airplay, which in turn have helped us in booking shows and reaching a wider audience. It’s also great to be able to say we’re a Triple J Unearthed band.

What was it like to play for the crowds at the Trackside festival?
Playing Trackside was a pretty great but slightly bizarre experience. Although we were on early we played to a pretty huge crowd of all ages, which was a lot of fun. However, halfway through our set the wind began howling and it started to pour with rain. Then the stage power cut out and our drummer Tom had to launch into an ad lib solo and our singer Craven did some crowd interaction dance moves. After a few nerve-wracking minutes the power came back and we were able to finish our set. The crowd wasn’t phased though and the soloing/dancing received some pretty loud cheers.

You’re from Canberra. What can you tell me about it the music scene there?
Canberra has a lot of talent at the moment although, sadly, this is let down by the lack of live music venues. We were very sad to see the Greenroom close last year (one of Canberra’s long standing dedicated live music venues). It makes it more difficult for local bands to get the chances they deserve. However, Transit Bar, the ANU Bar, The Basement and the Phoenix Bar are still great places to see local rock and indie music.

Continue reading “Q & A With Nick Beresford-Wylie of Hancock Basement” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justin Townes Earle Visits Oz

Justin Townes Earle is following in the footsteps of his father, Steve “Copperhead Road” Earle, and carving out a career as an alt-country singer-songwriter. After receiving rave reviews and rapturous applause for his shows in December, he’s heading back Down Under for an extended visit.

Justin’s tour announcement comes on the back of the release of his sophomore effort, Midnight at the Movies. The album showcases Justin’s lyrical genius, musical sophistication, and organic approach to composition.

Justin will be ably supported by Melbourne’s Wagons for all shows, except for Fremantle and Adelaide where Henry Wagons will appear solo.

Tickets for all shows go on sale on July 14 from Love Police.

27 September 2009 – Waverock Weekender, Wave Rock
28 September 2009 – Mojos, Fremantle
1 October 2009 – The Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
2 October 2009 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
4 October 2009 – Meeniyan Town Hall
7 October 2009 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
8 October 2009 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
9 October 2009 – The Zoo, Brisbane

Image source: Bloodshot Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Scare Reborn with Oozevoodoo

The Scare are back with a brand new album, curiously titled oozevoodoo.

“oozevoodoo is about cleansing and rebirth,” explained Scare frontman Kiss Reid. “It represents the rebirth of this band’s hunger.”

It’s a natural progression from Chivalry, with a heavier attack, back-to-basics rhythms, and more complex vocal melodies. We get a taste of these elements in the disc’s first single, “Could Be Bad,” which is now streaming online.

Oozevoodoo will hit record stores on August 7. To support the release The Scare will join old mates Children Collide on the Chosen Armies tour. You can also catch them at the Triple J Party at The Gov in Adelaide on Thursday, and the Coaster Festival in September.

Image used with permission from Delinquents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Holy Smoke! Gin Wigmore Readies Debut Album

Honorary Aussie Gin Wigmore is preparing to release her debut album Holy Smoke, hot on the heels of her breakout EP Extended Play.

While the EP was a local production, Gin’s spread her wings for her first long player. It was recorded in Los Angeles with a dream team including Ryan Adam’s backing band The Cardinals, producer Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem, Maroon 5), and Joe Chiccarelli (White Stripes, The Shins, Beck).

And it seems she’s impressed those heavy hitters.

“Gin Wigmore is unquestionably one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in many years,” said The Cardinals’ Neal Casal. “Her songwriting is at once diverse, intelligent, melodic, and soulful. Her voice is raw and emotional, with phrasing far beyond her years. Her debut record is a fully realized statement of intent, promising a great career ahead.”

Holy Smoke will hit record stores in Australia and the States on September 25. Local audiences will get a sneak peek of the new songs are the following shows around the country.

27 August 2009 – Notes, Sydney
2 September 2009 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 September 2009 – Troubadour, Brisbane
12 Sep 2009 – Coaster Festival, Gosford Showgrounds

Image used with permission from The White Agency