January 2010 – Page 3

Posted on 14/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Area-7 Celebrates 15th Birthday

Melbourne ska outfit Area-7 are celebrating 15 years in the biz with a special anniversary show.

We first saw Area-7 as the Madness cover band Mad Not Madness. With a few originals under their belt they became the appropriately titled Dawning of a New Era. Once singer Walter Eskdale left, paving the way for Yeah! Yeah! Frontman John “Stevo” Stevens to join the band, they became the Area-7 that we all know and love.

Hometown fans can celebrate the band’s milestone at the anniversary show at The Espy’s Gershwin Room on February 5. Guests include The King Cannons, The Level Spirits, and DJ Mohair Slim. Tickets are now available from the club.

Image used with permission from The Espy

Posted on 13/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

The Angels and Adelaide Orchestra Join Forces

Aussie rock veterans The Angels will team up with the Adelaide Art Orchestra for one night only. I’m sure there have been more unlikely pairings, but I can’t think of one offhand!

While most of us wonder how the lads’ brand of rock will sound with symphonic backing, the Brewster Brothers say it’s the perfect fit.

“John and I grew up surrounded by classical music. Our father and both his parents were all classical musicians – performing, composing, teaching and conducting,” Rick Brewster said in a statement. “These early influences have remained with us throughout our careers and we are at last about to realise our dream of one day performing our own music with an orchestra. It will add a whole new dimension to it”.

“It’s a very exciting and challenging prospect and I hope the end result is agreeable to the ancestors if they’re listening … they’re a hard bunch to please! This one’s for Dad, Gran & Bopo, I will definitely ‘make the melody sing’!”

The Angels will play Adelaide’s Festival Theatre with the city’s Art Orchestra on April 17. Tickets are available from the venue.

Image source: Premier Artists

Posted on 13/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Celebrates Irish Heritage on Keys and Strings Tour

More details have come to light about Damien Leith’s upcoming shows. It seems the intimate concerts will have an Irish bent. The former Australian Idol will embrace his Celtic roots on the Keys and Strings tour.

The name comes from the violin, guitar, and piano that will accompany Damien’s trademark voice. Damien is set to perform traditional and modern Irish hits, as well as some of the best tracks from his new album Remember June. You can expect to hear ancient Irish folk tunes alongside contemporary classics from Van Morrison, Damien Rice, and U2. It sounds like an eclectic mix!

“My Irish background is incredibly important to me and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take this show to the stage,” Damien said about the upcoming tour.

As a reminder, here are all those tour dates!

16 January 2010 – Sandalford Winery, Perth (Day On The Green)
17 January 2010 – Sandalford Winery, Margaret River (Day On The Green)
23 January 2010 – Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley (Day On The Green)
24 January 2010 – Centennial Winery, Bowral (Day On The Green)
26 January 2010 – Siromet Winery, Brisbane (Day On The Green)
30 January 2010 – Leconfield Wines, Adelaide (Day On The Green)
31 January 2010 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (Day On The Green)
11 February 2010 – Toowoomba City Golf Club
12 February 2010 – Redcliffe Cultural Centre
13 February 2010 – Sunshine Coast Function Centre
14 February 2010 – Victoria Point Sharks Club, Brisbane Bayside
19 & 20 February 2010 – Penrith Gaels
26 February 2010 – Marconi Club, Bossley Park
27 February 2010 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula
3 Mar 2010 – Weller’s Restaurant, Kangaroo Ground
5 Mar 2010 – Milano’s Tavern, Melbourne
6 Mar 2010 – The Village Green, Melbourne
7 Mar 2010 – York on Lilydale Resort, Mt Evelyn
12 March 2010 – Country Club, Launceston
13 March 2010 – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre, Hobart
17 March 2010 – The Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill
19 March 2010 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
20 March 2010 – Revesby Workers Club
26 & 27 March 2010 – Norwood Live, Adelaide
1 Apr 2010 – Cafe Coast Restaurant, Perth
2 Apr 2010 – Friends Restaurant, East Perth
3 Apr 2010 – Charles Hotel, North Perth
9 April 2010 – Kingsford, Souths Juniors
10 April 2010 – Dee Why RSL
14 April 2010 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
15 & 16 April 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
17 April 2010 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
23 April 2010 – Coffs Ex Services, Coffs Harbour
24 April 2010 – Ballina RSL
30 April 2010 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
1 May 2010 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
2 May 2010 – Magpies Sporting Club, Mackay
4 May 2010 – Proserpine Cultural Centre
5 May 2010 – Rockhampton Leagues Club
6 May 2010 – Gladstone Entertainment Centre
7 May 2010 – Hervey Bay Boat Club
8 May 2010 – Gympie RSL
9 May 2010 – Tewantin Noosa RSL

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on 12/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "On a Mission" by Gabriella Cilmi

Oh Gabriella Cilmi, we have missed you! Her new single “On a Mission” is a bit of a departure from the easy soul of “Sweet About Me,” but the feisty attitude is unmistakeably Gabriella. Soundswise, it reminds me of early 1980s disco. I could easily imagine The Pointer Sisters releasing this one.

Apparently there’s more where this came from, with Gabriella citing retro influences like Giorgio Moroder, Blondie, and Donna Summer on album number two, Ten. We can expect it in stores on March 19.

Take a squizz at the new film clip and tell me what you think. Personally I figure you can never go wrong with space-age imagery and girls in bikinis, and I’m sure many of my male readers agree!

Posted on 12/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Aussies On Board for Bacardi Express

An all-star Aussie line-up will join La Roux on this year’s Bacardi Express tour. Amongst the locals are Art vs Science, Yves Klein Blue, Miami Horror, The Cassette Kids, and DJ Sampology.

The retro train will take all the bands on one hell of a ride from Brisbane to Sydney. Along the way the engine will make pit stops in Coffs Harbour and Newcastle for some rocking shows.

“We’ve heard the catering is really good on the train, bring on the fun!,” gushed Art vs Science.

“Jam room, bars, being locked in close proximity with a bunch of other musicians for 48 hours – it’s just a unique touring experience, we can’t wait to get on the Bacardi Express,” added Yves Klein Blue.

If you want to jump aboard, and you’re over 18, make sure you head to the Bacardi Express website to register for the free tickets.

25 March 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 March 2010 – Club Coffs, Coffs Harbour
27 March 2010 – Panthers, Newcastle
27 March 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on 11/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

"Wine & Consequence" – Jack Carty

It may be Monday, but I’m still in a weekend frame of mind. That relaxed vibe can largely be attributed to Jack Carty’s debut EP Wine & Consequence, my soundtrack for today.

Jack creates the perfect music for the morning after. His softly spoken vocals pair perfectly with his acoustic guitar strummings. It’s a back to basics sound, unadorned and full of truth. It doesn’t grab you by the throat like so many CDs, preferring instead to crawl under your skin slowly. I’d listened to the disc three times before even realising it.

Of course, that laidback folky sound may be background music to many people. But I love the disc’s relaxed feel. It takes you back to Jack’s sleepy hometown of Bellingen, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Every track is strong, but the epic “Satellite” is the stand out for me. In the longest track on the EP, it just seems Jack has a little more room to play.

I remember kicking myself for missing Jack’s set at the Joshua Radin concert, and now that I’ve been given his EP I’m kicking myself just that little bit harder. I won’t make the same mistake again.

Image source: Inertia

Posted on 11/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Out for 2010

Channel Ten has back flipped on its commitment to Australian Idol, announcing that it plans to “rest” the talent show for 2010. This news is contrary to earlier reports that another series would definitely go ahead this year.

“TEN is going to rest Australian Idol for 2010. They will make a decision towards the end of 2010 as to whether it will return in 2011,” an unnamed source told The Daily Telegraph. “They have asked Fremantle for ideas on how to relaunch in 2011.”

I’d like to be optimistic about the show’s future, but I won’t hold my breath. CTV made the decision to “rest” its Canadian Idol in 2009, and we’re yet to hear of its resurrection. As a long time supporter of the show, I’d love to see it revived but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

It does make me wonder why the series has failed to make the impact here that it did in the United States. There it rates through the roof, and its stars go on to win Grammy Awards and starring spots on Broadway. Here only a handful of the graduates achieve chart success, and they’re rarely celebrated at our ARIAs. And the ratings have dipped ever since season two, despite showcasing some incredible talent.

Whatever the future holds for Australian Idol, I’m definitely going to miss it in 2010.

Image source: Sarah Baker @ Flickr

Posted on 10/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Empire of the Sun Release T-Shirts at Jay Jays

Empire of the Sun has joined forces with Jay Jays to launch an exclusive range of T-shirts.

There are four shirts available – two for the guys and two for the girls – which will be sold in Jay Jays stores around the country. They’re also retailing for just $20, which is a whole lot less than you’ll find concert merch for!

Once you’ve bought your Empire of the Sun T-shirt make sure you head to the Jay Jays website. You could win three double VIP passes to your local Future Music Festival, where you’ll meet Luke Steele backstage. There are also plenty of runner-up prizes available.

If you want to get your hands on the shirts you’ll need to be quick. They’re only available until February 3.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on 09/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Taking Back Sunday and Meshuggah Announce Soundwave Sideshows

If you missed out on Soundwave tickets, or you’re just keen for another go round, you can catch some of the big name bands at some newly announced sideshows.

Taking Back Sunday will play Melbourne’s Billboard on February 23, before heading to The Metro in Sydney on February 25. Enter Shikari will warm up the crowds on both nights.

Meshuggah will also play the two major capitals in addition to their Soundwave shows. Along with Dies Today and Whittechapel, they’ll play Sydney’s Manning Bar on February 22 before getting to Billboard on February 25.

Tickets are available for both shows from the venues.

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on 08/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Gyroscope, Clare Bowditch, and More Join The Lost Weekend

Queensland’s The Lost Weekend festival just got a whole lot bigger.

The third artist announcement sees Gyroscope, Clare Bowditch, The Thermals, Vegas Kings, Gun Street Girls, and heaps more added to the bill. They’ll join such massive acts as Dinosaur Jr, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Drones, Tumbeweed, and Whitley. Sounds like one hell of a weekend!

The Lost Weekend hits the Peak Mountains, an hour outside of Brisbane, from March 5 to 7.

Organisers have just released a limited number of non-camping tickets, which sounds like a great option for girly girls like me! You can get them, and the camping tickets, from The Lost Weekend website, Moshtix, Rocking Horse Records, Butter Beats, Kill The Music, and The Music Shop.

Image source: Premier Artists