Month: April 2010

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amy Meredith On The Road Again

Amy Meredith are giving us another taste of their debut album Restless with the upcoming launch of second single “Lying.” To coincide with its release on April 23, the Sydney band will play a string of new shows later this month.

Clearly the lads enjoy being on stage, as they only just wrapped up their tour with Stereophonics last night! Such a busy schedule bodes well for the five-piece who’ll release their debut album Restless on June 4.

Initial reactions to Lying have been incredibly positive, with DJs around the country making it one of the top 10 most added songs for radio for the last two weeks running.

Fans can get their hands on an autographed CD single by preordering before its official release on April 23. Just SMS “LYING,” your name and address to 193123. The SMS costs $5.55 including the cost of the CD.

Catch Amy Meredith with support act Tonight Alive at the following shows.

24 April 2010 – The Fort, Fortitude Valley (All Ages)
24 April 2010 – Rosies, Brisbane (18+)
25 April 2010 – Miami Shark Bay, Gold Coast (18+)
29 April 2010 – Blush Nightclub, Gosford (18+)
30 April 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (18+)
1 May 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (All Ages)
2 May 2010 – The Loft, Newcastle (All Ages)
14 May 2010 – Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide (18+)
15 May 2010 – Phoenix Youth Centre, Footscray  (Under 18s)
15 May 2010 – Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne (18+)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Calling All Magicians” – Danielle Spencer

When Danielle Spencer’s latest album Calling All Magicians arrived in my letterbox I could scarcely wait to put it in my stereo. Her 2001 debut White Monkey wasn’t just one of my favourite albums of that year; it remains one of my favourite albums of all time. But, I also felt a little trepidation. That album was conceived a long time ago, a time before her marriage to actor Russell Crowe and the birth of their two children. Could she create an album that moved me in the same way now that her life has entered a much calmer phase?

Happily, and perhaps surprisingly, I found that the answer was yes. While other strong female artists like Tori Amos, Melissa Etheridge, and Alanis Morisette have mellowed since their awe-inspiring debuts, Danielle is still an artist who enjoys the darkness.

While mentioning Tori Amos it’s impossible not to draw comparisons between the two musicians. Just like Tori, Danielle’s music is characterised by her ethereal voice and pounding piano. Yet Danielle is no imitator. Her lyrics tell her own stories, and their allusions to magic and fairytales are compellingly whimsical. Those allusions give Calling All Magicians a wonderfully familiar feel to anyone who enjoyed her first release. The track “Back at the Red Door” even acts as a sequel of sorts to the White Monkey song “Cartoon.”

Danielle doesn’t dwell in the shadows altogether though. “On Your Side” has a playful jaunt to it, and there’s a calm beauty about the closer “End of Story.” We get the impression that for all the darkness, Danielle is in a pretty good place.

Calling All Magicians is a lush and evocative collection of songs, an album that’s one of the best I’ve heard this year. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you loved Danielle’s debut I can guarantee you’re going to adore it. And if you’ve never experienced her music, I encourage you give it a spin.

Image source: Chaos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: “Time to Smile” by Xavier Rudd

There’s something special about finding a song which just makes you feel good. I caught Xavier Rudd’s latest tune “Time to Smile” for the first time on Video Hits a couple of weeks back, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since. That’s a very good thing, as it’s one of those tracks which actually makes you break out in a wide grin. I love the way Xavier’s earthy blues sound merges with the African grooves of bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo. It feels like a modern-day “Graceland.” I hope it brightens up your Sunday!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan and The Captains Tour “Emperor’s Box”

The gorgeous Katie Noonan and her new outfit The Captains will tour the country this June to promote their debut album Emperor’s Box.

The band have been slowly developing their songs over the last two and a half years, and are said to be thrilled to take the tracks on the road.

Tickets for the following shows are on sale from the venues now.

5 June 2010 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns
11 June 2010 – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide
12 & 13 June 2010 – The Fly By Night, Fremantle
18 June 2010 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
19 June 2010 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
25 June 2010 – The Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane
26 June 2010 – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasabian Announce Another Aussie Tour

It seems like only yesterday Kasabian were rocking the Big Day Out, and now the British band are heading back to Oz for a return visit.

Kasabian will play shows in all the major capitals this July to support their new album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, which may just have one of the coolest titles ever.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on April 29.

Big Day Out Perth

23 July 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
24 July 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
25 July 2010 – The Riverstage, Brisbane
28 July 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
30 July 2010 – Metro City, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Susan Boyle Pulls Out of Aussie Promo Tour

Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle has postponed her planned promotional visit to Australia next month. The decision was apparently made to allow Susan to rest up before she starts recording her second album.

Susan Boyle full of the joys of spring (despite the snow) as she returns home from her promotional tour of Italy

It’s bad news for Sony Music, who’d booked SuBo a spot at this year’s Logies and released a promotional tour edition of I Dreamed a Dream this week.

Susan’s manager Andy Stephens says she will reschedule her Australian visit for later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Recoil Give Us “The Will to Sin”

New Justice Records latest signing, Sydney metal act Recoil, are wasting no time in unleashing their music on an unsuspecting public.

The band will release its debut album The Will to Sin on June 5. The disc captures the raw metal style Recoil is famous for. The band say they’re “very proud” of the album, which has been 12 months in the making.

“There are a lot of new fresh ideas thrown into our writing for this,” said Recoil’s singer Wade.  “We’re now ready to hit the road to promote all our hard work.”

Recoil  will hit the road in support of the release next month. We can expect “a loud in your face but very tight performance with plenty of energy.” Sounds like fun!

Catch Recoil at the following shows.

21 May 2010 – The Chilli Lounge, Wyong
22 May 2010 – Live at The Wall, Sydney
4 June 2010 – The Basement, Canberra
5 June 2010 – The Espy Basement, Melbourne
25 June 2010 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
26 June 2010 – The Step Inn, Brisbane
17 July 2010 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justin Bieber Plays Sydney Show for Sunrise

If you’re one of the thousands of tweens and teens going gaga for Justin Bieber, listen up. Canada’s latest heart throb will perform a quick show during his Australian promotional tour.

President And Mrs. Obama Host Easter Egg Roll On White House Lawn


Justin will perform at The Forecourt at Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney on April 26 from 6 am. He will play three songs from his My Worlds album, including the big single “Baby.”

If you can’t get there early, you probably needn’t bother showing up. With throngs of lovestruck girls expected to camp out for a glimpse of their idol, it’s going to be hard to get near the Beebs. Latecomers will be best off tuning in to Sunrise who will broadcast the performance.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydney Metal Band Resist the Thought Debut “Damnation”

Sydney metal outfit Resist the Thought are preparing to unleash their debut album Damnation. The disc will hit stores on May 7 through New Justice Records.

It’s been a long time coming for fans of the band who formed in 2007, but Resist the Thought assure us it’s worth the wait.

“We really pushed ourselves in creating this record,” said guitarist Tim Aaron.  “We took six months off touring and just focused on writing and demoing. From the start, we had the intention of making a timeless record we are all proud of.”

The disc explores the not so cheery theme that humankind will bring about its own destruction.

“A lot of the lyrics are based on the concept of greed and corruption ruling the earth, which will ultimately lead to the damnation of mankind,” he explained.

Resist the Thought has a reputation has one of Australia’s finest live metal bands, and they’re keen to show us how they earned it on their Damnation tour. Expect a tight and energetic set at the following gigs.

6 May 2010 – NEXT, Melbourne
7 May 2010 – MusicMan, Bendigo
8 May 2010 – Urban Youth Café, Ringwood
9 May 2010 – Youth Arts Centre, Geelong
13 May 2010 – SNITCH, Brisbane
14 May 2010 – Southern Cross Tavern, Gold Coast
15 May 2010 – Price Street Hall, Nambour
16 May 2010 – Epic Skate Centre, Tweed Heads
22 May 2010 – Civic Hotel, Perth
23 May 2010 – YMCA HQ, Perth
29 May 2010 – Masonic Hall, Blacktown
4 June 2010 – Club Blink, Sydney
5 June 2010 – The Loft, Newcastle

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Splendour in the Grass Announces Big Lineup for 2010

The line-up for this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival has been announced, and it’s an absolute doozy.

Mammoth modern acts like The Strokes, Scissor Sisters, Ben Harper, and Mumford and Sons will join elder statesmen The Pixies on the bill. Most of the big names come from abroad, but locals are represented by The Temper Trap, Midnight Juggernauts, Empire of the Sun, Paul Kelly, Angus & Julia Stone, and Wolfmother.

It’s an eclectic lineup which should see plenty of punters packing out Woodfordia in the Sunshine Coast hinterland from July 30 to August 1. If you want to get there, consider a combined event and camping ticket, offered for the first time this year. At just $100 more than the three-day event ticket, it’s promising to be the most economical option unless you live nearby or know someone who does! Tickets will go on sale via Moshtix on May 6.

Image source: Splendour in the Grass Facebook page