Michael Paynter Teams Up With The Veronicas for “Love The Fall”

Here’s one for all the Michael Paynter fans out there. The Aussie singer-songwriter has just released his new single “Love The Fall’ and he’s roped his old pals The Veronicas in.

The music video is suitably brooding and mysterious, but as always with Michael Paynter I’m most impressed by the song and his awesome vocals. It starts out as pretty standard pop-rock fare before building into something truly epic. The Veronicas star power might just be what Michael needs to break into the mainstream consciousness. I’m crossing my fingers.

“Love The Fall” is the title track from Michael Paynter’s new EP, which can be pre-ordered now ahead of its July 9 release.

Kylie Announces Aussie Promo Tour for “Aphrodite”

With Danni Minogue about ready to pop with baby number one, it’s no great surprise that her sister Kylie will be back on home soil soon to play aunty. With her album Aphrodite hitting stores on July 2, it’s also no surprise to hear Miss Minogue will hit the promotional trail while she’s in Oz.

Kylie will launch her five-day media blitz on July 21. There’s no word yet on what that will entail, or whether fans will have the chance to get up close and personal, but I promise to bring you all the details when they come to hand.

New Justice Records Showcases Artists in Sydney

While most record companies try to keep the public riff raff out of their industry functions, New Justice Records are inviting fans to attend their Sydney Showcase weekend next month.

New Justice Records will bring their roster of artists to the music industry, media, and fans over two big nights at the Agincourt Hotel. On July 2 Resists the Thought, As Silence Breaks, and Recoil will take the stage at the hotel’s Blink Nightclub. The following night it’s time for Sienna Skies, The Bride, Town Hall Steps, and Envy Parade to do their thing at Trash. As the shows are held in licensed venues, remember that they’re only for music fans aged 18 and older.

Tickets cost $12 on the door, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you drop the name of New Justice Records or one of the bands playing you’ll get in for only eight bucks. The first 100 paying punters through the door each night will also take home a New Justice Records label sampler CD.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Star Filled New Music Video from The Bedroom Philosopher

The Bedroom Philosopher, aka Justin Heazlewood, has just released the video for his new single “Northcote (So Hungover).” The film clip’s lots of fun, with some great cameos from Tim Rogers, Angie Hart, Kram, Hannah Fox, and Josh Earl. You’ll want to watch it a second time, as the first you’ll be too busy star-spotting! “Northcote (So Hungover) comes from The Bedroom Philosopher’s recently released third album Songs from the 86 Tram.

Yusuf Islam’s Son Joins Him For Aussie Tour with Noxshi

Yusuf Islam’s Australian tour is turning into a bit of a family affair. Yusuf’s son Yoriyos Adamos is the lead singer of his support act, Noxshi.

Understandably Yoriyos grew up around music, and that deep understanding translates into his own music. He formed Noxshi in 2008, a rock band which references the classic sounds of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Pink Floyd.

Noxshi have just released their debut album The Way They Lush, which will reportedly hit our stores in September 2010. Along with the Yusuf Islam gigs, they’ll also play a handful of sideshows during their Aussie stay. Catch them at the following venues.

16 June 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (with Yusuf Islam)
17 June 2010 – The Colonial Hotel, Melbourne
18 June 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (with Yusuf Islam)
19 June 2010 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
21 June 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney (with Yusuf Islam)
23 June 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney (with Yusuf Islam)
24 June 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
24 June 2010 – The Darlinghurst, Sydney
26 June 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (with Yusuf Islam)

Trinity Scores Role in Jason Derulo Music Video

The girls from Melbourne group Trinity seem to be doing everything right. They’ve just headed to Los Angeles where they will appear in Jason Derulo’s next music video.

Apparently the opportunity arose while the girls were recording their debut album in Los Angeles. There they worked with superstar choreographer Mo’at, who introduced Yianna, Sammy, and Stephanie to the R’n’B singer.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding these girls, who also recently recorded a song “Ever ‘n Ever” with legendary crooner Englebert Humperdinck. It might be a little early to start calling them our answer to the Pussycat Dolls, but they’re definitely making all the right connections.

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

New Song Obsession: “I Promise” by Casey Barnes

Casey Barnes didn’t quite find his feet during his stint on the last series of Australian Idol, but there was something incredibly likable about this guy. So I was thrilled to see Casey pop up on Video Hits yesterday with the film clip for his new single “I Promise.” While I found him a bit imitative on his show, here he’s found his own voice. This is just the sort of mellow guitar driven music that I love, and I can’t wait to hear more of it. The track comes from Casey’s EP Red Lion Motel, which is available now through iTunes and Casey Barnes’ website.

Jonesez Announces “Be That Guy” Shows Ahead of Album Release

A couple of months ago I introduced you to Jonesez, the new solo venture of ex-Horsell Common member Mark Stewart. If you liked what you heard then, you’ll be thrilled to know his debut album Betty’s Soup isn’t too far away.

Our first taste is “Be That Guy,” the first single and the second of Jonesez’ “Basement Videos.” is Look out for Tahlia Shaw of Fuzz Phantoms making a guest appearance on drums!

Betty’s Soup won’t hit stores until August 6, but you can get a sneak peek at the new material when Jonesez performs the following shows.

16 June 2010 – Bar 32 (Gangbusters), Canberra
18 June 2010 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
25 June 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy

Q & A with Jez Mead

Last week I was blown away by Jez Mead’s latest album Beard of Bees. Recently I had the pleasure of catching up with the band himself to chat about the disc, his unique sound, and life on the road.

You’ve got such a unique sound. What influences your music?
I do a lot of writing on the road while I’m driving so it seems to suit being listened to in that way. I like all sorts of music but don’t tend to listen to that much blues rootsy stuff even though I get put into that department. I’ve only got a tape player in my van so it’s anything I can get from the op shop on tape, lots of 70’s stuff. But I like bands like Talking Heads, English 80s stuff like the Cocteau Twins and Talk Talk and also heavier bands like Tool. The Drones and Dirty Projectors are my latest favourite things.

Beard of Bees has such a beautiful, spontaneous feel to it. What was it like to make?
I love being in the studio and I don’t really know what I’m going to do ’til I get in there. The only thing with this album is I wanted to make it a bit more raw and to try and capture more of what I sound like live.

One of the tracks on the album, “Devil,” sees you duetting with the lovely Julia Stone. What was she like to work with?
On one of the tours I did with those guys, we were singing that song in their set and it worked well so I was keen to record it again as a duet. We’ve been mates for quite a while so it was just hanging out really; there was no work involved.

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New Song Obsession: “All Four Seasons” by Mark Sholtez

Mark Sholtez has done it again with his new single “All Four Seasons.” Just as his last single quickly won my heart, this track and its accompanying video leave me feeling positively giddy.

“I often hint in my lyrics at the idea that women are complicated and confusing creatures,” Mark explained. “I wanted this song to be celebration of that complexity and unpredictability.”

He’s definitely achieved that; the song has some of the most perceptive lyrics I’ve ever heard, and the clip has some of the cutest animals. It’s a winner on all fronts!

“All Four Seasons” comes from Mark’s album The Distance Between Two Truths, which will hit stores on July 9.