Q & A with Breaking Orbit

Breaking Orbit kick off their tour tonight to support the release of their new single “My Direction.” But before they took to the stage I caught up with the progressive rock act to talk about life on the road, their forthcoming album, and cover songs.

You’ve toured around the country with Cog, Dead Letter Circus and MM9 this year. How did those experiences prepare you for your own headline shows?
Dylan: Playing with those bands has been such a great learning experience. You get to see bands that have done this thing for such a long time that it becomes natural to them. You get to experience their ups and downs and
learn more about this music industry, which can be so rewarding but so challenging at the same time. In the same way, we have had a blast hanging with them and we are forever grateful that they allowed us exposure to their audiences. It has really help sculpt our fanbase around the nation.

Matt: They are bands that we have been fans of and watched develop over the years, along with taken some influence from, so it was great actually sharing the stage with them and getting the overwhelming response we got from their crowds.

Tyson: The opportunity to share the stage with Australian musicians who, within our own genre, have driven us both as individuals and as a band was awesome. Exposure to that level of production has provided us with a great basis to build and mould our own identity.

You’re earning a real reputation as a must see live act. What do you think it is about your live shows that resonate with audiences?
Dylan: I think mostly it’s about the energy and positivity. We really enjoy what we do on stage, and we’ve often received reviews commenting on the smiles that are always visible when we are on stage. We have a pretty active stage presence also, and I think the thing that most audience members relate too and really enjoy are the moments where the drums and percussion are played. There is just something about drums that everyone can relate to, and I think that tribal aspect of our live show is really a big highlight for a lot of the audience.

Matt: Definitely the positive energy we generate on stage. Anyone that has experienced one of our shows, can see that we are having the time of our lives up there, and it tends to rub off on the crowd. We work hard to get our songs and performance to the level it is at, so when we are up there its SHOWTIME!

Tyson: I guess we try and communicate with our audience using as much raw tribal energy to develop our own style and stage presence.

You recently headlined Progfest, which had such an interesting concept for a festival. What was it like to be a part of this event which showcased bands that push the envelope?
Dylan: It was fantastic. We also performed at this festival when it was in Sydney in 2009, and it was definitely one of the best shows we did that year. The vibe is great and the audience is massively appreciative because they are generally open to music that challenges them, whether that is sonically, rhythmically or stylistically. The best part is that we get to experience some of the best local and Australian bands in our favourite genre of music!

Tyson: Always a blast. The vibe at a festival like that means that you have the opportunity to share ideas with a whole lot of other musicians and punters in a real proactive and cohesive environment.

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Laneous and the Family Yah Release Wacky “I Am Dog” Video

Laneous and the Family Yah is a band that definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously.

That should be pretty evident on watching the film clip for their new single “I Am Dog,” which documents a day in the life of James Lane, the owner of the World’s First Dog, Cat and Pigeon Zoo. As you’ll soon find out though, these are no ordinary animals. The song might seem pretty silly at first, but focus in on those infectious hooks and the tight instrumentation and you’ll realise there’s more to this band than meets the eye.

“I Am Dog” is the first taste the Laneous and the Family Yah’s second album Found Things, which will hit record stores around the country in September. It’s a blend of soul, punk, and hip hop that’s like nothing you’ve ever heard. After watching that film clip, you know what I’m saying is true!

To coincide with the release of Found Things, Laneous and the Family Yah will join Regurgitator on their album launch tour. Make sure you turn up early at the following shows to check these guys out!

16 September 2010 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 September 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
19 September 2010 – The Great Northern, Byron Bay
23 September 2010 – The Maram, Canberra
24 September 2010 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
25 September 2010 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Stan Walker Spruiks New Album at Instores

It’s been a bit quiet on the Stan Walker front, but the reigning Australian Idol is almost ready to unleash his first album of original material. From the Inside Out hits record stores around Australia and New Zealand tomorrow.

Stan’s taken his time on this release, some nine months since winning the reality TV show title, and it seems that approach has paid off.

“I had a firm goal about what I wanted to do and what sort of sound I wanted to create, so the people that came along either helped me achieve what I wanted, or they weren’t really suitable for this record,” he explained in a press release. “In the end I was able to inject every part of me into the songs for this album, and it was an awesome experience working with some very talented people.”

Those people include Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Stuart Crichton (Kylie Minogue, Sugababes), Pixie Lott, and Kiwi rapper Young Sid. It was then given a few final tweaks from Grammy Award winning mixers Phil Tan (Usher, Rihanna) and Craig Bauer (Kanye West).

Stan will take his album to the people with a series of instore appearances at shopping centres around the country. If you can’t make it to one of these events you can chat to Stan live via his Facebook page from 11 am to noon on Monday August 23.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 26:  Singer Stan Walker arrives on the red carpet at the 2009 ARIA Awards at Acer Arena on November 26, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)


21 August 2010 – Top Ryde Shopping Centre, Ryde @ 1 pm
22 August 2010 – Highpoint Shopping Centre, Melbourne @ 1 pm
23 August 2010 – Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Castle Hill @ 4 pm
24 August 2010 – Westfield Tuggerah, Tuggerah @ 4:30 pm
29 August 2010 – Westfield Eastgardens, Sydney @ 1 pm

“Skin” – Useless Children

I pride myself on listening to music of all genres, but I must admit I felt a little out of my depth when I put Useless Children’s new EP Skin into my stereo. It exploded out of my speakers with what initially seemed like a whole lot of noise. I wondered what I’d say about this music that was so heavy, and honestly unfamiliar to me. But as I sat and listened, it all became clearer.

Useless Children were born to the Melbourne punk scene in early 2008. We’re talking about the real punk scene here, not the one commercialised by Top 40 radio. That rebellious energy of their early days is still apparent today, but it’s apparently become darker. Having listened to the EP, I don’t doubt that one bit. It’s aggressive, and a bit confronting, but also invigorating in its frenetic pace.

As I listened I began to appreciate these elements, and the incredible vocals of lead singer and drummer Cinta. How inspiring to see a woman kicking some major arse in such a male dominated genre. I began to hear the melodies that I’d missed at first. I also began to appreciate those moments when such an EP might seem like just the right kind of music, the times when the middle of the road, mellow tunes I typically listen to just wouldn’t do.

Skin is an EP which grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until it’s done. In just three tracks, it makes its mark and leaves you a bit breathless. If Useless Children can do all that on a recording, I can only imagine how impressive their live show is. If you love your music turned up to 11, make sure you check the band out at the following shows.

4 September 2010 – Blackwire Records, Sydney (All Ages)
10 September 2010 – Burst City, Brisbane (All Ages)
17 September 2010 – Bar Open, Melbourne (18+)
19 September 2010 – The Nash, Geelong (18+)
24 September 2010 – The Metro, Adelaide (18+)

New On the Pulse Festival Brings Bands to Brisbane Kids

And those festival announcements just keep on coming. On the Pulse is a new kid on the block, but something tells me this youth-oriented event is going to take off in a big way.

It’ll bring 15 unsigned and independent punk, rock, and pop acts to Brisbane on October 23; they’ll play across two stages at the Fortitude Valley PCYC and The Hive. Acts on the bill include up and comers Finabah, Flicks, Burning Brooklyn, Words Versing Verses, and Starting Sunday.

“On The Pulse has been created not only to create a quality festival platform for our younger and growing artists, but also to present an exciting opportunity for young music fans to be introduced to new music and exciting new bands,” said festival promoter Marc Mancini.

Parents can rest easy as this is a completely drug and alcohol free event. Tickets cost $25 and are on sale now through Oztix, Rockinghorse Records, Kill the Music, and Sunflower Music.

Meredith Announces Eclectic Lineup for 20th Year

You know festival season is afoot once those line-up announcements begin to roll in. Today Meredith unveiled an impressive collection of bands for its 20th anniversary.

This is really an eclectic bill with literally something for everybody. I don’t think you’re ever going to find Crowded House on the same bill as American gangsta rappers Clipse, British post punksters The Fall, and US soul outfit Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. And that’s before we mention Dirty Three, Little Red, Custard, Sally Seltmann, and C.W. Stoneking. And that’s just for starters.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Neil Finn of Crowded House performs on stage during their concert at Enmore Theatre on March 31, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)


It’s all happening at the Meredith Amphitheatre from December 10 to 12. Sign up for the ticket ballot on the Meredith website to have the best chance at scoring tickets.

Q & A with Ryan Murphy

Melbourne based singer-songwriter Ryan Murphy is making waves in the music industry with his new outfit the Lion and Ryan. I caught up with Ryan ahead of the band’s upcoming residency at The Wesley-Anne to chat about his love for his adopted home, his new band, and his plans for the future.

You’re preparing to take up residency at The Wesley-Anne. How do you approach those kinds of shows to ensure they stay fresh, despite being in the same venue at the same time each week?
That’s the challenge I guess. The idea of a residency is that your following builds each week, but people aren’t going to keep coming back to the same gig week in week out. It will just be a case of playing new material every show, and making the performances unique. My live shows have a lot of improvisation, whether it be musically or just mucking around between songs, so hopefully people come back.

These shows are a bit of a warm-up to a full-scale tour later this year. Do you enjoy life on the road or do you prefer to stay in one place?
At this stage in my life I prefer life on the road. I’m a very uncommitted person so living day to day comes very natural to me. Someday when I decide to settle down a little I guess life on the road could take its toll, but for now I just want every day to be a new adventure!

You’re earning a real reputation as a must see live act. What do you think it is about your live shows that resonate with audiences?
Hmm, well I hope its because I’m reasonable at what I do [laughs]. People seem to enjoy how relaxed I am on stage. Making a room turn around and listen is something that comes over time, but years of performing in front of strangers, basically telling them my secrets every night, has given me the confidence to know that audiences want to see me be myself, which should be easy.

The Lion and Ryan is your latest band. What does it feel like as a singer-songwriter to start playing with a bunch of new guys?
It’s a great feeling sharing the stage with other musicians! Especially for me after so much time spent playing solo. Playing in different situations with different people is the best way to improve, plus it gives the songs more dynamics which makes them more effective.

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Natalie Bassingthwaighte Has a Baby Girl

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Singer and TV host Natalie Bassingthwaighte arrives at the 52nd TV Week Logie Awards at Crown Casino on May 2, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Congratulations to Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Rogue Traders drummer Cameron McGlinchey, who became first time parents yesterday. The engaged couple is celebrating the birth of their daughter Harper Rain Sinclair McGlinchey.

The little one was born at a private Melbourne hospital and tipped the scales at 3.22 kg.

“Natalie Bassingthwaighte is a mum,” her manager Mark Byrne confirmed last night. “Mum and daughter are both perfect.”

I’m not normally one to get clucky about such things, but I can’t wait to see whether the pair have passed on those musical genes!

Greenthief Makes a “Plea for Sanctuary”

Brisbane alterna rockers Greenthief have been building a solid reputation as a live act, so it only makes sense that the film clip for their new single “Plea for Sanctuary” showcases that raw, performance energy. The emotive vocals and wailing guitars of this track have definitely suckered me in. It comes from Greenthief’s debut EP Anicca, which is available online through Greenthief’s e-store.

Blue King Brown Prepare to Release Epic Double Album “Worldwize Part 1: North & South”

We heard a taste of Blue King Brown’s new album with the single “Women’s Revolution,” and now Worldwize Part I: North & South is almost ready to drop.

The epic double record has taken the band from their Melbourne base to New York, Las Vegas, and Jamaica. Along the way they worked with some incredible producers including James ‘Bonzai’ Caruso (Gwen Stefani, Nas, Damien Marley, Madonna), Colin ‘Bulby’ York (Rihanna, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Franti, UB40), Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare. They also collaborated with some top performers including Queen Ifrica, Jah Mason, Voodoo Dred, and Elliott Martin.

Northside is a vibrant, energetic journey while Southside has more of an experimental, dub sound. It all adds up to a release which can only be described as epic, and that’s just the beginning.

Worldwize Part 1: North & South will hit record stores around the country on August 20 ahead of the release of Worldwize Part 2: East & West next year. Get in quickly to receive the CD with a bonus Blue King Brown flag, as seen on stage at the band’s live shows.

Image used with permission from SGC Media