Month: September 2010

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ryan Meeking and the Few Tour New EP

The gorgeous Ryan Meeking and the Few will hit the road next month to support their brand new EP We’re Still Saying Nothing.

Funnily enough, the band is saying plenty. This is their third EP following the release of Broken Cars & Empty Pockets and the wonderful Night Owls. Thankfully after all those short releases, a full length album isn’t too far away. Ryan began to record it in the middle of the year with super producer Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Pearl Jam, Nine Days).

After two months spent recording and mixing the album in Atlanta, the band is itching to get back in front of local fans. They’ll do just that at the following shows.

9 October 2010 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
10 October2010 – Noosa Surf Club, Noosa
14 October 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane
15 October 2010 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
16 October 2010 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
20 October 2010 –  Lizotte’s, Kincumber
21 October 2010 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
22 October 2010 – The Gearin Hotel, Katoomba
23 October 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
24 October 2010 – The Heritage, Wollongong
28 October 2010 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with The Verses)
29 October 2010 – The Loft, Warrnambool
30 October 2010 – Jive Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

You Am I Finally Release That Self-Titled Album

Uninspired bands usually release their self titled albums first, but it seems at album nine You Am I may have finally run out of titles. Their new self titled album is scheduled to hit record store shelves on October 8.

At least they’ve invested a bit of effort into the songs, which are said to be their “most expressive, well-woven, and sonically adventurous” to date. I guess that’s what working across several studios without any deadlines will do to a band!

The album marks a new beginning for You Am I, as it’s their first released through indie label Other Tongues. Pick up your copy on October 8, and catch the band showcasing the songs live at the following venues.

14 October 2010 – Waves, Wollongong
15 October 2010 – Level One @ Newcastle Leagues Club, Newcastle
16 October 2010 – The Metro, Sydney
17 October 2010 – The Beachcomber, Toukley
20 October 2010 – The Flying Horse, Warrnambool
21 October 2010 – The Bluestone, Ballarat
22 October 2010 – Billboard, Melbourne
23 October 2010 – Inferno, Tarralgon
11 November 2010 – The Irish Club, Toowoomba
12 & 13 November 2010 – Powderfinger Sunsets Farewell Tour @ Brisbane Riverstage, Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
18 November 2010 – Fly By Night Club, Fremantle
19 November 2010 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
20 November 2010 – That Festival @ Cabarita Beach, Tweed Heads
25 November 2010 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
26 November 2010 – Newtons Nation Festival @ Mount Panorama, Bathurst
27 November 2010 – The Hi Fi Bar And Ballroom, Brisbane
2 December 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Mildura
3 December 2010 – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Make Some Extra Money with Posse

As readers of my blog, you’re probably passionate about Australian music and always keen to turn your friends on to the artists that you love right? We all happily do this sort of promotion for free, but there’s a nifty site called Posse that wants to pay you for it.

The model is simple. Every time one of your friends buys a ticket to a concert or downloads a song you’ve promoted you’ll get a commission, which could be between 50c and $10. The site has applications for MySpace and Facebook, so you can promote the artists you love without feeling like a pushy salesperson. I actually use Posse here on Sounds of Oz to make it easier for my readers to buy tickets to the shows I mention. I’ve got to keep this blog afloat somehow, right?

If you think Posse sounds like a great way to earn some extra pocket money, just head to the website and sign up for a free account. Too easy!

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Me, Me, Me & Him: The Secret Life of a Receptionist” – Class A

The world of rap music seems to be a bit of a boys club, so it’s refreshing to see Class A breaking the mould. With her debut album Me, Me, Me & Him: The Secret Life of a Receptionist she looks to redefine what we think about rap music with an originality that goes beyond her gender.

I must admit, I don’t listen to a lot of rap music. I catch the occasional song on Video Hits or Rage, but it’s never really been my thing. In listening to this album, I’ve realised that perhaps my resistant has stemmed from my inability to relate. Rap has always been music that expressed the frustration and anger of the artist at the world around them, but I don’t know the first thing about life in the ghetto or the struggles faced by black men. I’m a white girl from suburban Newcastle after all.

This is what I love most about the songs of Class A. Her problems may not be as large as those faced by black rappers, but they come from a very real place. I’m sure most of us understand the frustrations of office life expressed in “Work” and the feelings of lust aroused by the delivery boy in “Milkman.” The songs aren’t life-changing epics, but they’re genuine and quirky, and that makes them incredibly appealing.

As a rap newcomer, I also appreciated the ease with which Class A blended genres. The soulful vocals of Rachael Berry brought another dimension to “Break It Down” and I loved the big band elements of “You Drive.”

Australian rap has had a hard time carving out its own identity, but with acts like Class A I think the scene is getting there. She just does what she does; it doesn’t feel affected and there’s not a hint of cultural cringe. The novelty factor of a female rapper may draw you in, but her songs are of such quality that I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Owls Launch Self Titled EP

The Owls have hatched their new self titled EP, which was officially released today.

The disc features “Go, Let It Go,” which you may have heard on the radio. Even if you haven’t, you’re going to love the band’s silky melodies and dark, brooding bass lines.

To celebrate the release The Owls are played a couple of shows over the next few days, so if they’re near you make sure you check them out!

22 September 2010 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (with The Jezabels)
23 September 2010 – Gaelic Club, Surry Hills
25 September 2010 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angry Anderson Headlines Queensland’s Equinox Rocks Festival

Many music festivals say they’re extreme, but few can back up their claims like the Equinox Rocks Extreme Music and Skydiving Festival in the Queensland town of Toogoolawah, an hour and a half from Brisbane. This quirky event will hit the Ramblers Drop Zone on Saturday October 16.

The event brings together extreme sounds and extreme sports for one crazy afternoon. Angry Anderson heads up the line-up, alongside the bluesy Dallas Frasca, femme punk rockers Legless, German acoustic artist Robert Carl Blank, and local lads Greenthief to name a few.

Skydivers and parachutists will attempt to break a few records, so make sure you keep your eyes on the skies. Tandem jumps may also be available if you’re feeling especially daring.

On site camping is free, so why not make a holiday of it and enjoy the cool tunes and amazing jumps. Early bird tickets cost $49.95 online, so get organized or you’ll pay $65 at the gate.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Verses Announce Taste of Lilith Sideshows

The Verses are taking their new album Seasons on the road with a handful of dates to complement their performances at the Taste of Lilith Festival shows this October.

After seeing these guys live when they launched the album last month, I have no doubt that fans in Sydney and Melbourne are in for a treat. The performances are sure to be top notch with the band itching to introduce their new material to fans.

“We can’t wait to play the album in front of a live crowd and interact with the audience once again.  We are so happy with the response we’ve had and look forward to meeting the people who are discovering and enjoying our music around Australia,” Jesse Hooper said in a statement.

See Jesse and his equally talented sister Ella at the following sideshows!

5 October 2010 – Vanguard, Sydney
7 October 2010 – Gershwin Room @ Espy, Melbourne
28 October 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Ryan Meeking and The Few)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Earl Cole Plays Final Dinner Show for 2010

If you love the musical stylings of Perth’s resident king of swing Earl Cole, make sure you get to Bouchon Bistro on October 20. Earl will team up with Perth’s own Chelsea J Gibson for his final dinner show of the year, a night celebrating the music of Michael Buble and Norah Jones.

The night costs $110 a head, which isn’t bad for an evening’s entertainment and a three-course meal. Groups of six or more will get their tickets for $100 a piece, and receive a free Earl Cole CD so it’s worth getting together a few friends for the night out.

If you want to enjoy a night of classic tunes and fine food, I wouldn’t wait around to reserve your place. Earl and Chelsea have performed two shows at the Bouchon Bistro this year and both sold out, so no doubt this one will also see them play to a packed house. Call the Bouchon Bistro on (08) 9387 3898 to reserve your place.

Image used with permission from Earl Cole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chris Doe Doesn’t Have the X Factor

The axe fell for the first time on The X Factor tonight, with Chris Doe being eliminated after the public vote.

It was a close one, with Luke and Joel and Chris splitting the judges’ votes, leaving it to the viewers at home to make the final verdict. I was in two minds about the verdict. I didn’t mind what Chris did last night, and certainly thought he outsang Luke and Joel on the night. However when it came to the crunch tonight I think Luke and Joel outperformed Chris tonight. I don’t predict they’ll be with us too long, but they certainly earned their place after their performance of “Fix You.”

I must say, I really like that when singing for their lives the contestants can choose to sing something other than the song that landed them in the bottom two. If Australian Idol ever comes back to our screens, let’s hope they adopt this format!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30:(L-R) The cast of 'The X Factor' Natalie Imbruglia, Ronan Keating, Kyle Sandilands and Guy Sebastian pose during a media call on July 30, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mike Flokis/Getty Images)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Congratulations “Levolution” CD Winners

Congratulations to Renee Hermansen and Stephen Fairbank. They’re the lucky winners of a copy of Juke Kartel’s new album Levolution. Keep an eye on your mail box guys, because the CDs will be heading your way really soon.

I’ve been listening to my copy this morning, and it’s really good stuff which takes me back to the golden age of rock. You know what I mean; the kind of music that makes you want to put your lighters in the air and pound your fists in time with the beat.

I was initially concerned that the disc may sound a bit pieced together, with tracks from previous album Nowhere Left to Hide sitting alongside newer material. Instead it just allows Juke Kartel to showcase their very best material, making it a great introduction for anyone that wasn’t familiar with their music.

I must admit, I only knew bits and pieces myself. When “Save Me” started though I cranked it up, remembering how much it revved me a few years ago. How wonderful to hear it still sounding fresh after all this time.

A lot of Levolution kicks along at a rocking pace. Juke Kartel are very good at these kinds of songs; they give them just enough attitude and aggression without every sacrificing the melodies. But for me the standouts were the quieter moments, “If Only” and “Soul Shaper.” They remind us of a different side of the band, and give the disc the right amount of light and shade. We all know this band can rock, but these tracks prove that there’s so much more to them.

Supernova definitely missed out when they passed on Toby Rand, but something tells me he’s having the last laugh. At the helm of his own original rock act, he’s proving himself to be a real star.