Month: June 2013

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Kelly Announces Long-Awaited “Spring and Fall” Tour

He’s been wowing crowds in the United States, and now Paul Kelly is coming home. He’ll return in July to promote his 19th studio album Spring and Fall, which hit stores last October.

Paul believes that when “you listen to the songs (from Spring and Fall) in order they tell a story. Each song links to the next and the whole piece is a love story told from multiple points of view.” So it makes sense that Paul will play the album in its entirety so fans can experience that complete tale. He also promises he’ll have time to play some classic tunes and a few surprises.

Paul will be joined by an all-star band featuring Dan Kelly, J. Walker, Zoe Hauptmann, and Bree Van Reyk. Hip-hop MC Urthboy will also warm up the crowds for all but the Geelong gig.

Tickets officially go on sale on June 14, but fans can get a jump on the competition by registering for the Live Nation presale. This begins on June 11.

23 July 2013 – Civic Theatre, Cairns
24 July 2013 – Civic Theatre, Townsville
26 July 2013 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
27 July 2013 – Moncrief Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg
28 July 2013 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
30 July 2013 – Arts Theatre, Gold Coast
31 July 2013 – Community Centre, Lake Kawana
1 August 2013 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
3 August 2013 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
5 August 2013 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
7 August 2013 – The Playhouse, Geelong
8 & 9 August 2013 – Recital Centre, Melbourne
11 August 2013 – Regent Cinemas, Ballarat
13 & 14 August 2013 – Recital Hall, Sydney
17 August 2013 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
18 August 2013 – Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
20 August 2013 – Town Hall, Adelaide
22 August 2013 – Regal Theatre, Perth
29 August 2013 – Princess Theatre, Launceston
30 August 2013 – City Hall, Hobart

Image used with permission from Jones PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LabelState.com Opens Pop-Up Store in Sydney

Sydneysiders can get a headstart on their Christmas shopping with online band T-shirt website LabelState.com opening a pop-up store on Oxford Street today.

The shop will feature hundreds of T-shirts from more than 400 local bands, artists, labels, and venues. It will also host a series of live events, including a performance by Velociraptor’s Jeremy Neale at 2 pm this Saturday, June 6.

LabelState.com is a special Australian music start-up company, because it provides a no-cost solution for bands wanting to sell their merchandise. It handles all production and shipping costs, and pays a $5 royalty to the artists for every one sold.

You can shop for LabelState.com’s tees in the flesh at 118 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst until August 4.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skyways Are Highways Release Single for Marriage Equality

Eli J Hood and Angie Rose Brown of Skyways Are Highways are adding their voices to the marriage equality debate with their debut single “Let’s Run Away”.

The track, which was not so coincidentally released last month on International Day Against Homophobia, reminds us that we should all have the right to run away and marry the one we love, no matter what their gender. And what better way to do that than with a ridiculously catchy melody and a video featuring some hot snogging?

With parliament preparing to take a conscious vote on the issue in a couple of days, let’s hope some of the country’s politicians are listening.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fat Freddy’s Drop Announce Splendour Sideshows

It seems Fat Freddy’s Drop can’t get enough of Australia. After wowing local crowds as part of the Graphic festival at the Sydney Opera House last year, the band will be back to promote their new album Blackbird, which hits stores on June 21. We already knew they were playing Splendour, but they’ll also treat fans to headlining shows in the major capitals.

This album is nothing if not diverse, with elements of Ethio-Jazz, Detroit techno, blues, soul, and so much more. It features the oh-so-sexy and soulful single “Clean the House”, which is also backed up by a killer film clip. If gangster marionettes are your thing, this music video’s for you!

If you missed out on tickets to Splendour, make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to see this stellar live act while they’re Down Under.

29 August 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
30 August 2013 – Tivoli, Brisbane
31 August2013 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 September 2013 – Astor Theatre, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Refugee Talent Showcased at Emerge Fitzroy

Victoria will kick off Refugee Week with the 10th annual Emerge Fitzroy event. The day will showcase the cultural contributions of Australia’s refugees with musical acts and entertainment across three stages.

Ten-piece Ethio-jazz act JAzmaris will headline the event, which also includes sets from Sudanese urban pop and reggae outfit Sudan Azza, Hazara pop act Taqi Khan, Persian hip-hoppers Ahmed 3 Pas, and Tongan electronic act Elephant Mouse. You can’t say the line-up isn’t diverse! The performances will be complemented by cultural workshops, storytelling, and delicious foods from all corners of the globe.

It all happens at Fitzroy Town Hall from noon to 5 pm on June 16. And best of all, entry to the festival and all performances and workshops is free!

Image source: Multicultural Arts Victoria

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“To The Motel” – William Street Strikers

After treating us to a full album last year, Adelaide’s William Street Strikers have gone back to the short EP format for their latest release To the Motel. It’s an interesting tactic which allows them to focus their sound and produce a more crowd-pleasing release than their previous effort.

I enjoyed their full-length album Keep Left, but wondered whether it was too eclectic to appeal to the masses. To the Motel doesn’t take as many risks, which is both a blessing and a curse. After appreciating the daring of the album, this feels radio-friendly but a little safe. However the conviction of the band shines through.

This EP is all energy, but that’s not to say that it’s a frenetic EP. William Street Strikers know when to ease off the intensity, but driving drum beats and chunky guitar chords dominate. The title track starts the EP with a bang, leading us easily into the bluesy rebellion of “So Fukn Restless”. “Sure Baby” sees William Street Strikers taking the foot off the throttle a little bit, but there’s no losing the emotional intensity. The band makes sure their EP ends on a high with the rocking “Blind Fred E”.

To the Motel is an EP that’s accessible, with an energy that’s infectious. It shows a band that’s discovering their sound. Hopefully next time we’ll see William Street Strikers exploring it more completely on another album.

Image source: Music SA

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper & Texture Like Sun Take Up Residency at The Toff

Texture Like Sun and Ella Hooper hope to lure us out midweek when they take up residency at The Toff in Town this month.

Both acts will use the opportunity to showcase their forthcoming material. Ella’s solo album In Tongues will hit stores on June 28, while Texture Like Sun are currently writing and recording their next release. Music lovers will enjoy a sneak peek at new songs from both Ella and Texture Like Sun.

You can see both these talented acts at The Toff in Town every Tuesday in June.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Flickr