Ali E’s helping us ease into our weekend with her very cool new single “Landless,” the second cut from her forthcoming debut album.

While her first single “So It Goes” saw Ali E being introspective, “Landless” takes a different approach as Ali E packs her bags and charges forward. There’s a real sadness to the song, but the intermingling guitars and drums and Ali E’s powerfully resolute vocals ensure things never feel too gloomy. This isn’t a woman running away from her failed relationship; she’s moving on.

Ali E will launch the track at The Workers Club in Fitzroy on the afternoon of March 3. Make sure you get down there to support her if you love the song!

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Mornington Peninsula’s President Roots are helping me ease into my working week with the release of their double A side single “Feelin’ Fooled/Cool Change.”

“Feelin’ Fooled” is a warm folky number that swells with guitars, fiddles, a slinky beat, and a healthy dose of good vibes. “Cool Change” is a much more chilled cut inspired by the Victorian bushfires of 2009. The band wrote the track for a benefit show way back then, and I’m thrilled it’s finally reaching a wider audience.

President Roots will play some national shows to promote the single and forthcoming album, but until those dates are announced local fans can catch them at the Baha Taco Joint in Rye on February 12 and 25.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

It seemed like every time I switched on my TV on Australia Day, Shannon Noll’s face was staring back at me. I should have guessed he wasn’t simply getting patriotic; there’s a Nollsy tour a-brewing.

He’ll head back on the road next month to support the release of “Living in Stereo,” the latest cut from his newish album A Million Suns. Never one to do things by halves, the tour will run for five months and take in more than 30 cities across six states and territories.

Shannon is promising to play new tracks and plenty of old favourites backed by a full band. As he’s been performing in acoustic mode for some time it’ll be great to hear him really rocking out.

“Really looking forward to getting back out on the road to play in front of my fans, it’s been too long,” Shannon said in a statement. “I’m really happy with the new show, and I think my set is the strongest it’s ever been. Bring on the first gig!”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

24 February 2012 – Charles Hotel, Perth
25 February 2012 – Endeavour Tavern, Lancelin
26 February 2012 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
17 March 2012 – Hallam Hotel, Hallam
23 March 2012 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
24 March 2012 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
30 March 2012 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
31 March 2012 – North Sydney Leagues Club, North Sydney
13 April 2012 – Mounties, Mt Prichard
20 April 2012 – Canberra Southern Cross Club Events Centre, Canberra
21 April 2012 – The Cube at Campbelltown Catholic Club, Campbelltown
27 April 2012 – Dapto Leagues, Dapto
28 April 2012 – Penrith Panthers, Penrith
4 May 2012 – Urban Country Music Festival @ Queensland State Equestrian Centre, Caboolture
5 May 2012 – Yamba Bowling Club, Yamba
9 May 2012 – Nautilus Theatre, Port Lincoln
10 May 2012 – Middleback Theatre, Whyalla
11 May 2012 – Keith Mitchell Theatre, Port Pirie
12 May 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
13 May 2012 – Sir Robert Helpman Theatre, Mt Gambier
19 May 2012 – Wentworthville Leagues Club, Wentworthville
25 May 2012 – Taren Point Hotel, Taren Point
26 May 2012 – Belmont 16FT Sailing Club, Belmont
9 June 2012 – Bathurst Panthers, Bathhurst
10 June 2012 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
22 June 2012 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
23 June 2012 – Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
29 June 2012 – Fitzy’s Loganholme, Logan
30 June 2012 – Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Universal Music

Buckley Ward have set the scene for a cracking new album with the release of the sophomore single “Into the Darkening Blue.”

I’ve got to admit, I missed the first cut but I won’t make that mistake again. I love the track’s natural, almost accidental harmonies and the casually lush meeting of guitars and keyboards. It’s got just the right amount of optimism for a summer single.

“Into the Darkening Blue” comes from Buckley Ward’s second album So Pretend, which will hit stores soon. Until then music fans in the major capitals can satisfy their fix with a blink and you’ll miss it single launch tour. Buckley Ward will play Sydney’s FBI Social Club on February 11 before moving on to Melbourne’s Buffalo Club on February 18.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Catherine Traicos and the Starry Night have just released “Let You Go,” a gorgeous song about moving on from a failed relationship.

I love the gentle rasp in Catherine’s voice, which sits somewhere between Brandi Carlile and Lucinda Williams. The clever Motown like arrangement of this country-folk number is also gorgeous. Melbourne’s Gareth Skinner lends his cello skills to the track, which is the second release from Catherine Traicos and the Starry Nights’, Gloriosa.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

“Righteousness” from Sydney based pop act Pear Shape is the first release to come from General Pants Co’s Major Label this year.

Pear Shape have only been playing together for the last year but the outfit is made up of seasoned musicians from local acts Joysticks, Bridezilla & The Death Set, and Indigo Rising. Now with their latest incarnation it seems they’ve got the mix just right.

Lead singer Tom Riordan calls the new song “country-influenced pop, with honest diary style lyrics.” Head to the General Pants Co’s website and click on the Major Label tab to hear “Righteousness” now. If you dig it you can buy it through iTunes.

And remember if you’ve got a band you might be Major Label’s next signing. Simple submit your track via General Pants Co’s website or take your demo into your nearest General Pants Co store.

Image used with permission from AVM Publicity

Australian Idol alum Jacob Butler is ringing in the New Year with the release of a brand new single “Come My Way.” It’s another rocking number from Jakey B, although it’s got more of a retro feel than his last offering “UKOK?” It reminds me a lot of The Psychedelic Furs, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Are you digging it?

I’m probably too old to be falling in love with them, but try as I might I can’t resist the charms of The Never Ever and their brand new single “At Sixes and Sevens.”

This simple but ridiculously catchy slice of power pop is the first track to come from The Never Ever’s forthcoming EP, Breathe. That disc won’t hit record store shelves next April, but until then we’ve got the single to tide us over.

The Never Ever will also launch the “At Sixes and Sevens” for hometown fans on the Rocks Rhythm Boat in Sydney Harbour on February 12. That’s one of the more unusual spots I’ve heard for a single launch so it should be a night to remember.

Melbourne singer-songwriter Lindsay Phillips strips it all back for his latest single “Only You (And The Lord),” the second to come from his forthcoming album Taedium Vitae.

The stripped back arrangement really highlights just how special Lindsay is. With little to distract us we focus on his rich voice and the lyrics he sings. I love the way his resonant voice interplays with the steel guitar.

It’s a real departure from the lush orchestration of the first single “Exile,” and personally I prefer this. There’s something so genuine and true about “Only You (And The Lord).” Colour me impressed.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

N’fa Jones really impressed me when he burst onto our music scene with his hip hop act 1200 Techniques way back in 1997. The band fizzled out in 2005, but now N’fa’s back with a new swag of songs.

N’fa’s new single is “Wayooy,” a fun summer groove which features Roots Manuva and M-Phazes. You can download the track for free by entering your e-mail address into the widget above. I’m guessing that’ll add your details to N’fa’s e-mail list, which is a great way to stay in the loop with his music.

“Wayooy” comes from N’fa’s brand new EP Babylondon, which is scheduled to hit stores next March. It’s wonderful to have him back!