Irish folk act Villagers are heading to Australia to celebrate the recent release of their sophomore album {Awayland}. They were already announced as part of this year’s Splendour in the Grass bill, but if you missed out on tickets, or simply want another helping, you can catch Villagers at their sideshows.
And when they make music this good, why wouldn’t you? “Nothing Arrived {a day in the life of Terrence Bliss}” is just one of the stellar tracks from the follow-up to 2010′s Mercury Award nominated debut Becoming a Jackal. It builds on Villagers’ folk sound with frontman Conor O’Brien utilising the talents of other musicians. Without needing to take control of every instrument, Conor’s been able to focus on lyrics influenced by everyone from Kurt Vonnegut to Nick Drake to Curtis Mayfield.
Make sure you turn up early to catch the support slot from the very talented local “avant gardener” Courtney Barnett.
30 July 2013 – The Corner Hotel, Richmond
1 August 2013 – The Factory Theatre, Marrickville
2 August 2013 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
It’s taken a little time to reenter the limelight, but Adam Martin’s determined that he won’t be forgotten once the new Voice finalists are named. The season one graduate is making his mark with a new single “In My Dreams”.
The husky tone and unique delivery that turned Keith Urban’s chair and inspired millions of us to vote shines through this song. If you think this pop-rock ditty sounds a little Evermore-esque, you’d be right. Adam penned the song in collaboration with the band’s Jon Hume.
It seems Adam’s found a fan in the Kiwi-born singer, as Jon’s also taken Adam on the support act for Evermore’s latest tour. A few dates have passed, but you can still catch Adam and Evermore at the following shows.
15 May 2013 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
16 May 2013 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
17 May 2013 – Players Bar, Mandurah
18 May 2013 – The Charles, North Perth
23 May 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
24 May 2013 – Revesby Workers Club, Revesby
25 May 2013 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
26 May 2013 – Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
29 May 2013 – ANU Bar, Canberra
30 May 2013 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
31 May 2013 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
1 June 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
I have a confession to make. I am a Eurovision tragic. I might wax lyrical about talented singer-songwriters, but all I really need to enjoy a song is a wind machine, some sequins, and a dramatic key change. Sadly our musicians are ineligible to join in the fun beyond voting in SBS’s unofficial poll. However, our local artists are celebrating the spirit of the event with a new compilation album called Mélodie Française.
This unusual disc sees some of Australia’s brightest stars tackling classic and contemporary French songs. The album will feature cuts from Lisa Mitchell, The Jezabels, Dappled Cities, and Gossling and Oh Mercy’s beautiful take on “La Minute de Silence.”
Mélodie Française will be released midyear through Original Matters in Australia and stream exclusively through France’s Deezer.com.
This instant indie pop classic has enjoyed a great response from community radio and Triple J, and its clever animated video has also been getting a serious workout on Rage. What’s not to love though? This is the sort of track that gets underneath your skin quickly with its irresistible energy. There’s a dark side to it if you listen to the lyrics, but they’re married to so many hooks that you won’t be able to listen to “Shades” without a smile on your face.
Tales in Space are teaming up with the acclaimed Enola Fall for the following single launch shows.
16 May 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
17 May 2013 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
18 May 2013 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
23 May 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 May 2013 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
25 May 2013 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
31 May 2013 – The Espy Basement, St Kilda
1 Jun 2013 – The B.East, North Melbourne
7 Jun 2013 – Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston
8 Jun 2013 – Grand Poobah, Hobart
Whether she’s operating as solo artist or as one half of Gepetto, I’m enamoured with Emma Dean. So I was thrilled to see she’s released a brand new EP. “Phoebe (With Her Whole Heart)” gives us a taste of what we can expect from White, a recording that’s billed as a collection of “off-kilter ballads about new beginnings.”
And yes, after hearing it I’m just as in love with what Emma does. This is divine.
Inland Sea cofounder Jeremy Hunter is stepping out on his own with the recent release of his debut self-titled EP. The EP is a collection of acoustic guitar-driven folk-rock tunes that should delight fans of the genre. It includes this gorgeous single, “Picking Up the Pieces”.
Less than a month after touring the United Kingdom with Inland Sea mid-2012, Jeremy holed himself up in the mountains outside Brisbane with his pal and producer Konstantin Kersting. They spent three days out of the bustle of the city, crafting the five songs that would become this release. Jeremy impressively played every instrument on the recording to ensure the tracks captured exactly what he hoped to express. Some might call him a control freak; I think the approach is genius.
Jeremy will launch the EP with a show for hometown fans at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge on May 26, and another at St Kilda’s Prince Public Bar on May 31.
As I’m shivering here with my fluffy dressing gown on and my heater blasting, the warmth of summer sun seems a distant memory. But Mali Mali have got me reminiscing with the release of their debut music video “Song for the Sun.”
This is a gorgeous folky number which hints at what’s to come on the curiously named album Gather ‘Round the Gooseclock, which was not so coincidentally released today. If you love what you hear, it’s available to download now.
The Vanturas have knocked my socks off with their debut single “Tightrope”. Talk about making a great first impression!
The song takes me back to the Big Bad Voodoo Daddies with its driving rockabilly beat and deliciously dark lyrics. If you’re not tapping your foot along with this one by the end there’s something wrong.
The Melbourne act has coupled the song with an amazing clip, which is more short film than run-of-the-mill music video.
“It was an amazing experience watching the director Max Miller and director of photography Shelley Farthing-Dawe work through the scenes, creating a sort of ‘mini film’ for the clip,” said The Vanturas. “The concept was planned months before shooting. Producer Kali Bateman and the director story-boarded the whole thing and had a solid idea of what the final result would be.”
“Tightrope” is our first taste of The Vanturas’ debut album, which should hit stores late this year. The band will launch the single at Melbourne’s Cherry Bar on May 31.
The Murlocs make music like few others. It’s gritty, bluesy, ballsy, and honest. All those adjectives hold true for the Melbourne band’s latest single “Rattle The Chain.”
Those raspy vocals, the guttural moan of a harmonica, I’m in heaven. And to think its vocals and overdubs were recorded in bedroom studios. This is the best kind of raw. If you agree, make sure you catch The Murlocs launching the single around the traps late this month.
25 May 2013 – The Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
31 May 2013 – The Velvet Cave, Sydney
7 June 2013 – The Barwon Club, Geelong
When he’s not wowing crowds as one half of Busby Marou, Tom Busby is making beautiful music with his housemates Stephen Ryan and Brett Gibson. Together they are Good Oak, a three-piece creating some of the most gorgeous folk music I’ve heard in some time.
The Queensland band’s just released their debut self-titled EP which includes the beautiful single “The Bear Song”. The harmonies are exquisite, and while it’s gentle it’s definitely a song that stays with you. Songs don’t always need to scream loudly to make an impression, do they?
If you love what you hear, make sure you catch Good Oak supporting their EP’s release on The Big Strong Bear Tour.
23 May 2013 – Gov’s Espresso, Mermaid Beach
24 May 2013 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
25 May 2013 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
26 May 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
Lauren Katulka cannot remember a time when music was not a part of her life. Raised on an eclectic diet of Van Morrison, The Eagles, Cold Chisel, and Barbra Streisand, she remembers saving all her pocket money for weeks so she could buy cassettes featuring her favourite singers. At the tender age of 11 she saw her first live concert when Jimmy Barnes took his Soul Deep tour to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. There was no looking back.
Today Lauren is a happily married freelance writer living on the New South Wales Central Coast. When she's not obsessing about the latest band, or some old favourite, she loves to experiment with new recipes, watch indie films, and cuddle her Devon Rex cat Gizmo.
