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.

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

You might remember Lenka from the early noughties outfit Decoder Ring, or that irresistibly catchy pop song from 2008, “The Show”. Either way, you’re likely to be surprised by the sweet tunes she’s showcasing on her third solo album Shadows.

This album is sure to answer the prayers of parents across the nation. It’s a collection of lullabies that don’t suck! Penned while Lenka was pregnant with her first child, the disc includes the hand-clapping new single “Heart to the Party.” The film clip with footage of a childhood birthday party sets the scene. Lenka’s bound to find a brand new audience with Shadows, which hits stores on June 7.

Melbourne bluegrass outfit Mustered Courage challenge preconceptions of their much-maligned genre with their exquisite new single “Standing by Your Side”.

Now exquisite isn’t an adjective that I use lightly. However, I just can’t think of another word to describe the rich vocal harmonies and finger-picking guitar melodies celebrated on this track. Sublime? Delicious? I always thought bluegrass was the genre of inbred American Southerners, but this stunning track has seen me change my tune.

The quirky clip only adds to the song’s appeal. Seriously, who can resist a music video that puts street performers in the spotlight?

“Standing By Your Side” is the latest single lifted from Mustered Courage’s brand new album, Powerlines. The band is currently touring the album around the country. Here are all the places you can still see them play, including plenty of free gigs!

31 May 2013 – Clancy’s Fish Bar, Fremantle (FREE)
1 June 2013 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
2 June 2013 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (FREE)
7-10 June 2013 – Perisher Snowy Mountains of Music, Perisher Valley
15 June 2013 – Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna (12:30 pm – FREE)
15 June 2013 – The Joynt, Brisbane (8 pm)
16 June 2013 – Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin (FREE)
26 June 2013 – Yinnar Pub, Yinnar (SOLD OUT)
28 June 2013 – Molly Malones, Devonport (FREE)
30 June 2013 – Brookefield Margate, Margate (3 pm)
30 June 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart (9 pm)

Messrs help you get through your humpday with their latest retro-inspired pop single “Desert.” If the band’s name sounds familiar, you were probably tuning in to Big Brother last season to watch the antics of frontman Josh Moore. Happily this is a band that deserves the exposure a platform like the reality TV show affords. This is a perfect slice of synth-saturated pop that could easily have been produced in the middle of the New Wave movement. As a child of the 80s, I am lapping it up. Are you?

“Desert” comes from Messrs’ Welcome to Nowhere EP.

The very funky Melbourne nine-piece Saskwatch are heading to Glastonbury! The slot at arguably Europe’s most prestigious rock festival is a fitting follow-up to appearances at key local events including Bluesfest, Falls Festival, Meredith, and Golden Plains.

Getting such a massive band to the other side of the world isn’t going to be easy, so Saskwatch are raising funds to make it happen. You can donate to the band via the Pozible website in exchange for Sakwatch goodies including signed merchandise, personalised mix-tapes, and even one of Nkechi’s awesome stage dresses.

Alternatively you could see the band live at one of their farewell shows. And when they make music as good as their most recent single “I Get Lonely”, why wouldn’t you? Saskwatch will play Carlton’s Curtin Bandroom on June 1 and an all-ages show at Daylesford Town Hall on June 8.

Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale is heading in a new direction with “Long Way to Go”, the first track from his forthcoming album Keep Moving. The album, which will hit stores on June 7, is the follow-up to Andrew’s album teaser, the Keep Moving EP.

I’ve honestly never been a Wolfmother fan. They always seemed too derivative for me, a bunch of Led Zeppelin wannabes. Andrew still wears his classic rock influences on his sleeve here, but this track’s easy groove at least feels a bit more original. There’s nothing wrong with delving into the past for inspiration, but it seems Andrew might finally have the balance right.

The new direction and Andrew Stockdale name out front makes this seem like a solo endeavour, but Andrew is actually still working with all his current Wolfmother bandmates on this new project.

They’re exploring new territory, but they’ll still play all the Wolfmother hits fans know and love at their upcoming album launch shows. This will be our last chance to see Andrew play for a while, as he’ll head to Southeast Asia, the United States, South America, and Europe to promote the album’s international release once this tour wraps.

6 June 2013 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle University
7 June 2013 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
8 June 2013 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
13 June 2013 – The Ferntree Gully Hotel, Melbourne
14 June 2013 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
15 June 2013 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong
16 June 2013 – Pier Live, Frankston
19 June 2013 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
20 June 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
21 June 2013 – Fly By Nightclub, Fremantle
22 June 2013 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
27 June 2013 – The Hi Fi, Brisbane
28 June 2013 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
29 June 2013 – The Northern, Byron Bay

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.