I’m not quite sure how they manage to do it, but somehow the organisers of Splendour in the Grass always manage to assemble a line-up which is more impressive than the year before. The 2011 bill is headed up by Kanye West, Coldplay, and Regina Spektor in what we’re promised will be their only Aussie shows.

That does leave the way open for sideshows from other Splendour artists including Jane’s Addiction, Pulp, The Hives, and Kaiser Chiefs. Heading up the Aussie contingent we’ve got The Living End, Bliss N Eso, Pnau, The Grates, The Vines, and Eskimo Joe, to name but a few.

Splendour in the Grass will take over Woodfordia in Southern Queensland from July 29 to 31. Tickets will go on sale on May 5 from Moshtix.

Image source: Matthew Field @ Wikipedia Commons

Aussie expats Gypsy and The Cat are returning home to play a swag of shows. You can see these Melbourne born Londoners supporting Foals and The Strokes around the country, playing the main stage at Splendour in the Grass, and headlining two just announced sideshows.

If you don’t know Gypsy and The Cat yet you’re in for a real treat. The band combines electro vibes with a splash of folk-pop to create a cruisy, retro soundscape.

These shows will support the release of their debut single “Time to Wander,” and give fans a sneak peek at their album before it hits stores later this year. Around the same time Gypsy and The Cat will be back in Oz to play Parklife, but I’d much rather see them at these more intimate gigs than that massive festival.

This time around, these are the places you can see these up and coming ex-pats!

24 July 2010 – The Gov, Adelaide (with Foals)
26 & 27 July 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (with Foals)
28 July 2010 – Manning Bar, Sydney (with Foals)
29 July 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (with The Strokes)
30 July 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (with The Strokes)
31 July 2010 – Splendour In The Grass, Woodford
4 August 2010 – Toff In Town, Melbourne (with Clubfeet)
5 August 2010 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (with Jinja Safari and Step Panther)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

There’s bad news for local Ting Tings fans, with news the band will delay their Australian tour. The decision was made when the release of their sophomore album, Massage Kunst, was pushed back until later this year.

I can understand the call from a business point of view but feel for the fans, particularly those who bought tickets to Splendour in the Grass expecting them to perform. The band along with another no show The Middle East, will be replaced with Art vs Science and Sally Seltmann.

While festival goers won’t get refunds anyone with tickets to The Ting Tings Melbourne and Sydney sideshows will. If you bought your tickets on a credit card, the money will be automatically refunded. If you did things the old fashioned way, return to your point of purchase with your photo ID for a cash refund.

British power pop duo The Ting Tings with play two very special sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne in addition to their appearance at Splendour in the Grass.

Jules de Martino and Katie White are renowned for their energetic live sets and brash pop sensibilities. They’ll play an over 18s show at the Palace Theatre in Melbourne on July 26 before visiting Sydney for an all ages show at the Enmore on July 28.

Tickets for both gigs go on sale on June 8 through Ticketek, but Frontier members can get a jump on the competition with a presale at noon tomorrow.

If you can’t get yourself to Splendour in the Grass, or you’re just keen for another serve, you’ll be happy to know Scissor Sisters have announced a couple of sideshows.

The eclectic UK outfit will make their way to Sydney and Melbourne for gigs in late July to promote their soon-to-be released album Night Works.

Tickets for the shows go on sale on May 28.

26 July 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
27 July 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney

The line-up for this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival has been announced, and it’s an absolute doozy.

Mammoth modern acts like The Strokes, Scissor Sisters, Ben Harper, and Mumford and Sons will join elder statesmen The Pixies on the bill. Most of the big names come from abroad, but locals are represented by The Temper Trap, Midnight Juggernauts, Empire of the Sun, Paul Kelly, Angus & Julia Stone, and Wolfmother.

It’s an eclectic lineup which should see plenty of punters packing out Woodfordia in the Sunshine Coast hinterland from July 30 to August 1. If you want to get there, consider a combined event and camping ticket, offered for the first time this year. At just $100 more than the three-day event ticket, it’s promising to be the most economical option unless you live nearby or know someone who does! Tickets will go on sale via Moshtix on May 6.

Image source: Splendour in the Grass Facebook page