Month: April 2010

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angry Anderson to Join Slash for MTV Classic Launch

Aussie rock veteran Angry Anderson will join Slash on stage at the launch of new pay TV music channel MTV Classic. The duo will perform the Rose Tattoo song “Nice Boys,” a song the Gunners covered way back in 1988.

Australia Artists Unite For 'One Of The Boys' Fundraiser

“Angry and I go way back to when GNR toured with Rose Tattoo in Australia back in 1992 – and had some great times – so when MTV asked me who I wanted to perform with at the launch of MTV Classic, I immediately thought of Angry,” Slash said in a statement. “I’m really looking forward to playing ‘Nice Boys’ with him at this historic event.”

“It’s a beautiful thing when you get an opportunity to jam with an artist who has made such a global impact on rock music in your home town,” added Angry. “I have a lot of time for Slash and MTV Classic: The Launch will see us re-creating some of those great music moments from the 90s.”

The one-of pairing is likely to be a highlight of the event which will take place at Melbourne’s Palace Theatre on April 28. If you want to be there, make sure you listen to the Triple M network and Mix 94.5 in Perth. Tickets will also be given away through the MTV Classic website.

If you’re not lucky enough to win your way in you can still tune in to the show on MTV Classic at 5 pm on May 1. This is sure to be one hell of a performance!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Thirteen O’Clock” – The Lucky Wonders

A couple of weeks ago I was wowed by “So You’ve Never” by The Little Wonders. Now that I’ve got the band’s debut album Thirteen O’Clock in my hand I’m thrilled to hear the song was no flash in the pan.

This is a stunning album which takes music back to its roots. In a world of over-processed synthesised sounds the simplicity of The Lucky Wonders music really stands out. It’s simple, but effective, rooted in beautiful harmonies and acoustic orchestration.

I love that this disc feels uniquely Australian. We can hear the accents of vocalists Emma Royle and Jessie Vintila coming through, and even if you’ve never seen the Nullabor you’re taken there in the track of the same name.

The delicate opener “Home” is another standout, while “Emotional” provides one of the most poignant moments on the disc. The stripped back closer “Rather Be Lovin You” is rollicking good fun.

I can imagine much of Thirteen O’Clock being played around a campfire. It’s just so intimate and organic, with songs you know would sound just as perfect in the live arena as they do on the disc. It’s amazing to think this album is only the start of The Lucky Wonders’ story. With such maturity in their first release, this Byron Bay band definitely has a big future ahead.

Thirteen O’Clock is available in good music stores now. You can catch the band on their album launch tour at the following shows.

14 April 2010 – The Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
16 April 2010 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula
17 April 2010 – Milton Theatre, Milton
18 April 2010 – Front Bar, Canberra
19 April 2010 – The Phoenix, Canberra
23 April 2010 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
25 April 2010 – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne
29 April 2010 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
30 April 2010 – The Royal Oak, Launceston
1 May 2010 – Stage Door, Bernie
8 May 2010 – The Gov Front Bar, Adelaide
14 May 2010 – UWA, Perth
16 May 2010 – Mojos, Fremantle
20 May 2010 – Quindanning Inn, Quindanning
21 May 2010 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
22 May 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 May 2010 – Denmark Tavern, Denmark
28 May 2010 – Camel Bar, Geraldton
29 May 2010 – Clancy’s, Fremantle
30 May 2010 – The Paddo, Perth
4 June 2010 – Gascoyne Hotel, Carnarvon
5 June 2010 – Monkey Bar, Monkey Mia
10 June 2010 – Coral Bay Hotel, Coral Bay
11 June 2010 – Whalers Bar, Exmouth
16, 18 & 19 June 2010 – Divers Tavern, Broome
20 June 2010 – Matsos Brewery, Broome
23 June 2010 – Station Township, Kununurra
25 June 2010 – Ski Club, Darwin
26 June 2010 – The Happy Yess, Darwin
27 June 2010 – Mindil Markets, Darwin
2 July 2010 – Firkin and Hound, Alice Springs
3 July 2010 – Outback Pioneer, Ayers Rock Resort
4 July 2010 – Residents Club, Ayers Rock Resort

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Are you Ready for Record Store Day?

The bill for this Saturday’s annual Record Store Day is looking quite tasty indeed.

Cassie Davis will be singing and signing at Hurstville Westfield, the Rogue Traders will appear at the Virgin store on Melbourne’s Chapel Street, and Bluejuice will show up at Wills Music, Launceston.

Reality TV fans can meet Damien Leith at Kotara Westfield’s JB Hi-Fi, Hayley Warner at Westfield Mt Druitt, or Mark Vincent at JB Hi-Fi at Eastland.

A few Aussie music veterans will go it alone for the event. Get up close and personal with INXS’s Tim Farriss and Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner at Mall Music at Warringah Mall.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Head to the Record Store Day website to see what’s happening near you on April 17.

Image source: Record Store Day website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Acoustic Goodness from Juke Kartel

My readers have been at it again, recommending some of Australia’s best up and coming bands. Keep your e-mails coming! I love to hear what you’re listening to, and what you think I should be!

Yesterday I heard from Denise who told me I needed to check out Juke Kartel. I remembered the band’s single “Save Me” released a couple of years back, but I thought they’d dropped off the radar. Silly me; I just wasn’t looking hard enough.

Denise pointed me to this video for “My Baby,” one of the non-single tracks from Juke Kartel’s debut album Nowhere Left to Hide. When songs like this aren’t released, you start realizing how strong an album is. I’m always partial to an acoustic performance because it shows us what talented musicians a band are. I like “Save Me,” but I love this.

Juke Kartel played a few shows in Hollywood last month; hopefully we’ll see them back on home soil real soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Duet with Michael Paynter

I love it when people write to tell me the artists I simply must hear. This afternoon I received one of these lovely e-mails pointing me to this video, and introducing me to the exceptional talents of Michael Paynter.

This vid was filmed last week when Lisa and Jess Origliasso of The Veronicas joined Michael on stage for his song “Novocaine.” What an incredible track, and a sign of things to come it seems because Michael will release his debut album later this year through Sony.

If you like what you hear and are lucky enough to live in Melbourne make sure you check out Michael’s set every Wednesday night this month at Revolver. I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tote Hotel to Reopen Its Doors

It looks like there’s life in Collingwood’s Tote Hotel yet. The beloved music venue looks set to reopen its doors under new proprietors.

Yesterday the property owners announced they’d signed a contract with new licensees Andrew Portokallis and Jon Perring. These are the same guys who run Bar Open, Pony, and Yah Yah’s, so chances are they’ll make sure The Tote remains a premier live music destination rather than a soulless pokie-filled joint.

Mr Portokallis told The Age that the hotel had been all but gutted since it closed its doors three months ago, but that they’ll have it “back running as soon as we can patch it up a bit.” The licensees will also apply to waive the venue’s current “high-risk” licencing conditions.

We can expect one hell of a party when The Tote reopens its doors. Watch this space for details!

Image source: The Euskadi 11 @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Introducing Basement Birds, Australia’s Latest Supergroup

Basement Birds may be a new name on the music scene, but chances are you know these guys already. This new outfit features four of the most talented songwriters in the country: Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Kevin Mitchell (Bob Evans, Jebediah), Steve Parkin (Autopilot), and Josh Pyke.

We’ll get our first chance to hear what magic this quartet can create in late June. Four three-track bundles will be released via iTunes on a fortnightly basis. Acoustic versions of each track will also be released every alternate fortnight. Fans can also enjoy more exclusive content via the new Basement Birds website.

With four such talented members, something tells me Basement Birds are going to be big!

Image used with permission from Riothouse

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgia Fields Gives Us “Something Borrowed, Something Blue”

Georgia Fields is currently adding the finishing touches to her new album, but she’s releases this gorgeous song “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” to tide us over.

The track has a wonderful whimsical air about it, with the quirky sounds of a child’s animal toy meeting more traditional orchestration. The song’s romantic without being cloying, and Georgia’s voice is stunning. If this is what we have to look forward to, I can’t wait to hear the LP when it hits stores this winter!

If you feel the same way and live in Melbourne, make sure you catch her single launch at The Toff in Town on April 29. If you’re not in Melbourne don’t sweat it; a full national tour is in the works to coincide with the album’s release.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Old Man River Announces Aussie EP Tour

It’s been more than two years in the making, but Old Man River is finally heading home for a headline tour to support the release of his new five-track EP You’re On My Mind.

The release will precede Old Man River’s new long player Trust, which should hit stores in the middle of years. I can’t wait to hear this recording which was inspired by Old Man River’s travels in Australia, the Middle East, and India.

Until then though we’ll be content with the album and the tour, for which tickets are on sale now. Old Man River will be joined on the following dates for Ernest Ellis and The Chemist.

7 May – TheTroubadour, Brisbane
8 May – The Vanguard, Sydney
9 May– The Vanguard, Sydney
13 May – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 May – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Albert Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Clark Follows Up Broken with New Single

Sam Clark is preparing to release “Send Me a Sign,” the second single from his debut album.

“Send Me a Sign” follows the release of “Broken,” which went all the way to number one on the ARIA Physical Charts and cracked the top 40 singles charts.

“Send Me a Sign” will be released on April 22. Make sure you tune in to Neighbours that night as Sam will be back in Ramsey Street and performing the song. That should help tide us over until Sam’s album, which is nearing completion, hits stores later this year.

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity