Month: August 2010

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Recoil on the Road

Sydney metal heads Recoil have been pretty busy of late. They’ve just released their debut album The Will to Sin, the single “And a Hard Place” and its accompanying video, and they’re also getting out and doing it live.

“We wanted to focus on the playing and the music itself hence the white background,” said the band’s lead singer Wade of the video’s concept. “We wanted the main focus on us as a band, no distractions and just let people see who we are when we play live.”

The song captures the band’s signature raw heavy metal style. I’m not really into metal, so my reaction might be more extreme than fans of the genre, but it blew my head off. If you’re digging it though, you won’t be disappointed by the band’s live set.

“[Fans] can expect a loud in your face but very tight performance with plenty of energy,” Wade said.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, make sure you get along to one of the following gigs.

21 August 2010 – The Basement, Canberra, ACT
3 September 2010 – Club LED, Newcastle, NSW
2 October 2010 – SFX, Sydney, NSW
8 October 2010 – BAM Festrival, Ivory Rocks, Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)
22 October 2010 – The Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Headlines A Day On the Green Birthday Shows

A Day on the Green will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an Aussie music spectacular. Jimmy Barnes will headline the string of winery concerts this November, and he’ll take some very special friends along for the ride.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 05: Jimmy Barnes of Cold Chisel performs during a Cold Chisel concert at ANZ Stadium on December 5, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)


“I think that a day on the green has been like a breath of fresh air to the Australian music industry,” Jimmy said in a statement. “No longer do people have to settle for being crushed up the front of a suburban pub to be able to get a drink and see their favourite bands at the same time. They can now do it in style and sit back in some of the best locations. Eat, drink and listen to the best music in the world. What more could you want?”

Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins and The Dark Horses, and Dan Sultan will play at all shows, along with a rotating list of the very best local acts. If you love Aussie music, you’ll want to be at these shows. Tickets go on sale on Monday August 23.

7 November 2010 – Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Mark Seymour, Ian Moss, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, Richard Clapton, Dan Sultan, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
13 November 2010 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Mark Seymour, Richard Clapton, Diesel, Dan Sultan, Mahalia Barnes, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
14 November 2010 – Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Diesel, Mark Seymour, Richard Clapton, Dan Sultan, Mahalia Barnes, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
21 November 2010 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Diesel, Dan Sultan, Vika & Linda)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Scott Mellis

You might not have heard of ex-pat Scott Mellis, but this talented Aussie muso is making some serious waves overseas. I recently caught up with Scott to chat about his time abroad, his forthcoming album, and what it’s like to be back home.

You’re back in Australia after spending much of the year abroad. What’s it like to be back on home soil?
It’s great to be back for a little bit and catch up with my friends again. Coming back is always really good for gaining perspective on what’s going on because when you are travelling or overseas you can get caught up in the new surroundings and be distracted from your priorities.

Many locals may not be familiar with your music, so how would you describe it?
I am inspired by so many different things ranging from writers like Milan Kundera and George Orwell and artists like Etta James, Jeff Lynne, The Doors and Django Reinghart, personal experiences and the environment around me.

You topped the Triple J Unearthed charts in 2009. How important was that in opening doors for you?
Being voted at the top of that chart was proof that we had genuine underground support from our fans and that we did not have to rely on industry politics to make noise. However it did not open any doors within the industry. I think partly because the record at the time was a bootleg and was recorded live.

You’ve supported some massive acts overseas including Jason Mraz, Tom Morello, and Jeff Martin. What have you learnt being a part of their shows?
Playing with these guys at their L.A. shows I imagine would be different to doing it in Australia as Jason Mraz and Tom Morello both live in L.A. and it’s kinda like their hometown shows. I found them to be really genuine and humble people that love what they do and I think to be appreciative and grateful to do this is the most important thing.

Continue reading “Q & A with Scott Mellis” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Verses “Seasons” Album Launch @ The Vanguard, Newtown – 12 August, 2010

Last night I found myself rubbing shoulders with other media folks and record industry types at the launch for Seasons, the new album from The Verses. The throng at The Vanguard was buzzing before the band took the stage, and I don’t think it was all about those themed cocktails.

Never one for crowds, my husband and I retreated to a quieter spot in the upper level to settle in for the show. It turned out to be a smart move. As the folks downstairs struggled to look over heads, we could sit in relative comfort and enjoy the fantastic entertainment. Ella and Jess Hooper and their very capable band performed just six songs, but those numbers left a big impression.

The Verses is a joint venture for the Hooper siblings, but when they take the stage it’s easy to see who the star is. Jesse is content to fade into the background, quietly strumming his guitar and allowing Ella to shine in the spotlight. And shine she does, with the kind of charisma found in the very best performers. There was a stage full of musicians, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

I’d heard a handful of The Verses songs before, but watching them live brought a brand new dimension to these alt country tracks. I also found new songs to love, particularly Ella’s own favourite “Settle Down.” As this stunning ballad concluded my husband lent over to me and whispered that the band could have a number one on the American country charts with that song. Funnily enough, I’d only just been thinking that it could very well be a hit here.

Whether it is, or the album is, we’ll just have to wait and see. This kind of classic meeting of country, folk, and pop influences is a world away from the music of Katy Perry or Lady Gaga. It hearkens back to the days of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, a time when the song mattered more than the celebrity. I’m not sure whether Australians will embrace Seasons, but I really hope they will.

Seasons hits music stores around the country today.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Announces Intimate EP Shows

Matt Corby is refusing to sit still in the months leading up to the release of his EP Transition to Colour. He will head to London to record his debut album in September before returning home for two shows.

Following the EP’s release on October 8, Matt will play the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on October 13, followed by Melt Bar in Kings Cross on October 14. Matt plans to invite several  guests to share the stage with him, so the nights are promising to be something special. These gigs are somewhat of a teaser before Matt embarks on a full length EP tour.

Tickets are available from the venues and by clicking the links above for these intimate shows.

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Kelsie Rimmer

Kelsie Rimmer is on the path to country super stardom after taking out the Brisbane heat of this year’s Telstra Road to Tamworth competition. I caught up with the 18-year-old from Palmwoods today to chat about the competition, her love for country music, and why she’s heading to “Boot Camp.”

Congratulations on winning the Brisbane heat of the Telstra Road to Tamworth on the weekend.
Thank you very much.

What was it like to be a part of the competition?
It was really, really great. I got to meet so many talented performers and lots of industry professionals as well. It was just really great to be up on stage singing and performing, which is what I love doing.

What made you decide to enter?
I have been a singer-songwriter for a long time, and I realised that it’s really what I want to pursue as a career so I’ve just been entering lots of competitions actually. But I know that country music is my calling, and I know that Tamworth is the country music capital, so I feel really privileged to be a part of it.

At 18 you would be one of the younger competitors. Was it daunting taking on some of the more seasoned performers?
Well actually, it was pretty daunting because we’d all practiced together and I’d heard them all singing and playing their guitars and stuff, and they all sounded amazing. But I kind of just went into the competition with the attitude that I was just going to get up there and be myself, and if that worked out well then it did, and if it didn’t it didn’t. So I actually wasn’t very nervous at all, just because I wasn’t expecting anything.

Was the crowd one of the biggest you’ve performed to?
No actually, even though it was the Ekka, I expected it’d be much bigger. I’ve performed in a few musicals and stuff which have had huge crowds, so the crowd wasn’t the most daunting part. It was mostly the competition part.

Continue reading “Q & A with Kelsie Rimmer” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Linkin Park Offer Aussies Extras with Album Pre-Order

Linkin Park are offering their Australian fans some pretty nifty extras with the release of their new album A Thousand Suns.

A Thousand Suns features the first single “The Catalyst,” which is all over radio right now. Star producer Rick Rubin worked with the band’s vocalist Mike Shinoda to co-produce the album.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Musical group Linkin Park arrives at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)


Fans who pre-order the deluxe fan edition CD, CD+DVD, or digital album ahead of its September 10 release from the official Linkin Park website or the album’s Australian website will receive a host of extras. The bonuses start instantly, with a digital version of “The Catalyst.” Leading up to the release date fans will also get access to preview clips of the album’s songs. Fans who’ve ordered the deluxe fan edition and CD+DVD versions won’t have to wait by their mailbox either, as they’ll receive a digital copy of the album when the clock strikes midnight on September 9. Fans who’ve preordered will also have early access to tickets for the band’s next Australian shows.

If you’re a Linkin Park fan, it sounds like pre-ordering the album is well worth it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ed Kowalczyk Makes Aussie Return

When Ed Kowalczyk toured Australia last August he promised he’d be back soon. He’s now making good on that vow with the announcement of a tour this October and November.

While he was in acoustic mode last time, the former Live frontman will be in full band mode this time around. He’ll play all the old Live favourites as well as songs from his first solo release Alive. We got a taste of some of these tracks during the last tour, and I can’t wait to hear them amped up with a full backing band.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on August 19. Get them; you won’t be disappointed.


31 Sunday October 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 Tuesday November 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
5 Friday November 2010 – The Forum, Melbourne
6 Saturday November 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
8 Monday November 2010 – Metropolis, Fremantle

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Young Revelry Release Video Ahead of EP Launch

Perth rockers Young Revelry will release their debut EP You and I on Friday, but they’re already giving us a sneak peek with the release of the video for the title track. It’s suitably moody and broody, with a mash-up of eclectic visuals and some rather unsettling animation.

Singer and guitarist Sebastian Astone says “this release best represents what we are about at this stage. It’s the culmination of our first year together.” The Perth act recorded the album in the wilds of the Western Australian bush with the help of producer Woody Annison (Children Collide, Red Riders, Black Cab).

With an ambitious seven tracks, the EP features heaving guitars, driving bass lines, and Astone’s distinctive soaring vocals.

Perthites get the chance to see Young Revelry launching the album this Friday and Saturday with shows at The Bird. Following this the band will embark on a September tour supporting Calling All Cars.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bliss N Eso Top ARIA Albums Chart

Many acts have tried, but local hip hop act Bliss N Eso have ended Eminem’s six-week reign at the top of the ARIA Albums Charts. The band’s fourth studio album Running on Air is their first to achieve the top spot. Congrats to them!

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Jonathan Notley, Max MacKinnon, and Tarik Ejjamai of Australian hip hop group Bliss n Eso arrive for the APRA Music Awards (Australasian Performing Right Association) at the Peninsula Shed on June 23, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)


It’s been a great week for Aussie albums. Washington is enjoying her first top 10 record, with I Believe You Liar taking out the third possie. She’s just ahead of Birds of Tokyo, who have fallen two positions to sit at number 4 with their self-titled album. Kylie Minogue has also dropped this week. Her album Aphrodite now sits at number 7, down three places. Rounding out the top 10 is Angus & Julia Stone with their unstoppable sophomore effort Down the Way.

Eminem has retained the top spot on the singles chart though. “Love the Way You Lie,” featuring Barbados beauty Rihanna has now held the top spot for four weeks. A few Aussie acts including Michael Paynter, Birds of Tokyo, and Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup are hovering in the top 30 though, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we see some local talent in the top 10.

Click below for this week’s top 10 charts!

Continue reading “Bliss N Eso Top ARIA Albums Chart” →