Month: May 2011

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Mission in Motion Tour “What Do You Do”

No one can accuse The Mission in Motion of sitting on their laurels. It’s only May but already the Sydney based band has played their local Big Day Out festival and shows along the east coast. Now with the release of their new single “What Do You Do,” The Mission in Motion are preparing to travel even further afield with a national tour.

“What Do You Do” is the third single released from the band’s acclaimed debut Somewhere Safe. It showcases a softer side of this rock outfit, with acoustic guitars and stripped back percussion drawing attention to the amazing vocals of Caitlin Harnett. You can download the track for free now at The Mission in Motion’s Bandcamp page.

The Mission in Motion will kick off the tour in Melbourne tonight before traveling to all the major capitals and a few select regional towns. Here are all the places you can catch them!

6 May 2011 – The East Brunswick Club, Melbourne (18+)
7 May 2011 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
14 May 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)
21 May 2011 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (18+)
22 May 2011 – Mojo’s, Fremantle (18+)
27 May 2011 – The Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (18+)
28 May 2011 – Blush Nightclub, Gosford (18+)

Image source: The Mission in Motion Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Moniters Promote “Sex City Lovers” with East Coast Tour

The Moniters are on the move to promote their debut EP Sex City Lovers. The band will play a string of shows along the East Coast over the next couple of months, starting with tonight’s hometown gig in Brisbane.

This track “Lights Go Down” gives us a taste of what we can expect from this outfit. It’s a little bit angsty with a real focus on melody, something like I expect the lovechild of Placebo and Duran Duran might sound like. I’m really digging the wailing guitars and dark, brooding vocals. That’s not surprising though, because I was also impressed by the band’s debut single “Exit the System” last September.

If you like what you hear there are more songs on the band’s MySpace page, or better yet, get yourself along to one of the following gigs!

6 May 2011 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
14 May 2011 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
3 June 2011 – Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
9 June 2011 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
10 June 2011 – Great Northern, Newcastle
11 June 2011 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
15 June 2011 – The Empress, Melbourne
22 July 2011 – Rics Bar, The Valley

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Tickets to The Vines’ Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel Show!

Remember when I told you about The Vines show for Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel, and added that you could only win your way in through the Live at the Chapel website? Well, that wasn’t entirely true. I have a very special The Vines Live at the Chapel prize pack to give away to one of my readers!

The prize pack includes a double pass to the invite-only show at Sydney’s St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Sydney on May 26, a copy of The Vines brand new album Future Primitive, Russian Standard Original and a four-pack of the new Russian Standard Vodka Citrus RTD, and some free music downloads. This is a money-can’t-buy prize, and I’m thrilled to be able to offer it to one of my readers.

To enter just tell me in 25 words or less why you’d like to see The Vines play at the first Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel show of 2011. Too easy! Remember to leave your e-mail address in the comment so I can let you know if you’re our lucky winner!

Entrants must be over 18. The prize does not include transport or cover any associated costs. Competition closes at noon AEST on 19/05/11. Judging will take place on 20/05/11. Winners will be notified on 23/05/11. Prize packs will be distributed on or before 26/05/11.

Image used with permission from Burson-Marsteller

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out with Sister Jane

Blue Mountains’ blues rockers Sister Jane kick off a quickie tour tonight to promote their debut album Mercy.

This is really sexy stuff, the kind of music you’d expect to hear in some wild smoky bar where men get in fist fights over games of pool. There’s a little of The Doors circa Roadhouse Blues and a bit of Buffalo Springfield too. Put simply, this is the sort of music that they just don’t make any more.

The album’s amazing, but something tells me the energy kicks up a notch when Sister Jane takes the stage. And with many of these shows free, or close to them, there’s really no excuse. Do yourself a favour and put in an order for one of the vinyl copies of the album while you’re there. I imagine Mercy’s only going to sound better with that familiar record crackle thrown into the mix.


5 May 2011 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra (Free entry)
6 May 2011 – Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick (Free entry)
6 May 2011 – Pony, Melbourne (Late show at 2 am)
7 May 2011 – Old Bar, Fitzroy ($10 entry)

Image used with permission from Broken Stone Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brian McKnight Finally Returns to Australia

Modern soul music legend Brian McKnight is winging his way Down Under for a string of intimate shows this June.

The patience of fans has been rewarded, as this is the Grammy Award winner’s first local tour in more than a decade. We should get a sneak peek of his brand new album Just Me, which is scheduled to hit stores in July, as well as hear the big hits “Back at One,” “Anytime” and “Love Is.”

Brian will be joined on this tour by American soul singer Dwele and local talent and Sounds of Oz favourite Barry Southgate. So make sure you turn up early to catch their sets!

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on Friday May 6.

23 June 2011 – Astor Theatre, Perth
24 June 2011 – Trak Lounge Bar, Melbourne
25 June 2011 – The Metro, Sydney
26 June 2011 – The Arena, Brisbane

Image source: Andrew Bardwell @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy the “Garden of Youth” with Phia

It’s Wednesday, hump day, and if you’re anything like me you’re probably dragging your feet anticipating the weekend which right now feels too far away. Well allow me to brighten your mood a bit by introducing you to Phia.

This cheery Melbourne musician reminds me of a cross between Lisa Mitchell and Regina Spektor. She writes songs that are sweet and quirky and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, no matter how badly the week is treating you.

Phia’s preparing to unleash her EP Garden of Youth later this month, but she’s giving online fans a sneak peek. I particularly love the first single “Indecision,” but all the songs are so charming that it’s hard to choose.

If you’ve fallen for Phia like I have, and you’re lucky enough to live in her hometown, you can catch her spreading her positivity at the EP launch at Grace Darling on May 13.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Living Undesigned” – Trial Kennedy

You might remember me talking about Trial Kennedy’s new single “Best of Tomorrow,” and getting excited about the release of their latest album Living Undesigned. When I turned up in my mailbox I couldn’t get it into my stereo fast enough.

However as the new tracks washed over me I started to feel a bit let down. The energy I loved was there, thanks to the driving drum beats and squealing guitars. But the tunes felt a bit samey, almost like indie rock by the numbers. It seemed as if lead singer Tim Morrison felt it too, as his vocals didn’t quite seem to match the passion of the music.

Things took a turn for the better once “Best of Tomorrow” started. It reminded me of why I was so excited to hear this album. It had the hooks and melodic focus I was craving, and I was thrilled when the following track “My Own” also grabbed me. Finally there was some light and shade, with the band experimenting with strings and showing their softer side. More highlights came later, including the raw passionate vocals of “Arrest Room” and the upbeat closer “Two Dogs.”

Ultimately Living Undesigned wasn’t the stunner I hoped it would be. It’s uneven, with solid songs and some not so triumphant numbers. Those great songs make this album worth a listen, but you may want to wait until your mate buys it.

Living Undesigned hits record stores on May 13.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Indigo Girls @ State Theatre, Sydney – 28 April 2011

Ordinarily I go and see bands that I’m enthusiastic about, but on Thursday night I headed to the State Theatre to discover the Indigo Girls. I say discover because aside from a few tracks my husband had played me the weekend before, I really wasn’t familiar with their music. This was a band he adores, and I was happy to discover what inspired him so. It’s exciting to learn about a band in the flesh, and I had a blast.

But before Amy and Emily took the stage we were warmed up by Henry Wagons. And warm us he did with his quirky alt-country tunes. He was without his band, with only an acoustic guitar to accompany him, but his big personality filled the stage. My husband wasn’t too sure what to make of him at first, but by the time Henry got to his closing song “Willie Nelson” he was joining in the chorus.

There was less quirk to the Indigo Girls but a similar raw energy. This is music the way I like it best, without frills or fuss, back to basics. With only acoustic guitars, a mandolin and harmonica, and two sublime voices the American girls wowed me. I understood why they’re such legends in their home country, and wondered why they’ve never really caught on here. I felt privileged to be exposed to their exceptional songs and musical prowess, like someone had let me in on a secret. I have my husband to thank for that, and I do.

A poignant moment came near the end of the set, when Amy and Emily welcomed a guest speaker to talk to us about the fallout from uranium weapons. It might seem strange to incorporate this element into a concert, but the crowded tables surrounding the petitions at the end of the show spoke volumes. This was a night about being moved in so many ways.

I couldn’t sing along like the faithful fans, but I could clap and cheer and I did. What a wonderful introduction to an exceptional act. Amy and Emily say they hope to be back on our shores soon; I promise to get myself up to speed before then.

Image source: Stephen Katulka