Month: July 2011

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Polar Nation Hit Slopes on Back to the Top Tour

The Back to the Top tour has brought some of Australia’s most promising new acts to the snowfields for the last 13 years. Over that time the shows have introduced local audiences to then unknown bands like Bliss n Eso, Midnight Juggernauts, Rogue Traders, The Galvatrons, and more. And in 2011, Polar Nation will take their place as Back to the Top headliners.

Given the quality of previous bands who’ve taken the Back to the Top stage, we can expect big things from this unique Sydney outfit. They blend rock, hip-hop, electronic, and even American Indian sounds to create something really exciting.

You can score a free copy of Polar Nation’s new single “Sleep” through the band’s website, and if you like what you hear make sure you catch them on the slopes this ski season!

29 July 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
6 August 2011 – Swindlers, Mt Hotham
11 August 2011 – Red Bennies, Melbourne
31 August 2011 – Station Resort, Jindabyne

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Charms with “Summer Night”

Fresh from his Australian tour supporting Brian McKnight, Barry Southgate has revealed another track from his forthcoming EP Epitome. “Summer Night” shows a more romantic side of Barry than his playful first single “Don’t You Think,” and I’m predicting the ladies are going to lap it up. And as a bonus, this video has accompanying lyrics so you can sing along, karaoke style!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Channel Ten Axes Video Hits

After 24 years, the axe has fallen on Video Hits. Channel Ten has made the move in a wake of budget cuts, which is cold comfort to Australia’s music fans.

I’ve always appreciated the program’s easy blend of commercial top 40 and independent music. In many ways it stands for the same things this blog does, celebrating music in all its forms, enjoying established acts and discovering the latest sounds. Like me it’s also championed local artists, introducing us to many household names before anyone else in the mainstream.

It just seems like Video Hits has always been there. Rage often gets a bit too cool for school, especially since it axed its Top 50 countdown. There’s no such pretension with Video Hits, and while I don’t always enjoy what it’s playing I find myself consistently tuning in. I’ve spent many mornings dancing in front of the box as it played a long forgotten classic, or devouring clip after clip while I ironed or performed other menial tasks. I saw the series through host after host. Hell I can even remember when there were no hosts. I wonder how Ten can ever hope to fill that weekend morning void!

The program will wrap on Saturday August 6 with a retrospective of the last 24 years of music. R.I.P Video Hits.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bachelor Girl Announce More Intimate Reunion Shows

Following the success of their recent reunion shows, Bachelor Girl have decided to play a few more dates. Tania Doko and James Roche will play intimate venues around New South Wales this July.

The duo will strip back their greatest hits, along with some of the new tracks from their album Loved & Lost: The Best of Bachelor Girl, for these up close and personal acoustic shows.

If you missed out last time, don’t make the same mistake next month. Tickets are available at the venues for the following shows.


26 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
28 July 2011 – The Vault, Windsor
29 July 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
30 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
31 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mike Noga Announces Intimate Single Tour

The Drones’ Mike Noga earned rave reviews for his latest album The Balladeer Hunter and the supporting tour earlier this year, so he figures it’s only fair to hit the road again for the release of the new single “Ballad of an Ordinary Man.”

Instead of slogging it out in the country’s sweaty pubs, Mike’s taking a more civilised approach with three intimate shows in the major capitals. The dates come off the back of his run supporting Jordie Lane, so he should be in fine form. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

27 August 2011 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
2 September 2011 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
3 September 2011 – The Vanguard, Sydney

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Jay Dee Springbett

I was shocked and saddened to hear this morning of the death of Jay Dee Springbett.

All the media articles are talking about his short stint as judge on Australian Idol, but it’s also worth noting his time as A&R exec at Sony Music. His contribution there was vital in shaping the careers of artists like Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll, and the Rogue Traders.

He was found dead in his serviced apartment in Sydney after colleagues became concerned that he wouldn’t answer his phone. NSW Police say they’re not treating the death as suspicious, but when a 36-year-old drops dead something’s not right. It stirs speculation, and I’m already hearing rumours of him losing his position at Sony in the last week, and splitting with his partner a few months earlier.

I’m sure exactly what went on will become clearer in time. For now though it’s just sad that the Australian music industry has lost one of its own far too young. My thoughts are with his daughters and family at what must be an incredibly difficult time.