Month: March 2012

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Shivers’ Jo Schornikow Goes Solo

Australian expat Jo Schornikow has wowed me with her sweet pop-folk tune “Bird’s Nest,” the first cut from her debut solo record First Time, Long Time.

“Bird’s Nest” gives us a taste of what we can expect on this disc, which hits stores tomorrow. The track is really reflective of Jo’s nomadic lifestyle, as it was written in London and recorded in a Melbourne church. That setting might seem strange for the uninitiated, but Jo loves recording in churches and the bedrooms of her close friends.

Jo left our shores in 2008 for the bright lights of New York City. She joined The Shivers and spent the last few years touring the United States and United Kingdom with them. She’ll return home to launch First Time, Long Time at The Grace Darling on April 12.

Image used with permission from Blank Tape

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elen Levon Tours “Like a Girl in Love”

Dance floor darling Elen Levon is hitting the country’s clubs to promote her new single “Like a Girl in Love.”

The shows promise to be a high energy affair with Elen backed by an army of dancers and plenty of audio-visual eye candy. And we all know Elen has her own sweet moves!

While similar acts like Rihanna and Beyonce burn up the world’s dance charts, it’s been a while since Australia’s had such a bright dance-pop act. See her before she goes overseas and starts earning the big bucks!

31 March 2012 – Establishment, Sydney
14 April 2012 – HQ, Adelaide
20 April 2012 – Platinum, Gold Coast
21 April 2012 – Tombas, Toowoomba
11 May 2012 – Academy, Canberra
18 May 2012 – Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill
19 May 2012 – Heritage Hotel, Rockhampton
9 June 2012 – Gilligans, Cairns

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Messengers’ Sixties Inspired Single

The Messengers take us back to the swinging 60s with their retro inspired new single “We Can’t Get Along.”

The track is such a unique blend of classic sounds. I can hear some surf rock, some psychedelic sounds, and some pure pop harmonies. It’s so different, and completely irresistible.

Their last single launch sold out, so make sure you head out early to catch them launching single number two at The Toff on March 24. For readers playing along at home, yes that’s the same night as Brave Face’s single launch. These exciting Melbourne acts are sharing the bill!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Butterfly Boucher Comes Home

Nashville based singer-songwriter Butterfly Boucher has returned home to launch her impressive new single “5678!”

The track was recently named the single of the week on iTunes Australia, and it was also on the soundtrack of a recent Private Practice episode. And don’t you just love a single with an exclamation mark? It comes from her new album Butterfly Boucher, which hits stores on April 13. While it’s not her first release the self-titled moniker is appropriate, as it’s her first as an independent artist.

Butterfly Boucher’s tour kicks off tomorrow night in Melbourne before traveling through New South Wales and the ACT. Local appearances from this Adelaide born artist are rare, so see her at home while you can!

21 March 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
22 March 2012 – The Front Gallery Café, Canberra
24 March 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
25 March 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brave Face Serves Up Something Old, Something New

Melbourne’s Brave Face channel Elvis Costello with their brand new single “Something Old Something New,” the first cut from their self-titled debut album.

While the band might have stolen a few moves from the American songwriter, that’s far from a bad thing. We’ve all got our influences, and when they help you create music so irresistible it’s hard to be too critical. Can’t you just imagine slow-dancing to this one at a high school dance?

Brave Face will launch the single in front of their hometown fans at Melbourne’s Toff in Town on March 24. Their self-titled album will hit stores in May.

Image used with permission from First Love Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods Outsell Adele

Many acts have tried, but finally one has toppled Adele, and it’s an Aussie. Hilltop Hoods have ended the current Queen of Soul’s reign with their new number one album, Drinking From The Sun.

It’s been a big week for local urban acts, with 360 also inching up the charts with his album Falling & Flying. It’s moved from number seven to number six. No doubt that performance has been helped along by the success of the single “Boys Like You,” which has dropped one spot to sit at number six on the singles charts.

And let’s not forget Sia’s contribution to Flo Rida’s single “Wild Ones.” Surely her stellar vocals have something to do with its current number three spot on the singles charts!

Click below to see the rest of this week’s ARIA top ten!

Continue reading “Hilltop Hoods Outsell Adele” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gin Wigmore Tours New Album

When I heard Gin Wigmore’s “Black Sheep” used on the promos for My Kitchen Rules earlier this year, I was reminded just how much I loved this Aussie-based Kiwi singer-songwriter.

Other than the ad it’s been a bit quiet on the Gin front, but it seems there’s been good reason for that. She’s been stateside working with acclaimed producer Butch Walker on album number two. And now she’s just about ready to unleash Gravel & Wine on the Aussie public.

Gin will treat the east coast capitals to the following intimate theatre shows next month to promote the album’s launch.

3 April 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
4 April 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 April 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne

Image source: -Fuze- @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We Are the Birdcage Wow with “Two Left Feet”

Sydney folk duo We Are the Birdcage has well and truly charmed me with their beautiful new single “Two Left Feet.”

The song tells of the missteps we all take in relationships. It sounds so gentle, but there’s real emotion behind those lush harmonies and the swell of the instruments. I am truly swept off my feet by this song, and can’t wait to hear more from this twosome.

It seems it’s time for me to track down the EP. “Two Left Feet” is the first single lifted from the Little Father Time, a disc that will further ponder love, loss, and other universally binding themes. I’m sure I’m not the only one begging for seconds!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lowlakes Releases Dreamy New EP

When I think of the music of Alice Springs I imagine earthy blues or roots or patriotic country numbers. I certainly don’t think of the sounds of Lowlakes, a cruisy ambient act that surprisingly comes from the Red Centre.

Lowlakes release their self-titled debut EP today, a recording which features this single “Song for Motion.” It’s a gorgeous slow-burning song with Tom Snowdon’s distinctive vocals and a dreamlike, epic quality. I wasn’t quite sure about it when it started but by the end I was completely won over. It’s just so different and beautiful.

The Lowlakes EP is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Announces Winter Tour

Matt Corby will usher in the cold weather ahead with The Winter Tour.

The Winter Tour sees Matt heading out of the clubs and into some of the country’s best theatres. It’ll be something of a homecoming for the singer-songwriter, who’s spending the next few months working on his debut album and playing shows in the United Kingdom and United States. He’ll take the wintery-sounding Melbourne six-piece Alpine along for the ride.

Last time Matt circled the country his shows sold out a month before he took the stage. Make sure you don’t miss out this time by getting your tickets from the usual outlets now.

1 June 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
6 June 2012 – The Forum, Melbourne
7 June 2012 – HQ, Adelaide
9 June 2012 – The Astor, Perth
14 June 2012 – The Metro, Sydney

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services