Month: December 2012

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Sings About Forced Adoptions in “Jesse”

Those stellar singles just keep coming from Mia Dyson’s latest album The Moment. The newest is “Jesse,” a gut-wrenching song which shines a light on forced adoptions. Mia was moved to write the song after a fan, Lesley Pearse, poured her heart out after a show.

“Lesley’s story had a profound effect on me,” said Dyson. “As an unwed mother in the early 70s, she was sent to live out her pregnancy away from family and friends, told she was an unfit parent and coerced by social workers into signing papers to hand her baby over under immense pressure,” Mia explained.

“The idea that this was not just a one-off, but a systemic atrocity that has affected both mothers and their children for decades after really shocked me,” said Dyson. “I was driven to write Jesse as I think that understanding and sharing their story is the best tribute we can give to these brave women as we move towards a national apology in 2013.”

I’m so impressed with the way Mia has tapped into the soul of this story. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear she’d lived it herself. This is one of those songs that really makes you sit up and pay attention.

Mia will support the release of “Jesse” with the following shows.

9 December 2012 – Courthouse Arts, Geelong
10 January 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
11 January 2013 – Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
12 January 2013 – Woombye Hotel, Sunshine Coast
25 January 2013 – Portsea Hotel, Portsea
17 February 2013 – Riverboat Festival, Echuca

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fans Help Eskimo Joe Make New Album

Eskimo Joe have enjoyed the support of major labels in recent years, but they’ve decided to do things a little differently for album number six. Rather than working with a record company, the Perth band decided to let fans fund the new record through Pozible.

Fans have been quick to embrace the initiative, pledging $54, 600 at last count, far exceeding the $40, 000 Eskimo Joe hoped to raise. With the fundraising drive running until February, they might even end up doubling their target.

Contributors will have the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with helping to support local talent, as well as a few extra perks. Depending on how much they give, people who pledge can earn bonuses like advance copies of the new single and even a barbeque with the band members.

If you’re feeling skint you can still join in on the fun. Eskimo Joe will engage with their fans through social media during the writing and recording process.

“We feel that involving all our supporters like this brings a real responsibility to us to make a fucking awesome record and to also make them feel a real part of it,” the band said in an official statement. “This feels like a new creative beginning for us.”

I must admit to feeling Eskimo Joe’s album was a little lacklustre. I really hope this new direction brings them the inspiration they need to create another Aussie classic!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Staffords Rock Out with New Single

Melbourne rock act The Staffords have created a real gem in their sophomore single “Love Your Job.”

This song is unashamedly catchy with just the right amount of rock edge. You just see if you’re not singing along to the chorus by the end of it! The B-side “All Your Dead Heroes” is another crowd pleaser. You can hear both tunes now on The Staffords’ Bandcamp page.

These tracks have all the mainstream appeal of something coming from a major label, so I was impressed to read the band’s independent and self-managed. Clearly they’ve got a real ear for the kind of music that makes people happy. However the dark cynicism showcased in their lyrics ensure they’re not just another cookie-cutter pop-rock act.

Hometown fans can catch The Staffords playing the new single and other tracks at The Cornish Arms in Brunswick on December 15. Hopefully it’s only a matter of time before we see them travelling around the rest of the country!

Image source: The Staffords Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sons of Rico Release Great New Music Video

Hat’s off to Sons of Rico, who’ve created one of the funniest film clips I’ve seen in some time for their latest single “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing.” In it we see a couple of young yuppies searching for their dream home, only to stumble across a house inspection with a difference. A few drinks and a raucous karaoke session help these fairly stiff lovebirds loosen up!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio Play Wineries

Music lovers and wine buffs in WA are in for a real treat next year. John Butler Trio will kick off 2013 with two very special shows in the state’s best vineyards.

The threesome will take on Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River on January 3 before moving on to Castelli Winery in Denmark the following day. As a very special treat, homegrown songstress and John Butler’s missus Mama Kin will open both shows.

While these venues are intended for adults, children are permitted to attend so long as they’re with a parent of legal guardian. I love it when venues relax their policies to allow youngsters to see great live music, don’t you?

Tickets are on sale now from Heatseeker.

Image used with permission from JonesPR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian’s “Armageddon” Number One Again

Guy Sebastian is once again sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA Albums Charts. His latest smash Armageddon returns to the number one spot this week. He’s the lone Aussie in the top 10, but things are a little brighter for local talent on the singles chart.

Again we see Guy; his latest single “Get Along” is holding steady at number five. He’s keeping company with recent X Factor graduates Samantha Jade and The Collective. Sammy has slid back a little this week, but her single “What You’ve Done To Me” is still performing well. It sits at number two. The Collective are also making their presence felt with “Surrender.” It was just pipped by Guy’s number this week, but a number six debut is nothing to sneeze at.

Click below to see this week’s ARIA top tens.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian’s “Armageddon” Number One Again” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Play Flix in the Stix

The Whitlams are joining Flix in the Stix, a program which takes music, short films, comedy, and great food to outdoor locations in rural Australia. What could be better than seeing such stellar entertainment in a winery, a botanic garden, or another picturesque natural paradise?

The iconic Aussie act has been on hiatus as Tim Freedman’s explored other musical ventures, but they’ll return with a vengeance for these shows, which celebrate the travelling arts festival’s fifth year.

Tickets go on sale through Ticketek on Monday, December 3, for the following shows.

1 February 2013 – Lake Wyangan, Griffith
2 February 2013 – Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
8 February 2013 – Lazy River Estate, Dubbo
9 February 2013 – Orange Botanic Gardens, Orange
22 February 2013 – Aelec, Tamworth
23 February 2013 – Saumarez Homestead, Armidale
9 March 2013 – Fairylands, Ballarat
10 March 2013 – Big Hill Vineyard, Bendigo
22 March 2013 – Music Bowl, Wagga Wagga
23 March 2013 – Bong Bong Racecourse, Bowral
26 April 2013 – Heritage Village, Rockhampton
27 April 2013 – Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Gladstone

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water