Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Solo Dan Auerbach Heads to Australia

Dan Auerbach made a big impression as the lead singer and guitarist for The Black Keys. Now he’s continuing to impress with his first solo effort, Keep It Hid.

Dan will showcase tracks from this amazing release, plus plenty of Black Keys hits, at his very first Australian shows in April. He’s out here to play the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival in Byron and the Boogie Festival in Melbourne, but there are also plenty of chances to see him up close and personal at some intimate side shows.

Here are all the dates!

3 April 2009 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
4 April 2009 – The Zoo, Brisbane
6 April 2009 – The Basement, Sydney
7 April 2009 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney
9 April 2009 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
10 April 2009 – East Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Byron Bay
11 April 2009 – Boogie Festival, Melbourne

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New South Wales Cans 2 am Curfew

The New South Wales government has just worked out what Melbourne realised last year: 2 am pub and club lockouts don’t reduce alcohol-related violence.

So they’ve scrapped the plan they brought in four months ago, and are hoping to introduce a “safety star rating system” instead. It will see each venue given a star rating so the public could make more informed choices. Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Greene will present a discussion paper to cabinet next week. From there it’ll be debated within the government before receiving comments from the hotel industry and concerned members of the public.

Honestly I’m not sure this solution is going to help curb the violence, but it will probably make sure that people like myself don’t get stuck in the middle of it!

Image source: Orin Optiglot @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lily Allen Announces Aussie Tour

Australia loves Lily Allen. Local music fans sent her sophomore album It’s Not Me, It’s You straight to the top of the charts, and now the loudmouthed Brit is heading Down Under to say thanks.

But if you don’t live on the east coast, or you’re under the age of 18, you’re going to miss out. Lily’s announced just three gigs, and a MySpace Secret Show.

Given the small venues and Lily’s massive popularity, I’d get in quick when tickets go on sale March 2 if I were you. Consider yourself warned!

8 June 2009 – Tivoli, Brisbane
9 June 2009 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
10 June 2009 – The Forum, Melbourne

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Autumn Never Fall" – Sunwrae Ensemble

One of the things I love most about my job is that I get to experience so much fantastic local music. I get to listen to sounds that wouldn’t ordinarily, and thus my tastes are ever changing. This week I came across one of those unique gems, and it’s made quite an impression.

Autumn Never Fall is the latest album from Melbourne-based “nu-chamber” group Sunwrae Ensemble. Like traditional chamber music, the songs are richly layered with a beautiful blend of sounds, each combining to create a sound more exquisite than any instrument could create alone. Piano, strings, wind, and percussion all work together to give each song a lush texture.

The classical influences are obvious, but the band’s jazz leanings give the songs a modern accessibility. At times it feels like the players are simply jamming, and that vibrant spontaneity is just so compelling.

I’m a girl who adores singing along to her favorite CDs, so listening to an instrumental recording such as this was a new experience for me. But in stepping out of my musical comfort zone, I’ve found an album that is truly special.

Image used with permission from Sunwrae Ensemble

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne’s Corner Hotel Stages Bushfire Benefit Show

Melbourne’s Corner Hotel will host a star-studded concert to raise funds for the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal.

Artists confirmed to play on the night include Kram, Dave Larkin’s new outfit The Gun Street Girls, Rocket Science, The Casanovas, The Basics, The Pictures, and The Hot Little Hands. Expect some extra special guests to pop up too.

Rockwiz host Julia Zemiro will preside over the event and keep things running smoothly.

It’s all happening on March 1. Tickets will be $30 at the door. Get out there and show your support!

Image source: Rhhed73 @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Abby Dobson Releases "Horses"

The voice of Leonardo’s Bride Abby Dobson is preparing to release “Horses,” the latest single from her debut solo album Rise Up. The track has already earned critical acclaim, placing second in the 2008 International Songwriting Competition.

The single, which will drop on March 13, will include an exclusive bonus track “High Like Heaven” which was recorded live at Abby’s Spiegeltent show in Melbourne last November. Abby worked with acclaimed director Bart Borghesi (Eskimo Joe, You Am I, The Living End, Something For Kate) on the “Horses” video, which was shot at Melbourne Museum.

To celebrate the single’s release, Abby will embark on an Australian tour in March. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

13 March 2009 – Garden of Unearthly Delights, Spiegeltent, Fringe Festival, Adelaide
18 March 2009 – The Gearin Hotel, Katoomba
19 March 2009 – The Basement, Sydney
20 March 2009 – Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley
21 March 2009 – Manly Boat Shed
24 March 2009 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
26 March 2009 – Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave
27 March 2009 – The Studio, Geelong
28 March 2009 – Capers, Hawthorn
2 April 2009 – Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
4 April 2009 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba
5 April 2009 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Original Matters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Living End Play for Victorian Bushfire Victims

The Living End packed up their instruments and toured the bushfire ravaged parts of Victoria on Monday.

The Aussie three-piece entertained locals and support teams at the Yea Relief Centre before heading to Alexandra. There was no power there, so they played a stripped back set with Chris Cheney on acoustic guitar and Andy Strachan using a garbage for his drum kit.

“Throughout the day we got to meet some amazing people, all of whom have been directly affected by the fires and we would like to thank those communities for allowing us to come and play for them. It was an honour to do so,” Chris Cheney said in a statement.

“Although the aim was to entertain and provide a distraction for these people, we would like to stress that what is needed more than anything else is money. If you haven’t already donated to the appeal, please do so.”

Remember every little bit counts. Online donations are still accepted through Red Cross and Wildlife Victoria.

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Designs Filofax for Breast Cancer Charity Auction

Kylie Minogue has put her support behind a celebrity auction raising money for breast cancer research.

Kylie joins Lily Allen, ER actress Alex Kingston, television presenter Holly Willoughby and a host of other British celebs donating customized pink Filofaxes. Each Filofax has been individually designed by the stars, and many even come with a personalised photo and message from the celebrity.

Bidding for the Filofaxes will start at £50 on buyoncegivetwice.co.uk. The auctions will close on April 13.

Kylie was successfully treated for breast cancer in 2006, but it’s clearly a cause that is still close to her heart.

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ed Keupper’s Clowns Laughing Again

Ed Kuepper seems to be in a fairly nostalgic mood these days. He recently reformed The Saints, and now he’s announced the Laughing Clowns will play together at this year’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

The April show will be the band’s first since 1985. The outfit, who dabbled in freeform jazz, bluegrass, and krautrock, formed in 1978 after Ed left The Saints. They split in 1985, but reformed again late last year. The line-up still features original members Louis Elliot on saxophone, Biff Miller on bass, and Alister Spence on keyboards.

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is a week-long celebration featuring 55 events.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barnesy’s Live Bushfire Fundraiser Tops iTunes Charts

After its launch last week, Jimmy Barnes’ Live at the Enmore album has claimed the number one spot on the iTunes chart.

The iTunes exclusive release will benefit the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.

“The people who buy this album can rest assured that every single cent from the purchase of it will go to the bushfire appeal,” Barnesy said.

The album is an absolute steal at $3.39, and is available around the world through iTunes.

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr