Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Metal Gods Psycroptic Ink Worldwide Deal

Tasmanian metal outfit Psycroptic has just scored a major worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

If you’re not a metal fan, you might not realise how important the deal is but for metal bands, this is the jackpot.

“Nuclear Blast has always been the pinnacle of labels within the metal realm, and to be signed with them is a huge honor for us … and to be the first Tasmanian band to ever be on the label is a pretty awesome bonus as well,” the band said in a statement. “The artist roster is nothing short of amazing, and for Psycroptic to be added to it … well, we couldn’t be happier!!”

The buzz has been slowly building since the band formed in 1999. They’ve released three albums, and there’s another one planned for October. Psycroptic are currently wowing crowds in the US on their Summer Slaughter tour.

Congrats lads – onwards and upwards!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forgotten Rose Tattoo Album May Be Released

It looks like the wishes of all Rose Tattoo fans may soon be granted. Plans are afoot to release the album they recorded in 1980.

Rose Tattoo completed the album in Los Angeles after Bad Boy for Love. The record company was never happy with it, so the band went back into the studio and made Assault and Battery. For the last 28 years it’s been filed away, but now Aztec Records founder Gil Matthews is planning on releasing this rare recording.

The prospect is of special interest to Aussie rock lovers, as it features the talents of the late Billy Thorpe and Lobby Loyde. So who cares whether it impressed the record execs? We’re all going to want to give it a listen anyway!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sneaky Sound System Release Album Number 2

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything from Australia’s hottest dance outfit, Sneaky Sound System, but all that’s soon about to change. Miss Connie, Black Angus, and MC Double D are back with album number two called, funnily enough, 2.

No points for originality there, but it’s still going to do well thanks to a killer first single called “Kansas City.” The album will be repackaged in the UK to include the new stuff plus the best tracks from the first album. The British are going with “Pictures” for the first single, but it won’t be the same old thing. The UK recording will have a distinctly British flavour thanks to remixing by Rich Costey, the man behind Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, and Muse.

2 will hit Aussie shelves in August 16 before the Brits get it on September 22. To celebrate the release Sneaky Sound System will play a couple of east coast dates in August. Tickets are on sale from July 3 for the following dates.

16 and 17 of August 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 and 27 of August 2008 – The Queensbridge, Melbourne
29 and 30 August 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image source: Hooverdust @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Missy Higgins Kicks Off American Tour

Missy Higgins has just wrapped up an American tour, and what better way to celebrate than starting another one?

The Aussie ex-pat is hitting the Midwest and America’s North East. It all kicks off on July 10 in Madison Wisconsin.

Missy is one of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters, so if you get the chance make sure you check her out.

Here are all the dates!

10 July 2008 – Majestic Theatre, Madison
11 July 2008 – Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaulkee
12 July 2008 – Basilica Block Party, Minneapolis
13 July 2008 – People’s, Des Moines
15 July 2008 – Music Mill, Indianapolis
16 July 2008 – The Crofoot, Detroit
18 July 2008 – Madison Theatre, Covington
19 July 2008 – Phoenix Hill Tavern, Louisville
20 July 2008 – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, Cleveland
22 July 2008 – The Tralf Music Hall, Buffalo
23 July 2008 – The Phoenix, Toronto
24 July 2008 – Les Saints, Montreal
26 July 2008 – Revolution Hall, Troy
27 July 2008 – Iron Horse, Northampton
29 July 2008 – Wilbur Theatre, Boston
30 July 2008 – The Hi Hat, Providence
31 July 2008 – Webster Hall, New York
2 August 2008 – Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia
3 August 2008 – The Birchmere, Alexandria
5 August 2008 – The Record Bar, Kansas City

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vote For Your Favourite Michael Jackson Tracks

Sony BMG Australia plan to release the ultimate Michael Jackson compilation just for its local fans. For three weeks starting today, the record label is encouraging Aussie MJ devotees to vote for their favourite songs at mj50.com.au.

The 30 most popular songs will appear on the album alongside a new megamix by Jason Nevins. King of Pop will be released only in Australia on August 29, Michael Jackson’s 50th birthday.

Image source: Zoran Veselinovic @ Wikimedia Commons 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ry Cuming Inks Major Record Deal

I’ve been a Ry Cuming fan for a while now, so I was thrilled to read he’s just signed a worldwide record deal with Jive!

The Aussie expat has wasted no time in getting to work on his debut release. And with Mark Batson (James Blunt, Dave Matthews Band, India.Arie) at the helm, it should be a ripper.

Ry is currently based in Los Angeles, which is a long way from his Aouth Australian hometown of Angourie. He cites Jack Johnson, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder as his biggest influences, which give you some indication of the sort of laid back soul music he makes.

His album should be out later this year, but you don’t have to wait that long to hear his awesome tunes. Check out his MySpace page to hear music from Australia’s next big thing, and watch the video below to learn more about him!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Will Kanye Go to the Aussie Outback?

Will one of hip hop’s hottest name head Down Under next year? That’s the word from America, as planning for the second series of the US program 4Real gets underway.

The series sends celebs to some of the world’s most remote communities, and an Australian Aboriginal village is on the short list for an upcoming episode. The little Queensland locale of Cherbourg has already been discussed as a possible site. Producers apparently want a hip hop star like Kanye West or Lauryn Hill to visit, as indigenous children have embraced this musical genre.

Whoever comes out, they’re likely to lead music workshops in conjunction with Music Outback. Won’t that be a buzz for these kids!

“There’s some really cool stuff going on in these indigenous communities, and it ain’t all doom and gloom,” Polly Armstrong, the program’s Australian coordinator, told AAP.

“There’s all these young leaders doing this wicked shit and it’s about shining a light on them, because they’re the real movers and shakers.”

Image source: Chris Doerr @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Coaster Festival Kicks Off

There’s a brand new all-ages festival bringing the cream of Aussie talent to the Central Coast. It’s called Coaster, and it’s on for the very first time on September 20 at Gosford Showgrounds.

The lineup is massive, with The Living End, Kisschasy, The Potbelleez, Blue King Brown, Cog, and the Coast’s favourite sons Something with Numbers leading the charge.

With bands like this on the bill tickets won’t last. So make sure you get yours, and take advantage of the $10 earlybird discount, when they go on sale on Wednesday 2 July.

Image source: Pop Weasle @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Greene Hits the Road

Paul Greene is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. His album Distance Over Time recently hit number one on the iTunes blues and roots charts, and critics are raving about it.

Paul’s sold almost 30,000 albums locally, and played everything from major festivals to bar rooms to concert halls. You might have also caught him recently supporting American singer-songwriter supremo Patty Griffin and country king Adam Brand.

He’s just announced a bunch of new dates supporting this brand new disc. There are plenty of shows in the regional centres and capitals, so he’s bound to play near you soon. If you haven’t checked Paul out before, now’s the perfect time.

Click the link below for all the dates!

28 June 2008 – Royal Hotel, Corowa
29 June 2008 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga
3 July 2008 – Pot Belly, Canberra
10 July 2008 – Locomotive Hotel, Tamworth
11 July 2008 – Gunnedah Services Club
12 July 2008 – Moree Golf Club
20 July 2008 – Bateau Bay Hotel
25 July 2008 – Colac RSL (with Adam Brand)
26 July 2008 – Kinross Woolshed, Thurgoona (with Adam Brand)
30 July 2008 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
31 July 2008 – North Star Hotel, Melrose
1 August 2008 – Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln
2 August 2008 – Ceduna Sailing Club
7 August 2008 – Tanglehead Brewing Company, Albany
8 and 9 August 2008 – Quindanning Tavern
9 August 2008 – Cape Wine Bar, Dunsborough
10 August 2008 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
14 August 2008 – The Railway Hotel, Fremantle
15 August 2008 – Ronsard Bay Tavern, Cervantes
16 August 2008 – Freemason’s Hotel, Geraldton
27 August 2008 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay (with Andrew Morris & The Huckleberry Swedes)
28 August 2008 – The Troubadour, Brisbane (with Andrew Morris & The Huckleberry Swedes)
29-31 August 2008 – Toyota Muster, Amamoor State Forest via Gympie
6 September 2008 – Bimbadgen Blues, Pokolbin (with Josh Pyke, Chain and more)
7 September 2008 – CoastFest 2008, Point Wolstoncroft (with Jeff Lang, Epicure and many more)
4 October 2008 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin (with Kasey Chambers, James Reyne & Mark Seymour, The Living End)
23 October 2008 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
24 October 2008 – Milton Playhouse Theatre
25 October 2008 – Kidgee Ridge Music Festival, Lake Conjola
26 October 2008 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli

Image supplied by Australian Music Biz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Operator Please Play Valley Fiesta

The lineup for Brisbane’s biggest free music festival, Valley Fiesta, was announced today and it’s an absolute doozie.

The coolest kids around, Operator Please, will headline the star-studded lineup, which includes Urthboy, DJ Dexter of The Avalanches, Jeff Lang, Little Birdy’s Katy Steele, Sparkadia, and stacks more.

You can catch all the fun in the Fortitude Valley from September 12 to 14.

Image source: Christoph! @ Flickr