Woodes’ Twitter Letter Clinches Sylvan Esso Support Slot

Melbourne’s Woodes has shown us all that when you want something badly enough, it can happen if you only ask. She’s been handpicked by American duo Sylvan Esso to support them on their upcoming shows after she reached out to them via an open letter on Twitter.

Apparently Woodes was one of several contenders for the coveted support slot, but her sweet letter about how the American duo inspired her own musical journey is what got her over the line. You can read that letter in full here.

See Sylvan Esso and Woodes at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on January 31 or Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on February 8.

Images used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Joshua Radin Announces Aussie Tour

American singer-songwriter Joshua Radin is far from a household name here in Australia, but he’s been a regular visitor to our shores since I first saw him live in 2009. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of catching him on three different tours, each one showcasing the new folky music he’s released while never failing to dive back into the vault and play the old favourites the audience loves. Nearly three years since his last visit, Joshua is preparing to return to Australia on the back of 2017’s The Fall.

If you love music that moves you and soothes your soul, now is the time to get into Joshua Radin. A presale starts today, but you’ve got time to fire up Spotify and discover him before the general sale on January 29. As a taster, check out this video of featuring Josh playing “Falling,” from The Fall, in his kitchen. When someone delivers without all the bells and whistles, you know seeing them on the stage will be special.

18 May 2018 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
20 May 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
22 May 2018 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
24 May 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
27 May 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

ScoreIT! Competition Nurtures Young Queensland Composers

If you’re a Queensland high school student with dreams of becoming the next Ennio Morricone or John Williams, make sure you enter the ScoreIT! Competition. Part of the Queensland Music Festival (QMF), the competition encourages budding composers to score a short animated film produced by the Griffith Film School. The winning entry will be performed by a live orchestra in July. Winners will also take home RØDE Microphones recording gear. Finalists will also benefit from composition workshops and masterclasses led by experts from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and a half-day workshop from leading video and digital agency PixelFrame.

Your entry will be judged by an all-star panel including acclaimed vocalist and QMF artistic director Katie Noonan, award-winning film composer Cameron Patrick, and industry leaders from the Griffith Film School, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, and the Queensland School of Film and Television.

“Music speaks – without words. I can recall many film scores that have moved me throughout the years, and I can’t wait to hear what our talented young composers come up with for the three beautiful animations produced by Griffith Film School students,” Katie Noonan said. “Many past Score IT! participants have gone on to study music at university and are still following their passion, which is exactly why we started this Queensland Music Festival project in the first place.”

There are three ScoreIT! categories: Junior (year 7-10), Senior (year 11 and 12), and Plus, which has the added challenge of composing for a specified instrumentation (year 7-12). Make sure you get yours in before May 18. Visit the Queensland Music Festival website for more information and to view the animated show films.

Image used with permission from Queensland Music Festival

John Butler Headlining Port Macquarie’s First SummerSalt Concert

John Butler Trio, Mama Kin, and San Cisco are among the big names headed to Port Macquarie in March for the city’s first ever SummerSalt concert. Joined by Spender, Oh Pep!, and local talents Barrel House, this is sure to be a special concert for the coastal city.

SummerSalt was launched with a simple mission to present quality musicians in some of Australia’s most picturesque outdoor venues. Anyone who’s already taken in a SummerSalt concert knows this will be a day out to remember. In addition to the great music on stage, visitors will also be treated to market stalls and grub from mobile food vendors. There’s also a special SummerSalt Lounge area available to people who want to splurge on their tickets.

SummerSalt will hit Port Macquarie’s Westport Park on March 25. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning from Ticketmaster and Oztix.

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

The Studio in the City Becomes Homesurgery Recordings

Since its inception in 2007, The Studio in the City has played host to some of the country’s finest musicians, engineers, and producers. The Brunswick studio helmed by celebrated producer and Shihad member Tom Larkin has had a hand in the success of some of the nation’s most acclaimed albums including releases from Calling All Cars, The Getaway Plan, Young and the Restless, and Villainy. While there’s a touch of nostalgia in the air, the studio is also looking forward with a brand new name, Homesurgery Recordings.

“I founded the studios in 2007 when I happened upon a project studio for long term rent – I moved a ramshackle amount of equipment in there and began work straight away on the debut album for a band called Young & Restless,” Tom explained. “That record went on to win a J award for Unearthed Album Of The Year.”

This new chapter is sure to be a bright one for Homesurgery Recordings, which has recently upgraded its API 1608 console. Despite the new technology and name, Homesurgery Recordings remains committed to helping artists realise their creative vision in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Visit the Homesurgery Recordings website to learn more the studio.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Acclaimed Vegas Act Bring Bee Gees Show to Oz

The Bee Gees were one of Australia’s greatest musical exports, but with the deaths of Robin and Maurice Gibb, if you didn’t see them at the height of their fame you’ve missed your chance. However, you can still enjoy the next best thing, with news the Australian Bee Gees Show is heading Down Under this autumn.

The Australian Bee Gees Show has been wowing crowds for seven years in Las Vegas, during which time it’s played more than 2250 performances and recently earned the title of the Best Tribute Show on the strip in the Las Vegas Review Journal.

This is no token Aussie tour, with plenty of regional dates in the mix. Celebrate the legacy and songs of the Bee Gees at the following shows.

13 April 2018 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
14 April 2018 – Skycity Casino, Darwin
19 April 2018 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
20 April 2018 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
21 April 2018 – Crown, Perth
22 April 2018 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
26 April 2018 – Bathurst Panthers, Bathurst
27 April 2018 – Top Of The Cross, Canberra
28 April 2018 – Belmont 16s, Belmont
29 April 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
1 May 2018 – Civic Theatre, Orange
3 May 2018 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Springwood
4 May 2018 – Dee Why RSL, Dee Why
5 May 2018 – Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville
6 May 2018 – Norths, North Sydney
9-12 August 2018 – Reef Casino, Cairns
15 August 2018 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
16 August 2018 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Redland
17 August 2018 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
18 August 2018 – The Star, Gold Coast
19 August 2018 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
22 August 2018 – Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
23 August 2018 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
24 August 2018 – Revesby Workers Club, Revesby
25 August 2018 – The Juniors, Randwick
26 August 2018 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven
29 August 2018 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
30 August 2018 – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Wendouree
31 August 2018 – The Palms At Crown, Melbourne
1 September 2018 – Drum Theatre, Dandenong
2 September 2018 – The Cube, Wodonga

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Aussie Musicians Join Forces for Malcolm Young Tribute Show

The death of Malcolm Young was one of the Australian music industry’s greatest losses of 2017. In February some of our best and brightest will pay tribute to the man who made such an indelible mark on rock music with a tribute show at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.

The Whole Lotta Rosie show features a star-studded lineup; Jackie Barnes (Jimmy Barnes Band), Pete Wano (Suzi Quatro Band), Nat Allison (Suzi Quattro Band), Lachy Doley (Powderfinger), Paul Christie (Mondo Rock), Mick Pealing (Stars), Paul Woseen (Screaming Jets), James Morley (The Angels/Choirboys), Rusty (Electric Mary), Greg Aldridge (Blood Sweat & Beers), Joel McDonald (Rose Tattoo) and Simon Croft (“We Will Rock You”) are all confirmed starters, and more artists and special guests will be announced before show time. Melbourne’s Whole Lotta Rosie band will support the big name talent on show.

Whole Lotta Rosie will take place on February 17, the same day AC/DC’s debut album High Voltage dropped in 1975. Tickets are available now from the Corner Hotel. Their sale will help raise funds for the Dementia Foundation, which works tirelessly supporting other victims of the disease that claimed Malcolm’s life.

Image source: Pandemonium73 @ Wikimedia Commons

2017: A Year in Review

Making a post to you, dear readers, is the last thing to cross off my to-do list before kicking back and taking a well-deserved break over Christmas and the New Year. I would have loved to have queued up some posts for you to enjoy while I was gone, but you know what they say about best laid plans. Instead I encourage you to take a look back at some of the reviews I wrote of the great concerts I saw and albums I listened to this year. What got you excited in music this year Sounds of Oz readers?

Top 10 Aussie Albums/EPs

  1. Go Farther In Lightness – Gang of Youths
  2. The Meltdown – The Meltdown
  3. In Colour – King Social
  4. Bloodline – Run Rabbit Run
  5. I Saw Red – Struggle With Glory/Harry Angus James
  6. Dragonfly – Kasey Chambers
  7. Motel – Emilee South
  8. When They Play That Song – Lisa Mitchell
  9. 61-615 – O’Shea
  10. King of Me – The Lyrical

Top 10 Aussie Tours

  1. Live
  2. Gavin DeGraw
  3. Things of Stone and Wood
  4. Don Henley
  5. Good Times
  6. Rick Price
  7. Maxine Jones and Greg Gould
  8. Red Hot Summer
  9. Bob Evans
  10. Pseudo Echo & 1927

I’m back at my desk on January 8. I hope you all have the wonderful time I plan to over the festive season. Thanks for your emails and comments over the last year; catch you all in 2018!

Image source: Pumpkinmook@ Flickr.com

Sunset Sounds Bringing Free Summer Gigs to Melbourne

At this time of year, many of us are feeling the pinch. The organisers of Sunset Sounds understands this, so they’re brightening your summer with a series of hot free gigs across Melbourne.

The three free gigs will see the likes of Saskwatch, The Bamboos, and Jazz Party playing for local music lovers. Some of Melbourne’s most popular food trucks will also attend to keep everyone well fed.

“Stonnington has some of the most sensational parks and gardens, and it brings me great joy to see residents and visitors enjoying them” Mayor Stefanopoulos said. “Pack a picnic basket, and your dancing shoes, and head down for a summers afternoon with some of Australia’s finest talent.”

Sunset Sounds 2018 kicks off on January 7 and runs every Sunday for three weeks.

7 January 2018 – Saskwatch & Alexander Biggs, Victoria Gardens @ Prahran
14 January 2018 – The Bamboos & Jazz Party, Central Park @ Malvern East
21 January 2018 – Hot Potato Band & 30/70, Malvern Gardens @ Malvern

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Thundamentals and More Play Frankston’s Pier Street Party

A who’s who of the Aussie music industry are heading to Frankston for the annual Pier Street Party. Thundamentals, Art vs Science, Gyroscope, The Getaway Plan, Rackett, and Jesswar will all take the Pier Street Party stage. There’ll also be food trucks and pop-up bars to keep the crowd well fed and hydrated.

“Frankston City is ready to rock as the Pier Street Party prepares for its second year,” said Frankston’s mayor Colin Hampton. “Council is delighted that our city will be hosting world class acts at this fantastic event for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

The Pier Street Party will take over the area outside the Pelly Bar & Pier Bandroom in Frankston on February 24. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix. Note that even though it’s held outside, it’s still an adults-only event.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR