Ali Barter Teams With Gift Box To Help Homeless Women Access Sanitary Products

Periods are a pain, in more ways than one. I bitch and moan for the duration of mine, I have severe cramps, and so many hormones race through my body that I wonder how my husband stays with me. But my periods would be so much worse if I couldn’t afford the sanitary products that help me go out and put my best foot forward every month. Ali Barter agrees, so she’s teamed up with an exciting new start-up Gift Box.

Gift Box is the brainchild of Aussie actress and entrepreneur Saskia Hamplele, who you may remember as Georgia Brooks on Neighbours. Her company is the world’s first one-for-one organic tampon brand. Whenever customers buy tampons through Gift Box, the organisation donates the same amount to the estimated 46,000 homeless women in Australia that struggle to access sanitary care through its partnerships with Share the Dignity, The Period Projects, and Essentials for Women.

So where does Ali Barter come in? She’s teamed up with Saskia to create a collaborative tea towel, featuring a design from illustrator and tattoo artist Lily Gloria, which you can find at her upcoming One Foot In shows. Money raised by the tea towel’s sales will benefit Gift Box.

“We all get our damn periods so I love that if I buy a box of tampons from Gift Box Organic, it means someone more in need than me gets one too. It’s important that all women have access to sanitary care, and tampons are, for many, non-negotiable,” Ali said.

“The mission of Gift Box has really been driven by a sisterhood of ‘women supporting women’, so to join forces with Ali Barter’s powerful voice has been very exciting,” added Saskia. “Ali’s generous contribution will not only provide many more homeless women with tampons, it also adds to the conversation of women’s lack of access to sanitary products and will help reach a wider audience for this commonly overlooked issue.”

You can see Ali and get the tea towel at the following shows. And if you’re not getting along to the gigs, you can still help out through the Gift Box website.

25 August 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
1 September 2017 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
2 September 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
8 September 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 September 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
15 September 2017 – Player’s Bar, Mandurah
16 September 2017 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
22 September 2017 – The Northern, Byron Bay
23 September 2017 – The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Brisbane
28 September 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
29 September 2017 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
30 September 2017 – Stuart Park, Wollongong
1 October 2017 – Transit Bar, Canberra

Image used with permission from Inertia Music

The Jezabels Hitting The Lansdowne

You might have assumed your days of seeing The Jezabels in pubs were over. However, if you’re in Sydney, you get another chance. Or seven to be precise. You see, the band is scheduled to perform seven shows at The Lansdowne over seven consecutive nights this month.

“We had a few reasons for doing seven nights at the Lansdowne,” explained Hayley Mary. “We wanted to play a bunch of small, intimate shows to our Sydney fans where we could change up the set and play some songs we wouldn’t normally have time for and the reopened Lansdowne represents such an awesome new era for Sydney that it seemed right it should be there. But mainly, we felt a sadistic kind of pleasure in making the staff listen to us over and over to the point of sheer disdain.”

Each show will feature a different opening act before The Jezabels take you on a musical journey through their back catalogue. If you’re lucky, you might even be among the first to hear some new tunes.

Tickets for all shows are available through Oztix.

21 August 2017 – with special guest, Didirri (solo)
22 August 2017 – with special guest, Sunscreen
23 August 2017 – with special guest, Soma
24 August 2017 – with special guest, Angie McMahon
25 August 2017 – with special guest, Planet
26 August 2017 – with special guest, Borneo
27 August 2017 – with special guest, Big Time

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Aussie Hip Hop Elite Raising Money for Oxfam in Melbourne

L Fresh The Lion, N’Fa Jones, Mantra, Mistress, and other leading Aussie hip hop talents will hit The Penny Black in Brunswick on August 13, all for a good cause. Money raised will benefit OXJAM, an Oxfam initiative looking to end poverty and homelessness through the power of music.

Not only are ticket sales helping the charity, The Penny Black will give 50 percent of the bar takings as well. With Young Henrys, 42Below Vodka, and Bacardi Fuego supplying the drinks, you’ll want to indulge. This promises to be a great night out for a great cause. Melbourne residents, get on it!

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Remembering Dr G Yunupingu

Like so many music lovers, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr G Yunupingu this morning. He was one of our most special musical artists, who is just 46 years made his mark, first with Yothu Yindi and then with his solo career.

He was born on Elcho Island, off north east Arnhemland. Despite being born blind, music was in his veins and he taught himself how to play the drums, keyboards, guitar, and didgeridoo. But it was his voice that I’ll remember most. Though I didn’t speak a word of his Yolngu language, I felt like I understood his music. He communicated with us all with something more than words.

Dr G Yunupingu went on to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world. He played for everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Barack Obama. Yet he remained connected his community. He passed away yesterday in Darwin Hospital after a long battle with illness.

I want to share this video with you, his music with you. Take a moment just to stop and appreciate the legacy he left for us.

Discover Whoa!

With a name like Whoa! you know the Gold Coast band behind the new single “Stay the Night” are going to bags of fun. The track is ridiculously catchy with a classic feel that makes it so accessible. Just see if this song doesn’t put a smile on your face.

These guys have become somewhat of an overnight sensation. They’d played just four gigs before their first headlining show, and more than 300 paying punters turned out to Miami Shark Bar to show their support. Almost selling out on your first headlining gig is no mean feat, but these guys make the music thing look so easy.

See for yourself when Whoa! plays the Great Northern at Byron Bay on September 2.

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

The Sea Gypsies Unleash Their “Demons”

It’s Thursday and the weekend is almost in sight. That makes me feel a little more chilled out, so it’s the perfect time for listening to “Demons,” the awesome new single from Central Coast outfit The Sea Gypsies. It has such a great groove. The instruments come together perfectly to support lead singer Luke Marlin’s killer voice.

Lead guitarist Dan Hoolihann describes the track as “A snapshot of the band’s influences, mixed together to express the relatable feeling of facing the fears and rigorous moments in your life that attempt to overcome you and put you down. It conveys the feeling, idea and emotion of stepping up to face your Demons and the struggle of embracing the difficult issues that life throws at you”.

Once the weather warms up, The Sea Gypsies are heading your way. Catch them at the following shows this spring.

7 September 2017 – Magnums, Airlie Beach (with Katchafire)
8 September 2017 – Kirwin Tavern, Townsville (with Katchafire)
9 September 2017 – Billabong, Kuranda (with Katchafire)
10 September 2017 – The Jack, Cairns (with Katchafire)
22 September 2017 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
7 October 2017 – Max Watts, Brisbane (with Katchafire)
8 October 2017 – The Wharf Tavern, Sunshine Coast (with Katchafire)
21 October 2017 – Swagger Festival, Wandiligon

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Melbourne Guitar Show Gears Up For Big Third Year

The Melbourne Guitar Show is back for its third year, and it’s shaping up to be the best yet. Organisers have assembled some superb talent including Steve Hackett from Genesis, Nick Johnston, Alex Hutchings, Lloyd Spiegel, Nick Charles, and Bob Spencer.

In addition to live performances from guitar gods, you’ll also find a monster exhibition with electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps, and heaps more from Australia and around the world. There’ll be seminars, demos, Q&A sessions, and heaps more.

“We are looking forward to a show this year that builds steadily based on the merit and popularity of the first two and on the presentation of the best people we can find”, says AMA executive officer and MGS organiser, Rob Walker. “We will have more exhibitors this year, as well as bigger stand presentations by many brands.  We are in discussions with an increasing list of players who want to be a part of it, so we are sure this show will provide great value for guitar enthusiasts once again.”

The Melbourne Guitar Show is back at Caulfield Racecourse on August 5 and 6. Tickets are cheaper when you pre-order, so get yours online now.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Happy 10th Birthday Sounds of Oz!

Today Sounds of Oz turns 10. That seems like a milestone worth acknowledging. Ten years is longer than many marriages and prison sentences after all. It’s amazing scrolling back through the pages, looking at all the albums I’ve fallen for and the gigs I’ve seen since it all began.

I started this blog all those years ago because I felt there was a real division in Australia between the alternative music press and the commercial outlets. I wanted to carve out a place where great Australian music could be appreciated, regardless of its genre. Sadly I still feel that division. I also feel there’s a bunch of great music that doesn’t get any exposure on through big outlets, something I wasn’t aware of when I began this journey. I’m thrilled I have a platform to bring those superb songs to you.

I’m not going to write anything long and sappy, but I did want to take a moment to thank the promoters and record companies who’ve introduced me to so much great music and hooked me up with countless concert tickets over the years. Your support has been invaluable. Thank you to the musicians themselves for their kind words and for sharing their music with me. But mostly I want to thank you, the readers. Whether you’re been with me for years or you’ve just stopped by, I’m glad you’ve taken time to discover my little corner of the web.

Here’s to the next 10 and beyond!

Image source: Wwarby @ Flickr

Royal Funk Party, Lake Minnetonka & More Celebrate Prince’s Birthday

More than a year since his passing, I am still processing the loss of Prince. There’s a giant innovative, flamboyant, shining, purple hole in the musical landscape that I don’t think anyone will ever fill.

As much as I miss him, I’m also grateful that he left us with so much positive music. It’s impossible to get too down when you’re listening to the funk-infused tunes from his back catalogue. So when Royal Funk Party, Lake Minnetonka, Mayfield, and DJ MzRizk get together at The Toff in Town to mark Prince’s birthday next month, you know you’re going to have a good time.

These guys channel the Minneapolis sound Prince pioneered. To see just how good they are, check out this performance of “Head” with Royal Funk Party and Lake Minnetonka going toe to toe.

It all happens at the Toff in Town in Melbourne on June 10. Tickets are on sale now through Moshtix.

Bliss N Eso Unseat Ed Sheeran on the ARIA Albums Charts

It seemed like mission impossible, but Bliss N Eso have triumphed where many acts have failed and unseated Ed Sheeran from the top of the ARIA charts. The hip hop act’s latest album Off the Grid has claimed the number one spot on debut.

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole’s latest collaboration, The Great Country Songbook Vol. II, has also made an impressive showing in its first week. It sits at number six, just ahead of Mark Vincent’s A Tribute to Mario Lanza.

Where are the Aussies in the singles charts though? Despite some great local releases in recent weeks, the best we can manage is Dean Lewis at number 14!

Top 10 Albums
1. Off the Grid – Bliss N Eso
2. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 – Soundtrack
4. Humanz – Gorillaz
5. DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar
6. The Great Country Songbook Vol. II – Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole
7. A Tribute to Mario Lanza – Mark Vincent
8. Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 – Soundtrack
9. 25 – Adele
10. 24K Magic – Bruno Mars

Top 10 Singles
1. “I’m The One” – DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne
2. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran
3. “HUMBLE.” – Kendrick Lamar
4. “Galway Girl” – Ed Sheeran
5. “Symphony” – Clean Bandit feat. Zara Larsson
6. “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” – Shawn Mendes
7. “Something Just Like This” – The Chainsmokers and Coldplay
8. “Stay” – Zedd feat. Alessia Cara
9. “Sign of the Times” – Harry Styles
10. “Despacito” – Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber