Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hey Geronimo Tour Dan Kelly Tribute

Hey Geronimo really, really love Dan Kelly. They even skirted dangerously close to stalking with the release of their latest single “The Dan Kelly Song”! The quirky song’s currently available as a free download from Bandcamp and iTunes.

“The track was inspired by a dream I had in which Dave McCormack and Dan Kelly were co-writing songs for Hey Geronimo,” explains the band’s vocalist Pete Kilroy. “I woke up, and realising how cool that would be, figured we should just try and write a song in that style anyway. We’re all huge fans and it was either this or get tatts.”

Dan might not become Hey Geronimo’s songwriter any time soon, but he did meet the band and give the song his seal of approval. Buoyed by the experience, Hey Geronimo will take the song on the road this June with musical pals Strange Talk.

See the Strange Geronimo tour at the following venues next month.


14 June 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
15 June 2013 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
19 June 2013 – Beach Road Hotel, Sydney
20 June 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
21 June 2013 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
22 June 2013 – Baroque Room, Katoomba
27 June 2013 – Hi Fi, Melbourne
29 June 2013 – Eureka Hotel, Geelong
11 July 2013 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
12 July 2013 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
13 July 2013 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Raise Funds for Glastonbury Jaunt

The very funky Melbourne nine-piece Saskwatch are heading to Glastonbury! The slot at arguably Europe’s most prestigious rock festival is a fitting follow-up to appearances at key local events including Bluesfest, Falls Festival, Meredith, and Golden Plains.

Getting such a massive band to the other side of the world isn’t going to be easy, so Saskwatch are raising funds to make it happen. You can donate to the band via the Pozible website in exchange for Sakwatch goodies including signed merchandise, personalised mix-tapes, and even one of Nkechi’s awesome stage dresses.

Alternatively you could see the band live at one of their farewell shows. And when they make music as good as their most recent single “I Get Lonely”, why wouldn’t you? Saskwatch will play Carlton’s Curtin Bandroom on June 1 and an all-ages show at Daylesford Town Hall on June 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Jean Impress with “Tomorrow Morning”


Sime Nugent and Alice Keath are Sweet Jean, the duo behind the dreamy alt-country single “Tomorrow Morning”.

The follow-up to “Shiver and Shake” is a deceptively simple ditty with jangly guitars and warm vocal harmonies. What a great Sunday soundtrack!

Both tracks come from Dear Departure, Sweet Jean’s soon-to-be-released debut album. The disc is a collection of songs reflecting on life, longing, and mortality co-produced by the esteemed John Castle (Washington, The Bamboos). Look out for it in stores on July 4.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad//Dreems Calling for “Caroline”

Sometimes you just need a bit of fun to usher in the weekend. And I’ve found it in Adelaide’s Bad//Dreems and the chunky guitars of their new single “Caroline”.

There’s nothing deep and meaningful going on here. We’ve heard the tale of falling in love with the wrong woman before, but its wrapped up in such an infectiously catchy package that I don’t really mind. The clip’s also got such a great Aussie nostalgia to it, that I’m a bit powerless to resist.

If you’re digging Bad//Dreems’ good vibes, make sure you support the boys when they launch the single at the following shows next month.

7 May 2013 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney
14 May 2013 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
31 May 2013 – The Gasometer, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

R.I.P. Chrissy Amphlett

Australia has lost one of its most unique female voices with the passing of Chrissy Amphlett. The Divinyls frontwoman passed away in New York City following battles with breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. She was just 53 years old.

They broke the mould when they made Chrissy. As a young girl I remember being fascinated by her sexy schoolgirl outfits, fishnet stockings, and husky rasping voice. I couldn’t believe she could get away with singing “I Touch Myself”, and I still think “Boys in Town” is one of the greatest rock songs ever penned.

With her band The Divinyls she earned four top 10 albums locally and one in America. Funnily enough, that shocking “I Touch Myself” song was their biggest-selling single. It reached number one here and cracked the top 10 in the United States and Great Britain. Fittingly the band took their place in the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Those facts are impressive, but it’s Chrissy’s sass that I’ll remember most. She was fierce, so different, so charismatic. She will be missed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rolling Stone Australia Covers on Show in Victoria

If you’re in Victoria and looking for something to do this weekend, get yourself to the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. From tomorrow, the museum will host a special exhibition celebrating the covers of Australia’s Rolling Stone magazine. This is the first time that the best covers from the last four decades have been on show in this country.

“The influence of Rolling Stone extends beyond music – this magazine has been the birthplace of some the greatest careers in photography, journalism, and design,” explained Kirsten Fitzpatrick, exhibition curator. “This exhibition chronicles the evolution of our cultural landscape and will trigger nostalgic memories of significant moments in the history of rock ‘n roll, and their associated personal memories for all that come to view it.”

The covers feature our own Michael Hutchence and Miranda Kerr as well as international megastars like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Blondie.

Entry is free, and the museum’s just 40 kays out of the Melbourne CBD. With a café on site, it sounds like a great little day trip to me! The exhibition will be on display at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum until July 7 before it heads to its next destination.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sounds of Oz Ranked One of the Best Music Blogs

While we were on a tech-imposed hiatus Sounds of Oz was named one of the top 100 Music Blogs to follow by CouponAudit. Never heard of it? Me neither. And as it doesn’t seem to have any musical cred, you can take these results with a grain of salt. Still, I can’t recall being named in the top 100 anything before, so I’ll take my number 62 position. It’s a long list so I’ll keep it under the cut, but feel free to browse around. You might even find another cool blog to follow. Just make sure it doesn’t replace this one in your bookmarks, OK?

Continue reading “Sounds of Oz Ranked One of the Best Music Blogs” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I’m Back

You might have noticed things have been a bit quiet over here at Sounds of Oz. Unfortunately I fell victim to some tech problems that I barely understand. It seems my IT working husband has righted the situation for now, although as it came from some hack attacks on a global scale problems may still occur. If you want to read more about what went on, you can do so here. And if you’d rather be spared the techspeak just know I’ve changed my password to something secure that I likely won’t remember, and I’m doing whatever I can to prevent further attacks. Fingers crossed we’re back in business for good. Now on to more music!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Farnham Tops List of 100 Greatest Australian Singers

John Farnham has taken out the top spot on a list of Australia’s top 100 singers printed in the Herald Sun today. The list, which was voted on by a panel of local musicians, has inevitably generated plenty of discussion amongst music lovers across the country.

These kinds of lists are never perfect. Once the numbers are crunched, we can all think of deserving talents who missed out. I was shocked that Richard Clapton and Mark Seymour missed out. I would have also loved to see David Campbell recognised for more than just being a decent morning show host. I couldn’t believe James Reyne, Dame Joan Sutherland, and Peter Allen were left languishing in the bottom half of the list. I also heard plenty of criticism about the number of Kiwis that made the cut, but perhaps it’s time we truly opened our arms to anyone who calls Australia home.

I was impressed at the diversity of the top 100. We saw legends of the local industry and bright young things with so much ahead of them. We saw artists from so many genres: rock, country, pop, soul, opera, world music whatever that means, and the list goes on. What a reminder that we can do more than straight up pub rock.

Perhaps it’s that reminder of the strength of our industry that I like more than anything. I can imagine young music fans reading the words that chart-topping musicians had to say about the country’s pioneers, and that inspiring them to explore the back catalogues. I also marvelled at the number of acts still kicking on, still performing regularly, even if it’s at the RSLs and small theatres rather than arenas. I started my concert-going long before the heyday of many of these artists, yet I can proudly say I’ve seen many of these talented musicians on stage.

We’ve got a lot to be proud of here, and this top 100 is a lovely reminder of it, don’t you think?

Image source: Jeanie Mackinder @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Catherine Britt Takes Mic on Saturday Night Country

Saturday Night Country fans will no doubt miss Felicity Urquhart while she takes a break from radio and soaks up life as a new mum. But ABC Local Radio listeners don’t have to be sad for too long. Felicity’s pal and fellow Australian country sensation Catherine Britt will take over the airwaves from this Saturday night.

Rest assured, Catherine knows her stuff. She cut her eye-teeth hosting Alt Country on the Country Music Channel, and she’s a big fan of the program.

“I grew up listening to the show and the great voice of John Nutting so to be asked to host the show while Fliss has a break is a huge honour and I really can’t wait to start,” Catherine said.

Tune in to hear Catherine on ABC Local Radio this Saturday, April 6.

Image source: Bruce Howlett @ Wikimedia Commons