Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Falls Festival Raises Funds for Tassie Bushfire Relief

As fire-ravaged Tasmania does its best to recover, the folks from the Falls Music & Arts Festival are doing their bit with a fundraising drive.

Thankfully the Falls farm at Marion Bay survived the blazes, but that doesn’t mean the Falls crew are untouched by the tragedy. They’re doing their part by turning the farm into a temporary refuge for homeless locals and community workers.

They’re also calling on all fans to help Tasmania rebuild by donating what they can to the Red Cross. The Falls Festival team has done the same by generously giving $10, 000 to the charity. You can also contribute to the Falls Festival’s fundraising efforts by clicking this secure link.

Keep an eye on the Fall Festival website to read details of more fundraising initiatives in the coming weeks.

Image source: ToniFish @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Doc Neeson Battles Brain Tumour

My thoughts are with Doc Neeson, who’s currently in hospital receiving treatment for a brain tumour. The Angels frontman faces six to seven months of radiation and chemotherapy to treat to the condition.

Of course this puts a stop to Doc’s touring plans. While the Brewster Brothers are touring as The Angels with Dave Gleeson as a stand-in singer, Doc has his own version of The Angels with longtime drummer Buzz Bidstrup. They intended to start a national tour in February, but that’s on hold until Doc’s fighting fit.

“The Angels would like to thank all the fans for their continued support and we wish Doc all the best for his treatment during this difficult time,” The Angels said in a statement today. “The Angels look forward to seeing everyone again once Doc is given the all clear to return to the stage.”

I wish him a speedy recovery!

Image source: Mandy Hall @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Support SLAM Day

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Are you cutting back on the booze? Swearing you’ll stick to your exercise regime? Positive you’ll stop biting your nails? Yeah right!

Personally I’ve given up making plans I know I’ll probably break. Instead I make resolutions that will make me happy and easy to follow through with. Like intending to get out of the entertainment centres and see more live music in pubs and clubs.

If that resolution sounds pretty good to you, you’ll want to hear about the second annual SLAM (Save Live Australia’s Music) Day. Last year the event saw more than 150 gigs held in small venues across the country. On February 23, organisers hope to eclipse that effort.

So head to the SLAM Day website and see what’s happening near you. It’s much easier than counting calories!

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Webb Gives Away 12 New Songs in 2013

Christmas might be over, but Dan Webb doesn’t believe that’s any reason for the presents to stop. In 2013 he’s pledged that he’ll release a new song for free download every month. That’s 12 sparkly new songs to add to your music collection!

He’s set the bar very high with the first track “Departure,” a groovy number featuring Kylie Auldist of The Bamboos. If each song can live up to this one I’m going to be very impressed!

You can enjoy all the songs Dan is generously providing by logging on to his website this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2012: A Musical Year in Review

2012 is winding down, so before we all head off for our New Year’s Eve parties I thought I should cast my mind back to the year that was. Here’s my annual wrap up of everything musical that made 2012 special for me.

Top 10 Aussie Albums
1. King of the Sun – Jamie Hay
2. Behind the Stars – Paul Greene & The Other Colours
3. The Moment – Mia Dyson
4. Missing Person – Diefenbach
5. Happy Home – Darren Percival
6. Tall Tales – The Perch Creek Family Jugband
7.The Sapphires – Soundtrack
8. Sins of the Blessed – Transvaal Diamond Syndicate
9. It’s an Endless Desire – Penny Hewson
10. Keep Left – William Street Strikers

Top 10 Aussie Tours
1. Matchbox Twenty
2. Prince
 3. Roger Waters: The Wall
4. David Campbell
5. Howie Day
6. Melissa Etheridge
7. Ben Harper
8. Darren Percival
9. Mumford & Sons
10. Busby Marou & Georgia Fair

Image source: Teresa Howes @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Coerce Prepare for Hiatus After Album Launch

Music’s a labour of love for post-hardcore band Coerce. For the last five years, the lads from Adelaide have worked tirelessly and poured their hard earned savings into it. They even moved to Aussie music hub Melbourne. The result is their album Genome, a project they’re immensely proud of.

But operating as an independent act has sadly taken its toll, prompting Coerce to call it a day, at least for now.

“Independent rock and roll is hanging by the decayed skin of all of our teeth, local shows are getting less and less support,” Coerce admitted.

But they won’t go out without launching Genome. In front of their adopted hometown, Coerce will have what may be their very last gig at The Gasometer on January 11.

“Please support this local show, buy a record, a shirt, a beer and maybe some day we may deliver a new record and possibly afford to play in other towns once more,” Coerce urge fans. How could you say no?

Image used with permission from Coerce

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Soundwave Photographer Releases Festival Book

Official Soundwave photographer Kane Hibberd (or Kanye Lens as he’s sometimes called) is bringing his festival snaps to the masses with the release of his first photography book Kanye Lens Vs Soundwave Volume 1.

Kane has worked as Soundwave’s official photographer since the festival went national way back in 2008. This book showcases more than 600 of his best Soundwave photos. These capture the most exciting moments on stage and behind the scenes. Clearly the book was a labour of love for Kane who has self-funded and independently published this tome.

“From the moment I was asked to jump on board the Soundwave machine, my goal was to, one day, produce a coffee table style photography book,” Kane explained. “ I grew up watching Tony Mott create a legacy with the Big Day Out and now this is hopefully the start of my own legacy. I’ve tried to create book full of imagery that can escape the shadow of its famous inhabitants and stand alone as beautiful pieces of artwork. Hopefully the book will appeal to not only music fans, but also fans of photography.”

Kanye Lens Vs Soundwave Volume 1 will hit stores in February, but it’s worth pre-ordering a copy from his website as Kane will individually number the first 2000 copies.

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pnau Ushers in New Year at Sydney Harbour

If you’re still contemplating your New Year’s Eve plans, a night on Sydney Harbour may be just what you’re looking for. Pnau will headline the festivities at Cargo Bar which also features appearances from Ajax, Yesyou, Elizabeth Rose, and more.

Final release tickets cost $115, or you could party in style with a VIP ticket for $170. That includes a red carpet pre-cocktail party, which will see you securing tickets near the stage before the rest of the crowds show, as well as complimentary canapés and drinks for three hours.

Get yours from the Cargo NYE website now!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fans Help Eskimo Joe Make New Album

Eskimo Joe have enjoyed the support of major labels in recent years, but they’ve decided to do things a little differently for album number six. Rather than working with a record company, the Perth band decided to let fans fund the new record through Pozible.

Fans have been quick to embrace the initiative, pledging $54, 600 at last count, far exceeding the $40, 000 Eskimo Joe hoped to raise. With the fundraising drive running until February, they might even end up doubling their target.

Contributors will have the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with helping to support local talent, as well as a few extra perks. Depending on how much they give, people who pledge can earn bonuses like advance copies of the new single and even a barbeque with the band members.

If you’re feeling skint you can still join in on the fun. Eskimo Joe will engage with their fans through social media during the writing and recording process.

“We feel that involving all our supporters like this brings a real responsibility to us to make a fucking awesome record and to also make them feel a real part of it,” the band said in an official statement. “This feels like a new creative beginning for us.”

I must admit to feeling Eskimo Joe’s album was a little lacklustre. I really hope this new direction brings them the inspiration they need to create another Aussie classic!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian’s “Armageddon” Number One Again

Guy Sebastian is once again sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA Albums Charts. His latest smash Armageddon returns to the number one spot this week. He’s the lone Aussie in the top 10, but things are a little brighter for local talent on the singles chart.

Again we see Guy; his latest single “Get Along” is holding steady at number five. He’s keeping company with recent X Factor graduates Samantha Jade and The Collective. Sammy has slid back a little this week, but her single “What You’ve Done To Me” is still performing well. It sits at number two. The Collective are also making their presence felt with “Surrender.” It was just pipped by Guy’s number this week, but a number six debut is nothing to sneeze at.

Click below to see this week’s ARIA top tens.

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