Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Remember Mum on Mother’s Day

I really hope you’re going to spend time with your mother tomorrow, or at least give her a phone call. But if you’re too lazy to do that, Warner Music’s made it easy to touch base with her.

The record label has put together a cute Mother’s Day website where you can send e-cards featuring some of her favourite singers, including Michael Buble, Josh Groban, and Patrizio Buane.

Best of all, everyone who sends a card can win a trip to Melbourne to see James Blunt. You’d just better take her along if you win!

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Tickets to The Vines’ Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel Show!

Remember when I told you about The Vines show for Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel, and added that you could only win your way in through the Live at the Chapel website? Well, that wasn’t entirely true. I have a very special The Vines Live at the Chapel prize pack to give away to one of my readers!

The prize pack includes a double pass to the invite-only show at Sydney’s St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Sydney on May 26, a copy of The Vines brand new album Future Primitive, Russian Standard Original and a four-pack of the new Russian Standard Vodka Citrus RTD, and some free music downloads. This is a money-can’t-buy prize, and I’m thrilled to be able to offer it to one of my readers.

To enter just tell me in 25 words or less why you’d like to see The Vines play at the first Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel show of 2011. Too easy! Remember to leave your e-mail address in the comment so I can let you know if you’re our lucky winner!

Entrants must be over 18. The prize does not include transport or cover any associated costs. Competition closes at noon AEST on 19/05/11. Judging will take place on 20/05/11. Winners will be notified on 23/05/11. Prize packs will be distributed on or before 26/05/11.

Image used with permission from Burson-Marsteller

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out with Sister Jane

Blue Mountains’ blues rockers Sister Jane kick off a quickie tour tonight to promote their debut album Mercy.

This is really sexy stuff, the kind of music you’d expect to hear in some wild smoky bar where men get in fist fights over games of pool. There’s a little of The Doors circa Roadhouse Blues and a bit of Buffalo Springfield too. Put simply, this is the sort of music that they just don’t make any more.

The album’s amazing, but something tells me the energy kicks up a notch when Sister Jane takes the stage. And with many of these shows free, or close to them, there’s really no excuse. Do yourself a favour and put in an order for one of the vinyl copies of the album while you’re there. I imagine Mercy’s only going to sound better with that familiar record crackle thrown into the mix.


5 May 2011 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra (Free entry)
6 May 2011 – Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick (Free entry)
6 May 2011 – Pony, Melbourne (Late show at 2 am)
7 May 2011 – Old Bar, Fitzroy ($10 entry)

Image used with permission from Broken Stone Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vines Play First 2011 Live at the Chapel Show

The Vines will kick off this year’s Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel series will blistering set at Newtown’s St Stephen’s Anglican Church on May 26. It won’t be your typical church music, that’s for sure!

The show will allow the rejuvenated Aussie act to showcase tunes from their forthcoming album Future Primitive, which will hit stores on June 3. The disc features the brand new single “Gimme Love.”

“We’re stoked to play Live At The Chapel, following in the footsteps of some bands that we really admire, like Foo Fighters and Coldplay,” said the band’s lead singer Craig Nicholls. “Can’t wait to play the new album live!”

Head to the Live at the Chapel website to win your way into this exclusive show. It’ll later end up on TV screens, but we all know watching it on the small screen can’t compare to being there!

Image used with permission from Burson-Marsteller

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Perth Musicians Play the Songs of Cole Porter and Gershwin Brothers

Four of Perth’s finest musicians – vocalists Earl Cole, Jay Weston, Clara Helms, and pianist David Wickham – are teaming up to celebrate some of the greatest music ever written for one special night at Mosmans Restaurant.

The musicians will perform the songs of the Gershwin brothers and Cole Porter at this intimate dinner show on May 25. Together these songwriters created some of the most iconic music of all time. To hear it at the riverside restaurant, while enjoying a three-course feast, sounds sublime.

Tickets cost $129 per person, a steal for the three courses, bubbly on arrival, and all the entertainment. Book your place by calling the restaurant on (08) 9383 3388.

Image used with permission from Earl Cole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Generates Major Buzz Ahead of “Epitome” EP Release

I had a massive response when I featured Barry Southgate’s debut single “Don’t You Think” here a few months ago. So I figured it was about time that I updated you on what Barry’s been up to.

It’s been a big couple of months for the former Australian Idol finalist. He recently took the stage in Sydney with Diafrix to support British rapper Tinie Tempah, and got the attention of music critics in Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and even Morocco!

The timing of all this attention couldn’t be more perfect, with Barry preparing to release his debut EP Epitome later this month. After being blown away with “Don’t You Think,” I can’t wait to hear the rest!

Image used with permission from Barry Southgate

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sir Bob Geldof, Danielle Spencer, and Jon Stevens Play Charity Show in Sydney

Sir Bob Geldof will join locals Danielle Spencer and Jon Stevens for the Rock & Rebuild charity concert at Star City’s Lyric Theatre on May 1.

The event comes in the wake of recent disasters around the world. All monies raised by ticket sales and donations made on the night will benefit the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund and the Australian Red Cross’ Victoria Floods Appeal, New Zealand Earthquake Appeal, and Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Image source: International Monetary Fund Photograph/Stephen Jaffe/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

City Riots Take Us On British India Tour with Video Diary

The City Riots seem to be having a ball as they wind their way around Australia supporting British India.

They always say that what happens on tour stays on tour, but the Adelaide indie act is giving us a sneak peek with some video diaries. The first episode has just gone up, and there’s more where that came from. Keep an eye on City Riots’ Vimeo page to see what happens behind the scenes of the following shows!

15 April 2011 – The Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
16 April 2011 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney
21 April 2011 – The Entrance Leagues Club, The Entrance
22 April 2011 – Port Macquarie Panthers, Port Macquarie
23 April 2011 – The Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour
24 April 2011 – The Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
25 April 2011 – Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
12 May 2011 – The Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
13 May 2011 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 May 2011 – Hornsby RSL, Hornsby

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eskimo Joe Play Acoustic Shows Before Splendour

Eskimo Joe will hone their act leading up to their Splendour in the Grass set with some special acoustic shows around the country. The When We Were Kids concerts will feature yet to be released songs and some old favorites stripped back.

The altruistic lads will donate a portion of the profits from all tickets sold to Close the Gap, an Oxfam initiative to improve indigenous health. You can do your bit and buy tickets to one of the following shows at the venues.

20 May 2011 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
21 May 2011 – Fly By Night, Perth
26 May 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
27 May 2011 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
28 May 2011 – Gaelic Club, Sydney

Image source: Johan @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Black Ryder Impresses in America

We haven’t heard much from The Black Ryder since they supported The Cult last May, but this Aussie duo certainly hasn’t been idle. They relocated to Los Angeles to support Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride, which got an American release last September.

They continued their association with The Cult, travelling around the country for 32 shows with the iconic British band. When that wrapped up they set about writing and recording the tracks that would form album number two.
They also continued to play and earn fans, including High Road Touring’s Frank Riley (Patti Smith, Portishead, My Bloody Valentine). He’s now their official US booking agent, which is no doubt helping them open a few more doors.

Frank’s clearly doing his job as The Black Ryder packed out a headline show in January, sold out a performance at San Francisco’s NoisePop festival in February, and performed on the opening night of Concept, part of Los Angeles Fashion Week. And it’s only April!

There are more shows to come this month when The Black Ryder supports Spectrum, fronted by English psychedelic legend Pete Kember. Something tells me we’re not getting The Black Ryder back any time soon, so if you’re stateside make sure you do yourself a favour!

27 April 2011 – Soda Bar, San Diego
28 April 2011 – Troubadour, Los Angeles
29 April to 1 May 2011 – Austin Psych Fest 4
29 April 2011 – Sons of Hermann Hall, Dallas
30 April 2011 – Seaholm Powerplant, Austin
25 May 2011 – Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services