Category: News

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann, & Holly Throsby Album One Step Closer

It’s only March, but I’m already predicting that the three-way collaboration between Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann, and Holly Throsby is going to be one of the real gems released this year. With three of our greatest singer-songwriters involved, female or otherwise, how could it go wrong?

Sarah writes on her blog that the album, which was recorded last August, has finally been mastered. So it’s only a matter of time before we get to hear it. The record was laid down in just ten days, so I’m expecting a really spontaneous feel and the sort of genius that comes out when such talent just flows.

She adds that we’ll “hopefully get to hear” it “very soon,” although I’ve got to admit that it can’t come soon enough! I’m already fantasising about that triple-bill tour!

Image source: Stuart Stevasos @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Soundslikebrisbane Promote Queensland Music with Free Sampler Album

There are few things I like more than free local music. And there’s some of the best this country has to offer on the free sampler CD from soundslikebrisbane.

Just as its name suggests, soundslikebrisbane is a cooperative of independent Queensland based record labels. Currently there are 17 labels and counting involved, including Dew Process, Plus One Records, Red Tape Entertainment, and heaps more. They’re showcasing the very best that the state’s capital has to offer which is a whole lot of diverse recording. The labels promote a bit of everything, including raw garage rock, smooth jazz, hip hop, mainstream pop, and country.

As a passionate New South Welshmen, perhaps I shouldn’t be throwing my support behind my rival state. But good music is good music, and it’s made even better when it’s accessible to the masses.

Check it out at the soundslikebrisbane website!

Image source: soundslikebrisbane website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Musicians in the Running for Cleo Bachelor of the Year

Allow me to be a bit superficial for a moment. I think there are few things sexier than a musician, so I’m not surprised to see quite a few local musical men making Cleo’s Bachelor of the Year shortlist.

Celebrity spawn seems to be the order of the day, as Don Lane’s son PJ Lane and James Reyne’s son Jamie Robbie Reyne have both made the cut.

Singing reality TV stars have also got a look in. From Australia’s Got Talent, there’s the all-singing all-dancing Justice Crew member Emmanuel Javier Rodriguez. And then there’s another Channel Seven discovery, Joel O’Dea, who you may know better as one half of X Factor’s Luke and Joel.

There are also the chart toppers. Cameron Laing, the guitarist for Amy Meredith and singer-songwriter Mark Sholtez are also in the top 50.

And for all the mums out there, there’s Stevie Nicholson from Hi 5. Who knew children’s entertainers could be so cute?

Who’s your pick to take out the top spot this year? And who would you have liked to see on the Top 50?

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Birds of Tokyo Lose Bass Guitarist

Birds of Tokyo might be one of the hottest bands in the country, but that hasn’t been enough to convince bassist Anthony Jackson to stick around.

No tangible reason has been given for the split, but it seems the members of the band are still on good terms.

“[Birds Of Tokyo] wish to announce that we have come to the end of a journey [the band’s Canadian tour] with one of our own. Our mate Anthony will no longer be playing with Birds,” a statement on the band’s Facebook page read. “We have always believed in organic movement and following the heart and gut. We love our friend and sincerely wish all the best for him. We are very positive about the future and look forward to walking down some amazing new avenues shortly. Stay tuned. ;)”

Word on the streets is that Anthony actually left the band a month ago, and Sugar Army’s bassist Ian Berney has been filling in. It’ll be interesting to see who’s holding the bass when Birds of Tokyo play their upcoming shows, including the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix and Groovin the Moo dates.

Image source: Birds of Tokyo website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Headlines Bands Across the Water Thai Charity Event

Jimmy Barnes will lead a lineup of Aussie rock legends performing for charity in Thailand this June. Angry Anderson, Jon Stevens, Swanee, and Kevin Borich will also play at Khao Lak’s Mukdara Resort from June 7 to 13 under the banner of Bands Across the Water.

Funds raised will benefit Hands Across the Water, a charity group which helps children orphaned by 2004’s Boxing Day tsunami. The cause is particularly dear to Jimmy’s heart as his wife Jane is Thai. While her family survived the disaster, they were all too aware of the devastation around them.

If you’ve got the cash to spare this will be a holiday to remember. The resort has four stars, the musical line-up is superb, and you’ll earn some serious good karma at the same time. Package deals are available through the Bands Across the Water website.

Image source: Bands Across the Water website