Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Zoo Celebrates Earth Hour with Aussie Acoustic Show

Earth Hour Unplugged is back for another year at Melbourne Zoo. Instead of sitting home in the dark, why not head out to this year’s eco-friendly acoustic concert featuring Tim Rogers and local acts Wagons and Blackchords?

While food and beverages will be on sale on site you’re free to BYO, so load up your picnic basket with gourmet treats and a few bottles of bubbles and prepare to soak up the good vibes. It all happens on March 27, with lights out from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

Tickets are on sale now through Melbourne Zoo’s website and 1300 ZOOS VIC. Limited tickets will be available at the gate, but I recommend getting them early to avoid missing out. Gates open at 5:30 pm, which will give you a little time to meet the animals before the show starts at 6:30 pm.

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cherish Live Concert Raises Funds for Young Hospital

Some of Australia’s top entertainers will travel to the country town of Young for a charity show later this month.

Cherish Live will help raise funds for a renal unit at Young Hospital. Currently people requiring kidney dialysis must travel to Canberra three times a week for the treatment, a four-hour return trip which takes its toll on the already sick patients.

Evermore, Thirsty Merc, and Australian Idol graduates Luke Dickens, Roshani Priddis, and Teale Jakubenko will headline the charity show.

This is a really great cause, so I hope anyone who’s even close to Young gets out there and supports it.

Tickets are available online for $80 plus the booking fee.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

General Pants Champions Singles with Major Label

General Pants has branched out into the world of music with its new singles only record label, Major Label.

The clothing retailer has celebrated the launch with the release of three tracks handpicked by the street-savvy chain’s staff. The singles are a real mixed bag. There’s the sweet folk-pop stylings of “Phone Call” from High Highs, the grittier garage sounds of “Another Trick” from Circle Pit, and the trippy electronic tune “In Our Circles” by Guineafowl.

The songs are available to stream through the General Pants website and to purchase at selected online retailers. But this is just the beginning, with the brand putting out its feelers to release plenty more exciting indie tracks. If you want to become a Major Label artist, contact Henry Roberts of Peer Group Media or take your demo to any General Pants store.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I’m Back!

Due to circumstances beyond my control, my former blog Oz Music Scene was shut down. And so I’m starting anew here at Sounds of Oz. It’s a little scary navigating the tech side of things now, but I’m getting there.

While the name might have changed, the philosophy remains the same. I simply want to celebrate the fantastic music of Australia in all its forms. That willingness to embrace all genres and sounds is rare in the blogosphere. Personally I think you’ll find just as many gems on commercial radio as underground internet stations. I hope to keep you updated on the artists that matter to you, and to introduce you to some new favourites along the way.

If you were an Oz Music Scene reader, I’m glad you found me again. Your support means a great deal, and I hope you enjoy my new home here. If you’re a first time reader, I hope you like what you see and visit often. To everyone, settle in and enjoy the ride!

Image source: Loserlady @ stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Retro House Act Black Box Announce Quickie Aussie Tour

2010 may go down in history as the year of nostalgia tours. Following announcements that Spandau Ballet, Tears for Fears, Huey Lewis and the News, Backstreet Boys, and Whitney Houston are heading our way comes word that Black Box will join them.

I haven’t heard a lot about Black Box in recent years. In fact, I haven’t even given them a passing thought. But promoters are hoping that fans will remember their cover of “Fantasy” and the smash hit “Ride on Time.” If you don’t, here’s the video to refresh your memory.

The venues are small, so this might just be a sell out!

7 March 2010 – Market Hotel, Melbourne
13 March 2010 – Function and Convention Centre, Sydney
14 March 2010 – Workers Club, Revesby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassie Davis Don't Wanna Dance Live in Canberra

I must admit, I’m suffering from my mid-week slump a little early this week. Mondays always make it hard to get moving, and it seems Tuesday hasn’t been much better. What I need is a little music to lift my spirits!

The high-energy sounds of Cassie Davis have hit the spot. She recorded this track, ironically titled “Don’t Wanna Dance” as it makes me want to do just that, in front of Parliament House on Australia Day. Word is that this rocking tune may be Cassie’s next single, although it hasn’t been confirmed as yet. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Valentine's Day!

It’s February 14th, and you know what that means. Love is in the air! Or at least, that’s what Hallmark and Cadbury would like you to believe. Personally, I believe you should show the ones you love how much you care every day, but I don’t mind a day that’s all about extra kisses and some cheesy love songs. This one by our own John Paul Young is one of the cheesiest. I really wish I could have tracked down that tragic music video released around the time Strictly Ballroom came out for full effect, but it was not to be. So here’s the original clip with JPY and much hair.

Enjoy, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Unrequited" – Bec Plath

Sometimes the best things come in the simplest packages. I must admit, the rather amateurish cover of Bec Plath’s EP Unrequited didn’t grab me when it arrived on my desk. But then I put it in my stereo, and instantly I was hooked.

Just like the cover, this music isn’t polished by a studio, which is exactly why it’s so compelling. As an independent artist, Bec Plath can express herself freely, wearing her heart on her sleeve and writing songs that are intensely raw. The result is an eclectic mix, and one that leaves me wanting more.

“Polka Dots” has a playful jazz piano feel which calls to mind Regina Spektor or Tori Amos. The title track which follows is much angrier, a big tune that wouldn’t sound out of place on Pat Benatar or Heart album. Those influences are there, but it never sounds like Bec is trying to be anyone else. Instead she easily inhabits the space vacated by strong female singers that came before.

Unrequited hit me in a deeply personal way. It’s that sort of rare CD which you don’t just happily sing along to, you feel. Bec Plath has a very beautiful gift, and I’m thrilled she shared it with me.

Image source: iTunes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Torch Le Monde Announce Quickie Single Tour

Sydney rockers Torch Le Monde have announced a mini-tour to support their new single “You.”

The band describes the track as “a heavy rock beast,” which tells the story of a forsaken relationship from the side of a wronged lover.

“It’s about when a lover is unhappy in a relationship and feels their love is not reciprocated,” explained drummer, Jordan McDonald. “It’s quite personal as the song was inspired by the effects of spending months touring, away from our loved ones. Musically, it is one of our most catchy tracks to date, and live – it’s absolutely killer”!

“You” comes from Torch Le Monde’s long-awaited debut album, which is scheduled for release in late 2010. The tour will take in just four cities next month.

“You’ll get all the stuff you would expect from an awesome rock show – the riffs, the rhythms the soaring vocals and the punishing guitar solos,” said Jordan. “We push ourselves to the limit everytime we play live, because that’s what our fans have come to expect from us”.

It sounds like these are shows well worth seeing!

12 March 2010 – Live At The Wall, Parramatta
13 March 2010 – Newcastle Leagues Club
19 March 2010 – The Globe, Brisbane
20 March 2010 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jaywalker Kick Off East Coast Tour

Central Coast acoustic pop-rock outfit Jaywalker are kicking off their East Coast tour with a home gig tonight.

The band will play capital cities and regional centers in support of their new debut album The Light and Shade. It’s set to drop on February 19, and it’s already been earmarked for Sanity’s Breaking New Artists promotion. This follows the band winning the Newcastle Music Award for best male vocal last year.

You can check out the band and decide for yourself whether they’re worth the hype at the following shows.

11 February 2010 – Lizotte’s Central Coast, Kincumber
12 February 2010 – Northern Star Hotel, Hamilton
13 February 2010 – The Vanguard, Newtown
18 February 2010 – Bon Amici Cafe, Toowoomba
19 February 2010 – X & Y Bar, Brisbane
20 February 2010 – Shark bar @ Miami Tavern, Miami
21 February 2010 – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
25 February 2010 – Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
26 February 2010 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
28 February 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
4 March 2010 – Front Gallery and Café, Lyneham
5 March 2010 – Albion Hotel, Albury
6 March 2010 – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
7 March 2010 – National Hotel, Geelong
12 March 2010 – Port City Bowling Club, Port Macquarie
13 March 2010 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
14 March 2010 – Laurieton Hotel, Laurieton