The Beards Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Album & Tour

When The Beards formed back in 2005, they intended to play just one show. But now a decade on, the Adelaide quartet has released four albums, earned two ARIA nominations, played sold out shows in Australia, Europe, and North America, and spearheaded a beard revolution. They’re celebrating the milestone with the release of a special anniversary double album and an anniversary tour.

“When we started out, we didn’t anticipate just how much global demand there would be for songs about beards,” mused frontman Johann Beardraven. “It’s been really amazing to discover that so many other people around the world share our unwavering enthusiasm when it comes to beards.”

The ten-year retrospective album, which will be released soon, is a best of compilation including rarities packaged with a live album recorded at The Metro in Sydney earlier this year.

The Ten Long Years, One Long Beard tour will visit the following Aussie cities this October. Tickets are on sale now from The Beards’ website.

2 October 2015 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
3 October 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
8 October 2015 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 October 2015 – The Pelly Bar, Frankston
10 October 2015 – The Village Green, Mulgrave
15 & 16 October 2015 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
17 October 2015 – Coopers Ale House, Wallaroo
23 October 2015 – Bondi Beach Rd Hotel, Sydney
24 October 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
25 October 2015 – Rocks Brewery, Sydney

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Gurrumul Gives Praise with “Jesu” From The Gospel Album

I don’t know what it is about the music of Gurrumul, but listening to him just makes me feel at peace. I don’t need to know what he’s singing about, because I can feel it on an emotional level. Checking out the film clip for “Jesu,” the lead single from Gurrumul’s third studio album The Gospel Album, is just what I needed on this Friday afternoon.

The clip for this song of praise was recorded on location at Brighton’s Trinity Uniting Church and Galiwinku on Elcho Island. It’s the ideal companion for this mellow gospel tune.

The Gospel Album sees Gurrumul delivering his take on the spiritual songs the Christian missionaries brought to Arnhem Land. It’s in stores on July 31, just a couple of days after Gurrumul kicks off the album tour.

29 July 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 August 2015 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
5 August 2015 – Festival Theatre @ Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide
8 August 2015 – Supersense Festival, Melbourne
10 August 2015 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
12 August 2015 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth

Big Strong Brute Dances Up a Storm in “Wait” Clip

Big Strong Brute has channelled Napoleon Dynamite with the fun clip for his new single “Wait.” The song’s great, but this visual feast of a music video adds another level of enjoyment. Is there anything better on a Friday than watching the Brisbane artist let loose in his loungeroom?

“Wait” comes from Big Strong Brute’s new EP Good Work, which will be released on July 31.

The Paper Kites Debut Big New Sound with “Electric Indigo”

The Paper Kites have really impressed me with every one of their singles, so it surprises me to realise I’ve never actually written about them here. The release of their new single “Electric Indigo” and their upcoming Aussie tour is the perfect time to change all that.

There’s such a surety about everything this Melbourne quintet releases, and that makes their music feel comfortable from the first listen. This song is instantly accessible but complex, with lush instrumentation and gorgeous vocals. “Electric Indigo” sounds a bit bigger than their previous releases, but it ticks all the boxes for me.

It’s the first track lifted from The Paper Kites’ forthcoming album twelvefour, which hits stores on August 28. Following that, the band will hit the road and play the following shows all around the country. Don’t wait until then to get your tickets. I predict they’re going to sell quickly.

15 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
16 October 2015 – Amplifier, Perth
17 October 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
22 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (ALL AGES)
23 October 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – The Workers Club, Geelong
29 October 2015 – Solbar, Maroochydore
30 October 2015 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast
31 October 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
5 November 2015 – Lizotte’s, Lambton (ALL AGES)
6 November 2015 – The Metro, Sydney (ALL AGES)
7 November 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul (ALL AGES)

Way of the Eagle Launches Album with Special Guests

Melbourne’s Jan Skubiszewski has produced music from a who’s who of industry talent, including Dan Sultan, John Butler Trio, and Illy. Now he’s flexing even more creative muscles with the recent release of his album Kodo under the moniker Way of the Eagle.

Jan serves as songwriter, musician, composer, and of course producer on the album, which has seen him collaborating with the likes of Dan Sultan, Illy, Harry James Angus from The Cat Empire and, on his latest single “Sweet Addiction,” American soul singer Bobby Saint.

“I love melodic songs and writing songs with different singers,” Jan explained. “And I think people love to sing along to songs – I know I do. I want that to be a really big part of Way Of The Eagle. I’ve written this music so that lots of people can enjoy it. It’s not dense jazz music and it’s not taking itself too seriously. There’s a strong sense of musicality, but the essence of it is to make people get up and have a good time.”

If you have a good time listening to “Sweet Addiction,” you going to want to see Jan playing shows in the east coast capitals next month. Dan Sultan, Benji Lewis, and Ceeko will be along for the ride, making these gigs you won’t forget in a hurry.

14 August 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
15 August 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 August 2015 – Howler, Melbourne

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

The Drones Celebrate “Wait Long’s” 10th Anniversary

The Drones’ Sydney Opera House gig celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their critically acclaimed album Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of your Enemies Float By went so well in May, the Melbourne band’s decided to take the show on the road. They’ll play songs from the album, some other old favourites, and some new stuff too at intimate venues across the country this August and September.

To celebrate the album’s milestone, Wait Long will be released as a deluxe double 180g vinyl LP with a digital download an unreleased live album. You can preorder your copy now from The Drones’ website.

Tickets are on sale now for the following anniversary shows.

20 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, The Lighthouse @ Festival Park, Darwin
22 August 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 August 2015 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 August 2015 – Triffid, Brisbane
4 September 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
5 September 2015 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
6 September 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Katie Noonan Back to Band with Transmutant

Katie Noonan’s musical evolution has been nothing short of stunning. I always eagerly anticipate her album releases because I’m never sure just what I’m going to get, but I’m confident it’ll be beautiful.

She’s about to begin her latest chapter with the release of Transmutant on July 24, an ethereal collection of songs which takes Katie back to fronting a band. With her new outfit Vanguard she creates exciting soundscapes which pair beautifully with her heavenly voice.

Katie’s Vanguard will take Transmutant on the road later this year with shows in intimate venues around the country. Tickets are on sale now.

15 October 2015 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
16 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
17 & 18 October 2015 – Melbourne Festival, Melbourne
22 October 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
23 October 2015 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
24 October 2015 – Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester
25 October 2015 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
28 October 2015 – Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle
29 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
30 & 31 October 2015 – John Painter Hall @ AIM, Sydney
5 November 2015 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
6 November 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Spicers Vineyard Estate, Hunter Valley

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Lior’s Autumn Flow Turns 10

Has it really been 10 years since Lior released Autumn Flow? Every time I spot an anniversary tour announcement like this I become incredibly conscious of my age! It really does seem like only yesterday that I first heard “This Old Love” and became instantly besotted.

If that clip’s got you feeling nostalgic, you’ll be interested to know that Lior will rerelease his debut album with previously unreleased tracks to mark the milestone. He’s also announced a string of theatre shows where he’ll play Autumn Flow from start to finish as well as other choice cuts from his back catalogue.

Tickets are available now from Metropolis Touring for the following shows.

9 October 2015 – Anitas Theatre, Thirroul
10 October 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
16 October 2015 – Athenaeum, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
30 October 2015 – Astor Theatre, Perth
31 October 2015 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

Josh Pyke Treats Fans with Exclusive Album Packages and Shows

I just love Josh Pyke. And after listening to “There’s a Line,” the first song lifted from Josh’s fifth studio album But for all These Shrinking Hearts, I think I love him just a little more. And I love that he loves his fans. His social media followers were the first to clamp eyes on the video for the track, and to get a live link to pre-order the new album.

The fans-first album pre-orders get a deluxe edition of the album plus two exclusive tracks, a collector’s lyric magnet set, and a ticket to one of his special fans first shows. These gigs aren’t ticketed and they’re only available to people who pre-order the package.

“Writing and making this record has been one of the most pleasurable and creatively challenging things I’ve done, and I bloody well love the end result,” Josh explained. “After the making of the record, it’s pretty much up to you guys whether it travels and is shared and becomes part of people’s lives, so please share the news, the music, your thoughts. As always I owe any kind of continued success to you all, so thank you!”

If you’re not pre-ordering, you can get your hands on But for all These Shrinking Hearts on July 31. But seriously, why wouldn’t you pre-order when it’ll get you in to one of these shows?

29 July 2015 – The Soda Factory, Sydney
5 August 2015 – Bella Union, Melbourne
6 August 2015 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 August 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Palace of the King Release Rocking Debut Album

Melbourne rock act Palace of the King take me back to the 70s with their new track “Another Thing Coming.” It’s got a great classic rock feel, with chunky guitars and a chorus that just begs you to sing along.

The song comes from the band’s debut album White Bird/Burn the Sky, which was released today. They’re currently touring it around the country before they head to Europe for shows in October. Those international dates are yet to be finalised, so keep your ear to the ground if you’re living abroad!

19 June 2015 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
4 July 2015 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
12 July 2015 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney