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 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)
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’ 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’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
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
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
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
Local electronic prodigy Japanese Wallpaper will release his self-titled debut EP tomorrow. It’s a celebration of the incredible music he’s produced over the last 18 months, including the dreamy recent single “Forces ft. Airling.”
Japanese Wallpaper will mark the EP’s release with a string of shows to warm up for his big Splendour in the Grass slot. These will be his last shows for the year as he hits the books and prepares for his final exams.
2 July 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
4 July 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (18+)
5 July 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (ALL AGES)
11 July 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
12 July 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
24 July 2015 – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay
Image used with permission from Inertia
Suze DeMarchi has assembled one of the best line-ups of special guests that I’ve seen in some time for her brand new album Home, her first released through Social Family Records. Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, Tex Perkins, Russell Morris, Dallas Frasca, and Shane Nicholson all perform with the Baby Animals frontwoman.
The album’s title is very appropriate, as the recording comes at a time when Suze’s again calling Australia her home base. The songs are also covers of tracks artists like Ryan Adams, Sheryl Crow, and Adele have penned about home.
Suze DeMarchi will give music lovers a taste of Home at an intimate preview show at Newtown Social Club on July 9 ahead of the album’s July 24 release.
Image used with permission from Social Family Records