Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Christine Anu Celebrates 20 Years with Live Album & Tour

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Christine Anu made a splash on the local music scene with her debut album Stylin’ Up? Featuring the hit singles “Party” and “Island Home,” it introduced Australia to one of its most enduring singers.

Christine is celebrating the milestone with a brand new live album, Restylin’ Up 20 Years, due for release on June 19. It features the tracks from that first release plus two extra songs, “Island Home’s” B-side “Kulbay Yaday” and another bonus track, “Ocean of Regret.”

Christine is currently taking music lovers back to the 90s with her Stylin’ Up 20th Anniversary tour. Here are the remaining dates.

13 June 2015 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
14 August 2015 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
15 August 2015 – The Basement, Sydney
21 August 2015 – The Bean Bar, Taree
22 August 2015 – The Jetty Theatre, Coffs Harbour
11 September 2015 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong
12 September 2015 – Laycock Street Theatre, North Gosford
24 October 2015 – The Hydro Majestic, Blue Mountains

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Telescopes Release Great New Single “Grow Lonely”

Victorian band Telescopes have released a stunning new single “Grow Lonely,” lifted from their brand new release 001 EP.

This song’s a bit of a slow burner but it really grew on me. It’s got a great ‘90s grunge influence but its vocals are more haunting than most of the acts that decade produced. It builds to a killer crescendo, so make sure you stick with it.

Not one to sit still for long, Telescopes are already in the studio working on a follow-up to 001 EP. It’s due out later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harts Ready to Tour Bluesy “Breakthrough” EP

Killer guitarist, skilled songwriter, talented producer, and all-round good guy Harts is set to release a brand new EP, appropriately titled Breakthrough.

The EP doesn’t drop until June 5, but it seems Melbourne’s Harts might have already made his breakthrough. He released his debut album Daydreamer last year, which saw him invited to play with Prince at Paisley Park. It doesn’t get much bigger than that folks. And with tracks like the bluesy original “Red & Blue” under his belt, it’s not hard to see why he’s impressing all the right people.

To coincide with Breakthrough’s release, Harts will undertake his largest local tour to date. Once that wraps up he’s got plans to head to New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom, so who knows when we’ll get him back. See him while you can at the following shows.

5 June 2015 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
6 June 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 June 2015 – The Loft, Warrnambool
12 June 2015 – Amplifier, Perth
13 June 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (FREE)
14 June 2015 – The Newport Hotel, Fremantle
19 June 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
20 June 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
25 June 2015 – Moonshine, Manly (FREE)
26 June 2015 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
27 June 2015 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
4 July 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
9 July 2015 – The Gapview Hotel, Alice Springs
10 July 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane
11 July 2015 – The Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
12 July 2015 – Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Cribb & The Isolated Get Set for Album Tour

Perth pop-punk trio Dan Cribb & The Isolated are giving us a taste of their high-energy debut album As We Drift Apart with the cracking new single “Let’s Move to New York.” The song sees the band collaborating with Kisschasy frontman Darren Cordeux.

Darren’s not the only star featuring on the album though. Nick Diener of The Swellers met Dan at The Fest in 2012 and they became such firm friends that he’s an honourary member of the band. You can hear his bass lines and vocals on every track on the album, which should provide another reason for punk fans to put their hands in their pocket for this one.

As We Drift Apart hits stores tomorrow, May 15. To celebrate its release, Dan Cribb & The Isolated will play three launch shows around the country.

23 May 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
12 June 2015 – Public Bar, Melbourne
13 June 2015 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mike Waters Gambles on Musical Career

It’s amazing to think that Mike Waters has spent the last decade working in a corporate job, keeping his musical light hidden under a bushel. He wrote songs in secret in his bedroom, and floored his family members, friends, and colleagues when he showed them exactly what he could do.

His debut single is “Gambling Man” and it’s just incredible. It’s folky and honest and accessible without being boring. It’s such an appropriate song too with its lyrics about diving headfirst into life and taking chances even when the odds seem to be against you.

“Gambling Man” comes from Mike Waters debut EP Life, which will be released independently tomorrow, May 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Born Joy Dead Announce EP Launch Shows

Former Hungry Kids of Hungary frontman Ben Dalton teased us with new music from his latest endeavour Born Joy Dead with last year’s release of the single “Upside Down Inside Out.” Now with the official release of the EP Stones in My Shoe I’ve had the chance to hear a little more.

The single sets up the EP nicely. The music is upbeat and light-hearted, with a grungy fuzziness that roughens up its pop core. Born Joy Dead will showcase their new material at the following launch shows.

8 May 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
16 May 2015 – Little and Oliver, Melbourne
7 June 2015 – Livespark @ Powerhouse, Brisbane (FREE)
19 June 2015 – Mum @ The World Bar, Kings Cross

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In Hearts Wake Release Doco Ahead of Skydancer Release

Byron Bay metalcore act In Hearts Wake are set to release their new album Skydancer, a companion piece to last year’s Earthwalker. Both albums were actually recorded in the same session back in 2013. Skydancer’s release was hinted at last year, when a hidden booklet in the Earthwalker CD contained the lyrics to current single “Breakaway,” but fans didn’t really know what they were until now.

I was fascinated to hear vocalist Jake Taylor talking about the relationship between the masculine and feminine worlds that inspired this twin release. At close to nine minutes, the documentary accompanying Skydancer’s release might be a little long for an internet audience, but it makes for compelling viewing. Seriously, grab yourself a cup of tea and check it out.

Skydancer will hit stores on May 1. In Hearts Wake will celebrate the album’s release with the following shows.
28 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (Under 18)
29 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (18+)
30 May 2015 – Roundhouse, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
31 May 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (Licensed/All Ages)
2 June 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages)
3 June 2015 – Metropolis, Fremantle (18+)
4 June 2015 – HQ, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
5 June 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+)
6 June 2015 – Arrows, Melbourne (All Ages)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dex Releases Fly Tune

One of the greatest things about the Australian hip hop scene is that it remembers what the genre should be about. Most American rappers might care more about bling and bitches, but our local acts are penning poignant songs with real substance.

The latest of this new breed is Dex, a 16-year-old wunderkind from Melbourne. He loves Bliss & Eso and Hilltop Hoods, but he’s no copycat. With his new single “Fly” he showcases his gift for crafting heartfelt lyrics and delivering cutting rhymes. He’s not just good for 16; he’s just good.

“Fly” comes from Dex’s mixtape Something to Say, which drops on April 20. He’ll launch it with shows at Fitzroy’s Laundry Bar on April 10 and 11.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hiatus Kaiyote Wow Me With “Breathing Underwater”

Melbourne act Hiatus Kaiyote are still largely unknown here, but their debut album Tawk Tomahawk spawned a Grammy nominated single “Nakamarra” and earned the respect of music heavyweights like Prince, Pharrell, and Erykah Badu.

Maybe they’ll get the attention they deserve at home with album number two, Choose Your Weapon, which drops next month. It features the amazing single “Breathing Underwater.” I must admit, I wasn’t sure about it when I first listened, but give it some time and let it build. It’s brilliant.

We’ll find out just how good the rest of the new album is when Choose Your Weapon is released on May 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jebediah Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Album & Tour

Karnivool aren’t the only ones celebrating a milestone. Jebediah have clocked up 20 years in the business, and they’re ringing in the anniversary with a retrospective album and tour.

The Twenty album features 20 tracks handpicked by the band and spanning their entire career. It’s a great chance of reminiscing, or the perfect introduction for music lovers who’ve only just discovered the band’s music. Twenty will be available in digital, double CD, or double vinyl and double CD formats tomorrow.

Jebediah will tour the country with special supports from some of their best friends in the business, including many who are reforming just for the occasion. Each show will see Jebediah performing some of their biggest hits before playing their debut album Slightly Odway in its entirety. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows from Jebediah’s website.

5 June 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (with Front End Loader)
12 June 2015 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (with Screamfeeder)
19 June 2015 – The Corner Hotel, Richmond (with Fur)
25 June 2015 – HQ, Adelaide (with Red Jezebel)
26 June 2015 – Astor Theatre, Perth (with Turnstyle)

Image used with permission from Jones PR