Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jackson McLaren Releases Long-Awaited Debut Album

I was blown away when I saw Jackson McLaren supporting Counting Crows last April. I said at the time that I was really looking forward to hearing more from this talented singer-songwriter. I waited patiently, and now he’s finally released his debut album Songs to Greet the Dawn with his band The Triple Threat.

The album includes the killer new single “Here’s a Memory,” a stirring song which celebrates living life to the fullest. Jackson McLaren & The Triple Threat will play this song and many other choice cuts from Songs to Greet the Dawn at the following shows.

4 June 2014 – The Melbourne Folk Club @ Bella Union, Melbourne
15 June 2014 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
22 June 2014 – The Exeter Hotel, Adelaide
28 June 2014 – Little Features @ Hibernian House, Sydney
29 June 2014 – Menagerie @ The Welcome Hotel, Rozelle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cookin’ on 3 Burners Assemble Star-Studded Cast for “Blind Bet”

Funky Melbourne outfit Cookin’ on 3 Burners are giving us a tantalising taste of their sixth studio album with the release of the hot new single “Losing Streak.” The super-catchy track features homegrown soul superstar Daniel Merriweather on guest vocals. Flip the limited edition vinyl single over to soak up the similarly star-studded B-side “Mind Made Up,” featuring The Bamboo’s Kylie Auldist.

“Losing Streak” is the first song lifted from Blind Bet, which hits stores on July 4. It seems everyone that’s everyone wanted to be a part of it, as it also features guest appearances from Tex Perkins, the Cat Empire’s Harry James Angus, and Electric Empire’s Jason Heerah.

Those guys are going to join Cookin’ on 3 Burners at two very special album launch shows in the major capitals. You can bet these shows are going to be smoking.

4 July 2014 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (feat. Daniel Merriweather, Kylie Auldist, Jason Heerah, Mantra & 1/6 DJs Chris Gill, Manchild & Mz Rizk, Demilition B-Girl and her B-Boy crew)
11 July 2014 – The Basement, Sydney (feat. Tex Perkins, Kylie Auldist, DJs Huwston & JC)

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luke Peacock and The Painted Ladies Cover Vic Simms

In 1973, Indigenous singer-songwriter Vic Simms recorded the pivotal album The Loner from his Bathurst gaol cell. In 2014 his music will get a new lease on life thanks to Brisbane singer-songwriter Luke Peacock. Luke’s assembled a talented bunch of musos, dubbed The Painted Ladies, to reimagine those songs.

“Get Back to the Shadows” is our first taste of that ambitious project. It’s a poignant commentary on discrimination and race relationships wrapped up in a soulful, rockabilly package.

“The thing about Vic Simms’ songs is that they work on so many levels,” Luke explained. “To me as a First Nations man, they give me an instant sense of identity. The characters are people I know, or have known. The stories and the observations seem so familiar to me. They probably would to most people in one way or another. This is not a man who is marching in the streets and preaching politics—he just speaks the truth about his feelings and his life and does it to a groove and a great melody. That’ll move people more than a history book ever could.”

The Painted Ladies Play Selections from “The Loner” hits stores on June 6.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shelley Segal Wows me with “Morocco”

Where has Shelley Segal been all my life? This gorgeous Melbourne chanteuse is preparing to release her third studio album An Easy Escape on June 6, but this is first time I’ve heard her music. It certainly won’t be the last though, because after listening to the lead single “Morocco,” I’m a real fan.

Shelley was inspired to write the song after visiting Marrakech and Essaouira.

“I was completely blown away by the beauty of the country and the colourful, carefree, fun time that was available to me as a tourist,” she explained. “Slowly as the trip went on I began to see some of the darker sides of what it was like for many who lived there.”

The shooting of the video took Shelley back to Morocco where she got to experience “a whirlwind of people, bustling markets and beautiful seaside” all over again.

Shelley will celebrate the release of An Easy Escape with the following shows.

13 June 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
26 June 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
28 June 2014 – Paynesville Wine Bar, Paynesville

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Pierce Brothers Tour New EP, The Night Tree

I raved about The Pierce Brothers back in December when they released the soothing folk single “Tallest Teepee in Town.” Now I’m back, raving about them again ahead of the release of their highly anticipated EP The Night Tree. The recording features the epic acoustic folk single “It’s My Fault.”

The song is a worldly tale exploring forgiveness that builds into a footstomping crescendo reminiscent of Mumford & Sons. But the big difference here is that The Pierce Brothers are just two guys, not four, yet they can create a sound this stirring.

While these Melbourne brothers are homegrown, it seems we’ve been a little slow to cotton on to their brilliance. They’re far from household names here, yet “It’s My Fault” is enjoying chart success in The Netherlands where it’s on the daily playlist of commercial radio giant 3FM. They’ve also toured throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.

Hopefully more locals will start to see what The Pierce Brothers are all about when they kick off their Aussie tour on May 31, a day after the EP’s release.

31 May 2014 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
4 June 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 June 2014 – Solbar, Maroochydore
8 June 2014 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
14 June 2014 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
20 June 2014 – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
26 & 27 June 2014 – Shebeen, Melbourne
28 June 2014 – Spirit Bar, Traralgon
11 July 2014 – Hotel High Plains, Dinner Plain
12 July 2014 – The General, Mt Hotham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ron Pope Ready for Return Aussie Visit

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of New York’s Ron Pope until I saw he was coming to Australia. However, after listening to his new single “Lick My Wounds” I figure it’s a case of better late than never. It’s got a real pop core with country and folk overtones and some clever poetic lyrics. Great stuff.

“Lick My Wounds” comes from Ron’s debut album Calling off the Dogs, which hits local stores on June 6, the same day he kicks off his Aussie tour. This is the first time he’s played here with a full band, and he’s making the most of it with some in some of Australia’s most beloved venues.

He’s no stranger to our shores though, and can’t wait to be back Down Under.

“The people, the culture, the food, the wildlife … I love everything about Australia and I’m so excited to come back and visit my fans down there,” he said in a press release for his upcoming tour.

Tickets are available now for the following shows.

6 June 2014 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 June 2014 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (Under 18 afternoon show)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+ evening show)
13 June 2014 – Astor Lounge, Perth (ALL AGES solo acoustic)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell Teams Up with Broadway’s John Bucchino for Album and Tour

David Campbell is one of my very favourite Aussie performers. I get my daily fix on morning TV, but he really shines when he’s on stage. So I’m thrilled to hear he’s back doing what he does best, after a three-year-musical hiatus, with the help of his Broadway composer idol John Bucchino.

After albums paying tribute to musical decades and genres, David’s celebrating John’s music with his latest release David Campbell Sings John Bucchino. The album’s sure to sound great when you slip it in your stereo, but even better on the stage. David will play these songs with John, and the pair will take the time to share with audiences stories about their friendship, their careers, and the music that binds them.

It’s worth pre-ordering your copy of the album, as all advance orders will be signed by David and John. You’ll also go into the draw to win an ultimate David Campbell Sings John Bucchino prize. How do return flights to Sydney, one night’s accommodation, a venue tour, VIP lunch plus meet and greet with David and John, and front row tickets sound? Fabulous!

Even if you aren’t the lucky winner, you can catch David and John doing their thing at the following intimate shows.

25 May 2014 – Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
6 June 2014 – Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
13 & 14 June 2014 – Adelaide Cabaret Festival
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27 & 28 June 2014 – Hayes Theatre, Sydney
29 June 2014 – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta

Image used with permission from Jaden Social

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Laughton Tours M & R

In her new single “M & R”, Bec Laughton tells us about the abundance of music and rhythm inside of her. And that’s a good thing too, because she’s going to be gigging relentlessly over the next few months.

She’s got the obligatory promotion for the single and the EP of the same name to take care of, as well as high-profile appearances at Singapore’s Music Matters conference and Brisbane’s R’n’B festival Soulfest. No doubt she’ll have the crowds dancing as enthusiastically as the folks in her latest music video at the following shows.

21-24 May 2014 – Music Matters Live @ Clarke Quay, Singapore
31 May 2014 – Salt House, Cairns
7 June 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
13 June 2014 – Armidale Club, Armidale
14 June 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney
19 June 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
22 June 2014 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
27 June 2014 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
28 June 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
29 June 2014 – The Aviary, Perth
3 July 2014 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
4 July 2014 – Golden Vine, Bendigo
25 October 2014 – Soulfest @ Riverstage, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dark Fair Team Up with Adalita for New Single

If you loved grungy ‘90s female rock bands like Hole and Veruca Salt, you’re going to adore Australia’s own Dark Fair. The ladies are preparing to release a new EP You Shouldn’t Be Mine at the end of the month. It features the lead single “Poison,” which boasts Magic Dirt’s Adalita on bass.

Dark Fair will launch You Shouldn’t Be Mine with the following East Coast shows.

24 May 2014 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
31 May 2014 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
21 June 2014 – Captain Cook, Sydney

Image used with permission from Amanda Virtatas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I’ve Found You” – Holly Buchanan

From the moment you slip on Holly Buchanan’s debut EP I’ve Found You, and the title track begins, everything just feels easy. There are not a lot of bells and whistles about this recording from the Central Coast singer-songwriter, but that ensures her natural talent shines.

At just 21 years old, Holly’s crafted a gorgeous collection of acoustic-pop love songs. They’re not going to change the world, but there’s a real beauty and truth about them. They’ve got the hooks that will leave you humming them later, and a real honesty behind them. I was particularly moved by “Love You Peacefully,” one of the more gentle numbers on the recording which showcases Holly’s softer side.

Holly’s vocals are fragile and delicate, a little like Missy Higgins’ with a touch more huskiness. The simple production ensures her angelic voice stays front and centre, with just some laid back drums and acoustic guitars keeping it company.

I’ve Found You is available from iTunes now. Holly will launch it with a hometown show at Quattro Café in Erina on May 16.