Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sunnyboys Release Best Of, and Announce Album Tour

The Sunnyboys are celebrating the songs that made them famous with a greatest hits album, dubbed Our Best Of, and the announcement of their first shows since 1991.

The greatest hits album features 16 of the Sunnyboys most iconic tracks, all remastered and handpicked by the band. There are the hit singles like “Alone With You” of course, but also some fan favourites and previously unreleased material. Our Best Of will be released on CD and digitally on December 6. I might be biased, but I’d opt for the CD which includes a 14-page booklet charting the band’s history and the meanings behind their songs.

The Sunnyboys will recruit fellow 80s icons including The Stems, The Frowning Clouds, and ex-Died Pretty frontman Ron S. Peno for the following reunion shows. Tickets are on sale now.

14 & 15 March 2014 – The Northern, Byron Bay
21 March 2014 – The Forum, Melbourne
23 March 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
28 March 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane
29 March 2014 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image credit: Lucinda Bilson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimi Beavis Unleashes “Gentleman Giant”

Brisbane bluesman Jimi Beavis takes the road less travelled with the quirky new album Gentleman Giant.

The lead single “You’re Much too Young for Me” gives us a taste of what we can expect from this unusual artist. The track has a gorgeous old-timey blues feel, but it’s imbued with a thoroughly modern sense of humour. Jimi says the track came about when he returned to university as a mature age student and found himself surrounded by so many much younger, incredibly attractive women.

Jimi says Gentleman Giant has been in the makings since he was a teen listening to the music of Bob Dylan and his contemporaries, and later the music that inspired their sound. Through this period of keen musical discovery he amassed an insane knowledge of roots music as well as some serious harmonica skills. It comes on the back of Jimi’s two EPs, which gave him the studio experience he needed to tackle this ambitious long-player.

To celebrate Gentleman Giant’s release, Jimi will play a trio of launch shows in the East Coast capitals later this month.

Jimi Beavis will release Gentleman Giant independently on November 29. It’ll be available online from Jimi’s Bandcamp site, at selected Brisbane music stores, and at the following shows.

28 November 2013 – The Public Bar, Melbourne
1 December 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
8 December 2013 – Coogee Diggers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Pricewar Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature Come Home for Christmas Shows

In the 90s there were plenty of opportunities to see Human Nature. It seemed they were always appearing at a local shopping centre, performing on a TV program, or playing anywhere from an RSL to an entertainment centre. Those were the days. I remember fondly making glittery signs, queuing for hours to get the best possie, and screaming my teenage lungs out from the front row.

We’re all a little older now and plenty of things have changed. I resigned myself to the fact that Toby and I just weren’t meant to be and found a husband that makes a pretty good stand-in. I also expanded my musical tastes although I still turn up their songs when they come on the radio. And Toby, Phil, Andrew, and Mike packed their bags and moved to Las Vegas where they’ve been wowing crowds for the last six years.

They’re half a world away from home, but the guys from Human Nature make the trip back every December to spend Christmas with their families and play shows for the fans who miss them terribly. This December is no exception. Human Nature tickets are now on sale for The Christmas Tour. As its name suggests, this tour will see the four-piece vocal group performing Christmas classics alongside their smash pop singles and the Motown hits that took them to Vegas all those years ago. Many of those festive tunes will also be featured on Human Nature’s The Christmas Album, which will hit Aussie stores tomorrow.

If like me you remember your heart skipping a few beats over Australia’s own boy band, you can see Human Nature at one of the following shows next month.

5-8 December 2013 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
13 & 14 December 2013 – Jupiter’s Casino, Brisbane
17 & 18 December 2013 – State Theatre, Sydney
19 December 2013 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
20 December 2013 – Perth Zoo

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Middleton Announces “Translations” Launch Shows

Darren Middleton’s solo album Translations is in stores today!

The first solo effort from the former Powderfinger guitarist is a great collection of alternative pop tunes, including the lead single “Let Go.” It features guest appearances from some of Darren’s famous mates including Bernard Fanning, Nic Cester, Pete Murray, Clare Bowditch, and Stonefield’s Amy Findlay.

After earning rave reviews for his first live show at Big Sound, Darren’s giving fans in the other major capitals a chance to experience Translations in the flesh. With a stellar line-up featuring members of Clare Bowditch’s band and Something for Kate in tow, Darren will play the following intimate album launch shows. These are the only headlining gigs he’ll play this year, so make sure you seize the opportunity to see him while you can!

22 November 2013 – The Vanguard, Sydney
23 November 2013 – The Toff, Melbourne
29 November 2013 – Old Museum, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vaudeville Smash Gets into Halloween Spirit with V-Grade Horror


We might not really do Halloween in this country, but I still have to applaud Vaudeville Smash for embracing the holiday with its latest EP V-Grade Horror. The disc is an ode to the schlocky horror flicks that terrified the band members as youngsters.

It features the lead single “Become the Night,” an epic vamp-disco number which features Tiaryn Griggs on guest vocals. She takes the part of a woman tempted to join the ranks of the undead! Other highlights include “Zombies Ate My Neighbours” and “Ghouls.”

You can get your fright on with Vaudeville Smash when they launch V-Grade Horror at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on November 1.

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We The People Charm with “Sweetheart”

If the single “Sweetheart” is anything to go by, Melbourne indie act We The People are a band to watch. It seems the public agrees with me, as the song racked up more than 2000 YouTube views in its first week. The infectiously upbeat number is our first taste of their EP The Truth About Fables, which will hit stores on November 8.

The band had me from the first perfectly harmonized notes. This song has such a great energy, and a great mix of electronic layers and classic guitar riffs.

With such vitality on the recording, you can be sure We The People will rock on stage. See them do just that when they launch The Truth About Fables at the following shows.

7 November 2013 – The Worker’s Club, Melbourne
9 November 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool
21 November 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
22 November 2013 – The Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
28 November 2013 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
29 November 2013 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
30 November 2013 – Spin Cycle @ The Wool Exchange, Geelong
6 December 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart
7 December 2013 – The Iron Horse, Launceston
13 December 2013 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Imogen Bell Impresses with “Snow Covered Hill”


Ease yourself into the working week with Imogen Bel and her stunning single “Snow Covered Hill.”

This is music at its purest. Imogen’s voice is sublime, and her lyrics poetic. The gentle piano arrangement supports these elements without overwhelming them. The song was produced in collaboration with Josh Schuberth and it features a stunning accordion guest spot from jazz queen Elana Stone.

“Snow Covered Hill” is available now through Imogen’s Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Flew the Coop

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke Announces Tour to Celebrate Crowdfunding Success

When Kate Miller-Heidke decided to release her first independent album with the help of her fans, she couldn’t have anticipated the response. She reached the target for recording and promoting O Vertigo! in just three days. That makes Kate’s Pledge Music campaign the fastest and most successfully direct-to-fan crowdfunding campaign by an Australian artist ever.

You might think that means you shouldn’t give, but there are still plenty of reasons to part with your cash. Everyone who pledges will receive a free download of an 11-track live album recorded on Kate’s Heavenly Sounds tour last year, and a download of O Vertigo! on release day, which is expected to be March 14. You can also score some amazing goodies including a spot on Kate’s guestlist for life, Kate’s own Wurlitzer piano, and Kate playing at your wedding. Five percent of all money raised will also help the World Wildlife Fund for Nature in their efforts to save the Great Barrier Reef.

It seems a bit early to start making plans for next March-April, but Kate wants us to lock her O Vertigo! album tour dates into our calendars. Which show will you see?

12 March 2014 – York Theatre @ Seymour Centre, Sydney
14 & 15 March 2014 – Paradiso Spiegeltent @ Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
18 March 2014 – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
21 & 22 March 2014 – Quarry Ampitheatre, Perth
5 April 2014 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Astrid & The Asteroids Launch EP with Hometown Show

Brisbanenites, your Sunday entertainment is sorted. Astrid & The Asteroids will launch their self-titled EP at the Kerbside Bar from 6:30 pm, a totally respectable time for an evening out before a workday. Best of all, the event’s completely free!

The band’s second EP showcases their refusal to adhere to genres. Instead they like to dabble in pop, jazz, and soul, as we hear on their latest single “Autopsy.” The likeable number tells the not so likable story of Charles Whitman, a sniper whose undiagnosed brain tumour might have had something to do with his suicidal killing spree.

The EP came about when Astrid & The Asteroids won the 2012 Billy Thorpe Scholarship, and they acknowledge that it might never have come to fruition without that support.

“The financial support it gave us allowed us to focus on putting our heart and soul into our music, without the mind-numbing worry of money,” frontwoman Astrid Jorgenson explained. “For entrusting us with this honour, we are eternally grateful.”

If you’re not in Brisbane, don’t worry. Astrid & The Asteroids promises to announce a string of EP launch shows soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Prepares to Launch “Chapter Seven”

Damien Leith won the Australian Idol title in 2006, but his career since has been overshadowed by the year’s runner-up Jessica Mauboy. Damien’s refused to just fade away though. Instead he’s worked consistently, releasing album after album and playing small venues to promote them. On November 1 he’ll release his seventh, appropriately titled Chapter Seven.

Chapter Seven is a collection of gentle acoustic pop and folk numbers that are clearly close to Damien’s heart. He wrote every one of the 12 tracks, including lead single “Without a Fight,” and recorded most of them in the Sydney studio he built with his own two hands. Damien also produced the album which is his first release as an independent artist.

“In the album I cover a lot of different themes, love, loss and everything in between. But I’ve tried to approach them from a positive outlook,” Damien explained. “It’s true to the style people know me for.”

Damien will introduce audiences around the country to his new songs, and reacquaint them with old favourites, at the following shows.

31 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
1 November 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
2 November 2013 – The BLVD Tavern, Perth
3 November 2013 – Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club, Mandurah
7 November 2013 – The Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
8 November 2013 – Mon Komo Hotel, Brisbane
9 November 2013 – Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane
10 November 2013 – Victoria Point Sharks Club, Brisbane
13 November 2013 – Roth’s Wine Bar, Mudgee
14 November 2013 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
15 November 2013 – The Brass Monkey, Sydney
16 November 2013 – The Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
22 November 2013 – Launceston Country Club, Launceston
23 November 2013 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
29 November 2013 – The Abbey, Canberra
30 November 2013 –  Velvet Room @ Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
6 December 2013 – Dural Country Club, Dural
7 December 2013 – Studio @ Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
8 December 2013 – Speers Point Carols @ Speers Point Park, Newcastle
12 December 2013 – Bean Bar and Café, Taree
13 December 2013 – Pier One @ Panthers, Port Macquarie
14 December 2013 – The Basement, Sydney