Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Israel Cannan’s Epic Aussie Journey Inspires Amazing Album

Israel CannanI love discovering new music that really revs me. The latest act to get me excited is Israel Cannan, a young singer-songwriter who’s taken a long literal and metaphorical journey to reach the place he’s at today.

Israel released his debut EP at the tender age of 18, but after a few successful tours and radio attention he soon became disillusioned by the corporate machine. And so earlier this year he decided to leave his home in coastal New South Wales and travel around the country.

With little more than a guitar, a beat up old van, and a great friend by his side Israel travelled to some of Australia’s most remote towns, using the money he made from busking to get from one spot to the next. He offered free singles to the people who came to hear him play, and learned a lot about Australia and himself.

From this epic journey came Walk, Israel’s debut album. It’s an impressive piece, especially considering that he wrote all the tracks, engineered them, and played all the instruments.

Israel documented his travels through a series of 22 video blogs, which you can now see on his YouTube page, along with this film clip for the incredible song “Letting Go.” If you love gentle indie folk in the vein of Iron & Wine and Ben Harper, you need to check this out.

Walk is currently available through Israel Cannan’s website and digitally from iTunes. Check it out!


Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Hoodoo Gurus Tour Purity of Essence, Release Limited Edition CD

The Hoodoo Gurus’ ninth studio album Purity of Essence will get a rerelease next month to coincide with the band’s national tour.

If you haven’t picked it up already, or you’re a hard-core fan, make sure you visit your local record store on November 12 to grab the special edition CD and DVD. It will feature the six-part Must Travel On Wheels mockumentary, which you might have caught online earlier this year.

The Hoodoo Gurus toured this album earlier the year, but after taking the show to Europe, the UK, and America in recent months the end of year shows are sure to be pretty tight. They’ll be ably supported on most nights by surf rockers The Break, featuring Midnight Oils’ Rob Hirst, Martin Rotsey, and Jim Moginie alongside The Violent Femmes’ Brian Ritche.

Expect to hear all the classics and new songs too at the upcoming Hoodoo Gurus shows!

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Australian band Hoodoo Gurus arrive at the ARIA Hall of Fame at the Regent Theatre on July 18, 2007 in Melbourne, Australia. This year's event inducts Radio Birdman, Brian Cadd, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons, the Hoodoo Gurus, Marcia Hines and Frank Ifield into the Australian Recording Industry Association's Hall of Fame, reflecting the rich tapestry of Australian music. (Photo by Simon Fergusson/Getty Images)


17 November 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Mildura
19 November 2010 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
24 November 2010 – Fisho’s, Manly
26 November 2010 – Revesby Workers
27 November 2010 – The Forum, Sydney
28 November 2010 – Sharkies, Cronulla
1 December 2010 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
3 December 2010 – Hotel Shoppingtown, Doncaster
4 December 2010 – Chelsea Heights Hotel
5 December 2010 – Macs Hotel, Melton
8 December 2010 – Queensland show TBA
10 December 2010 – Twin Towns Ex Services Club, Tweed Heads
11 December 2010 – HiFi Bar, Brisbane
12 December 2010 – Redlands Multi Sports Club, Birkdale
17 December 2010 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
18 December 2010 – Ferntree Gully Hotel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ryan Meeking and the Few Tour New EP

The gorgeous Ryan Meeking and the Few will hit the road next month to support their brand new EP We’re Still Saying Nothing.

Funnily enough, the band is saying plenty. This is their third EP following the release of Broken Cars & Empty Pockets and the wonderful Night Owls. Thankfully after all those short releases, a full length album isn’t too far away. Ryan began to record it in the middle of the year with super producer Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Pearl Jam, Nine Days).

After two months spent recording and mixing the album in Atlanta, the band is itching to get back in front of local fans. They’ll do just that at the following shows.

9 October 2010 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
10 October2010 – Noosa Surf Club, Noosa
14 October 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane
15 October 2010 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
16 October 2010 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
20 October 2010 –  Lizotte’s, Kincumber
21 October 2010 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
22 October 2010 – The Gearin Hotel, Katoomba
23 October 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
24 October 2010 – The Heritage, Wollongong
28 October 2010 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with The Verses)
29 October 2010 – The Loft, Warrnambool
30 October 2010 – Jive Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

You Am I Finally Release That Self-Titled Album

Uninspired bands usually release their self titled albums first, but it seems at album nine You Am I may have finally run out of titles. Their new self titled album is scheduled to hit record store shelves on October 8.

At least they’ve invested a bit of effort into the songs, which are said to be their “most expressive, well-woven, and sonically adventurous” to date. I guess that’s what working across several studios without any deadlines will do to a band!

The album marks a new beginning for You Am I, as it’s their first released through indie label Other Tongues. Pick up your copy on October 8, and catch the band showcasing the songs live at the following venues.

14 October 2010 – Waves, Wollongong
15 October 2010 – Level One @ Newcastle Leagues Club, Newcastle
16 October 2010 – The Metro, Sydney
17 October 2010 – The Beachcomber, Toukley
20 October 2010 – The Flying Horse, Warrnambool
21 October 2010 – The Bluestone, Ballarat
22 October 2010 – Billboard, Melbourne
23 October 2010 – Inferno, Tarralgon
11 November 2010 – The Irish Club, Toowoomba
12 & 13 November 2010 – Powderfinger Sunsets Farewell Tour @ Brisbane Riverstage, Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
18 November 2010 – Fly By Night Club, Fremantle
19 November 2010 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
20 November 2010 – That Festival @ Cabarita Beach, Tweed Heads
25 November 2010 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
26 November 2010 – Newtons Nation Festival @ Mount Panorama, Bathurst
27 November 2010 – The Hi Fi Bar And Ballroom, Brisbane
2 December 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Mildura
3 December 2010 – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Owls Launch Self Titled EP

The Owls have hatched their new self titled EP, which was officially released today.

The disc features “Go, Let It Go,” which you may have heard on the radio. Even if you haven’t, you’re going to love the band’s silky melodies and dark, brooding bass lines.

To celebrate the release The Owls are played a couple of shows over the next few days, so if they’re near you make sure you check them out!

22 September 2010 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (with The Jezabels)
23 September 2010 – Gaelic Club, Surry Hills
25 September 2010 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loose Change Launch Debut Album in Melbourne

They might hail from Sydney, but hip hop outfit Loose Change is heading down south to launch their self-titled debut album.

The disc combines laidback hook-laden beats, and honest emotive raps. With samples from jazz music, a splash of romance, and witty lyrics, these guys deliver hip hop that’s a cut above the average.

Loose Change will take the stage at Melbourne’s Miss Libertines on December 18 to celebrate the album’s release. It’s a bit of a belated party, as the complete album is actually available as a free download now from the Loose Change website. But it’s better late than never, right?

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Atira Ready to Fire “Butterfly Rocket”

Soulful double act Atira are preparing to release their debut album Butterfly Rocket.

Founding members Melissa Erpen and Chris Targett are the heart of this band, but they’ve enlisted a who’s who of Aussie talent on this album, including Thirsty Merc’s bassist Phil Stack, Marcia Hines’ percussionist Tony Azzopardi, and fellow Perthite Howie Morgan.

They recorded the album at Sydney’s Electric Avenue Studios with ARIA award winning engineer Paul McKercher (Eskimo Joe and Sarah Blasko), and sent it off to Los Angeles for final mixing and mastering by Matt Marrin (Chaka Khan, Usher) and Gavin Lurssen (Robert Plant and Alison Krauss).

Of course, all the talent in the world won’t help you if you don’t have a solid core. Melissa and Chris deliver on that score too with their easy blend of smooth soul, R ‘n’ B, and funky grooves.

The album will hit stores on October 14, the same day they’ll launch it for their home town audience at Perth’s Fly By Night.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

From Australian Idol to Indie Artist: Meet Owl Eyes

I always had a lot of respect for Australian Idol as a way to give emerging artists a foot in the door, but appearing on the program was always a bit of a double-edged sword. For every Lisa Mitchell and Ricki Lee Coulter, there are the hundreds of finalists who struggle once their tenure on the talent show is up. You might not remember the name Brooke Addamo – she finished 11th when we all had our eyes on Wes Carr – but she’s hoping her new incarnation sticks. She’s reinvented herself as a singer-songwriter by the name of Owl Eyes, and she’s preparing to release her debut EP Faces.

The disc, which drops on September 10, features the single “1+1” which is already enjoying steady airplay on JJJ and community radio around the country. It’s a world away from the pop mould Idol tried to force her into, and that’s a very good thing.

Some EP launch shows are in the works, but before that Owl Eyes will be warming up the stage for a host of other bands around the country. Make sure you arrive early to catch her at the following shows.

10 September 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Custom Kings)
11 September 2010 – Revolver, Melbourne (with Metals)
18 September 2010 – Spectrum, Sydney (with Metals)
30 September 2010 – Bella Union, Carlton (with Nicolas Roy)

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marcia Hines Does Carole King for 40th Anniversary

Marcia Hines is taking on the music of Carole King with her latest album, not so originally titled Marcia Sings Tapestry.

“Carole King’s Tapestry is an album that has been very integral in my life,” explained Marcia in a statement. “I love singing and these songs allow me to sing.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Australian singer Marcia Hines performs at the 70's Disco International party held at the Equilibrium Hotel on July 14, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. The event is the first in a series of 24 parties held in over 24 cities over a 6-month period, re-living the music, colours and fashion of the 70's era. (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)


Like Marcia, and a great many other girls out there, I also hold Tapestry really close to my heart. I only hope she can do those beautiful songs justice. I’m nervous, as I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone cover those songs just right, but I’ll withhold my judgement until I take a listen.

The release of the album coincides with the 40th anniversary of Marcia’s foray into show business. Goodness isn’t she looking good for it! To celebrate it all, Marcia will perform two intimate shows: one at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on November 20 and the other at Sydney’s State Theatre on December 4. The first half of the concerts will be dedicated to four decades of Marcia Hines hits, while the second will bring the songs of Tapestry to the stage.

“It’s going to be two very different moods and that’s a beautiful thing,” Marcia said. “I love them both.”

I could say that ending a show on the songs of someone else probably isn’t the best way to celebrate your own career, but I love Marcia too much to be catty about it. Tickets for both shows go on sale on September 15, and the album will hit stores on October 1.