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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Bullet For My Valentine Gets Aussie Tour Edition Album

To celebrate Bullet For My Valentine’s upcoming Aussie tour, Sony Music will release a special two CD tour edition of their latest album Fever.

The new release will feature previously unreleased acoustic songs and tracks from the Hand of Blood EP. The album art remains the same, so make sure you look out for the tour edition sticker.

The new version of Fever is available for pre-order now ahead of its  September 10 release.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia.

Matt Walters Makes Me Swoon

You might remember me gushing about Melbourne lad Matt Walters last year. Now with the release of his latest song, this singer-songwriter is back on my radar.

“Die For You” is the first single to come from Matt’s new EP, Talking in my Sleep. This lush and beautiful song features the lovely Washington on backing vocals, and is the perfect chill-out track for this grey wintery weather we’ve been enjoying. Right-click the link to download this gorgeous song!

Matt is currently putting the finishing touches on his debut album with acclaimed producers Paul McKercher (Augie March, Josh Pyke, Sarah Blasko) and Francois Tetaz (Lior, Gotye). We can expect to see it in stores early next year. If that seems too long to wait to enjoy this incredible talent, you can catch him in the flesh at The Workers Club in Fitzroy on August 25.

Image used with permission from Delinquents