Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Goodbye Ringo Brown, Hello Sam Clark!

I admit, I’m a bit of a Neighbours tragic. I’ve been sniffling all over the arguments between Libby and Steph in recent weeks, and I’m starting to hate the thought of losing Donna and Ringo once they jet to the States.

While I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye to Ringo Brown, I am excited that his alter ego Sam Clark can focus on that burgeoning musical career. And focus he is. He’s currently zooming around the country reminding school kids of the importance of giving blood, and treating them to a few tunes along the way. He’s also just released his new single “Devastated,” ahead of the release of his long player Take Me Home on August 20.

One of the album tracks I’m most looking forward to is a cover of “Suddenly,” the very same song that Angry Anderson belted out at the wedding of Neighbours favourites Scott and Charlene all those years ago. And yes Neighbours fans, he’ll play that same tune when he marries Donna later this month. That’s definitely something for fellow soap addicts to look forward to!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Demon Parade Announce EP Launch Tour

Melbourne indie rockers Demon Parade are heading out on the road to support the release of their debut EP, God Said It’s Legal.

The band’s sound is like a meeting of 90s Britpop with 70s psychedelic rock, with its swirling guitars and lush harmonies. The EP was clearly a labour of love for the band; singer-songwriter and guitarist Michael Badger recorded and mixed the album at his own Jaya Jaya studios. Being so close to the project allowed Michael to bring out Demon Parade’s dense, ethereal sound. Take a listen to the first single “Do You Believe In Hell” here.

The band will play shows along the East Coast this August and September. While the music speaks for itself, it’s only going to sound better in the flesh. You can catch Demon Parade at the following shows.

7 August 2010 – Rats, Melbourne (with Wolf & Cub)
13 August 2010 – Missing Link Instore, Melbourne
13 August 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy (with Guests Slight Of Build and Buried Feather) 14 August 2010 – The National Hotel, Geelong (with The Frowning Clouds)
19 August 2010 – Melt Bar, Sydney
20 August 2010 – The Grand Hotel, Wollongong  (with Royal Chant Doors)
28 August 2010 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Fearless Vampire Killers)
3 September 2010 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (with The Checks)
10 September 2010 – Neverland, Gold Coast (with Villains of Wilhelm)
15 September 2010 – The Filth @ Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (with Cabins)
17 September 2010 – The Filth @ The Ivanhoe, Manly
17 September 2010 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney (late show)
18 September 2010 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney (with The Salvagers)
25 September 2010 – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Heaps a Flash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Julia Stone Goes Solo with New Album

Julia Stone is rarely seen without her brother Angus in tow, so I was pleasantly surprised to hear she’s recorded a solo album.

The disc is currently being mixed and will be available for purchase at Angus & Julia Stone’s upcoming Australian concerts. There’s no word yet on an official release for record stores, but hopefully it won’t be too far behind.

In an interview with TMN, Julia says she hasn’t settled on a name for the album as she’s still tossing up between The Memory Machine and Winter on the Weekend.

If you want to get your hands on Julia Stone’s album before anyone else, whatever it’s called, make sure you get yourself to one of the following shows.

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Angus & Julia Stone perform on stage during Day 5 of Bluesfest 2010 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm on April 5, 2010 in Byron Bay, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)


18 August 2010 – Moncreif Theatre, Bundaberg
19 August 2010 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
20 August 2010 – Andergrove Tavern, Mackay
21 August 2010 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
22 August 2010 – Botanic Gardens, Cairns
25 August 2010 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
26 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
27 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
28 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
1 September 2010 – Llewellyn Hall ANU, Canberra
2 September 2010 – University Hall, Wollongong
3 September 2010 – Grandstand Hall @ Showgrounds, Hobart
4 September 2010 – The Saloon, Launceston
8 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
9 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
10 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2010 – Town Hall, Meeniyan (SOLD OUT)
12 September 2010 – Town Hall, Meeniyan (SOLD OUT)
17 September 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
18 September 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth (SOLD OUT)
19 September 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
24 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
26 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lior Releases New Single Ahead of Third Album

Acoustic folkster Lior is giving music fans a taste of his brand new album with the release of “I Thought I Could Sing On My Own.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: Singer/songwriter Lior attends the Light The Night Charity Concert at the City Recital Hall on October 19, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)


Apparently Lior would prefer to sing with a friend this time around; he’s rounded up Wally de Backer, aka Gotye, to offer backing vocals.

“The song is a somewhat playful revelation that it is the people, rather than the place, that defines experience,” Lior explained. The song was serviced to radio this week, so make sure you listen out for it.

“I Thought I Could Sing On My Own” comes from Lior’s third studio album Tumbling Into the Dawn, which should hit music stores this September.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Mission in Motion Finally Release Album, Support Senses Fail

Sydney quintet The Mission in Motion have just released their latest single “New Skin,” a teaser from their soon-to-be released album Somewhere Safe. Head to the band’s MySpace page to hear the track.

“New Skin is our weekend song,” explained the band’s front man Brett Islaub. “We wanted to write a song about letting everything go, having a few drinks and having a good time with your friends.”

The long play is the follow up to their 2008 EP A Curse, A Calling, but don’t think the band has been idle. They’ve been tearing up the live circuit with acts like Stealing O’Neal, Elora Danan, and Wherewolves, not to mention their own headlining shows and appearances at Soundwave and a youth festival in Singapore.

So clearly we can forgive the band for taking so long to churn out the album. To appease us, the disc will come packaged with B-sides and rarities for a limited time. Somewhere Safe will hit stores on July 30.

If you like what you hear make sure you catch The Mission in Motion supporting America’s Senses Fail at the following shows around the country.

12 August 2010 – Hi Fi, Brisbane (18+)
13 August 2010 – The Fort, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 August 2010 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
20 August  2010 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Daytime – Under 18s)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Evening – 18+)

Image used with permission from HeapsaFlash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Verses Prepare to Release Debut Album “Seasons”

The Verses, the current guise of talented siblings Ella and Jesse Hooper, are preparing to release their debut album Seasons.

The disc has been four years in the making, but from listening to the album sampler it’s clear this was time well spent. There’s an assurity about the outfit; they’re comfortable with the songs and their instruments and it shows. That relaxed ease is perfect for the blend of folk rock and alt-country music they’re producing these days.

Of course an album sampler will always showcase the best tracks, and it’s difficult to judge an entire disc on four songs, but I’m digging this. There’s a real classic feel to it. I wasn’t surprised to hear Jackson Browne’s guitarist makes a cameo. But don’t dismiss it as daggy parent music; Ella’s voice gives it that contemporary edge that should endear it to modern audiences. Right now “Teeth” is the real stand out for me, an energetic number which is infectiously playful. I love what I’ve heard of Seasons, and can’t wait to hear more.

I’ll get my chance when Seasons is released on August 13.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Here Come the Birds Impress with New Album “Young People Never Die”

One of the things I love most about writing this blog is discovering new bands. The latest to cross my radar is Here Come The Birds, a rocking quintet from my home town of Newcastle. Since moving to the Central Coast I’ve been a bit removed from my former stomping ground, so it’s wonderful to see acts like this contributing to the city’s rich musical legacy.

Here Come The Birds have just released their new album Young People Never Die, an epic collection of cuts which fuse melodic hooks with the obligatory sense of rock rebellion. This a band that understands light and shade; they’re not afraid to explore darkness but the infectious hooks ensure it never gets too gloomy.

Young People Never Die was recorded with Forrester Savell, a producer who’s worked with the likes of Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, Helmet, and Birds of Tokyo. He’s clearly given Here Come The Birds a bit of spit and polish, but he’s been very careful to preserve this band’s natural energy and raw honesty.

If you want to taste Here Come The Birds, I suggest heading to their website where you can download their EP just for signing up to the mailing list. If you like what you hear, don’t hesitate to pick up Young People Never Die. It’s awesome!

Image used with permission from Here Come the Birds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Imbruglia Shows Her Lighter Side

Natalie might grab all the headlines, but her sister Laura Imbruglia has been quietly plugging away at her musical career for years. Something tells me that’s exactly how she likes it.

She’ll release her new single “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” on July 5, the first cut from her second album Lighter Side Of … The single’s playful video sees the Catholic-raised Laura break every commandment in the book, and a few besides including Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbour’s boyfriend and Thou Shalt Not Play Handball with Poor Co-Ordination! We’ll get a sneak peek of the clip when it makes its debut on Laura’s MySpace page on July 2.

If you want to see more rule breaking from Laura Imbruglia check her out each Wednesday in August at the Excelsior Hotel, Surry Hills. She’ll be donning a different hat each night; see Country Laura, Karaoke Laura, and other alter egos at the following shows!

4 August 2010 – Acoustic Laura: Acoustic & Lonesome
11 August 2010 – Country Laura: Classic Country Covers
18 August 2010 – Band Laura: Rocken Like Dokken
25 August 2010 – Karaoke Laura: Hosting a night of Karaoke

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Triky Releases Two Albums and Scores Slot in New York Comp

Sydney DJ Triky must be one of the hardest working folks in the dance industry. He’s just released not one, but two, new albums and scored a slot in a major US competition.

The first album, Electric, features 12 high-energy tunes with thumping bass lines. It picks up where Triky’s first studio releases Tweaked and Permanent Damage left off, but pushes the dance envelope that much further. Then there’s Filtered, which is described as “an exploration in BPM with tracks ranging from 140 to 150 BPM.” The experimental project takes Triky in an exciting new direction. Both albums are released through Triky Entertainment and distributed via MGM/Green Media Distribution.

On the back of these album releases Triky has earned a spot at New York’s M.E.A.N.Y. Fest. This competition, which is staged in iconic venues like Gramercy Theater and the Bowery Poetry Club, could net Triky time in a recording studio, a digital distribution deal, and much more.

We wish him all the best of luck in the comp!

Image used with permission from Azure PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Plays American Shows to Support US Album Release

Guy Sebastian’s awesome fifth album Like It Like That has finally scored a US release. The album is available exclusively in Barnes & Noble stores through their Red label.

The record has a few things that should help to endear it to US fans. There’s David Ryan Harris twiddling the knobs, and John Mayer lending his guitar skills to three tracks. Not to mention the star power of Jordin Sparks on the duet “Art of Love.”

And then there’s Guy, who should win the Americans over with his charm and exceptional talent.

To help things along, Guy will play a string of shows along the West Coast next week. If you’re around these venues, make sure you drop in and catch Guy at the following shows.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 10: Singer Guy Sebastian performs during the Australian Commercial Radio Awards 2009 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on October 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)


7 July 2010 – Dougfir Lounge, Portland
8 July 2010 – House of Blues, San Diego
9 July 2010 – Club Nokia, Los Angeles
10 July 2010 – Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
11 July 2010 – Hotel Utah, San Francisco
12 July 2010 – Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle
13 July 2010 – Hotel Café, Los Angeles