Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Khan Manuel: Guitar Hero

Sydney guitar virtuoso Khan Manuel is turning heads with the release of his debut album The Knight.

The instrumental disc is filled with eclectic tracks featuring blistering solos and clean execution. Khan isn’t afraid to experiment, with his tunes influenced by Spanish flamenco beats, mellow jazz, and sexy blues. Classic technique meets dirty rock, inspiring comparisons to the greats like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

The Knight has reached number two on the prestigious international Guitar Nine Records charts and earned Khan fans in America, Japan, Italy, Romania, Canada, and other international destinations.

Now it’s Australia’s turn to tune in. Head to Khan’s website to listen to his music and pick up a copy of The Knight.

Image used with permission from Khan Manuel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lobby Loyde and Pete Wells Tribute Shows Get CD Release

It’s been a long time coming, but the legendary tribute shows for Lobby Loyde and Pete Wells will finally be released on CD. The album also acts as a way to remember Billy Thorpe, who hosted both gigs in late 2006 and early 2007.

Unfortunately for fans though, the shows will be released on one CD with a bonus three-track DVD. That means a lot has ended up on the cutting room floor, including performances by Master’s Apprentices, Chain, Wendy Saddington, and more.

But let’s focus on the good stuff, because there’s plenty of that. There are some fantastic tracks from local music royalty including Russell Morris, Richard Clapton, Brian Cadd, Lobby Loyde, and Billy Thorpe. And all proceeds will also go to Support Act LTD, a group which helps with drug and alcohol rehabilitation for musicians.

A Tribute to Lobby Loyde, Billy Thorpe, and Pete Wells is available now from Bombora. Here’s the full track listing.

CD
“A Little Ray Of Sunshine” – Brian Cadd
“Hush” – Russell Morris
“I’ll Be Gone” – Spectrum
“G.O.D.” – Lobby Loyde & The Coloured Balls
“Black Man’s Caddy” – Ian Rilen
“I Am An Island” – Richard Clapton
“Everyday People” – Noiseworks
“All Come Together” – Diesel
“Georgia on my Mind” – Ian Moss
“Most People I Know (Think That I’m Crazy)” – Billy Thorpe
“We Can’t Be Beaten” – Rose Tattoo

DVD
“Most People I Know (Think That I’m Crazy)” – Billy Thorpe
“A Little Ray Of Sunshine” – Brian Cadd
“G.O.D.” – Lobby Loyde & The Coloured Balls

Image source: Bombora

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neil Finn’s Star-Studded Oxfam Charity Album

Neil Finn will team up with some singing pals to raise money for Oxfam. The charity album is a follow-up to Neil’s star-studded live smash 7 Worlds Collide. Again he’ll pair with Liam Finn, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and Phil Selway, The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, and Soul Coughing’s Sebastian Steinberg and Lisa Germano. But there’s some new faces too: Jeff Tweedy, Wilco’s Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone, Bic Runga, and Don McGlashan.

“Seven years ago I invited a few friends and fellow musicians to do a special series of concerts in New Zealand under the banner 7 Worlds Collide,” Neil Finn said.

“The concerts were an amazing experience for all of us and we are delighted to have found an opportunity to gather again, this time to expand the concept and the line-up too.

“Everyone is really excited about coming together again with a few new faces and extending the magic we created with 7 Worlds Collide the first time round, and with such an amazing group of people, I’m excited about the music we’ll be making.

“What will make these sessions particularly meaningful is that all the proceeds of this recording will go to support the continuing great work of Oxfam.”

James Ensor of Oxfam Australia is also excited about the awareness and funds the album will generate for his organisation.

“At a time when the number of people living in extreme poverty is growing, funds generated from this project will be vital to those in need, providing opportunities and hope for a better future,” Mr Ensor said. “Oxfam is delighted that artists of this calibre are supporting the work that we do around the world.”

Neil will record the album over the next few months in Auckland’s Roundhead Studios. Expect to see it in stores next year!

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Missing Hours Release Debut Album

Geelong’s Missing Hours are a local success story, but now they’re set to share their music with the rest of the country. The brother-sister duo will release their self-titled debut album on November 1, and later that month they’ll take their brand new tracks on the road.

Emma and Ant Hewitt have been playing and writing their own music for the last decade. Last year they decided to join forces, creating a unique sound inspired by the likes of Garbage, Evanescence, and Fiona Apple.

“I’d been playing guitar for a couple of years, and was at that point of becoming bored with playing other peoples’ songs, and having that feeling you wanted to say or express something,” Ant explained.

This album certainly achieves that! You can give it a listen when it’s released on November 1, ahead of Missing Hours’ national tour with special guests Avalon Drive. Tickets are on sale now for all shows through Moshtix.

20 November 2008 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
21 November 2008 – The Zoo, Brisbane
22 November 2008 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
26 November 2008 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
27 November 2008 – Spectrum, Sydney
28 November 2008 – Cooneys, Wollongong
29 November 2008 – Caringbah Bizzos
3 December 2008 – Transit Bar, Canberra
4 December 2008 – Ha’Penny Bridge, Geelong
5 December 2008 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
6 December 2008 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Sony BMG Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Lee Goes Indie For New Album

Ben Lee will release his new album The Rebirth of Venus through Brisbane indie label Dew Process.

“I’m thrilled to be signing to Dew Process, a label known to support careers that are eclectic, ambitious and full of integrity,” Ben said.

“I’m really excited about my new album The Rebirth of Venus, and I can’t wait to get into sharing my tunes with music fans across the country, with the support of Dew Process.”

Ben describes his new album, which he recorded in Los Angeles, as “uplifting, joyful, beautifully chaotic, opinionated, passionate, and real.” It also features a collaboration with Missy Higgins called “I Love Pop Music” which I can’t wait to hear!

He’s been stateside for a while, but Ben will return to Oz to perform with the Queensland Orchestra in Brisbane on the 23rd of November and play Perth’s Escape to the Park festival on the 29th.

Image source: Luiza @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Buckle Up For the Cassette Kids Tour Bus

Those crazy Cassette Kids are loading up their seven-seater for the Tour Bus tour! The 15-date, five-state journey will celebrate the October 18 release of the band’s new mini-album We Are.

This Sydney outfit is famous for combining crunchy indie guitars with pumping dance rhythms. They’ve supported some of today’s hottest bands including The Ting Tings, Van She, and The Presets, and now they’re stepping into the spotlight for their own headline tour.

Ever wondered what really goes on when rock stars get on the road? Wonder no more! The Cassette Kids will broadcast live from their sticker-covered bus every day of their tour. Make sure you tune into their MySpace page between 4:30 and 5:30 pm to see all their adventures. But that’s not all. The band will post blogs and vlogs at all hours of the day and night, so you can see exactly how this band rocks Oz!

If you want to join in the fun, make sure you check out the Cassette Kids Tour Bus when it rolls into your town! Here are all the dates!
24 October 2008 – Mona Vale Hotel
25 October 2008 – Village Fair, Bathurst
30 October 2008 – Alhambra, Brisbane
31 Oct 2008 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
7 November 2008 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
14 November 2008 – Libertine Ranch, Wollongong
19 November 2008 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
20 November 2008 – Transit Bar, Canberra
21 November 2008 – Newcastle Uni T2R
22 November 2008 – Ding Dong, Melbourne
23 November 2008 – Club4Play, Geelong
27 November 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
28 November 2008 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
29 November 2008 – Stereosonic Festival, Melbourne
5 December 2008 – The Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell Back With Good Lovin’

David Campbell wowed me earlier this year so I’m thrilled that this talented crooner is heading back on the road hot on the heels of the release of his brand new album, Good Lovin’.

David’s leaving swing behind for his new collection, which features the very best of 60s-style soul. Highlights include “1, 2, 3,” “Now That I’ve Found You,” “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” and much more.

Of course if you get to the shows you’ll still hear all those old standards David made famous in his Swing Sessions albums.

David’s charm and charisma on stage are unmatched, so these shows are sure to be brilliant. Check out the Good Lovin’ Tour 2009 at the following venues!

11 March 2009 – Mingara Recreation Club
13 March 2009 – State Theatre, Sydney
19 March 2009 – Perth Concert Hall
20 March 2009 – Regent Theatre, Wollongong
21 March 2009 – Canberra Theatre
25 March 2009 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
26 March 2009 – Ford Theatre GPAC, Geelong
27 March 2009 – Derwent Entertainment Center, Hobart
28 March 2009 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
1 April 2009 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
4 April 2009 – USQ Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, Toowoomba
14 April 2009 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
15 April 2009 – Ipswich Civic Centre
17 and 18 April 2009 – Darwin Entertainment Centre
21 April 2009 – World Theatre, Charters Towers
22 and 23 April 2009 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
24 April 2009 – Townsville Civic Centre
25 April 2009 – Mackay Entertainment Centre
26 April 2009 – Gladstone Entertainment Centre
28 April 2009 – Pillbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
29 April 2009 – Gympie Pavilion Conference Centre
30 April 2009 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
1 May 2009 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
2 and 3 May 2009 – Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delamare Deliver Imaginary Things

Adelaide’s Delamare are set to wow Australia with their debut EP Imaginary Things.

The pop-rock quintet only formed early this year, but their passion for music and performing has seen them quickly establish a local fanbase. They recorded Imaginary Things with producer Luke Webb, the man behind the music of Kisschasy, The Angels, and Rose Tattoo. It’s a fresh blend of punchy riffs and sweet harmonies which is sure to strike a chord with local music lovers.

Imaginary Things is slated for release on October 11. To celebrate the band will take their high-energy stage show on the road. You can catch them at the following venues.

11 October 2008 – Fowlers, Adelaide (EP Launch Date)
17 October 2008 – Yarra FReeZa, Healesville (All Ages)
18 October 2008 – Curtin Band Room, Carlton
19 October 2008 – Fist2Face (Instore) Ringwood (All Ages)
25 October 2008 – Loxton Hotel, Riverland
7 November 2008 – Fowlers, Adelaide
8 November 2008 – Old Gaol, Mount Gambier
14 November 2008 – Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba (All Ages)
15 November 2008 – The Power House, Toowoomba
19 November 2008 – Ballina Hotel (All Ages)
20 November 2008 – Boambee East Community Centre, Coffs Harbour (All Ages)
21 November 2008 – Hype Central, Castle Hill (All Ages)
22 November 2008 – The Loft, Newcastle (All Ages)
27 November 2008 – Next @ Colonial Hotel, Melbourne
28 November 2008 – Cardinia FReeZa, Melbourne (All Ages)
29 November 2008 – Fist2Face Instore, Ringwood (All Ages)
29 November 2008 – The National Hotel, Geelong
6 December 2008 – The Underground, Adelaide
17 December 2008 – Final Fate Battle of the Bands, Adelaide
20 December 2008 – Fowlers, Adelaide

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lloyd Goes Indie

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything from Alex Lloyd but he’s back with a new independent release!

Alex found inspiration for Good in the Face of a Stranger in his new adopted home, London. With a little from the country where he found such fame, Alex could find focus again on the music. The result is his most honest recording since his debut Black the Sun.

The first single is “Slow Train,” a song which is so simple in its beauty that it’s made me fall in love with Alex all over again. Check out the clip below. The basic but touching animation, created from around 7000 hand-drawn pictures, couldn’t be more perfect for this stunning song.

Good in the Face of a Stranger will be released through Inertia Distribution on November 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tina Arena Sings More Songs of Love and Loss

One of the world’s greatest voices singing some of the world’s most adored songs proved to be a winning combination for Aussie ex-pat Tina Arena, so she’s doing it all again with Songs of Love & Loss Volume 2.

The track listing this time around looks just as strong as the last, with highlights including Blondie’s “Call Me,” Split Enz’s “I Hope I Never,” Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” and a real surprise, Alice Cooper’s “Only Women Bleed!”

Once again Tina teamed up with the London Studio Orchestra led by famed conductor Simon Hale who had nothing but good things to say about the Aussie diva.

“She’s amazing … she is not intimidated by the live set up or the orchestra and rises to the challenge of having everything going to straight tape. Many artists would crumble in these conditions but Tina seems to shine. Nobody records like this anymore. This is how it should be done!” he gushed in a press statement.

Following her sell-out tour last December, Tina plans to return to Australia next March to showcase her latest release. Songs of Love & Loss Volume 2 will be in stores on November 15.

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr