Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karl Smith Woos Us with “I Want You”

Karl Smith gets romantic with the release of his new single “I Want You”. The track is the first released from Karl’s debut solo album Kites. If this song’s any indication, I should really get my hands on the LP.

There are so many love songs out there that it really takes something special to cut through. Karl does it with relatable, honest lyrics. The pictures he paints might not be the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters, but that’s what makes them so real. I love the way the music swells as this whimsical love story builds.

Karl will promote his album’s release with the following shows supporting fellow Perth dweller Jae Laffer from The Panics.

12 October 2013 – The Toff, Melbourne
18 October 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
19 October 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
24 October 2013 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
25 October 2013 – Astor Upstairs, Perth
26 October 2013 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
8 November 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Weapons of Mass Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nat Dunn Wows with “A Fool’s Fate” Acoustic

If you’re seeing Busby Marou this October or November, make sure you arrive early. Everyone’s sure to be talking about the support act Nat Dunn.

Nat signed with Mushroom when she was just 16 years old, but she was determined not to be just another disposable child star. She took a decade to hone her craft before releasing her debut EP A Fool’s Fate. For just a hint of how good it is, watch Nat stripping the title track back for this acoustic performance at Brisbane’s Sofar Sounds. It’s absolutely stunning.

It’s only a matter of time before this talented songbird graduates to her own headlining tour. The opportunity to see her at intimate venues with Busby Marou shouldn’t be missed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Archie Roach Readies 4CD Creation Set

Archie Roach will look back on his career with a massive 4CD set called Creation. The set, which features remastered versions of Archie’s first four albums and more than a dozen unreleased bonus tracks, will hit stores on October 4.

Its deluxe packaging, with detailed liner notes and unearthed images from the archives, will also be a treat for collectors.

Archie will celebrate the release with live shows around the country. These very special concerts will see Archie playing with a ten-piece ensemble featuring a string quartet and the vocal talents of Lou Bennett, Emma Donovan, and Deline Briscoe.

15 November 2013 – Australasian Worldwide Music Expo @ Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne
30 December 2013 – Woodford Folk Festival @ The Amphitheatre, Woodford
25 January 2014 – Sydney Festival @ State Theatre, Sydney
26 January 2014 – Sydney Festival @ The Parade Ground, Parramatta (FREE)
10 February 2014 – Perth Festival @ Chevron Festival Gardens, Perth
15 March 2014 – Adelaide Festival @ Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mantra Tours “Telling Scenes”

Mantra is proving to be one of the hardest working urban acts on the Aussie scene right now. His new album Telling Scenes hits stores today, and he’s currently touring the country supporting Seth Sentry. But with a few days free on that tour, he figured he’d also set off on his own headlining run to support the album’s release.

Telling Scenes features the single “Break Tradition”, which is one of the most intelligent hip hop tracks I’ve heard in a while. Make sure you really listen to the lyrics on this one readers. They’re stunning. The album continues this tradition, telling emotional narratives that take listeners on a journey, informing and moving them rather than just entertaining.

Mantra will promote the album and single at the following headline shows.

19 September 2013 – Flyrite, Perth
20 September 2013 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
3 October 2013 – Great Northern, Newcastle
4 October 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
5 October 2013 – Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley
11 October 2013 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
17 October 2013 – Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
19 October 2013 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
26 October 2013 – Ed Castle, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Paris Patient

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanturas Still Rocking with Georgia Brown

After they knocked my socks off in May with “Tightrope”, I was keen to see what The Vanturas would come up with next. Thankfully I didn’t need to wait too long.

The Melbourne quartet have just released a killer follow-up called “Georgia Brown.” It’s so full of hooks, I found myself singing along to the chorus by the end of the first spin. Rock on!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aimee Francis Follows Up Pink Shows with Single Tour

Fresh from warming up the crowds at Pink’s Sydney shows, Aimee Francis will head out on our own to promote her new track “Losers’ Game”.

I really love this song. It’s a great tale of heartbreak with some genuine grit and angst behind it. I just wish it wasn’t so produced. That heavy-handed approach in the studio has diluted its impact a bit. I’d love to hear it stripped right back, perhaps with just an acoustic guitar and Aimee’s killer voice.

Aimee described it as a look “at the cynical side of love … I guess the wonderful experience of break up and all the levels of emotions that go with it – sadness, anger and maybe some sort of resentment and the questions”

It’s great to have this girl from Sydney’s inner west home, as she’s been enjoying an extended stay in the United States where she toured with Pat Benatar and Steel Panther and received endorsements from Gibson Guitars and Orange Amps.

“I am really excited to hit the road. My new band are all PHENOMENAL (and are eyecandy – crowd can thank me later),” she gushed. “I think this has been the most focused and ready that I’ve ever been and we are up to 20-odd dates on the tour which makes me reaaaaaaaally reaaaaaally giddy. Bring it.”

You can see Aimee and her sexy band at the following shows.

18 September 2013 – Newcastle University, Newcastle (midday)
18 September 2013 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
19 September 2013 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie
21 September 2013 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
27 September 2013 – Musicman, Bendigo
28 September 2013 – Jetty Bar, Glenelg
29 September 2013 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
4 October 2013 – Bahas, Rye
5 October 2013 – The Espy, Melbourne
6 October 2013 – Albion Hotel, Albury
13 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
17 October 2013 – The Court Hotel, Perth
18 October 2013 – The Elliot St Bar, Bunbury
19 October 2013 – Oktoberfest – Duckstein Winery, Margaret River
19 October 2013 – The Swan Basement, North Fremantle
24 October 2013 – Frankies, Sydney

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lester the Fierce Offers Delicious Taste of Self-Titled EP

Melbourne alt-pop artist Lester the Fierce serves up a serious slice of girl power with “Howl”, the first single lifted from her self-titled EP.

There’s such feminine strength in this number, which is anchored by such relatable lyrics. I’m sure most women out there will understand this song which tells of Lester the Fierce’s refusal to go quietly, despite the people around her hoping for a sweeter, calmer version of femininity.

“It’s about my family and the boy I love,” she explained. “It’s about the frustration you sometimes feel at the people closest to you.”

The song is complemented beautifully be the abstract film clip crafted by Melbourne’s Superteam Studios and Yoav Lester.

Lester the Fierce’s EP drops on September 13, but she’ll start promoting it tomorrow when she hits the road with Ngaiire. With two such strong female voices on the one bill, this tour should be something really special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordan Rakei Knocks My Socks Off with “My Time”

I’m sitting here with goosebumps after listening to Jordan Rakei’s debut single “My Time” for the first time.

This track is seriously good. This boy plays the keys like nobody’s business, and his voice is smooth as silk. He’s got such a cool vibe. There’s an assurance to his sound that comes from being confident in doing your own thing. This song sounds like nothing I’ve heard, yet its off-kilter melody and new-style crooner charm are instantly accessible.

There’s more where this came from too. “My Time” is the first song lifted from Jordan’s debut EP Franklin’s Room. I’m definitely looking forward to listening to more. If you are too, you can see Jordan launching the single in Brisbane or supporting American singer-songwriter Raul Midon on his Aussie tour.

27 September 2013 – The Joynt, Brisbane
21 November 2013 – The Corner Hotel,  Richmond (supporting Raul Midon)
22 November 2013 – Blue Beat Live Club, Double Bay (supporting Raul Midon)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Bull Tours Latest Single

Fresh from the release of his latest single “Baby I Am Nobody Now”, rising alt-pop star Andy Bull will tour the country next month.

Andy will play intimate shows along the East Coast to give fans a taste of his forthcoming album. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

10 October 2013 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
11 October 2013 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
12 October 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
19 October 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
20 October 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (Early Show)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elizabeth Rose Seeks “The Good Life”

Sydney electronic songbird Elizabeth Rose has delivered her catchiest single to date with “The Good Life”.

Sure it’s got stunning, soulful vocals and a danceable beat, but I’m most impressed by the track’s lyrics. The song speaks so beautifully about that point in your life when you’re keen to leave your parents’ nest and find your own way in the world.

Elizabeth will launch “The Good Life” at the following shows in Australia and the United States.

11 September 2013 – X & Y Bar, Brisbane
12 September 203 – Bigsound Music Glue Party @ Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (5:30 pm)
12 September 2013 – Bigsound Showcase @ Bakery Lane, Brisbane (8 pm)
21 & 22 September 2013 – OutsideIn Festival, Sydney
15-18 October 2013 – CMJ Music Marathon, New York

Image used with permission from Recon Music