Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Shivers’ Jo Schornikow Goes Solo

Australian expat Jo Schornikow has wowed me with her sweet pop-folk tune “Bird’s Nest,” the first cut from her debut solo record First Time, Long Time.

“Bird’s Nest” gives us a taste of what we can expect on this disc, which hits stores tomorrow. The track is really reflective of Jo’s nomadic lifestyle, as it was written in London and recorded in a Melbourne church. That setting might seem strange for the uninitiated, but Jo loves recording in churches and the bedrooms of her close friends.

Jo left our shores in 2008 for the bright lights of New York City. She joined The Shivers and spent the last few years touring the United States and United Kingdom with them. She’ll return home to launch First Time, Long Time at The Grace Darling on April 12.

Image used with permission from Blank Tape

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Messengers’ Sixties Inspired Single

The Messengers take us back to the swinging 60s with their retro inspired new single “We Can’t Get Along.”

The track is such a unique blend of classic sounds. I can hear some surf rock, some psychedelic sounds, and some pure pop harmonies. It’s so different, and completely irresistible.

Their last single launch sold out, so make sure you head out early to catch them launching single number two at The Toff on March 24. For readers playing along at home, yes that’s the same night as Brave Face’s single launch. These exciting Melbourne acts are sharing the bill!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Butterfly Boucher Comes Home

Nashville based singer-songwriter Butterfly Boucher has returned home to launch her impressive new single “5678!”

The track was recently named the single of the week on iTunes Australia, and it was also on the soundtrack of a recent Private Practice episode. And don’t you just love a single with an exclamation mark? It comes from her new album Butterfly Boucher, which hits stores on April 13. While it’s not her first release the self-titled moniker is appropriate, as it’s her first as an independent artist.

Butterfly Boucher’s tour kicks off tomorrow night in Melbourne before traveling through New South Wales and the ACT. Local appearances from this Adelaide born artist are rare, so see her at home while you can!

21 March 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
22 March 2012 – The Front Gallery Café, Canberra
24 March 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
25 March 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brave Face Serves Up Something Old, Something New

Melbourne’s Brave Face channel Elvis Costello with their brand new single “Something Old Something New,” the first cut from their self-titled debut album.

While the band might have stolen a few moves from the American songwriter, that’s far from a bad thing. We’ve all got our influences, and when they help you create music so irresistible it’s hard to be too critical. Can’t you just imagine slow-dancing to this one at a high school dance?

Brave Face will launch the single in front of their hometown fans at Melbourne’s Toff in Town on March 24. Their self-titled album will hit stores in May.

Image used with permission from First Love Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gin Wigmore Tours New Album

When I heard Gin Wigmore’s “Black Sheep” used on the promos for My Kitchen Rules earlier this year, I was reminded just how much I loved this Aussie-based Kiwi singer-songwriter.

Other than the ad it’s been a bit quiet on the Gin front, but it seems there’s been good reason for that. She’s been stateside working with acclaimed producer Butch Walker on album number two. And now she’s just about ready to unleash Gravel & Wine on the Aussie public.

Gin will treat the east coast capitals to the following intimate theatre shows next month to promote the album’s launch.

3 April 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
4 April 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 April 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne

Image source: -Fuze- @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lowlakes Releases Dreamy New EP

When I think of the music of Alice Springs I imagine earthy blues or roots or patriotic country numbers. I certainly don’t think of the sounds of Lowlakes, a cruisy ambient act that surprisingly comes from the Red Centre.

Lowlakes release their self-titled debut EP today, a recording which features this single “Song for Motion.” It’s a gorgeous slow-burning song with Tom Snowdon’s distinctive vocals and a dreamlike, epic quality. I wasn’t quite sure about it when it started but by the end I was completely won over. It’s just so different and beautiful.

The Lowlakes EP is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever Tour Times Two

The Never Ever will circle Australia a few times in the coming months to support the release of their highly anticipated EP Breathe, which hits stores today.

Sydney’s electro power pop quintet will give fans some time to become acquainted with the EP’s five songs, including the single “Love’s Got Me Tipsy,” before they hit the road on their Remember To Breathe Tour. Once the headlining shows wraps up there’ll be just a little breathing room before they join Simple Plan on their upcoming Aussie dates.

Here are all the places you can see The Never Ever in the coming months.

7 April 2012 – Expressive Grounds, Gold Coast (All Ages)
12 April 2012 – Leederville YMCA HQ, Leederville (All Ages)
12 April 2012 – Oh Snap! @ Villa Nightclub, Perth (18+)
20 April 2012 – EV Youth Centre, Croyden Melbourne (All Ages)
29 April 2012 – The Lair, Metro Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
5 May 2012 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (All Ages)
1 June 2012 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (with Simple Plan)
2 June 2012 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (with Simple Plan)
3 June 2012 – Panthers, Newcastle (with Simple Plan)
6 June 2012 – University Hall, Wollongong (with Simple Plan)
8 June 2012 – Southport RSL, Gold Coast (with Simple Plan)
9 June 2012 – Eatons Hills Hotel, Brisbane (with Simple Plan)
10 June 2012 – Caloundra RSL, Sunshine Coast (with Simple Plan)

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rainman Shows Off His Record Collection

Respected Queensland hip hop artist Rainman is currently traveling around the east coast to promote his brilliant new single “Darlin’.”

I love the way Rainman’s rapping works with Calski’s soulful vocals, but I think I love the accompanying clip even more. Rainman assures us it’s no music video, but when a piece of footage is backed by a single it’s hard to resist calling it one! Whatever it is, it introduces us to Rainman’s impressive vinyl collection. Colour me jealous!

The track, which is digitally released on March 23, comes from Rainman’s second album Bigger Pictures, which drops on May 4. Both release dates are a little while off yet, but Rainman is already building buzz on his single launch tour. Here are the remaining dates.

17 March 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
12 April 2012 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (Free)
13 April 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
14 April 2012 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
27 April 2012 – The Annandale, Sydney (Supporting Dialectrix)
28 April 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (Supporting Dialectrix)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Cave & Tex Perkins Play on Jeffrey Lee Pierce Tribute Album

Australian and international musicmakers have joined forces for a second tribute album honouring the music of Jeffrey Lee Pierce and his Gun Club.

Local acts Nick Cave, Mick Harvey, Tex Perkins, and Hugo Race cover Pierce’s tunes on The Journey is Long. Leading international acts Debbie Harry, Lydia Lunch, and Mark Lanegan have also leant their talents to the project.

The Gun Club’s music blended punk and American roots in a way that no one had ever heard before. Their albums influenced many modern day artists including Jack White, Jon Spencer, Hoodoo Gurus, and the acts that appear on the disc. After living hard with drugs and drink, the world lost Jeffrey Lee to a brain haemorrhage in 1996.

The Journey is Long will his stores on April 6. It follows 2009’s We Are Only Riders. A third and final volume, entitled The Task Has Overwhelmed Us, should be released later this year.

Image used with permission from Fuse Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Colwell & His Owlchestra Launch “Captain’s Melody”

Where has Sydney’s Jack Colwell been all my life? The classically-trained composer come alt-pop musician has wowed me with his new single “Captain’s Melody.”

The track gets an official release on March 30, but you can have a sneaky early listen here. It’s such a rich track, with Cat Stevens’ like vocals and a stunning orchestral backing. That gorgeous sound comes from the band Jack’s dubbed his Owlchestra.

“Captain’s Melody” is the second single to come from Jack Colwell’s debut album Picture Window, which hits stores in May. To celebrate the new single’s release Jack and his Owlchestra will play a very special show at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music on March 30. Tickets at the door cost just $20 for adults over 30, and $15 for folks under 30 and concession holders, and that includes complimentary drinks. That sounds like a bargain to me!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback