A Broken Silence Offer “Hope”

Western Sydney’s A Broken Silence have just released the video for the new single “Hope” the latest track from their self-titled debut album.

I was initially confronted by the blend of hip-hop and hard rock, but as I listened to the track and its powerful lyrics I began to realise how clever it was. The mix of these abrasive genres makes a massive impact, forcing us to listen in to the band’s message of optimism about a better world. I urge you to listen to the lyrics; they’re amazing. If you can’t quite catch them all they’re available at the A Broken Silence website.

“Hope” and A Broken Silence’s debut album are in stores now.

Skypilot Rock with “Anonymous”

Skypilot have impressed me again with their second single “Anonymous,” the follow-up to “Harold (You Sold Your Brother Down).”

It’s another anthemic slice of rock from the Brisbane band, but there’s more to it than simply a great sound. I love the intelligence of Skypilot’s approach to music making, the lyrics that talk about really meaty topics. In this case the band is reflecting on the dichotomy between loneliness and connection in the modern world.

“Despite the advent of the internet and social networking, today’s world can still be a lonely place,” explained the band’s bassist and keyboard player, Dan Lane. “All of us may be lost but we’re not alone. As long as one other person in the world knows our name, we’re not anonymous.”

I love everything I’m hearing from this band, and I can’t wait to hear more when Skypilot’s debut EP drops in March.Until then we can all enjoy a free download of “Anonymous” at Skypilot’s Bandcamp page.

Kitty Clementine’s Got Soul

Australian expat Kitty Clementine is generating some serious buzz on the eve of the American release of her self-titled debut album.

While she’ll always call Australia home, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music graduate is now based in New Orleans. She arrived with little money and no plans beyond soaking up the country and using it as fuel for her first record. She hitchhiked through Alabama, North Carolina, Seattle, San Francisco, and finally Los Angeles where she laid down an album in just seven days.

Kitty’s music reminds me a bit of Duffy’s, but there’s even more of an edge which is so unique. “Blow My Horn” is the first single to come from the album, which hits American record stores tomorrow. Hopefully an Australian release isn’t too far off. It’d be a shame for America to enjoy all the fun of this homegrown act!

Chet Faker Gives First Taste of “Thinking in Textures”

Enigmatic Melbourne musician Chet Faker is easing us into our working week with his soulful new single “Terms and Conditions.”

It’s a bit of a slow burner, but once it hooks you it just doesn’t let go. The song is our first taste of Chet’s debut EP Thinking in Textures, which will hit stores in late March.

Chet Faker honed his craft in Melbourne’s disco and house scene, but has developed his sound to include more acoustic elements and intimate lyrics. He hides behind a bushy beard and an alias, but those words reveal plenty about who Chet Faker is.

Thinking in Textures is slated for a March release in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With all those distribution deals, this unassuming musician might just be our next big global star.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Panama Makes “Magic”

“Magic” is a pretty appropriate title for the new single from Sydney-based electro act Panama.

The band is led by Jarrah McCleary, a classically-trained pianist from the Northern Territory. His training anchors the quartet’s sound, which pays tribute to the dance acts of the 80s. This song has a gorgeous tropical feel which conjures up the summer heat none of us have quite had this year. There’s a dance remix, but I prefer the song in its purest form.

Panama release “Magic” digitally on March 2.

Steve Lane & Autocrats Tour “Far, Far Away” Single

It seems like Steve Lane & The Autocrats will jump on any excuse for the tour. The hardworking bluesy rock act will tour the country yet again this month and the next to support the release of their new single “Far, Far Away.”


Web music player

The song comes from the band’s debut album The Romance of Communication, which hit stores late last year. Like the other cuts from the album, this song sounds so seasoned that it’s amazing to think the band’s only just starting out. However with members coming from Augie March, Paul Kelly’s band, The Shedshakers, and other esteemed acts it’s easy to see why this outfit gels so well.

Steve Lane & The Autocrats are rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting live acts. See what all the fuss is about at the following shows.

26 Feb 2012 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 March 2012 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
10-11 March 2012 – Lake Mountain Music Festival, Marysville
12 March 2012 – Buxton Ridge Winery, Marysville
13 March 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
14 March 2012 – Great Northern Newcastle
15 March 2012 – Port Macquarie Hotel
16 March 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast
17 March 2012 – The Beetle Bar Brisbane
18 March 2012 – Peregian Origionals, Sunshine Coast
20 March 2012 – Gold Coast University, Gold Coast
20 March 2012 – Palmy Cafe, Palm Beach
22 March 2012 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
23 March 2012 – The Federal Hotel, Bellingen
24 March 2012 – The Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland
25 March 2012 – The Front Bar and Gallery, Canberra
30 March 2012 – The Golden Vine, Bendigo
31 March 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool

“Wild Love” for Gossling

Gossling is showing her sultry side with her new single “Wild Love,” our first taste of her third EP Intentional Living.

That disc won’t drop until April 20 but Gossling is looking to tide us over with a string of shows including support slots for Adam Cohen and a few headlining gigs.

The song is another accomplished cut from this local singer-songwriter. Although we shouldn’t be surprised as everything Gossling touches turns to gold, and Evermore’s Dan Hume also shares songwriting credits.

Here are all the places you can catch Gossling launching the single in the coming months.

1 March 2012 – The Bird, Northbridge
2 March 2012 – Nannup Festival @ Nannup Theatre, Nannup
3 March 2012 – Nannup Festival @ Town Hall, Nannup
6 March 2012 – Fly By Night, Perth (supporting Adam Cohen)
9 March 2012 – Regal Ballroom, Melbourne (supporting Adam Cohen)
11 March 2012 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
13 March 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Adam Cohen)
14 March 2012 – The Basement, Sydney (supporting Adam Cohen)
26 April 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
27 April 2012 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
28 April 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
29 April 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
2 May 2012 – Little Creates Loft, Fremantle
3 May 2012 – The Bird, Northbridge
4 May 2012 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
5 May 2012 – Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Elen Levon Releases New Dance Single

Elen Levon is following up her debut smash single “Naughty” with another slice of dance pop, “Like a Girl (In Love).”

While the single doesn’t hit iTunes until March 2 it’s already generating buzz with a film clip release and some airplay. It’s not going to change the world, but it can certainly go toe to toe with the Rihanna and Beyonce songs that burn up the charts. It’s also refreshing to hear this teen star singing something a little more age appropriate. But would it kill her to put on some pants for the film clip?

The release of “Like a Girl (In Love)” is well timed following Elen’s recent appearance at Beijing’s Gala World Music Festival last month. Could she be our next global superstar?

Wolf & Cub Tour Double A-Side Single

Indie darlings Wolf & Cub are back with a brand new double A-side single, which features the songs “See The Light” and “All Through the Night.”

The tracks showcase two different sides of this fledgling Australian outfit. “All Through the Night” is my favorite with is driving bass beat, ethereal falsetto vocals, and psychedelic guitars. In contrast “See The Light” is edgier with a bluesy bass line and dark hooks.

Wolf & Cub will take their sweet time travelling around the country and playing a few single launch shows this month and the next to support the release. See this exciting act at the following shows.

9 March 2012 – Arcade Lane, Adelaide
24 March 2012 – The Espy, Melbourne
5 April 2012 – GoodGod, Sydney

San Cisco Tour “Rocket Ship” Single

San Cisco have followed up their playful breakout single “Awkward” with another upbeat pop gem “Rocket Ship.”

There’s just something about this band’s music that makes me smile. And how could a song about leaving your comfort zone to pursue your dreams be anything but uplifting?

The band are currently wrapping up their EP tour, but they’re not about to sit idly once that’s done. They’ve already announced a string of dates to support the release of “Rocket Ship.” The run includes appearances at the regional Groovin’ the Moo festivals and a few sideshows, including an all ages date in Adelaide. Tickets are on sale now for the following gigs.

27 April 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
2 May 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
3 May 2012 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (All Ages)
5 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Bendigo
6 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Townsville
9 May 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
10 May 2012 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
11 May 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
12 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Maitland
13 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Canberra
19 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Bunbury

Image used with permission from SCG Media