Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rocco’s Back with “Thunder”

I had a bit of a blast from the past this morning when I discovered the epic electro rock track “Thunder” by Rocco. That name might not mean a lot to most music fans, but if you were seeing pop acts in the early naughties you might remember Rocco as one half of Gemini.

I remember fondly seeing the duo supporting Human Nature long before the whole Motown thing. I’d figured they’d fallen far from the radar, but was thrilled to see Rocco’s still making music, now with the help of former Mantissa guitarist Chris Collins.

The release of this song about change and personal growth has been a long time coming. Rocco’s been working and reworking this song for the last few years waiting for the right producer, which he found in Matt O’Connor.

“Working with Matt brought another element to our sound and ‘Thunder’ matured from electro rock to an electro guitar-driven, melodic, euphoric pop song,” he explained.

“Thunder” will be officially released on February 27 ahead of its single launch on March 9 at Sydney’s The Supper Club.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ABC Music Sign The Rumjacks to New FOUR | FOUR Label

Irish-influenced Sydney band The Rumjacks are the first to join ABC Music’s latest label, FOUR | FOUR.

The Rumjacks take their cues from Celtic traditions but layer those classical sounds with punk rock, reggae, and even a bit of gypsy swing. They’ve been plugging away under the radar since 2008, but the signing with ABC’s latest label should introduce them to a whole new audience.

“In essence, FOUR | FOUR represents music that, at its core, is as simple as a 4/4 time signature,” explained ABC Music head Robert Pattinson. “It’s music that moves people in a fundamental way. The imprint’s first signing, The Rumjacks, typifies what FOUR | FOUR is all about – honest music making with a no-nonsense directness and immediacy that connects with the listener from the first moment.”

The Rumjacks’ new single “Crosses for Eyes” gives us a taste of what’s to come on their first FOUR | FOUR album release. If you want to hear even more you can catch the band on their annual St Patrick’s Day tour next month.

15 March 2012 – The Joynt, Brisbane
16 March 2012 – Baroque Bar, Katoomba
17 March 2012 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
18 March 2012 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fairchild Republic Unleash “Villages”

“Villages,” the debut single from Gold Coast rockers Fairchild Republic, is one of those songs that creeps underneath your skin, staying put long after it’s over. The band leaked it to Rage late last year, and it made such an impression that it ended up in the music program’s top 50 clips of the year.

And it wasn’t even released yet.

So we can expect even bigger things now that the epic “Villages” is officially dropping. It should whip us all into a frenzy before Fairchild Republic’s debut album hits record store shelves in the middle of the year. That frenzy whipping will kick off later this month when Fairchild Republic embark on an east coast tour to support the single’s release. Be there so you can say you saw them before they made it big!

23 February 2012 – Oh Hello, Brisbane (supporting Cub Scouts and Pluto Jonze)
24 February 2012 – Runaway Bay Tavern, Gold Coast (supporting Cub Scouts and Pluto Jonze)
29 February 2012 – Neverland, Gold Coast (supporting Neon Indian)
3 March 2012 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Beards Still Celebrating Facial Hair

Quirky Adelaide band The Beards are launching their third album, Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard, with one of their most extensive Aussie tours to date.

As they sit poised ready to release that disc it’s a good time to reflect on just how far they’ve come. The beard-loving band, who came together as a joke, expected to play just one show before going their separate ways. They certainly didn’t expect enough beard-related material to sustain them for three albums.

The years have marched on, and they’ve built up lusher arrangements and experimented with some musical styles along the way, but The Beards’ central message remains the same.

“It will be our third concept album about the same concept – the only concept of any importance to any of us – beards!” explained frontman Johann Beardraven.

Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard hits stores on March 9, the same day as the big tour starts. It’s time to quit shaving now in preparation!

9 March 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
10 March 2012 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
11 March 2012 – Indie Bar, Scarborough Beach
16 March 2012 – The Corner, Melbourne
17 March 2012 – The Bended Elbow, Geelong
23 March 2012 – Royal Oaks Hotel, Launceston
24 March 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
30 March 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
13 April 2012 – Adelaide Uni Bar, Adelaide
18 April 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
19 April 2012 – ANU Bar, Canberra
20 April 2012 – Manning Bar, Sydney
21-22 April 2012 – Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chance Waters Drops Alias for “Infinity”

After five years of hiding behind the name Phatchance, Sydney hip hop act Chance Waters is ditching the moniker. It’s only fitting that Chance is performing under his own name now, because his new single “Infinity” is one of the most honest urban tracks I’ve heard in some time.

The song is so beautiful, with lush strings and some incredibly moving lyrics. Make sure you listen to those words to really appreciate what “Infinity” is all about. The tune, which drops today, comes from the forthcoming album of the same name.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dallas Frasca Back with “All My Love”

It’s been a long time coming, but Dallas Frasca is almost ready to release her sophomore album Sound Painter.

I remember being blown away by Dallas when I saw her play at a Hunter Valley blues festival way back in 2008, and I’m thrilled to see the years haven’t mellowed her though. There’s a bit more polish to her raspy sound though, which may have come from working with acclaimed producer Andy Baldwin in New York.

Whatever it is, I’m impressed by our first taste of the album, the new single “All My Love.” It sounds great and the film clip looks much better than I’d expect for her $2.49 budget!

Andy Baldwin hasn’t polished all the edges from Dallas though. She chose to record the album with no click tracks to keep it raw and honest, with the sort of spontaneous sound that comes from a live performance. She worked with her band to smash out eleven songs in just seven days, with most numbers captured in their first or second take.

What you see is what you get with Dallas Frasca. If you want to see more of her make sure you catch her on her All My Love tour, which starts tomorrow in Adelaide. Her new album Sound Painter hits stores on April 1.

11 February 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
18 February 2012 – Cool Summer Fest, Mount Hotham
2 March 2012 – Basement 243, Brisbane
3 March 2012 – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi
9 March 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 March 2012 – Trackside Festival, Wangaratta
11 March 2012 – Lake Mountain Festival, Marysville
18 March 2012 – Raw Festival, Mount Eliza
23 March 2012 – Junkyard, Maitland
24 March 2012 – The Square, Sydney
5-6 April 2012 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
22 April 2012 – Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ali E Looks Ahead with “Landless”

Ali E’s helping us ease into our weekend with her very cool new single “Landless,” the second cut from her forthcoming debut album.

While her first single “So It Goes” saw Ali E being introspective, “Landless” takes a different approach as Ali E packs her bags and charges forward. There’s a real sadness to the song, but the intermingling guitars and drums and Ali E’s powerfully resolute vocals ensure things never feel too gloomy. This isn’t a woman running away from her failed relationship; she’s moving on.

Ali E will launch the track at The Workers Club in Fitzroy on the afternoon of March 3. Make sure you get down there to support her if you love the song!

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Vibes from President Roots

Mornington Peninsula’s President Roots are helping me ease into my working week with the release of their double A side single “Feelin’ Fooled/Cool Change.”

“Feelin’ Fooled” is a warm folky number that swells with guitars, fiddles, a slinky beat, and a healthy dose of good vibes. “Cool Change” is a much more chilled cut inspired by the Victorian bushfires of 2009. The band wrote the track for a benefit show way back then, and I’m thrilled it’s finally reaching a wider audience.

President Roots will play some national shows to promote the single and forthcoming album, but until those dates are announced local fans can catch them at the Baha Taco Joint in Rye on February 12 and 25.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll Tours New Single

It seemed like every time I switched on my TV on Australia Day, Shannon Noll’s face was staring back at me. I should have guessed he wasn’t simply getting patriotic; there’s a Nollsy tour a-brewing.

He’ll head back on the road next month to support the release of “Living in Stereo,” the latest cut from his newish album A Million Suns. Never one to do things by halves, the tour will run for five months and take in more than 30 cities across six states and territories.

Shannon is promising to play new tracks and plenty of old favourites backed by a full band. As he’s been performing in acoustic mode for some time it’ll be great to hear him really rocking out.

“Really looking forward to getting back out on the road to play in front of my fans, it’s been too long,” Shannon said in a statement. “I’m really happy with the new show, and I think my set is the strongest it’s ever been. Bring on the first gig!”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

24 February 2012 – Charles Hotel, Perth
25 February 2012 – Endeavour Tavern, Lancelin
26 February 2012 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
17 March 2012 – Hallam Hotel, Hallam
23 March 2012 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
24 March 2012 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
30 March 2012 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
31 March 2012 – North Sydney Leagues Club, North Sydney
13 April 2012 – Mounties, Mt Prichard
20 April 2012 – Canberra Southern Cross Club Events Centre, Canberra
21 April 2012 – The Cube at Campbelltown Catholic Club, Campbelltown
27 April 2012 – Dapto Leagues, Dapto
28 April 2012 – Penrith Panthers, Penrith
4 May 2012 – Urban Country Music Festival @ Queensland State Equestrian Centre, Caboolture
5 May 2012 – Yamba Bowling Club, Yamba
9 May 2012 – Nautilus Theatre, Port Lincoln
10 May 2012 – Middleback Theatre, Whyalla
11 May 2012 – Keith Mitchell Theatre, Port Pirie
12 May 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
13 May 2012 – Sir Robert Helpman Theatre, Mt Gambier
19 May 2012 – Wentworthville Leagues Club, Wentworthville
25 May 2012 – Taren Point Hotel, Taren Point
26 May 2012 – Belmont 16FT Sailing Club, Belmont
9 June 2012 – Bathurst Panthers, Bathhurst
10 June 2012 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
22 June 2012 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
23 June 2012 – Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
29 June 2012 – Fitzy’s Loganholme, Logan
30 June 2012 – Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Universal Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Cave Tribute Straight to You on CD & DVD

Did you enjoy last night’s broadcast of Straight To You – Triple J’s Tribute to Nick Cave? Well if so you’re in luck, because the ABC is about to release the double CD and DVD.

The show was a fitting homage to Nick’s career, from his early outfits Boys Next Door and The Birthday Party to his celebrated work with The Bad Seeds and newish outfit Grinderman. He’s the most continually played artist on Triple J, an incredible feat that’s a testimony to his longevity.

Triple J assembled an amazing collection of artists who showed a clear appreciation for the material they tackled. I particularly loved Bertie Blackman and Muscles take on “Do You Love Me?,” Lisa Mitchell’s gorgeous version of “The Ship Song,” and Kram, Dan Sultan, and Lisa getting together on “There is a Kingdom.”

I can relive all those moments and more when the double CD hits stores on February 10. The DVD will follow on March 2.

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia