Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Williamson Releases “The Big Red”

With Australia Day celebrations in full swing it seems an appropriate time to mention that one of our most dinky-di performers, John Williamson, will release his new album The Big Red tomorrow.

The Big Red is actually John’s 48th studio recording, which is a fair effort by anyone’s summation. It features songs penned by John over the past three years about our country and its people. You know what you’re getting here; John’s always reliable and that’s exactly why we love him.

The album features the first single “Hang My Hat in Queensland,” which is an autobiographical tale of John’s life in the Sunshine State.

“At last The Big Red is out of the box. I think those who know my music will think ‘Yes! This is what we’ve been waiting for from Willo.’ For those who don’t know; clear the mind of American influences. This is purely Australian. I hope it makes you as proud as I am of the place,” he said in a statement.

John will see plenty of his beloved country over the coming months when he embarks on The Big Red tour. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

27 January 2011 –  Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth
16 February 2011 –  Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
17 February 2011 –  Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
18 February 2011 –  Frankston Cultural Centre, Frankston
19 February 2011 –  West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
22 February 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 February 2011 –  Swan Yacht Club, East Fremantle
1 March 2011 –  Redlands Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
2 March 2011 –  Logan Entertainment Centre, Logan Central
3 March 2011 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
4 March 2011 –  Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
21 March 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
29 March 2011 –  Shepparton Eastbank Centre, Shepparton
30 March 2011 –  Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
31 March 2011 –  Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton
1 April 2011 –  Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
11 April 2011 –  Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
12 April 2011 –  Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
13 April 2011 –  Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
14 April 2011 –  Townsville Civic Theatre, South Townsville
18 April 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
19 April 2011 –  Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
20 April 2011 –  Newcastle West Leagues Club, New Lambton
21 April 2011 –  Nelsons Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
22 April 2011 –  Toronto Workers Club, Toronto
4 May 2011 –  Campbelltown RSL Club, Campbelltown
5 May 2011 –  North Sydney Leagues Club, Cammeray
6 May 2011 –  Castle Hill RSL Club, Castle Hill
16 May 2011 –  Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
17 May 2011 –  Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
18 May 2011 –  Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
19 May 2011 –  Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
23 May 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 May 2011 –  Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
25 May 2011 –  Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange
26 May 2011 –  Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo
27 May 2011 –  Condobolin RSL Club, Condobolin

Image source: John Williamson media room

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Buckley Ward Tour “Into the Darkening Blue” Single

Buckley Ward have set the scene for a cracking new album with the release of the sophomore single “Into the Darkening Blue.”

I love the track’s natural, almost accidental harmonies and the casually lush meeting of guitars and keyboards. It’s got just the right amount of optimism for a summer single.

“Into the Darkening Blue” comes from Buckley Ward’s second album So Pretend, which will hit stores soon. Until then music fans in the major capitals can satisfy their fix with a blink and you’ll miss it single launch tour. Buckley Ward will play Sydney’s FBI Social Club on February 11 before moving on to Melbourne’s Buffalo Club on February 18.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Download Arundel’s New Electronica EP for Free

We’ve all heard of those new age restaurants that ask diners to pay what they think their meal is worth. Now Brisbane electronica act Arundel is encouraging us to do the same with his music.

Arundel is so excited to release his second EP Olive Caves, he wants as many people to hear it as possible. So he’s inviting us to download it from his Bandcamp website. Consequently we can enjoy the music for free or choose to donate some money to fund additional projects if we’re so moved.

“Essentially, the collaborators and I make music for people like you to hear, and we don’t want anything to get in the way of that,” Arundel explained.

I particularly like the lead track “A Deep Freeze,” but there’s a lot to appreciate about this EP. It redefines what I think of as electronica with its rock influences and lyrical content, and that alone makes it worth a listen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blanche Dubois Tours “Young Heart”

Blanche DuBois’ third album Young Heart has just hit stores, so the Melbourne twosome is celebrating with a string of new shows, and a free download.

“We’re both really proud of this record,” explained one half of the dynamic duo, Nadija Begovich. “It’s been a long time in the making as we had a break between this and our last, but I think the break served us well as we’re writing from a much better place.”

Music lovers can get a taste of Young Heart by downloading the new single “The War in Me” for free from Blanche Dubois’ Facebook page. If you like what you hear make sure you catch the band at The Toff in Melbourne on February 11, or The Ellington Jazz Club in Perth on March 11.

This is just the start of some major touring over the next few months. Blanche Dubois will announce more shows around the country in the coming weeks.

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hoodoo Gurus Tour with Friends for 30th Anniversary

Hoodoo Gurus will celebrate 30 years in the business with some musical friends and their fans on their Dig It Up! The Hoodoo Gurus Invitational tour.

Since they released their debut 7-incher Leilani the Hoodoo Gurus has become one of the most beloved in Australia, thanks to big hits like “What’s My Scene?” “The Right Time,” and “Miss Free Love ‘69.”

These shows are bound to be something special as the band have promised they’ll play their landmark debut LP Stoneage Romeos in its entirety, plus a swag of other hits. Add in an enviable supporting bill including Died Pretty, The Sonics, The Lovetones, and Hard-Ons and you’ve got the kind of gigs that don’t come along every day. Sadly not every band performs at every show, but I’ve got the details outlined below.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, Sony will mark Hoodoo Gurus 3oth anniversary with the release of a new greatest hits collection, Gold Watch: 20 Golden Greats. Look out for the hit-filled album, featuring a new single “Use-By Date,” in store on March 16.

Tickets for the following star-filled Hoodoo Gurus shows go on sale from the usual outlets on Monday January 30.

20 April 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supported by The Sonics & The 5.6.7.8’s)
22 April 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Notes Live, and The Green Room, Sydney (supported by The Sonics, Died Pretty, Redd Kross, The 5.6.7.8’s, Tek & Younger, The Fleshtones, Hard-Ons, Belles Will Ring, Royal Headache, The Lovetones, The Straight Arrows; plus alternative comedy, spoken word, guest DJ’s with more TBA)
24 April 2012 – HQ, Adelaide (supported by The Sonics)
25 April 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne (supported by The Sonics, Died Pretty, Redd Kross, The 5.6.7.8’s, The Fleshtones, Hard-Ons, The Lovetones and more TBA)
28 April 2012 – The Astor Theatre, Perth (supported by Redd Kross and The Fleshtones)

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Catherine Traicos’ Gorgeous New Single


Catherine Traicos and the Starry Night have just released “Let You Go,” a gorgeous song about moving on from a failed relationship.

I love the gentle rasp in Catherine’s voice, which sits somewhere between Brandi Carlile and Lucinda Williams. The clever Motown like arrangement of this country-folk number is also gorgeous. Melbourne’s Gareth Skinner lends his cello skills to the track, which is the second release from Catherine Traicos and the Starry Nights’, Gloriosa.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Major Label Release Pear Shape Single

“Righteousness” from Sydney based pop act Pear Shape is the first release to come from General Pants Co’s Major Label this year.

Pear Shape have only been playing together for the last year but the outfit is made up of seasoned musicians from local acts Joysticks, Bridezilla & The Death Set, and Indigo Rising. Now with their latest incarnation it seems they’ve got the mix just right.

Lead singer Tom Riordan calls the new song “country-influenced pop, with honest diary style lyrics.” Head to the General Pants Co’s website and click on the Major Label tab to hear “Righteousness” now. If you dig it you can buy it through iTunes.

And remember if you’ve got a band you might be Major Label’s next signing. Simple submit your track via General Pants Co’s website or take your demo into your nearest General Pants Co store.

Image used with permission from AVM Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever Launch Single on a Boat

I’m probably too old to be falling in love with them, but try as I might I can’t resist the charms of The Never Ever and their brand new single “At Sixes and Sevens.”

This simple but ridiculously catchy slice of power pop is the first track to come from The Never Ever’s forthcoming EP, Breathe. That disc won’t hit record store shelves next April, but until then we’ve got the single to tide us over.

The Never Ever will also launch the “At Sixes and Sevens” for hometown fans on the Rocks Rhythm Boat in Sydney Harbour on February 12. That’s one of the more unusual spots I’ve heard for a single launch so it should be a night to remember.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lindsay Phillips Releases Bare Bones New Single

Melbourne singer-songwriter Lindsay Phillips strips it all back for his latest single “Only You (And The Lord),” the second to come from his forthcoming album Taedium Vitae.

The stripped back arrangement really highlights just how special Lindsay is. With little to distract us we focus on his rich voice and the lyrics he sings. I love the way his resonant voice interplays with the steel guitar.

It’s a real departure from the lush orchestration of the first single “Exile,” and personally I prefer this. There’s something so genuine and true about “Only You (And The Lord).” Colour me impressed.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings