Dereb the Ambassador Launches Album in Sydney

Dereb the Ambassador will launch his self-titled album with a very special show at Sydney’s GoodGod Small Club on July 1.

The Ethiopian singer who now calls the New South Wales capital home will be supported on the night by a hand-picked band of seven extraordinary musicians. They’ll play Dereb’s own funky groves as well as a few special soul covers.

Nu-soul trio Lo Five will act as support, making the $15 pre-sale tickets seem like an exceptionally good deal!Get yours from the venue now!

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Big Village Showcases Artists with Big Things Album

Independent Sydney hip hop label Big Village is showcasing its finest artists with the release of Big Things Volume One. The compilation album features tracks from some of the brightest new talents in hip hop, including Loose Change, True Vibenation, Reverse Polarities, and Tuka.

This isn’t your typical American hip hop garbage with trite lyrics about hos and bling. Instead the artists on the Big Village roster serve up thought provoking music which goes to the heart of hip hop and reminds us what the genre used to be all about. The compilation is a great introduction to the good work the label is doing, and the exciting new sounds produced by its artists.

Look for it in all good music stores now!

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Evil Eddie Says Evil!

Evil Eddie seems to have gotten even eviler with the video for his new single, “(Somebody Say) Evil.” The former Butterfingers frontman is seen here corrupting kiddies and performing alongside a giant chicken. You can say what you like about Eddie, but he’s certainly not boring!

“(Somebody Say) Evil” is the second single from his soon to be released debut album. At this point it’s tentatively called Welcome to Flavour Country, but with Eddie you know nothing’s ever certain!

If you love Evil Eddie’s brand of madness make sure you check him out at the following home state shows.

10 June 2011 – Exchange Hotel, Townsville
11 June 2011 – Currajah Hotel, Wangan
12 June 2011 – Blue Sky Brewery, Cairns
17 June 2011 – Step Inn, Fortitude Valley
18 June 2011 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
2 July 2011 – River Sessions @ Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay

Major Chord Gives Album Teaser with “Tomorrow Night”

Major Chord is introducing us to his third album Psychic Civil War with “Tomorrow Night,” a mellow slice of acoustic folk.

It’s deceptively simple and low-key, but really listen to this one rather than allowing it to drift into the background. The songwriter otherwise known as Dan Flynn has created a piece of real beauty here that I can imagine hearing strummed over a campfire.

Major Chord will launch the single at The Builders Arms at Fitzroy on June 10 before supporting Myles Mayo and Micah P Hinson around the country later that month. Look out for him, and Psychic Civil War in stores this September.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Sneaky Sound System on the Comeback Trail

It’s been a bit quiet on the Sneaky Sound System front for a while, but the dance duo is hitting back with a vengeance. They’re currently finishing up their third album From Here to Nowhere, their first released through their new label Modular.

The album won’t drop until August 29, but we’ll get a sneak peek when Miss Connie and Black Angus release the single “We Love” on May 27.

They’ll promote the single and get us all salivating for the album when they tour the major capitals in June and July.

Sneaky Sound System29 June 2011 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
1 July 2011 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
2 July 2011 – Metro, Sydney
6 July 2011 – The Bakery, Perth
9 July 2011 – Family Nightclub, Brisbane

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr

Little Scout One to Watch

Brisbane’s Little Scout are the latest band to capture my ear, thanks to the sublimely sweet vocals of Melissa Tickle and lush soundscapes. The single “We Are Walking Out” has made me prick up my ears, and the good news is there’s more to come.

The band is set to release their debut album soon off the back of some major support slots. Already this year Little Scout have toured with Holly Throsby and warmed up their hometown for Belle & Sebastian. And no doubt once the album pops there’ll be more shows to come.

Head to Little Scout’s Facebook page to hear the new single, and keep an eye out for this exciting band!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Records

The Owls Deliver Something Sweet with “Sugarcane” Single and Tour

Newcastle band The Owls are celebrating their brand new single “Sugarcane” with a tour of New South Wales and Queensland. The song gets a digital release on May 27, and they’ll launch it with their first show in Sydney on the same night.

You might not know their name just yet, but The Owls have been rocking out since 2008 with a sound that melds southern influences, garage rock, and straight up and dirty blues. Think Queens of the Stone Age meets Radiohead meets Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. They took out The JD Set last year and later spent time touring around the country with The Basics, The Jezabels, and Cloud Control.

The Owls are known for their electric live shows, so make sure you head out to one of the following gigs to see what the hype is all about.

27 May 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
11 June 2011 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
29 July 2011 – Neverland, Gold Coast
30 July 2011 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
6 August 2011 – Gaelic Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Gossling Announces First Headline Tour

Gossling is finally stepping out of the shadows on her first headlining tour. The singer-songwriter formerly known as Helen Croome will visit capital cities and regional centres across New South Wales and Victoria to support the release of her new single, “War.” It comes from Gossling’s acclaimed sophomore EP Until Then.

Gossling is no stranger to the stage, having recently completed tours with Oh Mercy, Lamb, Whitley, Lior, and The Whitlams. She’s also made a big impact at local festivals including the Woodford Folk Festival and Peats Ridge.

Make sure you arrive early as Gossling will be joined at the following shows by the equally fabulous Ryan Meeking. Tickets go on sale today from the venues and a few other special guests.

23 June 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
24 June 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote VIC
29 June 2011 – Good God Small Club, Sydney NSW
30 June 2011 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi Beach Sydney, NSW
1 July 2011 – Otis Bar, Wollongong
2 July 2011 – Northern Star, Hamilton

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Busby Marou Ready to Unleash Debut Album

For me the standout track of the boys’ Finn Brothers tribute album He Will Have His Way was the tender rendition of “Better Be Home Soon” by Rockhampton’s own Busby Marou. I didn’t know anything about this Queensland based duo, but I knew I wanted to hear more.

I’ll get my wish next month when Jeremy Marou and Thomas Busby release their debut self-titled album on June 24. That’s a long time to wait, so thankfully they’ll digitally release a single “Biding My Time” on May 27.

If you haven’t heard of Busby Marou yet you’ll get the opportunity soon. The band’s planning some relentless touring over the next 12 months, so look out for them in your hometown!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

The Paper Scissors Tour “In Loving Memory”

“Lung Sum” was one of my favorite tracks of 2010, so I’m thrilled to see The Paper Scissors, the men behind the tune, finally releasing that new album. In Loving Memory will hit stores around the country June 17.

This disc sounds right up my alley as it breaks away from those collections of three-and-a-half minute singles. Instead it paints epic rock soundscapes which explore the universal themes of love, family, death, and sex.

“We’ve shed any insecurities and have pieced together an album that embodies us as a band,” explained singer-songwriter Jai Pyne. “The way our sound has evolved and the fact that it reflects our learning and growth explains why it’s taken so long to realise this album.”

Thankfully the Sydney band is making up for lost time with a full-scale album tour. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

17 June 2011 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
18 June 2011 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 June 2011 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
25 June 2011 – Jive, Adelaide
1 July 2011 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
2 July 2011 – Step Inn, Brisbane
13 July 2011 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
15 July 2011 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
16 July 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting