Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Owls Launch Self Titled EP

The Owls have hatched their new self titled EP, which was officially released today.

The disc features “Go, Let It Go,” which you may have heard on the radio. Even if you haven’t, you’re going to love the band’s silky melodies and dark, brooding bass lines.

To celebrate the release The Owls are played a couple of shows over the next few days, so if they’re near you make sure you check them out!

22 September 2010 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (with The Jezabels)
23 September 2010 – Gaelic Club, Surry Hills
25 September 2010 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Familiar with Mutu

Aussie urban act Mutu has gained a steady following with support slots with Flo Rida, Jason Derulo, Akon, Pitbull, and Kelly Rowland. Now this promising young talent is stepping into the spotlight with his debut single “Familiar.”

The tracks been developed by some of the best in the business. Home grown producer Styalz Fuego (Snoop Dogg, Kelis, Sneaky Sound System) and American engineer Brent Kolatolo (Kanye West, Lenny Kravitz) have both put their stamps on the tune.

“Familiar” is at radio now ahead of its digital release on October 4. Mutu will announce his headline tour in the coming weeks, so keep your ears out for that!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Glenn Richards Releases Single Ahead of Solo Album

I’ve always been a fan of Glenn Richards work in Augie March, so I was keen to see what his solo music brought.

Solo projects are usually a bit of a departure, allowing musicians to explore genres and techniques they can’t within the constraints of their band, and it seems Glenn’s is no different. So far I’ve only listened to the single “Torpor & Spleen,” but it’s got a lovely organic quality to it which veers dangerously close to bluegrass. Don’t worry; that’s a good thing.

It’s definitely the kind of tune that makes me want to hear more of Glimjack, the solo album Glenn Richards has worked on with his friends Dan Luscombe, Mike Noga, Ben Bourke, and brother Chris. They’re a talented bunch, and no doubt this album, which will hit stores on November 5, is going to be critically acclaimed. That’s high praise indeed coming from just one single, but it’s just that good.

Image source: Jeanie Mackinder @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loose Change Launch Debut Album in Melbourne

They might hail from Sydney, but hip hop outfit Loose Change is heading down south to launch their self-titled debut album.

The disc combines laidback hook-laden beats, and honest emotive raps. With samples from jazz music, a splash of romance, and witty lyrics, these guys deliver hip hop that’s a cut above the average.

Loose Change will take the stage at Melbourne’s Miss Libertines on December 18 to celebrate the album’s release. It’s a bit of a belated party, as the complete album is actually available as a free download now from the Loose Change website. But it’s better late than never, right?

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Atira Ready to Fire “Butterfly Rocket”

Soulful double act Atira are preparing to release their debut album Butterfly Rocket.

Founding members Melissa Erpen and Chris Targett are the heart of this band, but they’ve enlisted a who’s who of Aussie talent on this album, including Thirsty Merc’s bassist Phil Stack, Marcia Hines’ percussionist Tony Azzopardi, and fellow Perthite Howie Morgan.

They recorded the album at Sydney’s Electric Avenue Studios with ARIA award winning engineer Paul McKercher (Eskimo Joe and Sarah Blasko), and sent it off to Los Angeles for final mixing and mastering by Matt Marrin (Chaka Khan, Usher) and Gavin Lurssen (Robert Plant and Alison Krauss).

Of course, all the talent in the world won’t help you if you don’t have a solid core. Melissa and Chris deliver on that score too with their easy blend of smooth soul, R ‘n’ B, and funky grooves.

The album will hit stores on October 14, the same day they’ll launch it for their home town audience at Perth’s Fly By Night.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue King Brown Promise to “Never Fade Away”

The single keep coming from Blue King Brown. The band, who are currently touring the country with John Butler Trio, has just released a vibing new track called “Never Fade Away.”

“‘Never Fade Away’ speaks about finding strength from our families, the importance of family and also the importance of seeing all human beings as being connected and part of a global community,” the band said in a statement. “’Never Fade Away’, the music video, was all shot in our hometown of Melbourne, Australia. It features some of our region’s finest multicultural artists, dancers and musicians; it’s recognition and a celebration of the strong multicultural foundation that is modern Australia.”

The song is the third single from Blue King Brown’s new album Worldwize Part 1: North & South which is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

From Australian Idol to Indie Artist: Meet Owl Eyes

I always had a lot of respect for Australian Idol as a way to give emerging artists a foot in the door, but appearing on the program was always a bit of a double-edged sword. For every Lisa Mitchell and Ricki Lee Coulter, there are the hundreds of finalists who struggle once their tenure on the talent show is up. You might not remember the name Brooke Addamo – she finished 11th when we all had our eyes on Wes Carr – but she’s hoping her new incarnation sticks. She’s reinvented herself as a singer-songwriter by the name of Owl Eyes, and she’s preparing to release her debut EP Faces.

The disc, which drops on September 10, features the single “1+1” which is already enjoying steady airplay on JJJ and community radio around the country. It’s a world away from the pop mould Idol tried to force her into, and that’s a very good thing.

Some EP launch shows are in the works, but before that Owl Eyes will be warming up the stage for a host of other bands around the country. Make sure you arrive early to catch her at the following shows.

10 September 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Custom Kings)
11 September 2010 – Revolver, Melbourne (with Metals)
18 September 2010 – Spectrum, Sydney (with Metals)
30 September 2010 – Bella Union, Carlton (with Nicolas Roy)

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marcia Hines Does Carole King for 40th Anniversary

Marcia Hines is taking on the music of Carole King with her latest album, not so originally titled Marcia Sings Tapestry.

“Carole King’s Tapestry is an album that has been very integral in my life,” explained Marcia in a statement. “I love singing and these songs allow me to sing.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Australian singer Marcia Hines performs at the 70's Disco International party held at the Equilibrium Hotel on July 14, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. The event is the first in a series of 24 parties held in over 24 cities over a 6-month period, re-living the music, colours and fashion of the 70's era. (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)


Like Marcia, and a great many other girls out there, I also hold Tapestry really close to my heart. I only hope she can do those beautiful songs justice. I’m nervous, as I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone cover those songs just right, but I’ll withhold my judgement until I take a listen.

The release of the album coincides with the 40th anniversary of Marcia’s foray into show business. Goodness isn’t she looking good for it! To celebrate it all, Marcia will perform two intimate shows: one at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on November 20 and the other at Sydney’s State Theatre on December 4. The first half of the concerts will be dedicated to four decades of Marcia Hines hits, while the second will bring the songs of Tapestry to the stage.

“It’s going to be two very different moods and that’s a beautiful thing,” Marcia said. “I love them both.”

I could say that ending a show on the songs of someone else probably isn’t the best way to celebrate your own career, but I love Marcia too much to be catty about it. Tickets for both shows go on sale on September 15, and the album will hit stores on October 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skipping Girl Vinegar Get Wasted

Being as it’s a Saturday it seems only right to chat about Skipping Girl Vinegar and their new song “Wasted.”

Inspired by a big night out at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, the track is deliciously organic with a drum kit found in a dumpster, rubbish bins, and roadside hard rubbish all providing percussion. It’s raucous and just the kind of song you want to play as you head out for your own Saturday evening.

The song is a sneak peek of what lies ahead for the band, a little taster of what to expect from the as-yet-untitled sophomore album which should hit stores early next year. Skipping Girl Vinegar can’t wait that long to get in front of their local fans though, so they’re heading out next month on their Drown It Out single tour.

3 September 2010 – Troubadour, Brisbane (with special guests Autumn Sun & The Lucky Wonders)
10 September 2010 – Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
11 September 2010 – Funk N Grooves Festival, Hunter Valley
11 September 2010 – RAVAL, Sydney (with special guest Ruby for Lucy)
18 September 2010 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (with special guests Hello Satellites & Young Werther)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash