The Potbelleez Say “Hello” Again

Things have been a little quiet on The Potbelleez front since their tracks “Don’t Hold Back” and “Are You With Me” zoomed up the local charts in 2008, but the band hasn’t been sitting idly.

31255, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Wednesday May 27 2009. The Potbelleez at the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards Nominations at the APRA hHeadquarters in Sydney. REF: APRA270509. Video: PacificCoastNews.com


The Sydney act has been holed up in their Bondi Beach Wonderland studio writing and recording their sophomore album Destination Now. The follow-up to the self-titled debut has been co-produced by the legendary Paul Mac and Justin Shave.

We’ll have to wait until October 22 for the album to drop, but we’ll get an early taste with the release of the first single “Hello.” I’ve already had a listen to this electro-driven floor filler, and it has hit written all over it. Listen out for “Hello” when it hits radio on July 26.

The Bloodpoets “Dance” Around Oz

Brisbane quintet The Bloodpoets will groove their way around the country to promote their brand new single “Dance.” The track is the first taste of the band’s sophomore album, which should hit shelves later this year.

The single, and its riff-driven electro beats, represents a change in musical direction for the band.

“‘Dance’ is characterised by these riffs, whereas previously we wrote a four-minute chord song, focusing on arrangements of instruments and vocal delivery” explained singer/songwriter Tom Murphy. “The writing process for Dance was different. It was born during a jam between the drummer and me on an electric drum kit. Because of the sounds on the kit, we decided to muck around on a cheesy riff until we realised if it was on big guitars and a real drum kit it would be enormous.

“Lyrically the song was based off how overwhelming it can be to see a good looking woman dance, so I tried to explore it in a smutty, yet a respectful way.”

The Dance tour will see The Bloodpoets perform tracks from their debut album Polarity along with some new tunes.

“We have had an extremely positive response to the new music and have heard people say that this is the type of music they thought The Bloodpoets would eventually reach in terms of style, but hopefully also in terms of potential,” Tom said.

Grab your dancing shoes and catch The Bloodpoets at the following venues.

28 July 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane (18+)
6 August 2010 – Neverland Bar, Gold Coast (18+)
12 August 2010 – King George Square, Brisbane (All Ages)
15 August 2010 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba (18+)
27 August 2010 – Brisbane Raws game @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (All Ages)
27 August 2010 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane (18+)
17 September 2010 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast (18+)
14 October 2010 – Toff In Town, Melbourne (18+)
15 October 2010 – The Hub, Launceston (18+)
16 October 2010 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

The Mission in Motion Finally Release Album, Support Senses Fail

Sydney quintet The Mission in Motion have just released their latest single “New Skin,” a teaser from their soon-to-be released album Somewhere Safe. Head to the band’s MySpace page to hear the track.

“New Skin is our weekend song,” explained the band’s front man Brett Islaub. “We wanted to write a song about letting everything go, having a few drinks and having a good time with your friends.”

The long play is the follow up to their 2008 EP A Curse, A Calling, but don’t think the band has been idle. They’ve been tearing up the live circuit with acts like Stealing O’Neal, Elora Danan, and Wherewolves, not to mention their own headlining shows and appearances at Soundwave and a youth festival in Singapore.

So clearly we can forgive the band for taking so long to churn out the album. To appease us, the disc will come packaged with B-sides and rarities for a limited time. Somewhere Safe will hit stores on July 30.

If you like what you hear make sure you catch The Mission in Motion supporting America’s Senses Fail at the following shows around the country.

12 August 2010 – Hi Fi, Brisbane (18+)
13 August 2010 – The Fort, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 August 2010 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
20 August  2010 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Daytime – Under 18s)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Evening – 18+)

Image used with permission from HeapsaFlash

The Verses Prepare to Release Debut Album “Seasons”

The Verses, the current guise of talented siblings Ella and Jesse Hooper, are preparing to release their debut album Seasons.

The disc has been four years in the making, but from listening to the album sampler it’s clear this was time well spent. There’s an assurity about the outfit; they’re comfortable with the songs and their instruments and it shows. That relaxed ease is perfect for the blend of folk rock and alt-country music they’re producing these days.

Of course an album sampler will always showcase the best tracks, and it’s difficult to judge an entire disc on four songs, but I’m digging this. There’s a real classic feel to it. I wasn’t surprised to hear Jackson Browne’s guitarist makes a cameo. But don’t dismiss it as daggy parent music; Ella’s voice gives it that contemporary edge that should endear it to modern audiences. Right now “Teeth” is the real stand out for me, an energetic number which is infectiously playful. I love what I’ve heard of Seasons, and can’t wait to hear more.

I’ll get my chance when Seasons is released on August 13.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Here Come the Birds Impress with New Album “Young People Never Die”

One of the things I love most about writing this blog is discovering new bands. The latest to cross my radar is Here Come The Birds, a rocking quintet from my home town of Newcastle. Since moving to the Central Coast I’ve been a bit removed from my former stomping ground, so it’s wonderful to see acts like this contributing to the city’s rich musical legacy.

Here Come The Birds have just released their new album Young People Never Die, an epic collection of cuts which fuse melodic hooks with the obligatory sense of rock rebellion. This a band that understands light and shade; they’re not afraid to explore darkness but the infectious hooks ensure it never gets too gloomy.

Young People Never Die was recorded with Forrester Savell, a producer who’s worked with the likes of Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, Helmet, and Birds of Tokyo. He’s clearly given Here Come The Birds a bit of spit and polish, but he’s been very careful to preserve this band’s natural energy and raw honesty.

If you want to taste Here Come The Birds, I suggest heading to their website where you can download their EP just for signing up to the mailing list. If you like what you hear, don’t hesitate to pick up Young People Never Die. It’s awesome!

Image used with permission from Here Come the Birds

Jonesez Needs Your Help To Make Best Basement Video for “Best Friends”

The singles are coming thick and fast from Jonesez. Just a month after releasing “Be That Guy,” he’s unleashing “Best Friends,” the second single from the album Betty’s Soup, which will hit stores on August 6.

The single is an ode to one of Jonesez’ pals who sold pot to pay his university fees. It’s a surprisingly charming tribute to the unlikeliest of drug dealers.

The film clip will be the third in Jonesez’s Basement Videos series. He’s asking for our help to make it the best ever. Head to Kickstarter or click the widget below to donate; a $5 pledge will see your name in the film clip’s credits, while one of $1750 will earn you Jonesez’s own beloved Fender Telecaster! There are plenty of other rewards up for grabs too, so give what you can to help Jonesez pay for props, lighting, and all the other stuff that signed artists get for free!

Laura Imbruglia Shows Her Lighter Side

Natalie might grab all the headlines, but her sister Laura Imbruglia has been quietly plugging away at her musical career for years. Something tells me that’s exactly how she likes it.

She’ll release her new single “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” on July 5, the first cut from her second album Lighter Side Of … The single’s playful video sees the Catholic-raised Laura break every commandment in the book, and a few besides including Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbour’s boyfriend and Thou Shalt Not Play Handball with Poor Co-Ordination! We’ll get a sneak peek of the clip when it makes its debut on Laura’s MySpace page on July 2.

If you want to see more rule breaking from Laura Imbruglia check her out each Wednesday in August at the Excelsior Hotel, Surry Hills. She’ll be donning a different hat each night; see Country Laura, Karaoke Laura, and other alter egos at the following shows!

4 August 2010 – Acoustic Laura: Acoustic & Lonesome
11 August 2010 – Country Laura: Classic Country Covers
18 August 2010 – Band Laura: Rocken Like Dokken
25 August 2010 – Karaoke Laura: Hosting a night of Karaoke

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Triky Releases Two Albums and Scores Slot in New York Comp

Sydney DJ Triky must be one of the hardest working folks in the dance industry. He’s just released not one, but two, new albums and scored a slot in a major US competition.

The first album, Electric, features 12 high-energy tunes with thumping bass lines. It picks up where Triky’s first studio releases Tweaked and Permanent Damage left off, but pushes the dance envelope that much further. Then there’s Filtered, which is described as “an exploration in BPM with tracks ranging from 140 to 150 BPM.” The experimental project takes Triky in an exciting new direction. Both albums are released through Triky Entertainment and distributed via MGM/Green Media Distribution.

On the back of these album releases Triky has earned a spot at New York’s M.E.A.N.Y. Fest. This competition, which is staged in iconic venues like Gramercy Theater and the Bowery Poetry Club, could net Triky time in a recording studio, a digital distribution deal, and much more.

We wish him all the best of luck in the comp!

Image used with permission from Azure PR

Sarah McLeod Prepares to Release “Double R”

Sarah McLeod surprised us all last year with the release of her dance-pop single “Tell Your Story Walking.” Now she’s showing us more of her dance chops with the release of a brand new single “Double R.”

I was shown some of the remixes today and again, this isn’t at all what I expect from Sarah McLeod. She’s proving herself to be the mistress of reinvention. While I didn’t really warm to the song, I’ll try to reserve my judgement until I hear the single version. It’s just a little too electronic and processed for my tastes. In the mean time, I’m sure the kids in the club will lap up this Grand Theft remix. What do you think?

The Double R EP is scheduled for release on July 21.

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Guy Sebastian Plays American Shows to Support US Album Release

Guy Sebastian’s awesome fifth album Like It Like That has finally scored a US release. The album is available exclusively in Barnes & Noble stores through their Red label.

The record has a few things that should help to endear it to US fans. There’s David Ryan Harris twiddling the knobs, and John Mayer lending his guitar skills to three tracks. Not to mention the star power of Jordin Sparks on the duet “Art of Love.”

And then there’s Guy, who should win the Americans over with his charm and exceptional talent.

To help things along, Guy will play a string of shows along the West Coast next week. If you’re around these venues, make sure you drop in and catch Guy at the following shows.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 10:  Singer Guy Sebastian performs during the Australian Commercial Radio Awards 2009 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on October 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)


7 July 2010 – Dougfir Lounge, Portland
8 July 2010 – House of Blues, San Diego
9 July 2010 – Club Nokia, Los Angeles
10 July 2010 – Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
11 July 2010 – Hotel Utah, San Francisco
12 July 2010 – Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle
13 July 2010 – Hotel Café, Los Angeles