Releases – Page 430 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 07/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Johnston Acoustic Australian Live Set Gets Digital Release

Punters raved about Daniel Johnston’s shows this February. In between slots at the Laneway Festival and theatres, the American singer-songwriter took time out to record an acoustic session in Sydney’s Albert Studios. Now that live set will be released as an EP through Hub The Label and Albert productions.

The 2005 South By South West Music Festival

The EP features many tracks which have never been released live anywhere in the world. Standout local singer-songwriter Old Man River joins Daniel for “Fake Tales of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” just as he did at the Aussie shows.

The live@albertstudios EP will be available for digital download through iTunes on May 21.

Posted on 03/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Rogue Traders Get Hearts Beating with Socceroos World Cup Song

The Rogue Traders hope to lead the Socceroos to World Cup victory with their song “Pulse of the Nation.” The track will be the team’s official 2010 FIFA World Cup song, and you can be part of it.

Pulse of the Nation events will be held at Westfield shopping centres around Australia this week. At these sessions the heartbeats of shoppers will be recorded via special digital stethescopes. These heartbeats will then form the beat for the Rogue Traders track. The names of all heartbeat donators will be printed in a commemorative book to be presented to the Socceroos during their World Cup campaign in South Africa.

“Being asked to support the Socceroos on their World Cup campaign is perhaps the greatest single honour we have received in our careers. We are also delighted to be able to involve the general public in the creation of this song – to literally bring together the heartbeats of our nation – and to combine them into one, inspirational moment. That way we can all cheer our boys onto victory,” said Rogue Traders’ James Ash and Mindi Jackson in a statement.

You can listen out for your heartbeat when the song becomes available online on May 24. It’ll also feature on the Rogue Traders upcoming album Night of the Living Drums, which will hit stores on June 25.

If you want to get involved, just visit the following Westfield shopping centres.

Westfield Bondi, NSW (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Liverpool, NSW (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Carindale, Qld (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Fountain Gate, Vic (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza, SA (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday, 11 am to 4 pm Friday to Sunday
Westfield Carousel, WA (6-8 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday

Posted on 29/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Hashbang Spacestar Release Debut EP

Electropop act Hashbang Spacestar are preparing to release their debut EP Memories Travel at the Speed of Light.

If you love the sounds of The Presets, Empire of the Sun, Cut Copy, and PNAU you should give these guys a spin. They’ve got a bunch of free MP3 available through their website, or you can catch them in the live arena when they launch their EP at Sosueme, Q-Bar in Sydney on May 7.

Image source: Hashbang Spacestar

Posted on 28/04/201027/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

The Cat Empire Announce New Album and Tour

Melbourne band The Cat Empire have just signed a brand new deal with EMI, and announced the release of their new album to celebrate.

Cinema will hit stores on June 25, but we’ll get a sneak peek with the digital release of the first single “Feeling’s Gone” on May 14.

The Cat Empire’s material has always sounded best in the live arena, so fans will be happy to hear the band will embark on a national tour. Currently only ten dates have been confirmed, but they promise there’s more where that came from. Sit tight fans in Broome, Townsville, Alice Springs, and Darwin; your cities are amongst the ones yet to be announced. As for everyone else, here are the shows to add to your concert calendar.

19 August 2010 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
21 August 2010 – The Station, Perisher
22 August 2010 – ANU Bar, Canberra
26 August 2010 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
27 August 2010 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
28 August 2010 – Riverstage, Brisbane
29 August 2010 – Hordern Pavillion, Sydney
1 September 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
2 September 2010 – Astor Theatre, Perth
10 September 2010 – Reggaetown Festival, Cairns

Posted on 27/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Stan Walker Releases Great New Song, “Unbroken”

I didn’t really care for Stan Walker’s debut single “Black Box,” but his follow up “Unbroken” is great stuff.

Although once you look at the songwriting credits, it’s no surprise. Ryan Tedder knows how to craft a hit, from his work with Leona Lewis, Beyonce, and Jordin Sparks to material for his own band One Republic.

The track tells the story of strength and survival, something Stan knows about all too well. While his personal struggles were documented during his Australian Idol journey, he also came face to face with human tragedy on a recent visit to Haiti.

“Unbroken” will feature on Stan Walker’s first album of original material, due for release later this year.

Posted on 24/04/201023/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Flicks Confess Paramore Crush with New Single “Hayley”

Brisbane pop-punk act Flicks are back with their new single “Hayley.”

The fun track is an ode to Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams. It imagines what the Flicks lads would do if they ever scored a date with their dream woman. And apparently it has the seal of approval from Hayley Williams’ real life squeeze, Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory!

“It was funny, because we met her boyfriend backstage at their recent Brisbane show and he didn’t want to kill us for writing a song about his girlfriend!!” they said. No death is always a good thing!

The rocking tune was produced by Todd Morse (The Offspring, Juliette and the Licks) and mixed by Grant Wallis of Aneiki (anyone out there remember “Pleased to Meet You?”).

The band will play shows around Queensland in June to support the release of “Hayley.” The Brisbane quartet says we can expect an energetic set.

“We just love jumping around and getting in the crowd’s face. We spend along time practising making sure everything is perfect. We also enjoy terrible jokes.”

Check out Flicks at the following shows.

2 June 2010 – Charters Towers PCYC, Charters Towers (All Ages)
3 June 2010 – TBC, Cairns (All Ages)
4 June 2010 – Townsville PCYC, Townsville (All Ages)
5 June 2010 – Andergrove Community Hall, Mackay (All Ages)
6 June 2010 – Emerald PCYC, Emerald (All Ages)
11 June 2010 – Walter Reid Centre, Rockhampton (All Ages)
12 June 2010 – Gladstone PCYC, Gladstone (All Ages)
13 June 2010 – Bundaberg PCYC, Bundaberg (All Ages)
17 June 2010 – The Powerhouse, Maryborough (All Ages)
18 June 2010 – Club Envy, Sunshine Coast (18+)
19 June 2010 – Civic Centre, Gympie (All Ages)
20 June 2010 – Blackbox Theatre, Nambour (All Ages)
26 June 2010 – The Princess Theatre, Brisbane (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on 24/04/201004/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Major Label Releases More Singles

Major Label, General Pants Co’s “singles only” record label, is going from strength to strength. Following the signing of three acts in March, Major Label has announced it will release three new singles next month.

Again, there’s a lovely eclectic mix of talent. The singles are “Love Me” from Sydney indie folk act Underlights, “Pairs” from Sydney progressive punksters Made in Japan, and “Hot Trash” from Brisbane indie-dance act Tin Can Radio.

These singles will be available to stream on the General Pants Co website and to purchase through selected online retailers, including iTunes, Amazon, Emusic, and Nokia.

Major Label’s first three acts – Guineafowl, Circle Pit, and High Highs – have all achieved significant support from radio and media following their signings. It’s great to see Major Label creating a buzz for these hot up and comers.

Remember, if you want to be considered for a Major Label release contact Henry Roberts of Peer Group Media or take your demo to any General Pants store.

Posted on 23/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Gyroscope Slams Warner Over Greatest Hits Release

The lads from Gyroscope have lashed out at former record label Warner Music for releasing a greatest hits record without their consent or knowledge.

The band only became aware of the release when fans alerted them through Facebook. They say the album does not represent value for money.

“The song selection, artwork and everything about this release has been done without consultation with the band,” they said. “Gyroscope are a band who have always put our fans first. In our opinion, the release of this album without consultation with the band, and without including any material from our new album Cohesion, does not represent good value for our fans.”

I’ve got to say I side with Gyroscope on this one. Material from a mere three albums does not a greatest hits make, particularly when the first two didn’t exactly set the world alight. Compare that to the latest disc which debuted at number 3 on the ARIA charts and you quickly realise this is no “best of” at all.

I think anyone who doesn’t already own all four discs would be better off filling the gaps in their collection than buying this greatest hits CD, but if you do want The Best Of Gyroscope you’ll find it in stores next week.

Posted on 21/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Minogue Announces “Aphrodite” Album with Teaser Video

Kylie Minogue’s website has gone into meltdown with the announcement that her next album will be named Aphrodite. I guess that’s what happens when you make an announcement that you’ll make an announcement a day before to generate some hype!

At any rate, Kylie’s 11th studio album will hit record stores on July 5. It will be launched with the single “All The Lovers,” which gets a June 28 release.

If you can’t wait that long, check out this 30-second teaser video. I must say what’s here kind of hurts my ears, but spin it in a club and I might be interested. I’ll reserve my judgement until I hear the vocals; Kylie’s always had a knack of hooking me in with a catchy chorus.

Posted on 20/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Amy Meredith On The Road Again

Amy Meredith are giving us another taste of their debut album Restless with the upcoming launch of second single “Lying.” To coincide with its release on April 23, the Sydney band will play a string of new shows later this month.

Clearly the lads enjoy being on stage, as they only just wrapped up their tour with Stereophonics last night! Such a busy schedule bodes well for the five-piece who’ll release their debut album Restless on June 4.

Initial reactions to Lying have been incredibly positive, with DJs around the country making it one of the top 10 most added songs for radio for the last two weeks running.

Fans can get their hands on an autographed CD single by preordering before its official release on April 23. Just SMS “LYING,” your name and address to 193123. The SMS costs $5.55 including the cost of the CD.

Catch Amy Meredith with support act Tonight Alive at the following shows.

24 April 2010 – The Fort, Fortitude Valley (All Ages)
24 April 2010 – Rosies, Brisbane (18+)
25 April 2010 – Miami Shark Bay, Gold Coast (18+)
29 April 2010 – Blush Nightclub, Gosford (18+)
30 April 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (18+)
1 May 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (All Ages)
2 May 2010 – The Loft, Newcastle (All Ages)
14 May 2010 – Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide (18+)
15 May 2010 – Phoenix Youth Centre, Footscray (Under 18s)
15 May 2010 – Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne (18+)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia