Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

First Taste of Katie Noonan and The Captains Debut Album

Katie Noonan is one of those artists who never seems to sit still.

She became an indie goddess with her work in George, turned to a more reflective jazz-laded sound with her first solo album Skin, and explored the works of Lennon and McCartney with Blackbird. For the last two years Katie’s gone in another direction with her latest band, The Captains. With Cameron Deyell on guitar, Stu Hunter on keys and bass, and Declan Kelly manning the drums, Katie is now exploring a more organic sound.

The band’s album, Emperor’s Box, is slated for an April release, so we’ve still got a few months to wait, but today I got a taste of what’s to come. I heard one of the new songs, “Time,” and I’m very impressed. I think the George fans who criticized Katie’s solo albums will embrace this, as it really is back to basics. There’s a little edge here, just a hint of that familiar George angst, but it’s softened by strings and Katie’s pure, heavenly voice.

For this album Katie’s written tracks with a who’s who of Australian and New Zealand talent. There’s Tim Finn, Don Walker, Sia, Josh Pyke, and Tom Shapcott, not to mention her esteemed Captains band mates. With these kind of folks lending their skills, I’m sure Emperor’s Box will be one of the big albums of 2010.

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Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Black Ryder Release New Video, Aimee Scores New Moon Soundtrack Slot

The Black Ryder has released a stunning video for “Sweet Come Down.” The haunting song comes from the band’s highly anticipated debut, Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride, which hits stores on November 6.

The song is a fan favourite, with Aimee Nash and Scott Ryper sharing vocal duties and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Peter Hayes on harmonica.

The accompanying clip is more short film than traditional music video, with acclaimed director Michael Spiccia and cinematographer Stefan Duscio at the helm. The wilds of south west New South Wales become a beautiful and foreboding landscape for the scene, which takes place after a mysterious tragedy.

The Black Ryder fans should look out for Aimee moonlighting on the new Black Rebel Motorcycle track, “Done All Wrong.” The song, which features Aimee’s ethereal vocals, is featured on the recently released Twilight – New Moon soundtrack.

The Black Ryder will celebrate the release of Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride with a show at The Tote Bar in Melbourne on November 19. The band will play alongside Killed Two Birds, Slight of Build, and Dreaming of Ghosts. It’s their very last show this year, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Foxx on Fire Celebrate EP Release with East Coast Tour

Melbourne quartet Foxx on Fire have just long released their long-awaited debut EP, White Sands. To celebrate, the lads who proudly describe their music as ‘apocalyptic disco-noir’ are heading out on the road for an East Coast tour.

Since their inception in 2006, Foxx on Fire have played more than 100 live showed including the St. Kilda Festival and supports for Art vs. Science, Bluejuice, and Midnight Juggernauts. There’s a reason why these boys took out the Diesel:U:Music comp and become finalists at the MTV Kickstart Competition, Tooheys Extra Dry uncharted.

Discover why yourself why Foxx on Fire are fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting live acts at the following shows.

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2 November 2009 – ‘Melbourne Cup Eve’ @ The Birmingham, Melbourne (Tix $10 at the door)
14 November 2009 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (Free entry)
20 November 2009 – Neverland Bar, Gold Coast (Tix $10 at the door)
21 November 2009 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (Free entry)
25 November 2009 – Diesel:U:Music Party @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
28 November 2009 – Ed Castle, Adelaide (Tix $10 at the door)

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassette Kids Announce Nothing on TV Album Release

They’ve spent the last 18 months earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in the country, and now Cassette Kids are ready to announce the release of their long-awaited debut album, Nothing on TV.

The first single, “Lying Around,” hits radio this week ahead of the album’s March 2010 release.

“The first single, “Lying Around,” has a great energy and quite a strong message: If you don’t get off your arse and go after what you want, then you can’t expect it to fall in your lap,” explained the band’s lead singer, Katrina.

The track is just one of a dozen tracks, the result of spending six months in the studio with Richard Wilkinson (Hot Chip, Adele, Magic Numbers, Carl Cox) and Michael Di Francesco aka Mikey from Van She (Ladyhawke). Under the guidance of these uber-talented producers, the Kids have experimented with their sound to create something really special. It’s a little more pop, but fans will be relieved to find the band’s trademark grit intact.

March may seem an age to wait, but you can get a taste of the new tracks on the Cassette Kids’ Lying Around tour. Tickets to all shows are on sale now.

8 November 2009 – Northbridge Festival, Perth WA (with Downsyde)
13 November 2009 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote VIC (with Canvas Kites and Red Ink)
14 November 2009 – Revolver, Prahran VIC (with Canvas Kites and Wilfred Jackal)
20 November 2009 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW (with Canvas Kites and We Say Bamboulee)
21 November 2009 – Trackside Festival, Canberra ACT (with Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Midnight Juggernauts)
27 November 2009 – The Clubhouse, Brisbane QLD (with Canvas Kites and Yacht Club DJ’s)
28 November 2009 – Open Arms Festival, Coffs Harbour (with Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Children Collide)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Duets with Jordin Sparks on New Single

Guy Sebastian will follow up the success of his latest single “Like It Like That” with a duet with American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. Guy recorded the track “Art of Love” recently in the United States. The song is the second to be released from Guy’s fifth studio album Like It Like That, which hits stores on Friday.

It won’t just be Guy’s CDs that fans will see in the stores though. Guy’s just announced a run of in-store appearances ahead of his tour next February. Guy will sign autographs and perform for his loyal fans at the shopping centre appearances. Here are all the places you can catch Guy in the coming months. Make sure to mark them in your calendars!

23 October 2009 – Virgin Megastore, 343 George St, Sydney @ 1pm
24 October 2009 – Westfield Tea Tree Plaza, Adelaide @ 12.30pm
29 October 2009 – Westfield, Liverpool @ 6pm.
12 Feb 2010 – Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention Centre
13 Feb 2010 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
14 Feb 2010 – State Theatre, Sydney
19 Feb 2010 – QPAC, Concert Hall, Brisbane
20 Feb 2010 – Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne

Image source: Renee Anquetil @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll and Street Warriors Cover "Solid Rock"

Shannon Noll has teamed up with indigenous hip hoppers Street Warriors to revamp an Australian classic, the Goanna hit “Solid Rock.”

The combination of hip hop beats and rock guitars breathes new life into the 1982 anthem which sang of the displacement of Aboriginal tribes during Australia’s white settlement. The themes made the song particularly poignant for the Street Warriors.

“If everyone practices respect – for land, for country, for each other, most of our problems would disappear,” said one half of the group, Abie Wright.

The video saw Shannon and the band headed to the Gommeroi Land around Gunnedah. The song pays homage to the Street Warriors’ ancestor, Red Chief Kangaroo, and they shot part of the video in the Red Chief Cave in his honour. Check it out below!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Versus Sign to Warner, Offer Free Single Download

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Killing Heidi duo Ella and Jesse Hooper have just been signed up to Warner Music Australia. The brother-sister team’s latest incarnation, The Verses, showcases their incredible talent and knack for crafting an unforgettable song.

“The Verses are all about old-fashioned quality: beautifully crafted songs, great musicianship and unforgettable vocal melodies,” explained Warner president and CEO, Ed St John. “They take all the things that are good about ‘classic rock’ and combine them with a totally contemporary sensibility. So many people know and admire Jesse and Ella Hooper and all that they stand for, but I still think people will be blown away by this band.”

Meanwhile Ella and Jesse Hooper are hopeful about the opportunities their partnership with Warner will present.

“We are very excited to be working with the people at Warners for our new project The Verses as we really respect their nurturing of local talent,” the pair said in a statement. “The Verses has been something we have been creating with a lot of love and are looking forward to sharing our music again. We are thrilled to be debuting our new band on the Fleetwood Mac tour in December, who are one of our favourite groups!“

The band’s first single “Forever More” will hit radio on October 26, but you can get it for free now at The Versus website. The song comes from the band’s debut EP, which is scheduled to drop on November 13. That gives fans just enough time to learn all the songs ahead of the Fleetwood Mac tour. Here are all the dates!

1 & 2 December 2009 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
5 December 2009 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
7 December 2009 – Acer Arena, Sydney
11 & 12 December 2009 – Members Equity, Perth
15 & 16 December 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wes Carr CD Gets a Cover Disc

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If you don’t own a copy of Wes Carr’s album The Way The World Looks, or you just can’t get enough of the reigning Australian Idol champ, listen up. The album will be repackaged as a two-disc set, which features a collection of covers titled Under the Influence.

The really exciting thing is that it’s not simply the songs Wes covered on Idol. Instead, Wes has put his signature stamp on the songs which influenced his musical journey. The disc features a remake of Joe Jackson’s “Is She Really Going Out With Him,” which you may have heard in the opening credits of Beauty & The Geek. Surely I’m not the only one who’s been suckered into that reality TV show! There’s also a stripped back acoustic version of Wes’ own hit, “Love is an Animal.”

The newly repackaged version of The Way The World Looks hits stores on November 6. Here’s the complete track listing!

1. “Is She Really Going Out With Him” – Joe Jackson
2. “Long As I Can See The Light” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
3. “Hey Bulldog” – The Beatles
4. “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
5. “Straight To Hell” – The Clash
6. “Across 110th Street” – Bobby Womack
7. “Love” – The Beatles
8. “Slide” – Michael Hutchence/U2
9. “Love is an Animal”- Acoustic Version

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The John Steel Singers Launch "Masochist" with Aussie Tour

Brisbane’s The John Steel Singers aren’t content with just one launch for their new single “Masochist.” They’re playing a series of launch shows all around the country!

The song, which combines art-rock, classic pop, and indie elements, was recorded with the band’s producer and mentor, Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens. He’s brought out a spontaneous and energetic sound from the band, while allowing them the freedom to experiment. The band loves to tell stories about dysfunctional relationships. In the case of “Masochist,” we hear the story of a man who can’t apply himself to love.

“Masochist” is the first single from The John Steel Singers’ debut album Tangalooma, which will be released early next year. From October 30, the band will be joined by folksters Little Scout. Here are all the dates!

16 October 2009 – Jive, Adelaide
17 October 2009 – One Movement Festival, Perth
23 October 2009 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
24 October 2009 – Transit Bar, Canberra
30 October 2009 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
31 October 2009 – Karova, Ballarat
1 November 2009 – Republic Bar, Hobart
2 November 2009 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
6 November 2009 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba
7 November 2009 – Old Museum, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

StoneMason Announce Shows to Support "Noise and Haste" EP

Gold Coast quartet StoneMason are hitting the road this month to support their brand new EP Noise and Haste.

The five-track disc combines energetic indie rock, synth-laden pop punk, and piano driven ballads. It features the infectious single “Stockholm Fashion,” a song which the band says is about inspiration.

“To some extent everything we do is motivated by some form of inspiration. To be surrounded featureless, insipid people would only encourage you to become similar,” explained guitarist John Beynon.

“It is about wanting people everywhere to become a muse, to want to be inspired themselves. Moments, lives, the entire world can be changed by a single inspired person. All it takes is a wanting to become change. Hopefully people will see the message in this song and connect with it”.

The band of teenagers has quickly earned a reputation as a dynamic live act.

“Our live show is a fun, energetic performance which people can and should participate in as we really feed off our audience,” says bassist Thomas Stevens. “Because of the diverse range of songs on our setlist, fans should come to our show expecting to mosh, slow dance and sing along”.

You can see if this Gold Coast outfit lives up to the hype at the following shows.

18 October 2009 – Club 299, Brisbane (18+)
24 October 2009 – Bang, Melbourne (18+)
29 October 2009 – Helensvale High School, Helensvale (All Ages)
31 October 2009 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
8 November 2009 – Stuff The Stocking, Caboolture (All Ages)
27 November 2009 – Hard Rock Cafe, Gold Coast (18+)

Image source: StoneMason MySpace