Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Does Children's Album, and Book!

Being a mum of two seems to have rubbed off on Kasey Chambers. Her next project is an album of children’s songs with her dad Bill Chambers.

The pair will record under the cute moniker of Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and the Little Hillbillies. Kasey’s hubby Shane Nicholson and brother Nash Chambers will also appear on the disc.

The CD marks the songwriting debut of Kasey’s son Talon, who has penned the track “Two Houses” at the tender age of seven.

Kasey will also release her first children’s book, called Little Kasey and the Lost Music to coincide with the CD. It will feature a bonus CD of the track “The Lost Music Blues,” and an audio reading of the book so little ones can follow along.

“Writing this book has been a dream of mine since my first son was born 7 years ago. The idea of the story and characters started back then and have grown a little each passing year,” Kasey said in a statement.

“The main character (Little Kasey) is based on myself when I was 8 years old growing up in the outback of Australia. My two best friends in the story are ‘Froggles’, based on and named by my seven-year old son Talon, and ‘Worm’ who is based on my real life best friend, roadie and lighting technician, “Worm”. His wife, (in real life of course!) Bernadette, is also one of my closest friends and a great teacher. She helped me write and bring this idea to life. Having this book finally illustrated and published is a dream come true and one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Both the book and CD will be released on October 30 through Liberation.

Image source: Mandy Hall @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Kisschasy Track, Album and Tour on the Way

Kisschasy have matured like a fine wine with the release of their third album, Seizures. The disc saw the Western Australian outfit jet to Los Angeles to work with legendary producer Rob Schnaf (Elliott Smith, Beck, Powderfinger, The Vines). The result has been touted the band’s best recording to date.

Frontman Darren Cordeux wrote the title track as a letter to a friend he says was “not living life to the fullest because they were too afraid of the consequences.” You can download the song online for free by clicking here.

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out the album when it drops on August 21 and see Kisschasy when they make their way around the country in September. They’ll be joined by Regular John for all but the first three shows.

25 September 2009 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 September 2009 – Coolangatta Hotel
27 September 2009 – The Lake @ Kawana Waters, Sunshine Coast (All ages)
29 September 2009 – Hoey Moey Hotel, Coffs Harbour
30 September 2009 – Strobe Uni, Armidale
1 October 2009 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle
2 October 2009 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong
3 October 2009 – UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney (All ages)
4 October 2009 – ANU, Canberra
7 October 2009 – The Palace Theatre, Melbourne
8 October 2009 – Inferno, Traralgon
9 October 2009 – Ferntree Gully Hotel
10 October 2009 – Pier Hotel, Frankston
11 October 2009 – HiFi BAR, Melbourne (Under 18’s)
13 October 2009 – HQ, Adelaide
15 October 2009 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
16 October 2009 – Prince Of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
17 October 2009 – The Capitol, Perth

Image used with permission from Delinquents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassie Davis Does New Album Differently

Cassie Davis is continuing to show us she does things differently with her debut album titled, funnily enough, Differently.

“In my music, my life, fashion – I do everything a little differently,” she explained. “I don’t do things just because other people think that’s the way it should be done. That wouldn’t be staying true to who I am. I’ve always been like this. I like being a bit odd and the odd one out.”

The disc showcases those differences, drawing from Cassie’s eclectic influences. The natural marriage of pop and rock becomes something new with a dash of ska, a smattering of urban sounds, and a little gospel.

It includes her three big hits, “Differently,” “Like it Loud,” and the latest smash, “Do It Again.” But there’s plenty more besides, including the big ballad “Amazing,” the African beats of “Hero,” and the dark and deeply personal “Mess of Mine.”

With the input of a world-class team, including Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Beyonce), Printz Board (Black Eyed Peas musical director) and Wayne Wilkins (Beyonce, Kylie, Natasha Bedingfield, Pink), Differently promises to be one of this year’s big hits.

Differently hits stores on August 14.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassie Davis Does it Again

Perth’s Cassie Davis is back with her brand new single “Do it Again.” It’s another strong rock/dance track, in the same vein as previous singles “Like it Loud” and “Differently,” so if you liked those this will probably be just your cup of chai. I worry that Cassie’s turning into a bit of a one-trick pony, and I’d really like to see a more sensitive side. Yet there’s no denying that she’s very comfortably filling the void the Natalie Bassingthwaighte led Rogue Traders have left in the Aussie music landscape.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marc Collis Sets Heart A-Flutter

Cutie-pie Marc Collis has burst onto the scene with his perfect pop/rock single “I Miss Everything.” Marc has the kind of face that makes young girls squeal, and a voice with enough grit to sucker in a few older fans. The lyrics are lovely, and I personally find it a little hard to resist a guy with a guitar. If this first taste is any indication, his debut album Louder on the Inside will explode when released later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Goes Back to the Blues

He might be 53 years old, but Jimmy Barnes shows no signs of slowing down. The Aussie music veteran recorded not one, but two new albums in a recent trip to the United States.

The first is a prequel to his famous Soul Deep album, titled The Rhythm & the Blues. As the name suggests, the covers disc will feature bluesy numbers from the 50s and 60s.

Jimmy assembled an all-star band for the disc, including guitarist Johnny Lee Schell (Lucinda Williams, BB King), pianist Mike Thompson (Eagles), bassist Reggie McBride (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder) and drummer James Gadson (Quincy Jones, Bill Withers). Being the consummate professionals that they are, the album was recorded in just three days. We’ll hear a taste of it next month when the first single is released.

While stateside Jimmy also teamed up with Jonathan Cain, the co-writer of “Working Class Man” for another original rock album. Who knows whether another single so strong will grace this disc, but I can’t help crossing my fingers.

We can expect both albums to hit record stores soon.

Image source: DianeSunshineCoast @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Scare Reborn with Oozevoodoo

The Scare are back with a brand new album, curiously titled oozevoodoo.

“oozevoodoo is about cleansing and rebirth,” explained Scare frontman Kiss Reid. “It represents the rebirth of this band’s hunger.”

It’s a natural progression from Chivalry, with a heavier attack, back-to-basics rhythms, and more complex vocal melodies. We get a taste of these elements in the disc’s first single, “Could Be Bad,” which is now streaming online.

Oozevoodoo will hit record stores on August 7. To support the release The Scare will join old mates Children Collide on the Chosen Armies tour. You can also catch them at the Triple J Party at The Gov in Adelaide on Thursday, and the Coaster Festival in September.

Image used with permission from Delinquents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Holy Smoke! Gin Wigmore Readies Debut Album

Honorary Aussie Gin Wigmore is preparing to release her debut album Holy Smoke, hot on the heels of her breakout EP Extended Play.

While the EP was a local production, Gin’s spread her wings for her first long player. It was recorded in Los Angeles with a dream team including Ryan Adam’s backing band The Cardinals, producer Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem, Maroon 5), and Joe Chiccarelli (White Stripes, The Shins, Beck).

And it seems she’s impressed those heavy hitters.

“Gin Wigmore is unquestionably one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in many years,” said The Cardinals’ Neal Casal. “Her songwriting is at once diverse, intelligent, melodic, and soulful. Her voice is raw and emotional, with phrasing far beyond her years. Her debut record is a fully realized statement of intent, promising a great career ahead.”

Holy Smoke will hit record stores in Australia and the States on September 25. Local audiences will get a sneak peek of the new songs are the following shows around the country.

27 August 2009 – Notes, Sydney
2 September 2009 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 September 2009 – Troubadour, Brisbane
12 Sep 2009 – Coaster Festival, Gosford Showgrounds

Image used with permission from The White Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

From Ramsey Street to Rock Star

Neighbours star Sam Clark is proving he’s more than just a pretty face with the release of his new single “Broken.”

It’s easy to be skeptical when these soap stars get behind a microphone, but Sam shows real potential here. Big pop-rock ballads like this are a dime a dozen, and Sam doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre, but I kind of like it anyway. He’s got a lovely tone to his voice, and he earns bonus points for playing the guitar and piano (or at least appearing to!)

Do we have another Delta Goodrem on our hands? It’s probably a little early to tell, but Sam shows real promise here.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Galvatrons Throw Us a Free "Molotov Cocktail"

The Galvatrons debut album Laser Graffiti is now in stores! To celebrate the release of this instant classic, the Aussie retro rockers are offering fans a free download of a brand new song, “Molotov Cocktail.”

To score the MP3 for nix, just point your browser to The Galvatrons website. While you’re there you can also watch the band’s videos, stay up to date with their news and Twitter feeds, and much more. Check it out!

Image supplied by Warner Music Australia