Adventure Land, Not Just Another Pop-Rock Act

Pop-rock almost got to be a dirty word for a while there. It started to describe music that was accessible but bland, background music that satisfied people who listened to solely to commercial radio. So when I saw the term “pop-rockers” on Adventure Land’s press release I braced myself for a whole lot of beige. But these guys do it right with their new single “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.”

Perhaps it’s because their music is entirely self-funded. They’ve had to struggle a little bit, and that shows in the music. They actually formed five years ago, when they were teenagers, and they’ve just been slogging away, learning their craft and evolving as artists.

“Our previous stuff was like a plate of chocolate brownies at fat camp: sweet, dense and would go pretty fast,” explained Tim Dennis. “Our new stuff is like a New York deli sandwich, more diverse, easier to sink your teeth into and overall more satisfying.”

Apparently Adventure Land put on one hell of a live show, so if you’re in Brisbane and over 18 make sure you head to The Zoo on April 11 for the single launch.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Art of Sleeping Tour “Voodoo”

After wowing crowds with their Crazy tour earlier this year, Art of Sleeping are set to do it all again with a tour to celebrate their awesome new single “Voodoo.”

Perhaps fittingly considering its title, there’s a really dark, tribal feel to this track. It perfectly captures that angst and out-of-control longing that comes with a love gone wrong.

Fans will get a sneak peek at Art of Sleeping’s forthcoming debut album at the following Voodoo shows. Tickets are on sale now.

5 June 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
6 June 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
12 June 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
13 June 2015 – Jive, Adelaide
18 June 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle
19 June 2015 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
20 June 2015 – Aplifier, Perth
26 June 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
27 June 2015 – Triffid Hanger, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Dew Process

Big Smoky Make me Smile with “All the Way to Scone”

After an extended stint in the studio, Sydney quartet Big Smoky are treating us to a new single “All the Way to Scone.” It’s a really classic Aussie pop-folk feel that I instantly identify with. If this song’s any indication, the band’s forthcoming album is going to be a cracker.

Has “All the Way to Scone” made your day brighter? If so, visit Big Smoky’s Soundcloud page where the song’s available for free download.

Starlight Theatre Earn Overseas Attention

Brisbane band Starlight Theatre caught my eye when I interviewed bassist Josh Belz way back in 2009, but they never quite managed to catch a break here. So they expanded their horizons last year and managed to kick some serious goals abroad. After spending seven of the last 12 months in London they’ve just inked a UK management deal. They’ve also managed to gain a bit of radio play across the United States, and if the footage I was watching on their website is any indication, they’ve got a lot of passionate fans.

Starlight Theatre are preparing to release their new single “Oceans,” which sounds pretty fabulous judging by that website snippet. All will be revealed when it officially drops in April 1, but since I’m heading overseas for a little holiday then you’ll just have to check it out yourselves. Everything I’ve heard tells me that their hard work in the industry over the years is about to pay off.

Image used with permission from Starlight Theatre

Reece Mastin Releases Single Sneak Peek

When I heard that Reece Mastin had signed a deal with independent Social Family Records, I was pretty excited. I really enjoyed his musical instincts on The X Factor, but I felt like his individuality kind of got beaten out of him by people who wanted him to become the next pinup boy.

Judging by this snippet of his new single “Rebel and the Reason,” the title track from his new EP (released May 1), he’s now on the right track. This is by far the most substantial song he’s released. It’s got that rock edge that I always enjoyed about him, and a real honesty in the vocals.

Reece is going to bring his new music to the masses with a string of shows in capital cities and key regional centres this June.

“I know it seems like it’s been a long time coming but hopefully the fans will agree it was worth the wait,” he said in a press release. “I can definitely say that this is completely 100 percent me and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out. I’m in a really good place and can’t wait to share the new songs with everyone.”

Reece promises fans will hear his new songs as well as their old favourites at the following gigs. All shows are all ages, although parents or guardians must accompany under 18s at the Wollongong gig.

12 June 2015 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville
13 June 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
14 June 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
20 June 2015 – Prince Bandroom, St Kilda
21 June 2015 – Esso BHP Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
26 June 2015 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Brisbane
27 June 2015 – Sunshine Coast Function Centre, Caloundra
28 June 2015 – Church Theatre, Toowoomba

Sans Parents Do it Again with “Loose People”

It’s been a quiet couple of months between releases, but Sans Parents are finally back with a band new single and band member. The release of “Loose People” marks the first time we’re hearing newest member Charles Sale, who comes to the band via Babaganouj and Yves Klein Blue. He joins Kane Mazlin and Ryan Strathie, formerly of Hungry Kids of Hungry, and Sydney muso Alex Bennison.

The follow-up to “Coming Back to You” is another fun little song with an irresistible melody and great, fuzzy rawness about it. Hopefully Sans Parents won’t leave us waiting us long for the next single!

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Iceland Inspires the Walking Who

Local band The Walking Who received an opportunity most bands dream about when they took out the FBi Radio Northern Lights competition. They earned a slot at Iceland’s Airwaves Festival, an appearance which marked their first time overseas. Not content with just an Icelandic appearance, the guys booked shows in London, Germany, Italy, and Le Guess Who festival in the Netherlands.

FBi also organised some time at Greenhouse Studios in Reykjavik, which led to the recording of new single “Electrocute the Mannequin.”

“It’s a melt of the styles of music we love as a band and a document of our Icelandic adventures,” explained Rohin Brown.

The release of “Electrocute the Mannequin” will be followed by a The Walking Who album later this year.

Image used with permission from White Label

Josh Teicher is One Cool Cat

The artist formerly known as Mez Medallion, Aussie expat Joshua Teicher, is back with a brand new musical endeavour. He’s preparing to release his first single as Josh the Cat which is aptly called “Let’s Start.” It’s also available for a free download from Josh’s Bandcamp page for one week only, so get in quick!

“Let’s Start” has got such a lovely fragility to it. It’s really soulful and beautifully put together. Hopefully we hear more tracks of this standard when Josh the Cat releases his debut EP later this year.

Fall for The Bold Love’s “Young”


Brisbane-based producer, songwriter, performer, and all-round talent Jon Tibbs has given us our first taste of his brand new musical endeavour The Bold Love with the single “Young.”

Set to drop officially on Friday, it’s a mellow electronic number with a great 80s vibe. Honestly, it had me at the saxophone riff.

“Young” is the first track to come from The Bold Love’s debut four-track EP, which is scheduled for release in June. What do you think of it?

Image used with permission from Pricewar Music

Tré Samuels Blows My Mind

Take a listen to this song. Go on listen. Without scrolling down. Press play and have a listen.

How old do you think this performer is?

In his 20s?

Maybe older?

I’ve got news for you.

“Midnight Medusa” is performed by Melbourne’s Tré Samuels. And this talented performer is just 15.

I’ll give you a moment to take that in.

I know we’ve seen young performers doing well before. Marlisa won The X Factor, and Justin Bieber was a wee thing when he got his big break. But what set Tré apart for me is his originality. “Midnight Medusa” is so cool and soulful. It’s way more mature than you’d expect the music of a 15-year-old to be.

Tré is already earning some major buzz in the United States, so all signs are pointing towards a big future from this talented teen.

Image used with permission from Creamy Spies