Kait Hudson Rocks with Pulse Mavens

The punk scene is so male-dominated that I’m excited to see Kait Hudson turning the tide with her band Pulse Mavens. Don’t go thinking she’s a token female though. Her voice is angelic, but it’s got a ferocious intensity which is showcased beautifully on the Sydney band’s new single “Fight Back.”

The song also happens to be the title track of the band’s debut EP, which is available via iTunes now. But if you like what you hear, don’t just settle for listening to the digital download at home. The band’s playing a couple of shows in front of Sydney audiences in the coming weeks, and something tells me that they’ll sound even better in the flesh.

Get your skates on and see them tonight at SFX Sydney, or catch them at the Bald Faced Stag on June 22.

Hands like Houses Release Amazing New Video

Anyone who’s ever tuned in to the Real Housewives of Melbourne knows there’s very little that’s real about its cashed up, perfectly manicured stars. If the creators wanted to cast real housewives, perhaps they should look to someone like the star of the new Hands like Houses video.

Sure she’s no glamourpuss, but there’s something very real about the woman who crumbles under the weight of domesticity in the “A Tale of Outer Suburbia” clip. It was filmed and directed by Joshua Aylett, who the Canberra band had on their wishlist for some time.

“He’s an amazing director that we grew up with in Canberra and someone that we knew we could create something a little outside of the box with,” explained Hands like Houses guitarist Matthew Cooper. “It’s always interesting approaching video clips with the intention of creating something unique and captivating, separate from the song though as well as complimentary. We absolutely love the final product and it’s definitely one of the coolest projects we’ve been part of.”

“A Tale of Outer Suburbia” is the latest song lifted from Hands like Houses album Unimagine. The band will celebrate its release with the following shows. Tickets are available at the door for all dates.

20 June 2014 – Bada Bing, Frankston
21 June 2014 – Bang, Melbourne
26 June 2014 – Hot Damn, Sydney
27 June 2014 – Riot! @ Enigma Bar, Adelaide
28 June 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane
4 July 2014 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith

MC Munk Back with Renegades of Munk

Welcome back Munk, an Aussie hip-hop veteran who’s been rapping, breakdancing, mixing, and producing since the 80s. The five-time Deadly Award nominee, who’s enjoyed fame as a solo artist and part of South West Syndicate is back with a new outfit dubbed Renegades of Munk. They’ve just released their debut single which is fittingly titled “Welcome Back.”

It’s just a taste of what’s sure to be an eclectic self-titled debut album from Renegades of Munk. It’s got one of the best guest star line-ups you’re likely to see with Anne Kirkpatrick, the Slim Dusty Band, Wilma Reading, Charley Boyter, Kutcha Edwards, and Eric Grothe Jnr. all lending their talents to the album. The album culminates with a hip-hop jam featuring more than 30 Aussie MCs including Jimblah, Rival MC, Luka Lesson, and L-Fresh the Lion.

The nine-piece Renegades of Munk will celebrate the release of “Welcome Back” with two New South Wales shows. See them at the Roller Den in Erskinville on June 6 or the Small Ballroom in Newcastle on June 7.

Hailey Cramer Impresses with “Liquid Confidence”

Hailey Cramer has come a long way since lending her vocals to Pez’s 2008 smash “The Festival Song.” She’s since toured with Blue King Brown and collaborated with the likes of Gotye, The Grates, 360, and Michael Franti. And now she’s stepping out on her own with the release of her amazing new single “Liquid Confidence,” which hits iTunes today.

It sounds so slick and smooth, but there’s a real edge to this song which speaks about the darker side of alcohol and the toll it can take on relationships. Hailey wrote the insightful song too, proving she’s got much more than silky vocals to offer.

Hailey will launch “Liquid Confidence” with a show in front of hometown fans at Northcote Social Club on June 5.

Busby Marou Announce My Second Mistake Tour

Busby Marou’s Farewell Fitzroy is one of those albums which has so many amazing songs that it’s hard to choose a favourite. But “My Second Mistake” is definitely amongst them. The playful song about fidelity, growing up, and a healthy dose of Catholic guilt now has an official release and an awesome Jim Henson-esque video to accompany it.

The Queenslanders are currently supporting James Blunt at the moment, but this is really just a warm-up for the headliner shows they’ll play on their My Second Mistake tour. It’ll be a real party with ex-Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton and banjo-wielding maestro Karl S Williams coming along for the ride.

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

25 July 2014 – Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre, Maryborough (ALL AGES)
26 July 2014 – Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, Gladstone (ALL AGES)
27 July 2014 – Capella Cultural Centre, Capella (ALL AGES)
8 August 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
9 August 2014 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
10 August 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
14 August 2014 – Baroque, Katoomba (18+)
15 August 2014 – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+)
16 August 2014 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale (18+)
21 August 2014 – Collector Hotel, Pararamatta (18+)
22 August 2014 – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
23 August 2014 – The Basemen, Sydney (18+)
24 August 2014 – Waves, Wollongong (18+)
29 August 2014 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast (18+)
30 August 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane (ALL AGES)

Velociraptor Cure Mondayitis with “Ramona”

Mondays can be a little difficult to swallow, but Velociraptor is set to make yours much brighter with the release of the video for their new single “Ramona.”

The Brisbane 10-piece shot the clip in just one day, which suits the spontaneous energy of the track perfectly. It’s got a bit of a low-tech Tron feel to it which is so much fun.You can see it at Music Feeds.

“Ramona” is lifted from Velociraptor’s debut album, which will hit stores later this year.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Skryptcha Releases Comeback Single “What We Do It For”

Sydney MC Skryptcha was a hip-hop force for more than a decade before a plague of personal problems saw him taking a two-year hiatus. He thought he’d quit the business for good until the desire to make music overwhelmed him.

The result is “What We Do It For,” an ode the people who’ve supported him along the way and the diversity of the world at large. It also features smooth soulful vocals from Evan & The Brave’s Daniel Mifsud, who some of you may remember as an Australian Idol finalist way back when.

Only time will tell where Skryptcha goes from here, but it’s great to have him back.

Ron Pope Ready for Return Aussie Visit

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of New York’s Ron Pope until I saw he was coming to Australia. However, after listening to his new single “Lick My Wounds” I figure it’s a case of better late than never. It’s got a real pop core with country and folk overtones and some clever poetic lyrics. Great stuff.

“Lick My Wounds” comes from Ron’s debut album Calling off the Dogs, which hits local stores on June 6, the same day he kicks off his Aussie tour. This is the first time he’s played here with a full band, and he’s making the most of it with some in some of Australia’s most beloved venues.

He’s no stranger to our shores though, and can’t wait to be back Down Under.

“The people, the culture, the food, the wildlife … I love everything about Australia and I’m so excited to come back and visit my fans down there,” he said in a press release for his upcoming tour.

Tickets are available now for the following shows.

6 June 2014 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 June 2014 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (Under 18 afternoon show)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+ evening show)
13 June 2014 – Astor Lounge, Perth (ALL AGES solo acoustic)

Oliver’s Army Get Toes Tapping with “Born to Breed”

Adelaide-born, Melbourne-based outfit Oliver’s Army have released a stellar slice of Americana influenced indie rock with their latest single “Born to Breed.”

It’s got such a lovely jangly feelgood vibe to it. It just feels so easy, perhaps because the band’s frontman and founding member Ryan Oliver penned it in a matter of minutes. Take a listen to it on their Triple J Unearthed page.

“Born to Breed” is our first taste of Oliver’s Army’s debut album, which is due out later this year. You can get a little sneak peek when the band launches the single at the following shows.

5 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne
28 June 2014 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Boyeur Make Me Swoon with “Cupid”

Today Melbourne indie pop duo Boyeur have officially unleashed their brand new single “Cupid.” The release comes ahead of the band’s debut EP Gold Street, which is slated to hit stores on May 30. The lads will celebrate the releases with official launches all around the country.

It might have a romantic title, but the single is no cliché. Its lush strings are dreamy, but the song’s actually about those moments when the head gets in the way of the heart.

“Overthinking is toxic to any human relationship,” explained Tim Ischia, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, “and sometimes it prevents a relationship from even starting. All the emotions become magnified and you end up being too nervous to do anything.”

I love the way this duo marries classical elements with contemporary hip hop sounds. The song’s also so catchy, but it stays well away from the middle of the road. The two piece manages to play six instruments between them, so music lovers are in for a real treat when Boyeur play shows to support the single release next month.

“We’re really excited to play live with our string quartet,” Tim said. “We spent a lot of time perfecting our setup so that the two of us can play all of our instruments on stage and adding the string quartet to that creates something we’re really proud of!”

You can see just how good Boyeur are for yourself at the following gigs.

4 June 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 June 2014 – The Newsagency, Sydney
7 June 2014 – Rad, Wollongong
8 June 2014 – Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Canberra (3-5pm)
26 June 2014 – The Workers Club, Melbourne