Oceanics Tour “The City”

Gold Coast quartet Oceanics are celebrating the upcoming release of their feel-good new single “The City” with a national tour. The song quickly gets under your skin with its jangly guitars and hooky chorus.

“The City’ is more or less about the going ons when we’re on the road playing shows and having a certain love interest playing on your thoughts,” explained founding member Elliot Weston

“The City” will be included on Oceanics forthcoming debut album, which should hit stores in the first part of 2013. The track will hit iTunes on October 16.

Oceanics are quickly earning a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting new live acts. See why at the following shows.

11 October 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
12 October 2012 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
13 October 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
14 October 2012 – Sunday Safari @ The Brewery, Byron Bay
26 October 2012 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
27 October 2012 – Clock Hotel, Gold Coast
1 November 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
2 November 2012 – FBi Social Club, Sydney
3 November 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

Dewayne Everettsmith’s Tourism Song Gets Official Release

Ever since I heard the latest Australian Tourism commercial, I was determined to track down the man behind the song “It’s Like Love.” My Google skills failed me, but I recently learned it’s the debut single from Hobart-based singer-songwriter and sometimes Aboriginal health worker Dewayne Everettsmith.

Dewayne isn’t just a talented musician; he’s also a passionate ambassador for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal. So it’s only fitting that Dewayne was recently presented with a custom-made Maton Guitar, dubbed The Australian Devil, to celebrate the single’s release.

Songs used in commercials have a bit of a stigma, but this track is so good that hopefully it can be appreciated on its own merits. It gets a digital release this week, and Dewayne has hit the publicity track running with photo shoots and television appearances.

“The connection people are making with ‘It’s Like Love’ is so exciting for me as a songwriter and the ability to now tour my new songs and meet a whole new group of fans who are appreciating what I do is really a privilege,” he said in a statement.

“It’s Like Love” comes from Dewayne’s debut album, which should hit stores early next year.

Purple Sneakers Launch Singles Label & New Song

Sydney club pioneers Purple Sneakers are ushering in a brand new era with the launch of its own singles label.

The label will expand its roster with plenty of hot new Aussie acts, but for now it’s the perfect vehicle for a brand new Purple Sneakers DJs track. “Last One Standing” sees PhDJ and Randall Stagg working with Amy Pes of hot new Sydney outfit Tokyo Denmark Sweden.

The track might just hit the big time too, as it gets a global release on October 18. The full single package will include a summery disco house remix from Jeremy Glenn, and a deep main room mix by New York’s DJ Wool.

Purple Sneakers will celebrate the launch of its record label and the release of “Last One Standing” with club shows and festival slots around the country. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from Oztix for the following dates.

5 October 2012 – Cats at Rocket Bar, Adelaide
6 October 2012 – Family Nightclub, Perth
7 October 2012 – Hyperfest, Perth
12 October 2012 – Can’t Say, Melbourne
19 October 2012 – Armor All Gold Coast 600, Gold Coast (with 360)
20 October 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
27 October 2012 – Surry Hills Festival, Sydney
27 October 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
3 November 2012 – FBI Social, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Shane Howard Celebrates 30 Years of “Solid Rock” with New Singles & Shows

Former Goanna front man Shane Howard will celebrate 30 years since the release of his indigenous rights anthem “Solid Rock” with the release of three new versions and some special anniversary concerts.

“Solid Rock – Puli Kunpungka” sees Shane joined by Archie Roach, Amy Saunders, Natalie Pa’apa’a (Blue King Brown), Emma Donovan, Myra Howard, and the children of the APY Lands. “Solid Rock – Sacred Ground” is a stripped back, ballad-style version of the classic song. Both versions are available digitally now. In November these reimaginings will be joined by “Solid Rock – Stronger Now,” which will see Shane sharing vocal duties with Natalie Pa’apa’a and Dan Sultan.

Many of the artists who’ve leant their voices to the new recordings will join Shane Howard for Other Side of the Rock show, which will appropriately hit Uluru on October 6. Archie Roach, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan, John Butler, Natalie Pa’apa’a, and Stephen Pigram are all on the bill. The show is part of the Mutitjulu Community Carnival, which celebrates the cultural and sporting achievements of the people of the APY Lands. If you can’t make it to the Red Centre you can see the show when it hits The Forum in Melbourne on December 8.

Dave Impress with “Red Eye”

Perth post-punk act Dave have one of the most unassuming names in the business, but they’ve caught my ear with their debut single “Red Eye.”

This song is just seriously good fun. It’s got a vaguely British feel to it, and hooks in all the right places. It doesn’t sound like anything I’ve heard of late either, which can only be a good thing. There’s no word on when an album will follow, but “Red Eye” has piqued my interest. Do you love it?

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Microwave Jenny Launch “You, Me, Backseat”

Central Coast husband and wife pairing Microwave Jenny refuse to play it coy with their fun new single “You, Me, Backseat.”

The track comes from the twosome’s latest EP Chasing You. However if you believe the frank single, these guys don’t believe in chasing or playing hard to get! Tessa Boney’s playful vocals work beautifully with the track’s clap-along melody. The band describes their sound as a blend of pop, folk, and love, and I honestly can’t think of anything more appropriate, can you?

See Microwave Jenny playing “You, Me, Backseat” and other fun tunes at the following shows.

3 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Central Coast
4 October 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
5 October 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 October 2012 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
10 October 2012 – The Front Gallery Canberra
11 October 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
12 October 2012 – KHS Pavilion, Wagga Wagga
13 October 2012 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide (FREE)
19 October 2012 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
20 October 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Fraser A Gorman Launches Double A-Side Single

“Last Four Dollars” has been one of the highlights of Fraser A Gorman’s live shows. So it’s only fitting that Fraser recently recorded the song with his new band Big Harvest. Along with worthy A-side companion “Blossom,” the song’s become a worthy new single for the Melbourne country-folk outfit.

“Last Four Dollars/Blossom” is our first taste of Fraser A Gorman and Big Harvest’s highly anticipated debut album, which should hit stores early next years. This is the follow-up to the band’s acclaimed EP S/T, which launched with a sold-out show at The Toff a couple of months ago.

Fraser A Gorman and Big Harvest will launch “Last Four Dollars/Blossom” with a big hometown show at the Northcote Social Club on October 22. Tickets are $13 (including booking fee) from the venue.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space Publicity

Mama Kin Single Offers Magical Album Sneak Peek

The incomparable Mama Kin will give us a taste of her forthcoming album The Magician’s Daughter with the new single “Was It Worth It.” The album won’t hit stores until early next year, but we can enjoy the single when it’s released on September 28.

The new album showcases an artist exploring new musical styles and the human condition.

“I got used to the idea that I have to be out of my comfort zone to make the kind of art I want to make, I have to feel pushed. I have to be on the edge to be able to jump in and get as deep as I want and need,” Mama Kin explained. “Magic for me is when there is a transformation inspired by subtle forces, and this is what we aim to bring to our audiences.”

Fans can enjoy “Was It Worth It” and a sneak peek of songs from the new album when Mama Kin tours around the country for the next few months. Tickets for her Talisman tour are on sale now.

27 & 28 September 2012 – Caloundra Music Festival,
6 October 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
19 October 2012 – Town Hall, Nannup
20 October 2012 – Clancys Fish Pub, Dunsborough
21 October 2012 – Mojos, North Fremantle
25 October 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
26 October 2012 – The Railway Club, Darwin
28 October 2012 – Island Vibes Festival, North Stradbroke Island
30 October 2012 – Camelot, Marrickville
31 October 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
1 November 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 & 25 November 2012 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

The Voice’s Brittany Cairns Joins Jake Nauta on New Single

Blue Mountains boy Jake Nauta has teamed up with The Voice contestant Brittany Cairns for the cruisy new single “Grandpa Song.”

The clip takes us into Jake’s Blue Mountains studio, and captures the spontaneous magic that happens when these two beautiful voices combine. The gentle sweetness of both artists works so perfectly with this upbeat, summery tune.

“Grandpa Song” is the second single from Jake’s debut album Here With You. He’ll play it and more of his pop-folk numbers at Sydney’s Hybernian House on September 22.

The Never Ever Rock Out with “Breathe”

Supporting Simple Plan didn’t just put The Never Ever in front of some of the biggest crowds of their career. It also led to a chance meeting with Pete from Epik Films, the man the band enlisted to direct and produce the music video for their new single “Breathe.”

The clip is a sophisticated and darkly dramatic accompaniment for the title track from The Never Ever’s most recent album. The band worked closely with Pete to see their vision, realised during a Melbourne traffic jam, come to life. Are you impressed with what you see?