Fearless Vampire Killers Take Us to “Mexico”

The Fearless Vampire Killers transport us to North America with their hot new single, “Mexico.” It’s become a fan favourite at their recent live shows, so it seemed the natural single choice.

“It’s an upbeat western-rock ditty documenting the neglected desire of a fading man to travel to his childhood dreamland of Mexico,” explained the band’s guitarist, Al Marx.

“Mexico” is the first song to be lifted from the Melbourne band’s sophomore album, which should hit stores next year. The Fearless Vampire Killers are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the release, but they’ll take a little time out to launch the single at the following shows.

5 October 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
6 October 2012 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
12 October 2012 – FBi Social, Sydney

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Mia Dyson Drops “Pistol”

Mia Dyson lays her heart bare with her searing new single “Pistol.”

The second cut from Mia’s new The Moment album, the song is so raw that it bleeds. Just try to stay stoic as you listen to this gut-wrenching rock ballad.

The song’s release comes at just the right time for Mia, as she’s currently playing shows all around the country. Hear her play “Pistol” and much more at the following tour shows.

14 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
15 September 2012 – Notes Live, Sydney
16 September 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra
21 September 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
22 September 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
4 October 2012 – Clarendon, Katoomba (SOLO)
6 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber (SOLO)
11 & 12 October 2012 – Railway Sports and Social Club, Darwin
25 October 2012 – Backwater Blues & Roots Festival @ Mt Gambier Gaol, Mt Gambier
26 October 2012 – Backwater Blues & Roots Festival @ Queens Theatre, Adelaide
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues Festival, Sydney
8 November 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Bridgetown Blues, Bridgetown

The Evening Cast Impress with “Factory”

Victorian indie band The Evening Cast have given us our first taste of their forthcoming EP Lake with the single “Factory.”

It’s a great track anchored by beautiful vocals and a great electric guitar riff. It didn’t immediately captivate me, but I found myself listening to it, then putting it on again and again to catch all its nuances. It doesn’t exactly grab you around the throat but it does hook you in.

The Evening Cast seem to be working with all the right people to ensure they make their mark. The EP was produced by Marty Brown (Clare Bowditch, Art of Fighting) and mastered in New York City by Joe LaPorta (Bjork, Foo Fighters).

They’re also about to play support act for Clare Bowditch and Oh Mercy, so if you have tickets to their Geelong shows make sure you turn up early. The Evening Cast are already gaining a reputation as a solid live act, so their sets shouldn’t disappoint.

Here are the places you can see them in the flesh over the coming months.

20 September 2012 – The Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick
19 October 2012 – Bended Elbow, Geelong (supporting Oh Mercy)
27 October 2012 – Drama Theatre @ GPAC, Geelong (supporting Clare Bowditch

Evil Eddie Celebrates Hip Hop’s “Golden Age”

Evil Eddie celebrates old school hip hop with his brand new single “Golden Age.” The track comes from the former Butterfingers frontman’s highly anticipated solo debut Welcome to Flavour Country, which should hit stores in mid-October.

The track isn’t for sensitive ears or workplaces, but it’s a great commentary on the modern hip hop songs that overuse auto-tune and rap about little of consequence. Its passion and direct to camera video is a nod to hip hop’s formative years. The song is available digitally or as a limited edition CD. Just 500 copies were made, so they’re sure to become collector’s items. If you want one you can buy it through Evil Eddie’s website.

Fans can help bring Welcome to Flavour Country to the masses by investing in a package through Pledge Music. For just $11 you can get a digital download of the album a week before it hits stores, but if you’re feeling a bit more flush you can enjoy even more perks.

Charlie Horse Woos with “Dead Roses”

When I was a kid, a Charlie Horse was something you’d want to avoid like the plague. However I’ve fallen in love with a new kind of Charlie Horse today, the musical duo behind the new single “Dead Roses.” The song comes from the Sydney duo’s album I Hope I’m Not a Monster.

The track is a dirty country influenced ballad that speaks of a different kind of love affair. Crystal Rose and Paul McDonald’s vocals meld beautifully in this deeply moving track. More of this please!

The Trouble with Templeton Grows with Single Release

The Trouble with Templeton are ushering in a new chapter with the release of the single “Six Months in a Cast.”

What started as a solo act became a duo, then a trio. Now as a five-piece, The Trouble with Templeton are forging forward with a much bolder sound. It’s still as melodic and focused on lyrics, but there’s something much more compelling about this new lush, multi-instrumental act.

“Six Months in a Cast” is available as a digital download today, and The Trouble with Templeton are taking every opportunity to promote it. The Trouble with Templeton frontman Thomas Calder will play solo gigs and shows with his quintet, including a few festivals, some headlining gigs, and dates with Julia Stone, in the coming months. With the I Wrote a Novel EP hitting stores across North America on September 4, The Trouble with Templeton will also do a bit of spruiking stateside.

Here are all the places you can catch this exciting act at home and abroad!

6 September 2012 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (with Julia Stone – Thomas Calder solo)
7 September 2012 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (with Julia Stone – full band)
8 September 2012 – Meenlyan Town Hall, Meeniyan (with Julia Stone – Thomas Calder solo)
12 September 2012 – Big Sound Showcase @ Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane (full band)
13 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (with Julia Stone – full band)
14 September 2012 – Dream Festival, Dubbo (full band)
15 September 2012 – The Metro, Sydney (with Julia Stone – full band)
21 September 2012 – Community Centre, Byron Bay (with Julia Stone – Thomas Calder solo)
4-7 October 2012 – 3 showcases at Filter’s Culture Collide, LA (Thomas Calder solo)
16-20 October 2012 – 6 showcases at CMJ Music Marathon, NY (Thomas Calder solo)
26 October 2012 – GOMA Up Late @ Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane (Thomas Calder solo)

Image used with permission from Tiny Monster

The Medics Release Stomach Turning Single Clip

The Medics have me rocking out again with their latest single “Slow Burn.” Despite its name, the song is instantly accessible with big chords and a scorching bass line. I’m not so keen on the music video though. I’m pretty sure it’ll turn even the strongest of stomachs. If you don’t mind images of ants crawling over skin and cuticles being pulled, the video might just be for you. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

Jacob Butler Wins Songwriting Comp with “Mind Waltz”

Jacob Butler’s new song “Mind Waltz” has just hit radio. It’s great timing too, as the track’s just taken out the Adult Album Alternative Category of the International Songwriting Competition’s Unsigned Only comp. The title sees Jacob recognized as one of the best independent songwriters on the planet. Way to go Jacob!

The Good China’s Fun New Music Video

Melbourne eight-piece The Good China have outdone themselves with the fun music video for their new single “We Knew That We Had to Leave.”

In a world where so many acts don’t seem to care about their music videos, it’s so much fun to see the band creating a lyrical landscape to accompany their song.

The song’s pretty fabulous too. It sounds so upbeat and optimistic, but if you listen to it, it’s really a lament about the torture of watching your favourite hangout becoming far too popular with the wrong people. It’s a final goodbye to one chapter, a begrudging acceptance that it’s all over.

What do you think of the clip?

Tara Favell’s Over “The Chase”

Hot new country pop act Tara Favell speaks for anyone who’s ever tired of the bad boys and their games with her new single “The Chase.”

“The Chase is about “falling too hard for guys who end up breaking your heart and yet the next day they want you back!” Tara explained in a press release. “This song is a message to all those guys.”

I hope they’re taking note! It’s been a mercifully long time since a boy messed me around, but this track takes me right back to that heartache. Rather than wallowing in the drama though, this song urges us to pick ourselves up and take charge. I’m sure it’s going to become an anthem amongst girls who’ve had enough!

“The Chase” is the follow-up to Tara’s acclaimed debut EP You Shine. It’s available now for digital download from iTunes.