Jack Colwell & His Owlchestra Launch “Captain’s Melody”

Where has Sydney’s Jack Colwell been all my life? The classically-trained composer come alt-pop musician has wowed me with his new single “Captain’s Melody.”

The track gets an official release on March 30, but you can have a sneaky early listen here. It’s such a rich track, with Cat Stevens’ like vocals and a stunning orchestral backing. That gorgeous sound comes from the band Jack’s dubbed his Owlchestra.

“Captain’s Melody” is the second single to come from Jack Colwell’s debut album Picture Window, which hits stores in May. To celebrate the new single’s release Jack and his Owlchestra will play a very special show at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music on March 30. Tickets at the door cost just $20 for adults over 30, and $15 for folks under 30 and concession holders, and that includes complimentary drinks. That sounds like a bargain to me!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Crooked Saint ‘s the Man in Waiting

Crooked Saint turns up the charm with this new single “Man in Waiting,” the second to come from his Sweating Bullets EP.

The Melbourne troubadour has created a gorgeous folk rock tune driven by his jangly banjo and warm harmonica. The song is about having too much fun, and the inevitable repercussions of living with such wild abandon. It was never intended to be a single, but it’s had such positive feedback that Crooked Saint couldn’t resist giving it a digital release.

After relocating to Sydney and Los Angeles for months at a time last year, Crooked Saint has turned his attentions back to his home state. He’s currently playing shows in his native Victoria, along with a very special Live in Your Lounge gig. Want him to play in your lounge? Then just head to ToneDeaf to enter!

15 March 2012 – Baha Tapas & Taco, Rye
16 March 2012 – The Torquay Hotel, Torquay
17 March 2012 – The Espy Basement, St Kilda
24 March 2012 – Live In Your Lounge

Barry Southgate Releases New EP Cut

Barry Southgate is back with “You,” the latest release from his Epitome EP. This is another sweet slice of soul music from this exciting Aussie talent, and I’m sure girls who love Chris Brown and Jason Derulo are going to lap it up.

The single comes off the back of a bumper twelve months for Barry. He took out Radar Radio’s Unsigned Find competition, and was also named a NA2R finalist. He also scored support slots for some of his favorite soul acts including Brian McKnight, Joe, Eric Benet, and K-Ci & JoJo.

2012 doesn’t sound like it’ll slow down either. Barry will appear alongside Deb Mailman and Jessica Mauboy in The Sapphires movie, and a song he co-penned will feature on Stan Walker’s new album Let the Music Play. Hopefully his own full-length record won’t be too far away!

Barry Southgate first came onto my radar when he was an Australia Idol semi-finalist a few years ago, and I’m thrilled to see him continuing to make his mark on the local scene.

Radio INK Release Single & Score Aqua Support Slot

Sydney electro pop outfit Radio INK are living the high life.

They were recently flown to Los Angeles to perform at Qantas’ VIP Red Carpet Ambassador Party, one of the cornerstones of the G’Day USA celebrations. They’ve also been performing private parties for the likes of the Kardashian sisters, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Miranda Kerr. And after supporting The Potbelleez and Neon Trees, they’ve just landed the coveted support slot for everyone’s favourite Danes, Aqua.

Somewhere in amongst all that schmoozing they’ll find time to release a fun new single “Who We Are Tonight,” the first to be lifted from their forthcoming debut album. The song, which is officially released on Friday, has hit written all over it, which shouldn’t be surprising since it was penned by Shelly Peiken (Jessie J/Christina Aguilera/The Veronicas) and Kojak (Flo Rida/Ke$ha/Katy Perry).

“Spending time over in the City of Angels was way too much fun. We got invited to play a bunch of crazy celebrity house parties in the Hollywood Hills, signed a worldwide publishing deal, played G’DAY LA, and hit Studio City with the creative team behind the new single,” said the band’s voice Miss S.

With Radio INK and Aqua on the same bill, we can expect some serious partying at the following shows.

7 March 2012 – Hi Fi, Brisbane
8 March 2012 – HiFi, Brisbane
9 March 2012 – Cooly Hotel, Coolangatta
11 March 2012 – HQ, Adelaide
13 & 15 March 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne
16 March 2012 – HiFi, Sydney
17 March 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (all ages)
18 & 20 March 2012 – Metropolis, Fremantle
21 March 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne

Celadore Tours “Bakery”

Melbourne rock-pop act Celadore bring the good vibes with their new single “Bakery.”

The energetic and deliciously titled track comes from Celadore’s sophomore EP The Bright And Blue, which hit stores to widespread acclaimed last October. This fun new song should put that disc back on everyone’s radar.

Celadore has just kicked off an Aussie tour to support the single’s release. Here are the all the places you can catch them rocking out this month and the next.

8 March 2012 – The Phoenix, Canberra
9 March 2012 – The Gaelic, Sydney
10 March 2012 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
15 March 2012 – NEXT, Melbourne
16 March 2012 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
17 March 2012 – Elephant & Wheelbarrow, Launceston
23 March 2012 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
24 March 2012 – Commercial Hotel, Mt Gambier
30 March 2012 – The Bended Elbow, Ballarat
1 April 2012 – The Tote, Melbourne (supporting Timothy Nelson & The Infidels)
12 April 2012 – Cobra Kai, Brisbane
13 April 2012 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
14 April 2012 – Chino’s Bar, Newcastle
20 April 2012 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

A Broken Silence Offer “Hope”

Western Sydney’s A Broken Silence have just released the video for the new single “Hope” the latest track from their self-titled debut album.

I was initially confronted by the blend of hip-hop and hard rock, but as I listened to the track and its powerful lyrics I began to realise how clever it was. The mix of these abrasive genres makes a massive impact, forcing us to listen in to the band’s message of optimism about a better world. I urge you to listen to the lyrics; they’re amazing. If you can’t quite catch them all they’re available at the A Broken Silence website.

“Hope” and A Broken Silence’s debut album are in stores now.

Skypilot Rock with “Anonymous”

Skypilot have impressed me again with their second single “Anonymous,” the follow-up to “Harold (You Sold Your Brother Down).”

It’s another anthemic slice of rock from the Brisbane band, but there’s more to it than simply a great sound. I love the intelligence of Skypilot’s approach to music making, the lyrics that talk about really meaty topics. In this case the band is reflecting on the dichotomy between loneliness and connection in the modern world.

“Despite the advent of the internet and social networking, today’s world can still be a lonely place,” explained the band’s bassist and keyboard player, Dan Lane. “All of us may be lost but we’re not alone. As long as one other person in the world knows our name, we’re not anonymous.”

I love everything I’m hearing from this band, and I can’t wait to hear more when Skypilot’s debut EP drops in March.Until then we can all enjoy a free download of “Anonymous” at Skypilot’s Bandcamp page.

Chet Faker Gives First Taste of “Thinking in Textures”

Enigmatic Melbourne musician Chet Faker is easing us into our working week with his soulful new single “Terms and Conditions.”

It’s a bit of a slow burner, but once it hooks you it just doesn’t let go. The song is our first taste of Chet’s debut EP Thinking in Textures, which will hit stores in late March.

Chet Faker honed his craft in Melbourne’s disco and house scene, but has developed his sound to include more acoustic elements and intimate lyrics. He hides behind a bushy beard and an alias, but those words reveal plenty about who Chet Faker is.

Thinking in Textures is slated for a March release in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With all those distribution deals, this unassuming musician might just be our next big global star.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Panama Makes “Magic”

“Magic” is a pretty appropriate title for the new single from Sydney-based electro act Panama.

The band is led by Jarrah McCleary, a classically-trained pianist from the Northern Territory. His training anchors the quartet’s sound, which pays tribute to the dance acts of the 80s. This song has a gorgeous tropical feel which conjures up the summer heat none of us have quite had this year. There’s a dance remix, but I prefer the song in its purest form.

Panama release “Magic” digitally on March 2.

Steve Lane & Autocrats Tour “Far, Far Away” Single

It seems like Steve Lane & The Autocrats will jump on any excuse for the tour. The hardworking bluesy rock act will tour the country yet again this month and the next to support the release of their new single “Far, Far Away.”


Web music player

The song comes from the band’s debut album The Romance of Communication, which hit stores late last year. Like the other cuts from the album, this song sounds so seasoned that it’s amazing to think the band’s only just starting out. However with members coming from Augie March, Paul Kelly’s band, The Shedshakers, and other esteemed acts it’s easy to see why this outfit gels so well.

Steve Lane & The Autocrats are rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting live acts. See what all the fuss is about at the following shows.

26 Feb 2012 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 March 2012 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
10-11 March 2012 – Lake Mountain Music Festival, Marysville
12 March 2012 – Buxton Ridge Winery, Marysville
13 March 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
14 March 2012 – Great Northern Newcastle
15 March 2012 – Port Macquarie Hotel
16 March 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast
17 March 2012 – The Beetle Bar Brisbane
18 March 2012 – Peregian Origionals, Sunshine Coast
20 March 2012 – Gold Coast University, Gold Coast
20 March 2012 – Palmy Cafe, Palm Beach
22 March 2012 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
23 March 2012 – The Federal Hotel, Bellingen
24 March 2012 – The Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland
25 March 2012 – The Front Bar and Gallery, Canberra
30 March 2012 – The Golden Vine, Bendigo
31 March 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool