Packed to the Rafters' Hugh Sheridan Makes Move to Music

Packed to the Rafters’ favourite Hugh Sheridan is moving from the small screen to the live music stage. The Aussie actor has just signed a deal with Sony Music Australia, which will see him release his debut album later this year.

“Music has always been a massive part of my life,” explained Hugh. “I am so excited to be able to partner with Sony Music to record this album and can’t wait to get my music out there!”

You can see Hugh perform his debut single “Just Can’t Throw Us Away” on the Dancing with the Stars grand finale on Sunday September 6. The song will be available in stores and online on Friday, before its radio release next Monday.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Paul Greene Tours Work Love Dance Trust

Paul Greene is of the hardest working men in the Australian music industry. To celebrate his new positive new acoustic pop single, “Work Love Dance Trust,” the talented singer-songwriter is preparing to embark on a massive regional tour.

The song confronts the harsh realities of life while reminding us not to dwell on the negatives. Just because we’re in the midst of a financial crisis, the world is still a wonderful place with endless possibilities. The uplifting tune comes from Paul’s current album, Distance Over Time. Check out the happy vid below!

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Paul’s good friend will also join him on all the following dates.

27 September 2009 – Lennox Point Tavern
30 September 2009 – Dingos Backpackers, Rainbow Beach
2 October 2009 – Agnes Water Tavern
4 October 2009 – Oxford Hotel, Rockhampton
7 October 2009 – Central Hotel, Port Douglass
9 October 2009 – Green Ant Cantina, Cairns
10 October 2009 – Silkwood Hotel
11 October 2009 – Cactus Jack’s, Townsville
13 & 14 October 2009 – KC’s Bar & Grill, Airlie Beach
15 October 2009 – Denison Hotel, Bowen
16 October 2009 – Capella Cultural Centre, Capella
17 October 2009 – Maraboon Tavern, Emerald
22 October 2009 – Gold Coast Arts Centre
24 & 25 October 2009 – Caloundra Music Festival
30 October 2009 – Martians Cafe, Deans Marsh
4 November 2009 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
5 November 2009 – Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
7 November 2009 – Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln
8 November 2009 – Port Neill Hotel, Port Neill
12 November 2009 – Mocean Cafe, Streaky Bay
13 November 2009 – Ceduna Sailing Club, Ceduna
18 November 2009 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance
20 November 2009 – Denmark Tavern, Denmark
21 November 2009 – Cape Wine Bar, Dunsborough
22 November 2009 – Quindanning Tavern, Quindanning
25 November 2009 – Mojo’s, Perth
26 November 2009 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River

Free Philadelphia Grand Jury Download

Sydney three-piece Philadelphia Grand Jury are soon to release their new single “The Good News,” but they want you to hear it first.

Right-click here to save your free MP3 of the track, before it hits radio in a couple of weeks. This infectious slice of retro rock comes from the Philly Jays’ debut album Hope is for Hopers, which is scheduled to drop on September 25.

If you like what you hear make sure you experience the band’s acclaimed live shows at one of the following venues around the country.

27 August 2009 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay (with Dappled Cities Fly and Yacht Club DJs)
28 August 2009 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba (with Dappled Cities Fly and Yacht Club DJs)
29 August 2009 – The Zoo, Brisbane (with Dappled Cities Fly and Yacht Club DJs)
3 September 2009 – Jive, Adelaide (with Dappled Cities Fly and Yacht Club DJs)
4 September 2009 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (with Dappled Cities Fly and Yacht Club DJs)
5 September 2009 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle (with Dappled Cities Fly and Yacht Club DJs)
11 September 2009 – Big Sound, Brisbane
12 September 2009 – Bimbadgen Blues Roots Funk n Grooves, Pokolbin
16 September 2009 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Grinspoon)
17 September 2009 – The Factory, Sydney (with Grinspoon)
19 September 2009 – Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane(with Grinspoon)
17 October 2009 – Fresh Festival, Gold Coast
18 October 2009 – One Movement, Perth
25 October 2009 – Fat As Butter, Newcastle
30 December 2009 – Falls Festival, Marion Bay
31 December 2009 – Falls Festival, Lorne

Image used with permission from The Delinquents

Australian Idol Alum Jacob Butler Releases "Coma"

Last night Australian Idol made its long-awaited return to television screens. Looking at the ratings, perhaps I was the only one hanging out for the reality TV show! While Marcia, Dicko, and co. are sorting out the wheat from the chaff, I thought it was a good time to look back at one of the past successes.

Jacob Butler appeared a couple of years ago, and has taken his time to produce his new single “Coma.” The title makes the song sound a little snoozeworthy, but it actually reminds me a lot of Crowded House. Jacob was so obsessed with Britpop on the show; I really like this change in direction. Hopefully there’s more to come!

 

New Song Obsession: "Red" by Daniel Merriweather

I must admit, I’ve been a little bemused at the hype about Daniel Merriweather. I was impressed at the level of success he’s achieved abroad, but also a little puzzled by it. The snippets I’d heard just seemed a little middle-of-the-road and uninspired. But then this morning I heard his new single “Red” and I understood. That’s why he’s generating such sales and buzz. This is one of the most genuine and soulful tracks I’ve heard in some time. I was wrong Daniel, and I say I’m wrong. This is brilliant.

 

New Song Obsession: "Last Day on Earth" by Kate Miller-Heidke

It’s funny how life sometimes brings you back to songs, making you remember why you loved them in the first place, perhaps even making you fall a little deeper.

When I received the album Curiouser by Kate Miller-Heidke last year I was instantly struck by just how stunning the song “The Last Day on Earth” was. Then Channel Ten used it in their latest advertising campaign for Neighbours, and I fell in love all over again.

Apparently the song raced up the iTunes charts as the Australian TV viewing public grieved, so Sony has decided to release the track as an official single. Smart move. And now that we’ve got an official film clip, with Kate looking absolutely stunning with her red dress and new strawberry blonde do, I can erase the image of a sobbing Declan from my mind as I listen! While I can’t embed that clip, you can enjoy this live version!

 

Cassie Davis Does it Again

Perth’s Cassie Davis is back with her brand new single “Do it Again.” It’s another strong rock/dance track, in the same vein as previous singles “Like it Loud” and “Differently,” so if you liked those this will probably be just your cup of chai. I worry that Cassie’s turning into a bit of a one-trick pony, and I’d really like to see a more sensitive side. Yet there’s no denying that she’s very comfortably filling the void the Natalie Bassingthwaighte led Rogue Traders have left in the Aussie music landscape.

Marc Collis Sets Heart A-Flutter

Cutie-pie Marc Collis has burst onto the scene with his perfect pop/rock single “I Miss Everything.” Marc has the kind of face that makes young girls squeal, and a voice with enough grit to sucker in a few older fans. The lyrics are lovely, and I personally find it a little hard to resist a guy with a guitar. If this first taste is any indication, his debut album Louder on the Inside will explode when released later this year.

From Ramsey Street to Rock Star

Neighbours star Sam Clark is proving he’s more than just a pretty face with the release of his new single “Broken.”

It’s easy to be skeptical when these soap stars get behind a microphone, but Sam shows real potential here. Big pop-rock ballads like this are a dime a dozen, and Sam doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre, but I kind of like it anyway. He’s got a lovely tone to his voice, and he earns bonus points for playing the guitar and piano (or at least appearing to!)

Do we have another Delta Goodrem on our hands? It’s probably a little early to tell, but Sam shows real promise here.

The Galvatrons Throw Us a Free "Molotov Cocktail"

The Galvatrons debut album Laser Graffiti is now in stores! To celebrate the release of this instant classic, the Aussie retro rockers are offering fans a free download of a brand new song, “Molotov Cocktail.”

To score the MP3 for nix, just point your browser to The Galvatrons website. While you’re there you can also watch the band’s videos, stay up to date with their news and Twitter feeds, and much more. Check it out!

Image supplied by Warner Music Australia