Meet Brisbane Electro-Rockers, The Moniters

Brisbane three-piece The Moniters have unleashed their debut single “Exit the System,” a cracking indie electro rock track that hints at exciting things to come.

Who would have thought music like this would come from a chance meeting at a Killers concert? Frontman Jimi Lucas and drummer Matt Schrader ran into bass player Barney Gickel, who’d met Matt as a session muso years before. They began to jam together, and The Moniters was born. The band sent their demos to Melbourne producer Forrester Savall, who couldn’t wait to record with them.

“With ‘Exit The System’ (and the EP in general), we were looking for that really slick, tight sound, as the song does have those electronic components,” explained Jimi Lucas.”I was listening to a lot of She Wants Revenge and wanted to go for that dirty, sexy, baritone vocal style. The drums, bass and guitars we focused on sharp energy, aiming to keep that driving, anxious, nervy feel at the core of the song. The choruses then really open up, which releases that on-edge vibe.”

We’ll hear more from The Moniters when they release their debut EP Sex City Lovers early next year. Until then you can catch them live at the following shows along the East Coast, including their single launch in front of their Brisbane home crowd.

20 October 2010 – X & Y Bar, Brisbane
19 November 2010 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
20 November 2010 – Open Arms Festival, Coffs Harbour
11 December 2010 – Cherry, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Get Familiar with Mutu

Aussie urban act Mutu has gained a steady following with support slots with Flo Rida, Jason Derulo, Akon, Pitbull, and Kelly Rowland. Now this promising young talent is stepping into the spotlight with his debut single “Familiar.”

The tracks been developed by some of the best in the business. Home grown producer Styalz Fuego (Snoop Dogg, Kelis, Sneaky Sound System) and American engineer Brent Kolatolo (Kanye West, Lenny Kravitz) have both put their stamps on the tune.

“Familiar” is at radio now ahead of its digital release on October 4. Mutu will announce his headline tour in the coming weeks, so keep your ears out for that!

Glenn Richards Releases Single Ahead of Solo Album

I’ve always been a fan of Glenn Richards work in Augie March, so I was keen to see what his solo music brought.

Solo projects are usually a bit of a departure, allowing musicians to explore genres and techniques they can’t within the constraints of their band, and it seems Glenn’s is no different. So far I’ve only listened to the single “Torpor & Spleen,” but it’s got a lovely organic quality to it which veers dangerously close to bluegrass. Don’t worry; that’s a good thing.

It’s definitely the kind of tune that makes me want to hear more of Glimjack, the solo album Glenn Richards has worked on with his friends Dan Luscombe, Mike Noga, Ben Bourke, and brother Chris. They’re a talented bunch, and no doubt this album, which will hit stores on November 5, is going to be critically acclaimed. That’s high praise indeed coming from just one single, but it’s just that good.

Image source: Jeanie Mackinder @ Wikimedia Commons

Blue King Brown Promise to “Never Fade Away”

The single keep coming from Blue King Brown. The band, who are currently touring the country with John Butler Trio, has just released a vibing new track called “Never Fade Away.”

“‘Never Fade Away’ speaks about finding strength from our families, the importance of family and also the importance of seeing all human beings as being connected and part of a global community,” the band said in a statement. “’Never Fade Away’, the music video, was all shot in our hometown of Melbourne, Australia. It features some of our region’s finest multicultural artists, dancers and musicians; it’s recognition and a celebration of the strong multicultural foundation that is modern Australia.”

The song is the third single from Blue King Brown’s new album Worldwize Part 1: North & South which is in stores now.

Skipping Girl Vinegar Get Wasted

Being as it’s a Saturday it seems only right to chat about Skipping Girl Vinegar and their new song “Wasted.”

Inspired by a big night out at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, the track is deliciously organic with a drum kit found in a dumpster, rubbish bins, and roadside hard rubbish all providing percussion. It’s raucous and just the kind of song you want to play as you head out for your own Saturday evening.

The song is a sneak peek of what lies ahead for the band, a little taster of what to expect from the as-yet-untitled sophomore album which should hit stores early next year. Skipping Girl Vinegar can’t wait that long to get in front of their local fans though, so they’re heading out next month on their Drown It Out single tour.

3 September 2010 – Troubadour, Brisbane (with special guests Autumn Sun & The Lucky Wonders)
10 September 2010 – Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
11 September 2010 – Funk N Grooves Festival, Hunter Valley
11 September 2010 – RAVAL, Sydney (with special guest Ruby for Lucy)
18 September 2010 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (with special guests Hello Satellites & Young Werther)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Re:enactment Spruik Single on East Coast Tour

Upbeat Brisbane electro rock act re:enactment are heading out on the road to promote their double A-side single “Talent for Retail,” which features the songs “Problematic” and “Nintendogs.” There’s even a bonus B-side “Don’t Even” and a live version of fan favourite “Steel Drums” to add value.

Honestly, with physical singles being on their last legs thanks to the introduction of digital downloads I’m thrilled to see a band offering so much in this format. If you are too, make sure you get out and show your support at re:enactment’s upcoming shows.

18 September 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane (with Hunz, Moon Jog and Toy Balloon)
23 September 2010 – The Old Bar, Melbourne (with Sleep Decade and Cast& Crew)
25 September 2010 – Pony, Melbourne (with Caught Ship, Tantrums and No Real Need)
30 September 2010 – Excelsior, Sydney (with World Champion, Lumiere and Solkyri)
1 October 2010 – World Bar, Sydney (with Paper Moon, Howl at the Moon, Convaire)

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Laneous and the Family Yah Release Wacky “I Am Dog” Video

Laneous and the Family Yah is a band that definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously.

That should be pretty evident on watching the film clip for their new single “I Am Dog,” which documents a day in the life of James Lane, the owner of the World’s First Dog, Cat and Pigeon Zoo. As you’ll soon find out though, these are no ordinary animals. The song might seem pretty silly at first, but focus in on those infectious hooks and the tight instrumentation and you’ll realise there’s more to this band than meets the eye.

“I Am Dog” is the first taste the Laneous and the Family Yah’s second album Found Things, which will hit record stores around the country in September. It’s a blend of soul, punk, and hip hop that’s like nothing you’ve ever heard. After watching that film clip, you know what I’m saying is true!

To coincide with the release of Found Things, Laneous and the Family Yah will join Regurgitator on their album launch tour. Make sure you turn up early at the following shows to check these guys out!

16 September 2010 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 September 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
19 September 2010 – The Great Northern, Byron Bay
23 September 2010 – The Maram, Canberra
24 September 2010 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
25 September 2010 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Must Listen: Timothy Nelson and The Infidels

Two-time WAMi award winner Timothy Nelson is one of Western Australia’s best kept secrets. With his band The Infidels, this indie singer-songwriter has played alongside Birds of Tokyo, Lior, Clare Bowditch, and Katie Noonan & The Captains.

But why should Western Australia have him all to itself? The Infidels have just released “Nothing’s in Tune,” the first single from the band’s forthcoming debut album. I’m really digging on this. It’s got elements of alt country and relaxed West Coast rock; it’s chilled but full of delightful hooks.

“I suppose my love of both The Shins and The Beatles really show on this song more so than my other influences,” Timothy explained. “Lyrically it keeps with the theme of unrequited love (as much as I hate having to say the term, there’s no way to say it without sounding like a wanker!) which the whole album is based around. This is more on the small-time paranoia side of things, which I think is what makes it somewhat unique on the album.”

Give it a listen here. If this is a sign of things to come from The Infidels, I can’t wait for that album to drop!

John Butler Trio Start a “Revolution”

After the upbeat energy of “One Way Road” and “Close To You,” it’s great to see John Butler Trio switching gears on their latest single “Revolution.”

The track is the third to come from JBT’s amazing album April Uprising. The song is perhaps one of the band’s most powerful, and its black and white film clip is just as striking. The video, which depicts the diversity of contemporary society, was shot while the band was on tour in Los Angeles.

Now you could just appreciate the song and video for what it is, but I thought I’d also share with you John Butler’s own words about the track’s inspiration. It’s a long quote, much longer than the ones I tend to use on here, but I thought it was just so cool it needed to be here in its entirety.

“Revolution is such an overused impotent word nowadays, I just wanted to explore the subject and find out what it meant to me. We live in some pretty extreme times .I think a lot of people are considering living in a drastically different way on this planet and with each other. They have to. But the old ideas of reform and revolution are not applicable nor have many “revolutions” really ever brought about meaningful change before they turn into what they were fighting. My idea of revolution is basically taking the R off the word. It’s evolution. It’s not gonna be some fanciful day that comes where everything is going honky dory utopia. That’s bullshit and a practise in futility. You can’t stop evolution. It’s sometimes painfully slow and other times brutally quick but never the less it is on-going.  You can rev it up however; accelerate it from time to time by being engaged in your community, by being compassionate. I see that around me. That’s what I concentrate on when I’m being bombarded by the intense images and news of these times. Stay engaged but not inundated. By knowing that the revolution is underway and not some fantasy about to come I’m able to have the energy and optimism to keep being part of this eternal, unstoppable REVOLUTION.”

Hell yeah. If you’re digging on “Revolution” and the rest of “April Uprising,” remember it’s not too late to nab tickets to the John Butler Trio shows next month. They’re selling fast though, so be quick! The band are headed back overseas after these gigs, so we probably won’t see them for some time afterwards!

27 August 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
29 August 2010 – The Amphitheater, Darwin
31 August 2010 – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide
2 September 2010 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
3 September 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
5 September 2010 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
7 September 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
8 September 2010 – C.ex, Coffs Harbour
11 September 2010 – Reggaetown Festival @ Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Cairns
12 September 2010 – Union of Soul @ Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville
15 September 2010 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
17 September 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – Schweppes Centre, Bendigo
19 September 2010 – Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
21 September 2010 – Entertainment Convention Centre, Mackay
22 September 2010 – The Great Western, Rockhampton
23 September 2010 – The Riverstage, Brisbane
24 September 2010 – The Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
27 September 2010 – The Mangrove Resort Hotel, Broome

Lior Releases New Single Ahead of Third Album

Acoustic folkster Lior is giving music fans a taste of his brand new album with the release of “I Thought I Could Sing On My Own.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19:  Singer/songwriter Lior attends the Light The Night Charity Concert at the City Recital Hall on October 19, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)


Apparently Lior would prefer to sing with a friend this time around; he’s rounded up Wally de Backer, aka Gotye, to offer backing vocals.

“The song is a somewhat playful revelation that it is the people, rather than the place, that defines experience,” Lior explained. The song was serviced to radio this week, so make sure you listen out for it.

“I Thought I Could Sing On My Own” comes from Lior’s third studio album Tumbling Into the Dawn, which should hit music stores this September.