Casey Donovan Still Big, Beautiful, and Sexy

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15:  Casey Donmovan arrives at the 2009 Deadly Awards at Sydney Opera House on October 15, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty Images)

When most of my female peers were gunning for Anthony Callea to take out the Australian Idol crown in 2004, I had my money on Casey Donovan. She’d moved me all season with her performances that were honest and mature beyond her years, and I was thrilled to see her take out the title.

Needless to say, I wasn’t so happy with the way she struggled to get the industry support of previous winner Guy Sebastian, or need I say it, Mr Callea. I’m proud though that Casey has kept the dream alive and found her feet as an independent artist. She’s wrapped up a critically acclaimed tour with the musical The Sapphires, which saw her perform at the Daegu International Musical Festival in South Korea.

She’s also preparing to embark on her Big, Beautiful & Sexy tour next month to coincide with the saucy single of the same name, which will get a digital release on August 7. Tour dates have been announced for New South Wales and Queensland with more expected to follow soon.

Until then, these are the places you can see the incredible Casey Donovan.

7 August 2010 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
20 August 2010 – Slide, Darlinghurst
21 August 2010 – Wentworthville Leagues Club, Wentworthville
28 August 2010 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
29 August 2010 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
16 September 2010 – QUT Festival Theatre @ Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane

The Potbelleez Say “Hello” Again

Things have been a little quiet on The Potbelleez front since their tracks “Don’t Hold Back” and “Are You With Me” zoomed up the local charts in 2008, but the band hasn’t been sitting idly.

31255, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Wednesday May 27 2009. The Potbelleez at the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards Nominations at the APRA hHeadquarters in Sydney. REF: APRA270509. Video: PacificCoastNews.com


The Sydney act has been holed up in their Bondi Beach Wonderland studio writing and recording their sophomore album Destination Now. The follow-up to the self-titled debut has been co-produced by the legendary Paul Mac and Justin Shave.

We’ll have to wait until October 22 for the album to drop, but we’ll get an early taste with the release of the first single “Hello.” I’ve already had a listen to this electro-driven floor filler, and it has hit written all over it. Listen out for “Hello” when it hits radio on July 26.

The Bloodpoets “Dance” Around Oz

Brisbane quintet The Bloodpoets will groove their way around the country to promote their brand new single “Dance.” The track is the first taste of the band’s sophomore album, which should hit shelves later this year.

The single, and its riff-driven electro beats, represents a change in musical direction for the band.

“‘Dance’ is characterised by these riffs, whereas previously we wrote a four-minute chord song, focusing on arrangements of instruments and vocal delivery” explained singer/songwriter Tom Murphy. “The writing process for Dance was different. It was born during a jam between the drummer and me on an electric drum kit. Because of the sounds on the kit, we decided to muck around on a cheesy riff until we realised if it was on big guitars and a real drum kit it would be enormous.

“Lyrically the song was based off how overwhelming it can be to see a good looking woman dance, so I tried to explore it in a smutty, yet a respectful way.”

The Dance tour will see The Bloodpoets perform tracks from their debut album Polarity along with some new tunes.

“We have had an extremely positive response to the new music and have heard people say that this is the type of music they thought The Bloodpoets would eventually reach in terms of style, but hopefully also in terms of potential,” Tom said.

Grab your dancing shoes and catch The Bloodpoets at the following venues.

28 July 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane (18+)
6 August 2010 – Neverland Bar, Gold Coast (18+)
12 August 2010 – King George Square, Brisbane (All Ages)
15 August 2010 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba (18+)
27 August 2010 – Brisbane Raws game @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (All Ages)
27 August 2010 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane (18+)
17 September 2010 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast (18+)
14 October 2010 – Toff In Town, Melbourne (18+)
15 October 2010 – The Hub, Launceston (18+)
16 October 2010 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

The Mission in Motion Finally Release Album, Support Senses Fail

Sydney quintet The Mission in Motion have just released their latest single “New Skin,” a teaser from their soon-to-be released album Somewhere Safe. Head to the band’s MySpace page to hear the track.

“New Skin is our weekend song,” explained the band’s front man Brett Islaub. “We wanted to write a song about letting everything go, having a few drinks and having a good time with your friends.”

The long play is the follow up to their 2008 EP A Curse, A Calling, but don’t think the band has been idle. They’ve been tearing up the live circuit with acts like Stealing O’Neal, Elora Danan, and Wherewolves, not to mention their own headlining shows and appearances at Soundwave and a youth festival in Singapore.

So clearly we can forgive the band for taking so long to churn out the album. To appease us, the disc will come packaged with B-sides and rarities for a limited time. Somewhere Safe will hit stores on July 30.

If you like what you hear make sure you catch The Mission in Motion supporting America’s Senses Fail at the following shows around the country.

12 August 2010 – Hi Fi, Brisbane (18+)
13 August 2010 – The Fort, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 August 2010 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
20 August  2010 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Daytime – Under 18s)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Evening – 18+)

Image used with permission from HeapsaFlash

Jonesez Needs Your Help To Make Best Basement Video for “Best Friends”

The singles are coming thick and fast from Jonesez. Just a month after releasing “Be That Guy,” he’s unleashing “Best Friends,” the second single from the album Betty’s Soup, which will hit stores on August 6.

The single is an ode to one of Jonesez’ pals who sold pot to pay his university fees. It’s a surprisingly charming tribute to the unlikeliest of drug dealers.

The film clip will be the third in Jonesez’s Basement Videos series. He’s asking for our help to make it the best ever. Head to Kickstarter or click the widget below to donate; a $5 pledge will see your name in the film clip’s credits, while one of $1750 will earn you Jonesez’s own beloved Fender Telecaster! There are plenty of other rewards up for grabs too, so give what you can to help Jonesez pay for props, lighting, and all the other stuff that signed artists get for free!

Laura Imbruglia Shows Her Lighter Side

Natalie might grab all the headlines, but her sister Laura Imbruglia has been quietly plugging away at her musical career for years. Something tells me that’s exactly how she likes it.

She’ll release her new single “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” on July 5, the first cut from her second album Lighter Side Of … The single’s playful video sees the Catholic-raised Laura break every commandment in the book, and a few besides including Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbour’s boyfriend and Thou Shalt Not Play Handball with Poor Co-Ordination! We’ll get a sneak peek of the clip when it makes its debut on Laura’s MySpace page on July 2.

If you want to see more rule breaking from Laura Imbruglia check her out each Wednesday in August at the Excelsior Hotel, Surry Hills. She’ll be donning a different hat each night; see Country Laura, Karaoke Laura, and other alter egos at the following shows!

4 August 2010 – Acoustic Laura: Acoustic & Lonesome
11 August 2010 – Country Laura: Classic Country Covers
18 August 2010 – Band Laura: Rocken Like Dokken
25 August 2010 – Karaoke Laura: Hosting a night of Karaoke

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Sarah McLeod Prepares to Release “Double R”

Sarah McLeod surprised us all last year with the release of her dance-pop single “Tell Your Story Walking.” Now she’s showing us more of her dance chops with the release of a brand new single “Double R.”

I was shown some of the remixes today and again, this isn’t at all what I expect from Sarah McLeod. She’s proving herself to be the mistress of reinvention. While I didn’t really warm to the song, I’ll try to reserve my judgement until I hear the single version. It’s just a little too electronic and processed for my tastes. In the mean time, I’m sure the kids in the club will lap up this Grand Theft remix. What do you think?

The Double R EP is scheduled for release on July 21.

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Dan Webb Impresses with “Way Out” New Single

There’s something irresistible about a good-looking young man at a piano. So when I heard “Way Out,” the first track to emerge from Dan Webb’s new EP Hyperspace Clearance I was smitten.

More than just a pretty face, Dan’s been pounding the keys since the tender age of five. He uses his instrument to provide a driven back beat for his unique brand of alterna-rock.

The new EP saw Dan working with producer Matt Voigt (Powderfinger, The Living End), while the final mix was done by Steve Rooke (The Beatles, Animal Collective) at the legendary Abbey Road studios. No wonder it sounds slick.

“Way Out” is slated for a July 9 release, while the Hyperspace Clearance EP should hit stores in September.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Jonesez Announces “Be That Guy” Shows Ahead of Album Release

A couple of months ago I introduced you to Jonesez, the new solo venture of ex-Horsell Common member Mark Stewart. If you liked what you heard then, you’ll be thrilled to know his debut album Betty’s Soup isn’t too far away.

Our first taste is “Be That Guy,” the first single and the second of Jonesez’ “Basement Videos.” is Look out for Tahlia Shaw of Fuzz Phantoms making a guest appearance on drums!

Betty’s Soup won’t hit stores until August 6, but you can get a sneak peek at the new material when Jonesez performs the following shows.

16 June 2010 – Bar 32 (Gangbusters), Canberra
18 June 2010 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
25 June 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy

Earth Worker Gives Away Single, Supports Ash Grunwald

Dean Carroll, or Earth Worker as he’s known to music buffs, is giving away his new single “Who’s Coming Along” as a free digital download. Just click here to get your hands on the track, which comes from Dean’s debut album Seeds of Light.

The album has been a labour of love for Dean, who independently recorded and produced it along with writing all the songs. We should see that disc in stores this summer.

Earth Worker will play a string of shows to support the single release, including an appearance at the Winter Magic Festival and the support slot on Ash Grunwald’s Katoomba concert. If you want to see Earth Worker live check out the following gigs. More dates will be announced closer to the release of Seeds of Light.
19 June 2010 – Winter Magic Festival, Katoomba
30 June 2010 – Baroque Bar, Katoomba
1 July 2010 – Steel Mantra Body Mod and Piercing, Windsor
2 July 2010 – Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
15 July 2010 – Happy Yess, Darwin
14 July 2010 – Happy Yess, Darwin

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment