Queen Ifrica Joins Blue King Brown for “Women’s Revolution”

Blue King Brown are back with their new single “Women’s Revolution,” a collaboration with respected Jamaican chart topper Queen Ifrica. Reflecting the heritage of both acts, its dynamic film clip was shot in Kingston and Melbourne.

“The song draws inspiration from the day-to-day female leaders in our world,” explained lead singer Natalie Pa’apa’a. “It also identifies and reinforces the philosophy that the best way to effect change in communities of developing nations is to educate, support and encourage the young female population, as they are most commonly the ones who grow up to be the anchors and teachers within their families and extended community. Queen Ifrica is one of Jamaica’s most gifted female artists and it has been incredible to have her collaborate with Blue King Brown. Feel it!”

“Women’s Revolution” will be available as a digital download from June 11. The song and video will be bundled together on iTunes for the special price of $1.69. “Women’s Revolution” comes from Blue King Brown’s sophomore album Worldwize, which will be in stores on August 20. The album’s release coincides with the band’s support slot on John Butler Trio’s April Uprising tour.

Damien Mancell Releases Shiny New Single

Sydney dance pop star Damien Mancell is following up his international digital smash hit “Be with You Tonight” with the release of his new single, “Shine.”

“Shine” has already become a firm club favourite, and is expected to do big things on its official release. The single features the standard version and remixes by DJ Mark Loasby, Robot Diaries and T-Shirt Death to keep the clubbers happy.

If you want to hear “Shine,” register on Damien’s website and you’ll receive a special remix for free. If you like what you hear make sure you purchase the track at any of the major digital retailers; you could even win a Samsung K3 MP3 player for your trouble!

Image used with permission from AKA Entertainment

Thirsty Merc Announce Mousetrap Heart Tour

I recently brought you a live and acoustic take of Thirsty Merc’s new single “Mousetrap Heart.” Now the band has unleashed an official film clip for the song which gets its official release today.

To celebrate the band has announced a bunch of dates all around the country. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen the Thirsty Merc boys doing their thing live, so I might just have to get myself to one of these shows! Tickets for the following gigs are on sale now.

30 June 2010 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
1 July 2010 – Waves, Wollongong
2 July 2010 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
3 July 2010 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
7 July 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
8 July 2010 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
9 July 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
10 July 2010 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
14 July 2010 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
15 July 2010 – Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
16 July 2010 – Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane
17 July 2010 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
18 July 2010 – Villa Noosa Hotel, Noosa
21 July 2010 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
22 July 2010 – Fly By Night Musicians Club, Bunbury
30 July 2010 – Hotel New York, Launceston
31 July 2010 – Republic Bar, Hobart

Bodyjar Boys Back with Cola Wars

Just months after wrapping up their final tour with Bodyjar, Cam Baines and Shane Wakker are back with their brand new outfit Cola Wars.

The lads are joined by Mikey Juler, formerly of For Amusement Only, and Mark Brunott. The new single “Giving It Up” is our first taste of Cola Wars’ debut album Invader, which will hit Australia music stores on June 18 with a Japanese release to follow. It’s got some great hooks and a fantastic energy. And it seems the lads themselves are just as pleased with it.

“We are fully stoked with this recording. I reckon it packs a real punch,” said guitarist Cam Baines. “We produced the whole album with Kalju Tonuma (The Living End, Temper Trap, Evermore) and it came together without a hitch. Some of these songs have been in the incubator for a few years now so it was great to finally do them justice.”

This is the sort of music which will really come alive on stage, so make sure you stay tuned for details of Cola Wars’ first national tour soon!

Rogue Traders Get Hearts Beating with Socceroos World Cup Song

The Rogue Traders hope to lead the Socceroos to World Cup victory with their song “Pulse of the Nation.” The track will be the team’s official 2010 FIFA World Cup song, and you can be part of it.

Pulse of the Nation events will be held at Westfield shopping centres around Australia this week. At these sessions the heartbeats of shoppers will be recorded via special digital stethescopes. These heartbeats will then form the beat for the Rogue Traders track. The names of all heartbeat donators will be printed in a commemorative book to be presented to the Socceroos during their World Cup campaign in South Africa.

52nd TV Week Logie Awards - Awards Room


“Being asked to support the Socceroos on their World Cup campaign is perhaps the greatest single honour we have received in our careers. We are also delighted to be able to involve the general public in the creation of this song – to literally bring together the heartbeats of our nation – and to combine them into one, inspirational moment. That way we can all cheer our boys onto victory,” said Rogue Traders’ James Ash and Mindi Jackson in a statement.

You can listen out for your heartbeat when the song becomes available online on May 24. It’ll also feature on the Rogue Traders upcoming album Night of the Living Drums, which will hit stores on June 25.

If you want to get involved, just visit the following Westfield shopping centres.

Westfield Bondi, NSW (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Liverpool, NSW (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Carindale, Qld (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Fountain Gate, Vic (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza, SA (6-9 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday, 11 am to 4 pm Friday to Sunday
Westfield Carousel, WA (6-8 May 2010) – 10 am to 3 pm daily and 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday

Stan Walker Releases Great New Song, “Unbroken”

I didn’t really care for Stan Walker’s debut single “Black Box,” but his follow up “Unbroken” is great stuff.

Although once you look at the songwriting credits, it’s no surprise. Ryan Tedder knows how to craft a hit, from his work with Leona Lewis, Beyonce, and Jordin Sparks to material for his own band One Republic.

The track tells the story of strength and survival, something Stan knows about all too well. While his personal struggles were documented during his Australian Idol journey, he also came face to face with human tragedy on a recent visit to Haiti.

“Unbroken” will feature on Stan Walker’s first album of original material, due for release later this year.

Flicks Confess Paramore Crush with New Single “Hayley”

Brisbane pop-punk act Flicks are back with their new single “Hayley.”

The fun track is an ode to Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams. It imagines what the Flicks lads would do if they ever scored a date with their dream woman. And apparently it has the seal of approval from Hayley Williams’ real life squeeze, Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory!

“It was funny, because we met her boyfriend backstage at their recent Brisbane show and he didn’t want to kill us for writing a song about his girlfriend!!” they said. No death is always a good thing!

The rocking tune was produced by Todd Morse (The Offspring, Juliette and the Licks) and mixed by Grant Wallis of Aneiki (anyone out there remember “Pleased to Meet You?”).

The band will play shows around Queensland in June to support the release of “Hayley.” The Brisbane quartet says we can expect an energetic set.

“We just love jumping around and getting in the crowd’s face. We spend along time practising making sure everything is perfect. We also enjoy terrible jokes.”

Check out Flicks at the following shows.

2 June 2010 – Charters Towers PCYC, Charters Towers (All Ages)
3 June 2010 – TBC, Cairns (All Ages)
4 June 2010 – Townsville PCYC, Townsville (All Ages)
5 June 2010 – Andergrove Community Hall, Mackay (All Ages)
6 June 2010 – Emerald PCYC, Emerald (All Ages)
11 June 2010 – Walter Reid Centre, Rockhampton (All Ages)
12 June 2010 – Gladstone PCYC, Gladstone (All Ages)
13 June 2010 – Bundaberg PCYC, Bundaberg (All Ages)
17 June 2010 – The Powerhouse, Maryborough (All Ages)
18 June 2010 – Club Envy, Sunshine Coast (18+)
19 June 2010 – Civic Centre, Gympie (All Ages)
20 June 2010 – Blackbox Theatre, Nambour (All Ages)
26 June 2010 – The Princess Theatre, Brisbane (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Major Label Releases More Singles

Major Label, General Pants Co’s “singles only” record label, is going from strength to strength. Following the signing of three acts in March, Major Label has announced it will release three new singles next month.

Again, there’s a lovely eclectic mix of talent. The singles are “Love Me” from Sydney indie folk act Underlights, “Pairs” from Sydney progressive punksters Made in Japan, and “Hot Trash” from Brisbane indie-dance act Tin Can Radio.

These singles will be available to stream on the General Pants Co website and to purchase through selected online retailers, including iTunes, Amazon, Emusic, and Nokia.

Major Label’s first three acts – Guineafowl, Circle Pit, and High Highs – have all achieved significant support from radio and media following their signings. It’s great to see Major Label creating a buzz for these hot up and comers.

Remember, if you want to be considered for a Major Label release contact Henry Roberts of Peer Group Media or take your demo to any General Pants store.

Amy Meredith On The Road Again

Amy Meredith are giving us another taste of their debut album Restless with the upcoming launch of second single “Lying.” To coincide with its release on April 23, the Sydney band will play a string of new shows later this month.

Clearly the lads enjoy being on stage, as they only just wrapped up their tour with Stereophonics last night! Such a busy schedule bodes well for the five-piece who’ll release their debut album Restless on June 4.

Initial reactions to Lying have been incredibly positive, with DJs around the country making it one of the top 10 most added songs for radio for the last two weeks running.

Fans can get their hands on an autographed CD single by preordering before its official release on April 23. Just SMS “LYING,” your name and address to 193123. The SMS costs $5.55 including the cost of the CD.

Catch Amy Meredith with support act Tonight Alive at the following shows.

24 April 2010 – The Fort, Fortitude Valley (All Ages)
24 April 2010 – Rosies, Brisbane (18+)
25 April 2010 – Miami Shark Bay, Gold Coast (18+)
29 April 2010 – Blush Nightclub, Gosford (18+)
30 April 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (18+)
1 May 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (All Ages)
2 May 2010 – The Loft, Newcastle (All Ages)
14 May 2010 – Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide (18+)
15 May 2010 – Phoenix Youth Centre, Footscray  (Under 18s)
15 May 2010 – Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne (18+)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Georgia Fields Gives Us “Something Borrowed, Something Blue”

Georgia Fields is currently adding the finishing touches to her new album, but she’s releases this gorgeous song “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” to tide us over.

The track has a wonderful whimsical air about it, with the quirky sounds of a child’s animal toy meeting more traditional orchestration. The song’s romantic without being cloying, and Georgia’s voice is stunning. If this is what we have to look forward to, I can’t wait to hear the LP when it hits stores this winter!

If you feel the same way and live in Melbourne, make sure you catch her single launch at The Toff in Town on April 29. If you’re not in Melbourne don’t sweat it; a full national tour is in the works to coincide with the album’s release.