Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Sand" by Jessica Chapnick and Ben Lee

When I read some time ago that Ben Lee had composed the soundtrack for the new Aussie movie The Square I became quite excited. New Ben Lee is always cause for joy, but I was particularly intrigued because he was handing singing duties over to Jessica Chapnick. I heard the song for the first time on Sunrise this morning, and I’m impressed.

She may star in Home & Away, but Jessica is far from those disposable soap popettes we’re so familiar with. Instead she’s cut from that serious balladeer mould that is sure to interest fans of Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby. Ben has excelled with these romantic yet original lyrics. All in all, I’m in love with this song.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Anywhere" by Axle Whitehead

Axle Whitehead’s proved he’s no one hit wonder with his new single “Anywhere,” the follow-up to the massive “I Don’t Do Surprises.” His lush vocals are in fine form again, but the unique sound should be enough to silence those critics who say he’s just another Chris Martin. Great to see him churning out more fine music like this!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Augie March Tracks

Augie March know it’s been some time since their fans have been able to get their hands on something new. So they’re offering four free tracks to tide us over until the release of album number four.

The semi-acoustic songs were recorded in Los Angeles, and include a new version of the smash hit “One Crowded Hour.” Just sign up the mailing list to get your hands on them!

Make sure you keep visiting Augie March’s new look website, as they’ll be blogging and adding new music as they record the new album. All very exciting stuff!

Image source: Alanna Spence @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tin Alley Tour Oz

Melbourne trio Tin Alley are back with their brand new single “Polar Bear.” To celebrate the release the lads have hit the road for their very first Australian tour.

The gigs have extra significance for the band, who were forced to cancel a previous tour when drummer Peter was involved in a motorcycle accident. He’s all better now, and the boys are thrilled to be able to bring their music to the people.

They’re visiting plenty of capital cities and regional centers, so there’s bound to be a show near you. In the meantime, make sure you take a look at the filmclip for their funky new single Polar Bear!

Tin Alley are playing the following dates around the country.

12 June 2008 – The National Hotel, Geelong
13 June 2008 – The Yahoo Bar, Shepparton
14 June 2008 – The Pub, Bendigo
21 June 2008 – The Espy, St. Kilda
27 June 2008 – The Green Room, Phillip
5 July 2008 – The Rhino Room, Adelaide
11 July 2008 – The Cat & Fiddle, Balmain
25 July 2008 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
17 July 2008 – Bar Soma, Fortitude Valley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Old Man River’s a Ray of Sunshine

Old Man River will brighten up your summer with their new single “Sunshine.”

Funnily enough, they’ve opted to tour the chilly regions of Europe to celebrate its release. They’ll kick off their Italian dates at Milan’s La Casa 139 tomorrow night, before visiting Scandiano, Brescia, Rome, and Ancona. They’ll arrive in Germany on the 17th, and play Hamburg, Munich, Berlin and Koln.

But never fear Aussies. Old Man River will be back before the jetlag kicks in to play a string of shows, including Homebake, the Peats Ridge Festival, and The Falls.

You’d think they’d be tired of touring after all that, but Old Man River are just getting started. In early 2008 they’ll take their delicious blend of folk and pop to Japan, Canada, and the United States.

Image source: Shmulix15 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vanessa Amorosi’s Back!

In the year 2000, you couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing one of Vanessa Amorosi’s massive pop hits “Absolutely Everybody” and “Shine.” Now some seven years later she’s back with a new album, Somewhere in the Real World, and a new rock sound.

For Vanessa’s fans, this won’t come as any great surprise. Before fading into obscurity, the teen sensation seemed more at home covering Janis Joplin than singing her own smash singles.

Hopefully the new album will be a better fit for this talented Melbourne artist. She’s certainly worked with some big names to make it happen. Greg Wells (Mika, Timbaland, Pink, The Veronicas), Cliff Magness (Pink, Avril Lavigne) and Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Pink, Avril Lavigne) all had a hand in writing and recording Somewhere in the Real World.

Vanessa’s latest album is released October 13, but fans can get a taste of it when the first single, “Kiss Your Mama,” hits stores on September 8. Vanessa fans can catch her live when she tours the country in October. Check her website for all the dates and venues.

Image source: Alpha @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll’s Loud New Single

In the not so recent past, I couldn’t turn on the radio without Shannon Noll trying to fire me up. I quite enjoy Shannon, but the last thing I wanted to hear from my clock radio was inspirational pop rock telling me why I needed to get up and out of bed. I also didn’t need to hear that he knew how hard it could be, but encouraging me to lift anyway.

Expect more of these inescapable positive messages to dominate the airwaves in the coming weeks. Shannon’s latest single, “Loud”, has just been released to radio.

Nollsy is the most successful artist discovered through the Australian Idol talent search, selling more albums and releasing more hit singles than his reality TV peers. He believes his optimistic outlook is the key to his longevity.

“There’s way too much negativity in the music industry, songs that talk about hate and killing and anger,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“The beautiful thing about music is its ability to make people feel something positive.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: Love Me Like The World is Ending

I caught Ben Lee performing his latest single, “Love Me Like The World Is Ending,” on Sunrise this week. I must admit, although I’ve always liked Ben Lee, I’ve never been a massive fan. But after listening to this song I can’t wait to hear his new album Ripe.

It seems Ben’s mellowing, becoming less pretentious and allowing us to see more vulnerability. This performance, with just an acoustic guitar as accompaniment, showcases that perfectly.

Amazing, right? If you’re in Sydney and enjoyed the song as much as I did, I suggest you get down to Warringah Mall today. Ben will be performing and signing copies of “Love Me Like The World Is Ending” from 1 pm.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Italy In Love With Old Man River

Old Man River‘s infectious single “La” is the perfect antidote for the cold Australian winter. This catchy pop slice reminds me of warm sand between my toes and lazy summer weekends.

The irresistible ditty has become a surprise smash in Italy, racing up the national airplay charts. The song is sitting pretty at number 19 on the Italian national airplay chart, up 12 spots from two weeks ago.

Not a bad effort for a boy from Sydney. To see what all the fuss is about, be sure to watch Old Man River performing “La” on the ABC’s Sideshow below!

If you like what you see, catch Old Man River when he visits your town soon! Check his MySpace for all the tour dates.