The John Steel Singers Launch "Masochist" with Aussie Tour

Brisbane’s The John Steel Singers aren’t content with just one launch for their new single “Masochist.” They’re playing a series of launch shows all around the country!

The song, which combines art-rock, classic pop, and indie elements, was recorded with the band’s producer and mentor, Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens. He’s brought out a spontaneous and energetic sound from the band, while allowing them the freedom to experiment. The band loves to tell stories about dysfunctional relationships. In the case of “Masochist,” we hear the story of a man who can’t apply himself to love.

“Masochist” is the first single from The John Steel Singers’ debut album Tangalooma, which will be released early next year. From October 30, the band will be joined by folksters Little Scout. Here are all the dates!

16 October 2009 – Jive, Adelaide
17 October 2009 – One Movement Festival, Perth
23 October 2009 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
24 October 2009 – Transit Bar, Canberra
30 October 2009 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
31 October 2009 – Karova, Ballarat
1 November 2009 – Republic Bar, Hobart
2 November 2009 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
6 November 2009 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba
7 November 2009 – Old Museum, Brisbane

It's All About Hugh Sheridan!

Here’s our first sneak peek at the cover art for “All About Me,” the debut single from Packed to the Rafters’ star Hugh Sheridan.

The track was written by Rob Wells and Matthew Marston, who’ve also penned tracks for Backstreet Boys, Mika, Olivia Newton-John, Cyndi Lauper, and Vanessa Amorosi. Clearly they know what it takes to create a hit!

“All About Me” will go to radio this week ahead of its official release on October 19. It’s the latest taste of Hugh’s new album Speak Love, which is set to drop on November 27. The CD also includes the recent hit “Just Can’t Throw Us Away.”

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Ricki-Lee Coulter's Raunchy New Clip

Since splitting with her ex-husband James Babbington last year, Ricki-Lee Coulter has ditched the nice girl image for some saucy pop tracks. Coming hot off the heels off “Don’t Miss You” comes another angry girl anthem, “Hear No See No Speak No.”

“It’s about getting to the point of strength in yourself where you just don’t want to hear someone’s voice,” she explains. “You no longer want to see their face or see the same situations reoccurring. And you no longer want to talk it out anymore.”

And nothing says strength like a dominatrix, so Ricki Lee’s donning the latex and fishnet stockings for the sexy clip. She plays a woman wronged who meets a mystery man, played by Gold Coast Titans player Daniel Conn. He faces a serious grilling at the hands of Ricki and her whip!

It all sounds quite controversial, so it’ll be interesting to see whether Video Hits plays a toned-down version this Saturday. The single hits radio today ahead of its official release on October 23.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Eskimo Joe Live It Up in "Don't Let Me Down"

I am loving the video for Eskimo Joe’s latest single, “Don’t Let Me Down.” When I heard this song on Inshalla, I never imagined it’d get such a cheeky video! Kav Temperley has his hands full with a bevy of aspiring Mrs Robinsons. Although, he doesn’t seem anywhere near as shy as Dustin Hoffman’s Benjamin Braddock!

Download Free Amber Lawrence Track

Country starlet Amber Lawrence is offering fans a free download of her new song, “When It All Comes Down.” The tune is the title track from Amber’s sophomore album, which is in stores now.

The emotional song was penned as a tribute to her father, who died of leukaemia in 2008.

“This is the title track of the album, and the most truthful and heartfelt song on the album,” she explained. “This song asks some pretty hard questions about what life is all about. I wrote this song last year, as I spent the most part of 2008 walking Corridor 10 of the Prince of Wales hospital – visiting my dad as he battled leukaemia.

“Although we lost my Dad, the song has a happy ending – answering what my family and I found out to be the meaning of 2008 – that “When it all comes down to it … it all comes down to love.”

Visit Amber’s website to score the free track!

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.