Get Starting Sunday Single For Free

Melbourne outfit Starting Sunday are preparing to wow Australia with the release of their brand new EP tomorrow and a national tour kicking off later this month.

As Front Counter, the band quickly established a loyal following in Melbourne and even appeared on Neighbours! Now they’re back with a new name and a new grown-up sound.

“Originally we were going to keep the name, then we started writing more music for this EP and we started to realise that not only had our sound drastically changed and matured, but we as a group had grown and moved on. We didn’t feel like we were Front Counter anymore, so a name change became very important,” singer and guitarist Rhys Thompson said.

“We wanted to portray the idea of a new beginning. It was on a Sunday after a few shows in Brisbane that everything changed. The new band started on a Sunday, so after a while it became pretty obvious what we should call the band.”

You can check out Starting Sunday before your friends with their free download offer. Just head to their website, leave your e-mail address, and you’ll get their first single “When You’re Around” for free. How cool is that?

The track is instantly accessible, with a sing-along chorus and the perfect blend of rock and pop. If you’re into Starting Sunday, make sure you catch them on their national tour. Most of the shows are over 18s, but there are a few all ages gigs for the kids too!

28 May 2009 – “Snitch” @ Rosie’s Nightclub, Brisbane (18+)
30 May 2009 – The Hive, Fortitude Valley PCYC, Brisbane (All Ages)
4 June 2009 – “Hot Damn” @ Spectrum, Sydney (18+)
12 June 2009 – Barwon Club, Geelong (18+)
19 June 2009 – Mischief @ Mynt Lounge, Werribee (18+)
20 June 2009 – Fist 2 Face In Store, Melbourne (All Ages – 1pm)
20 June 2009 – “Bang” @ Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
21 June 2009 – Coburg Festival, Coburg (All Ages)
26 June 2009 – Syke @ Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide (18+)
27 June 2009 – We Are Godzilla, Adelaide (All Ages – 1pm)
3 July 2009 – Rubys Lounge, Belgrave, VIC (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

New Song Obsession: "Suitcase" by Shea Fisher

OK, this isn’t exactly my new song obsession. It’s my husband’s. He’s besotted with Shea Fisher, and it’s not hard to see why. She’s a stunner. But she’s more than just a pretty face. This song may not set the world on fire, but it’s a really easy-to-listen to slice of pop. It might just be what she needs to successfully make the move from country singer to mainstream star.

Free Hashbang SpaceStar MP3 Download

Give your MP3 collection a shot in the arm with some free new music from Hashbang SpaceStar. The Sydney band is offering a download of their debut single “Buy Now and Borrow” for nix.

The song comes from their forthcoming EP Let It Be Known, which was recorded in India earlier this year. It’s a frenetic synth driven track unlike anything I’ve heard this year. If you’re looking for something truly original, this song might just fit the bill.

The EP is scheduled to hit stores in July, but you can get a taste of what’s to come by downloading the single here. Enjoy!

Image source: Hashbang SpaceStar website

Free Andy Bull MP3 Download

Andy Bull first caught my eye when he made this year’s list of Cleo Eligible Bachelors. But this Sydney muso is much more than just a pretty face.

I love his latest single “Young Man.” This piano-driven slice of pop is accessible yet quirky, separating itself from the current crop of commercial music without alienating listeners. His publicity team is offering free downloads of the track from this website.

If you’re hooked like me, you’ll be happy to hear there’s more where that came from. Andy’s debut album is currently in production so we should see it later this year. In the meantime you can catch him supporting Lisa Mitchell on the last of her shows, or headlining his own gigs at Spectrum. Here are the dates.

6 May 2009 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
7 May 2009 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
8 May 2009 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
20 & 27 May, 3 June 2009 – Spectrum, Sydney

Image used with permission from Delinquents

Vanessa Amorosi and Hoobastank Hook Up

Vanessa Amorosi has teamed up with American rockers Hoobastank for their latest single, “The Letter.”

“I loved the song, from the first time I heard it,” she says. “To be asked to sing on it by Hoobastank was amazing, they are a great bunch of guys.”

It’s a bit of a mutual admiration society, with Hoobastank singer Doug Robb gushing about Vanessa’s involvement with the project.

“She brought a haunting yet powerful quality to the song that we think sounds great. The video was a blast to make as well. She rounded out the story perfectly and I finally got to trash a room. This is one of my favourite videos of ours so far. It looks amazing.”

Vanessa’s achieved chart success in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and here in Australia but she’s never taken a crack at the US market. It sounds like that may be about to change! Industry insiders say the pairing may be a sign that Vanessa’s preparing to release her last album Somewhere In The Real World in the United States.

We’ll get to hear the song on May 4, when it’s released to radio and TV outlets.

Image source: Pacific Coast News

New Song Obsession: "Feels Like Woah" – Wes Carr

It wasn’t that long ago that my husband I were lamenting the lack of “Woahs” in songs. Yes, we have such conversations. So I’m thrilled to see Australia’s reigning Idol Wes Carr bringing the “Woahs” back with his new single “Feelss like Woah.” This feels like an instant classic, channeling old 1980s rock in the vein of Bruce Springsteen or Bryan Adams. And you can sing along immediately, even if it’s just to the “Woahs”!

The single is in stores today with the album The Way the World Looks set to follow on March 20. If the songs we’ve heard are any indication, the CD should be sensational.

The Basics Strip Off for a Song

The Basics are revealing a little more of themselves in the music video for their new single “With This Ship.” This clever clip features the boys in the buff! It’s apparently an experience they enjoyed, because they’ve also stripped off for their latest publicity shots! Ooo-er!

I can’t promise nudity when the lads hit the road next month, but there will be good music. The indie popstars will visit the following East Coast venues.

18 April 2009 – St Martins, Randall Theatre, Melbourne
23 April 2009 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 April 2009 – The Globe, Brisbane
25 & 26 April 2009 – The Vanguard, Sydney

Abby Dobson Releases "Horses"

The voice of Leonardo’s Bride Abby Dobson is preparing to release “Horses,” the latest single from her debut solo album Rise Up. The track has already earned critical acclaim, placing second in the 2008 International Songwriting Competition.

The single, which will drop on March 13, will include an exclusive bonus track “High Like Heaven” which was recorded live at Abby’s Spiegeltent show in Melbourne last November. Abby worked with acclaimed director Bart Borghesi (Eskimo Joe, You Am I, The Living End, Something For Kate) on the “Horses” video, which was shot at Melbourne Museum.

To celebrate the single’s release, Abby will embark on an Australian tour in March. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

13 March 2009 – Garden of Unearthly Delights, Spiegeltent, Fringe Festival, Adelaide
18 March 2009 – The Gearin Hotel, Katoomba
19 March 2009 – The Basement, Sydney
20 March 2009 – Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley
21 March 2009 – Manly Boat Shed
24 March 2009 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
26 March 2009 – Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave
27 March 2009 – The Studio, Geelong
28 March 2009 – Capers, Hawthorn
2 April 2009 – Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
4 April 2009 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba
5 April 2009 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Original Matters

Candice Alley Falling Again

I thought Candice Alley had given up the music to stand beside husband Grant Hackett. But it seems she hasn’t turned her back on the tunes altogether, or at least not the one that made her famous.

Her debut single “Falling” has been remixed for a limited edition four-track CD single. Personally I’m not sure the romantic ballad really needed a dance makeover, but the American club market seems keen for it. The disc features four remixes of the song by Swedish producers The Attic.

“Falling” will be available in the United States through boutique label ProMotion and on iTunes. There’s no word yet on a local release, but I’ll keep you posted!

Image source: Candice Alley website

Cassie Davis Likes it Loud

Multi-talented Aussie Cassie Davis has been impressing all the right people, with will.i.am and Fergie amongst her biggest fans. The local singer-songwriter-producer has worked with hot producers Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce) and Wayne Wilkins (Natasha Bedingfield, Kylie Minogue, No Doubt), and now she’s ready to unleash her debut single.

“Like It Loud” is set to become a summer anthem. It’s irresistible girl pop with plenty of attitude. Get it in stores and online this weekend!