Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s Single Cover Revealed!

Music fans have been hanging out for Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s solo music since she split from the Rogue Traders. “Alive” is all over radio at the moment, and the single will hit stores soon. But if you can’t wait that long, here’s a look at the artwork!

Nat Bass looks smoking in that simple shift dress, but the girl could probably wear a potato sack and work it!

This hot single hits stores on November!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

New Song Obsession: "Can’t Shake It" by Kate Miller-Heidke

Kate Miller-Heidke has dabbled in dance pop for her comeback single “Can’t Shake It,” and the result is irresistible. As someone whose dance style hasn’t evolved since the 1980s, I could really relate to the song’s sentiment! Just because it’s got a mainstream vibe though, don’t think Kate’s lost any of the quirkiness we fell in love with. The lyrics are playfully naughty and her ethereal voice sounds brilliant.

Kate might not be able to shake it, but you probably will listening to this pop gem! “Can’t Shake It” is the first single from Kate’s new album Curiouser, which hits stores on October 18.

Katie Noonan Does The Beatles

Katie Noonan has breathed new life into the evergreen tunes of Lennon and McCartney in her new album Blackbird. To celebrate the landmark release, Katie will perform four very special intimate shows.

Highlights of the album include versions of “Across the Universe,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Michelle” and of course, “Blackbird.” Katie is ably supported on the album and tour by her all-star jazz quartet featuring Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Lewis Nash, and Ron Carter.

These once-in-a-lifetime shows go on sale this Monday, October 6 from the venues.

9 December 2008 – The Studio @ Sydney Opera House
11 December 2008 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Melbourne
19 & 20 December 2008 – QPAC @ Cremorne Theatre, Brisbane

New Song Obsession: "Neopolitan Dreams" by Lisa Mitchell

I fell in love with this song when I saw it in those three commercials where the people roll around in big clear balls. I was pretty surprised when I found out it was by our very own Lisa Mitchell. This is such a simple little song, and I think because of that it sneaks up on you. You just see if you’re not humming it after hearing it a few times. I also adore the fairytale imagery in the film clip. Well done Lisa Mitchell!

Alex Lloyd Goes Indie

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything from Alex Lloyd but he’s back with a new independent release!

Alex found inspiration for Good in the Face of a Stranger in his new adopted home, London. With a little from the country where he found such fame, Alex could find focus again on the music. The result is his most honest recording since his debut Black the Sun.

The first single is “Slow Train,” a song which is so simple in its beauty that it’s made me fall in love with Alex all over again. Check out the clip below. The basic but touching animation, created from around 7000 hand-drawn pictures, couldn’t be more perfect for this stunning song.

Good in the Face of a Stranger will be released through Inertia Distribution on November 1.

Flo Rida Runs with Jess Mauboy

Flo Rida is adding a dose of cred to the first solo album of former Young Diva and Australian Idol runner-up Jessica Mauboy. The hip hop megastar joins Jess on her first solo single, “Running Back.”

It appears Jess may follow in Ricki-Lee Coulter’s footsteps. Ricki-Lee’s career flourished once she left her Diva band mates, and if the hype is any indication Jess will taste the same success. The Darwin teen is already being compared to Rihanna by some industry insiders for her strong vocals and songwriting prowess.

“Running Back” will hit radio in the next couple of weeks. Jessica Mauboy’s debut album will be released early next year.

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

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.

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!

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

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