Miss Elm’s “Bitter Taste” is Oh So Good

Brisbane’s Miss Elm are giving us a sneak peek of their new EP, Hybrid, with the release of the sassy new single “Bitter Taste.” I love the blend of sugar meets sour in this tale of a jilted lover. It’s pop with a dark undercurrent that’s just so delicious.

Miss Elm will celebrate the release of “Bitter Taste” with an East Coast tour, which kicks off in the band’s hometown on October 2. Here are all the places you can catch them play.

2 October 2014 – The Globe Theatre, Brisbane
10 October 2014 – The Petersham Bowls Club, Sydney
24 October 2014 – The Gasometer, Melbourne
25 October 2014 – Currumbin Creek Tavern, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Pricewar Music

The Secret City Release Eye-Popping Animated Clip

Sydney band The Secret City have outdone themselves with their incredible video for new single “Little Darling.” This animated clip is Dreamworks worthy stuff, which tells a timeless tale of a boy and girl thwarted in their quest for love. Sure, most love stories don’t take place inside clocks, but I’m sure you’ll be able to relate. Major props go to Big Cookie Studios for their work on this.

And the song itself is pretty fabulous too. It’s a beautiful marriage really, with gorgeous visuals matching a really unique blend of folk and pop.

I hear these guys are incredible live, with three dynamic performers out front of an ever-changing cast of bass players, drummers, keyboardists, and programmers. You can find out for yourself when The Secret City launch “Little Darling” at the following shows.

17 October 2014 – Lazy Bones, Marrickville, NSW
6 November 2014 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
8 November 2014 – Ric’s, Brisbane
30 November 2014 – Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham

Safia Showcase “You Are The One” Single on National Tour

Safia are hitting the road to celebrate the release of their stunning new single “You Are The One.”

This is one of the most emotional electronic numbers I’ve heard in some time. I’m all for a song that gets you on the dance floor, but when you find a song that gets you grooving and really moves you it’s something special.

If you love it too, then make sure you check Safia out on the single launch tour, which kicks off in Queensland tonight!

19 September 2014 – The Factory, Maroochydore
20 September 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
21 September 2014 – ‘Stranded’, Gold Coast
25 September 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
26 September 2014 – Star Bar, Bendigo
27 September 2014 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
4 October 2014 – ‘Yours & Owls’ 4th Birthday, Wollongong
5 October 2014 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
31 October 2014 – ‘Halloween Party’ @ The Bakery, Perth

Mercians Give Me Flashbacks with “Your Words”

Mercians are taking me straight back to the 90s with their latest single “Your Words,” the title track from their recently released EP. I can’t help thinking of all of the rock stars of the era as I listen to the empassioned vocals.

The Melbourne five-piece have always felt more at home on the stage than in the studio, so the song’s bound to sound even better in the flesh. You can catch Mercians doing the live thing at the following East Coast shows.

12 September 2014 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
13 September 2014 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
14 September 2014 – FBi Social Club, Sydney

Bluejuice Announce Farewell Tour

After 13 fabulous years, it’s sad to realise that Bluejuice will kick off their final tour at the end of the month. Thankfully they’re leaving us with a tour and a greatest hits album, including the fun new single “I’ll Go Crazy,” before they depart, but it’s still a bit bittersweet.

The album Retrospectable will feature the best bits from Bluejuice’s three studio albums as well as some brand new songs. Get it on September 19, a couple of the days ahead of that farewell tour. Thankfully there are a couple of under 18s shows as well as some licensed events so everyone can bid the band adieu. Don’t expect a John Farnham style goodbye here. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

25 September 2014 – Uni Bar, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
26 September 2014 – Capitol, Perth
27 September 2014 – Red Earth Arts Festival, Karratha
2 October 2014 – Hi Fi, Brisbane
3 October 2014 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
4 October 2014 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
10 October 2014 – Hi Fi, Melbourne
11 October 2014 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Under 18s matinee @ midday)
11 October 2014 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
12 October 2014 – Barwon Club, Geelong
17 October 2014 – Waves, Wollongong
18 October 2014 – ANU Bar, Canberra
23 October 2014 – Bar on the Hill, Newcastle
24 October 2014 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)

Image used with permission from Dew Process

Crowdfunding Helps The Beautiful Girls Release Comeback Album

It seems crowdfunding can do anything these days, even bring a band back from a long hiatus. Thanks to the generosity of their fans, The Beautiful Girls are preparing to release their first album since 2010.

The crowdfunded Dancehall Days will hit stores on October 3. Frontman Mat McHugh said he began writing it intended for it to be a solo release, but it soon became clear that he needed to put the band back together.

“When I stood back from them I was able to see that I was being steered into a particular direction. They all sounded like ‘The Beautiful Girls’. It’s hard to explain it but I know it when I hear it,” Mat insists. “Spooky, dubby, digital dancehall tinged, rootsy, punky, reggae music mashed up with some mellow acoustic sea songs. In some ways it’s about reclaiming my musical identity”.

The Beautiful Girls will thank fans for their generosity with shows this October and November. They’re a great opportunity for music lovers to hear the new songs in the live arena as well as plenty of old favourites.

1 October 2014 – Dalrymple Hotel, Garbutt
2 October 2014 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach
3 October 2014 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
4 October 2014 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
16 October 2014 – Wollongong Uni Bar, Gwynneville
17 October 2014 – The Metro, Sydney
18 October 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle West
23 October 2014 – Spirit Bar, Traralgon
24 October 2014 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
25 October 2014 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
7 November 2014 – Rosemount Hotel, North Perth
8 November 2014 – Blues at Bridgetown, Bridgetown

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Mia Dyson Does it Again with “Idyllwild”

I think Mia Dyson might be one of Australia’s most consistent musicians. She doesn’t release music to a lot of fanfare, but it’s always so solid. Her latest, “Idyllwild,” the title track from her latest album, is another fabulous showcase for this incredible songstress’ talent.

Mia explained that this rollicking single is a love song of sorts to the small town where she spent an unconventional honeymoon.

“I got hitched not that long ago at the Los Angeles county courthouse and afterwards, we found ourselves driving up into the mountains to this little town called Idyllwild, sort of laying our decision out there and celebrating in the natural world,” she said.

“It was a surreal, utopian journey and out of it came this frenetic, high-spirited song, stylistically influenced by bands from my 80s childhood like Elvis Costello & Talking Heads.”

Mia will celebrate its release with a string of intimate shows this October and November.

1 October 2014 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
2 October 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
3 October 2014 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
4 October 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
5 October 2014 – Blues on Parade @ The Norwood Hotel, Norwood
9 October 2014 – Harvester Moon, Bellarine
10 October 2014 – Howler, Melbourne
11 October 2014 – Caravan Club, Melbourne
12 October 2014 – Old Hepburn Springs, Hepburn Springs
16 & 17 October 2014 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
18 October 2014 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns (with Shane Nicholson)
19 October 2014 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
23 October 2014 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
24 October 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
21 November 2014 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
22 & 23 November 2014 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Get Set for Island Vibe

All the gloomy weather we’re seeing in the Eastern states makes a trip to Stradbroke Island for the annual Island Vibe Festival this October even more enticing. Of course this year’s lineup is stellar, with Brit Finlay Quaye performing alongside our own King Tide, Black Jesus Experience, Toothfaeries, Bullhorn, and PAUA. Note that this is only the first announcement too, so things are going to get even bigger.

Island Vibe is now in its ninth year and it shows no signs of slowing down. As well as the incredible reggae and roots acts, crowds will be treated to circus performances, cabaret, art displays and workshops, and plenty of fun activities for the kids. To coincide with this year’s theme of ocean conservation there’ll also be a new eco tent.

Island Vibe hits Minjerribah, Stradbroke Island from October 31 to November 2. Tickets are on sale now from Rudekat Records.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Scott Russo & Phil Jamieson Announce Acoustic Christmas Shows

It might seem a little early to start thinking about Christmas, but Unwritten Law’s Scott Russo and Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson want to make sure you know about their shows before your December calendar fills up. After performing two sold out gigs earlier this year, the lads are doing it all again with a more extensive nationwide Christmas tour.

I can’t imagine we’ll hear too many carols but there should be plenty of hits at these stripped back, acoustic concerts. Tickets are on sale through Oztix for all the following shows.

17 December 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
18 December 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
19 December 2014 – The Corner, Melbourne
20 December 2014 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
21 December 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
22 December 2014 – The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
23 December 2014 – Waves, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Recon Music

Paul Dempsey Headlines Glenelg’s New Blues Festival

Paul Dempsey will headline Follow the Sun Festival, a brand new festival in the picturesque South Australian town of Glenelg. The one-day blues and roots event will also feature performances by Bonjah, Dallas Frasca, Benjalu, Lyall Moloney, and more.

Event organisers are aiming to create a backyard BBQ vibe with a relaxed atmosphere, local wines, and first class food.

“Follow The Sun festival will be a great opportunity to showcase Glenelg. Some outstanding Aussie music talent and a few drinks with your mates. What could be better?” explained event founder David Elmes. “It will almost be like a party in your own backyard. I am really excited for Follow The Sun and to create something unique for the bay.”

Tickets are available from Oztix now.

Image used with permission from 123 Agency