You Am I Finally Release That Self-Titled Album

Uninspired bands usually release their self titled albums first, but it seems at album nine You Am I may have finally run out of titles. Their new self titled album is scheduled to hit record store shelves on October 8.

At least they’ve invested a bit of effort into the songs, which are said to be their “most expressive, well-woven, and sonically adventurous” to date. I guess that’s what working across several studios without any deadlines will do to a band!

The album marks a new beginning for You Am I, as it’s their first released through indie label Other Tongues. Pick up your copy on October 8, and catch the band showcasing the songs live at the following venues.

14 October 2010 – Waves, Wollongong
15 October 2010 – Level One @ Newcastle Leagues Club, Newcastle
16 October 2010 – The Metro, Sydney
17 October 2010 – The Beachcomber, Toukley
20 October 2010 – The Flying Horse, Warrnambool
21 October 2010 – The Bluestone, Ballarat
22 October 2010 – Billboard, Melbourne
23 October 2010 – Inferno, Tarralgon
11 November 2010 – The Irish Club, Toowoomba
12 & 13 November 2010 – Powderfinger Sunsets Farewell Tour @ Brisbane Riverstage, Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
18 November 2010 – Fly By Night Club, Fremantle
19 November 2010 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
20 November 2010 – That Festival @ Cabarita Beach, Tweed Heads
25 November 2010 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
26 November 2010 – Newtons Nation Festival @ Mount Panorama, Bathurst
27 November 2010 – The Hi Fi Bar And Ballroom, Brisbane
2 December 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Mildura
3 December 2010 – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

The Verses Announce Taste of Lilith Sideshows

The Verses are taking their new album Seasons on the road with a handful of dates to complement their performances at the Taste of Lilith Festival shows this October.

After seeing these guys live when they launched the album last month, I have no doubt that fans in Sydney and Melbourne are in for a treat. The performances are sure to be top notch with the band itching to introduce their new material to fans.

“We can’t wait to play the album in front of a live crowd and interact with the audience once again.  We are so happy with the response we’ve had and look forward to meeting the people who are discovering and enjoying our music around Australia,” Jesse Hooper said in a statement.

See Jesse and his equally talented sister Ella at the following sideshows!

5 October 2010 – Vanguard, Sydney
7 October 2010 – Gershwin Room @ Espy, Melbourne
28 October 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Ryan Meeking and The Few)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

City Riots Supporting Smashing Pumpkins

Adelaide’s own City Riots have earned the coveted support slot for the Smashing Pumpkins upcoming Aussie tour.

The indie act were handpicked by lead singer Billy Corgan to support the iconic rock band at dates around the country.

No doubt City Riots will be a well oiled machine by the time the October tour rolls around, having just wrapped up their own national tour. So make sure you turn up early to support the local talent at these Smashing Pumpkins shows!

12 October 2010 – PCEC Riverside Theatre, Perth
13 October 2010 – AEC Theatre, Adelaide
15 October 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
16 October 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney
17 October 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Split Seconds Tours Western Australia

Split Seconds, the latest outfit for Perth singer-songwriter Sean Pollard, is preparing for the release of their debut EP with a swag of headlining gigs and festival appearances around their home state.

The EP was recorded in Perth with producers Steve Bond (The Panics, Snowman, The Bank Holidays) and Benjamin Golby, before Aussie expat Aaron Cupples (The Drones, Dan Kelly) added the finishing touches in London. It should get a release next year, but we get a taste of it with the debut single “Bed Down.”

If you’re not in Western Australia don’t worry. A national tour is in the works, so the rest of Australia will be able to see this exciting new band soon.

17 September 2010 – The Norfolk Basement, Fremantle (with Red Jezebel and Emperors)
18 September 2010 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (with Red Jezebel and Emperors)
25 & 26 September 2010 – Wave Rock Weekender Festival, Hyden
6 October 2010 – One Movement, WA Showcase @ Capitol, Perth
1-3 January 2011 – Southbound Festival, Busselton

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

This Is Not Art Festival Hits Newcastle

Despite giving Australia The Screaming Jets and Silverchair, Newcastle isn’t really known as much of a cultural capital. The annual This is Not Art Festival looks to change all that, with its annual line up of music, art, creative writing, and free thinking.

From September 30 to October 4, the festival will turn the Steel City into a cultural hub of activity, with The Crack Theatre Festival, National Young Writers Festival, Sound Summit, and WalkARTbout amongst the highlights.

Visit the This is Not Art Festival website regularly to learn all about what’s happening. Checking out the festivities sounds like a great way to spend your Labour Day weekend!

The Lucky Wonders Spruik New Single “Anyway”

You might remember me gushing about The Lucky Wonders and their album Thirteen O’Clock earlier this year. Now the band is back with a brand new single “Anyway.”

After touring from April to July you’d figure the last thing they’d want to do is get back on stage or into the studio, but as they say there’s no rest for the wicked. Just weeks after the tour wrapped up the Lucky Wonders went back into the studio to record “Anyway” and this B-side “Thing About Leaving.”

And now they’re preparing to head out on the road again. This tour isn’t quite as expansive as the last at this stage, but more dates are to be announced. Here are the confirmed gigs!

25 September 2010 – Clancy’s, Fremantle (with Rachel and Henry Climb a Hill)
8 October 2010 – Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham (with Melanie Horsnell)
9 October 2010 – Wesley Anne, Northcote (with Hello Satellites)
10 October 2010 – Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood (with The Stillsons)
14 October 2010 – Republic Bar, North Hobart
15 October 2010 – Molly Malones, Devonport
16 October 2010 – Royal Oak, Launceston
17 October 2010 – Forth Pub, Forth (with Let the Cat Out)
28 Oct 2010 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
13 & 14 November 2010 – Feast Festival, Adelaide
18 November 2010 – The Rails, Byron Bay
25 November 2010 – Lizottes, Central Coast (with Halfway to Forth)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

The Living End and Birds of Tokyo Headline Open Arms Festival

If you’re looking for an excuse for a road trip, the Open Arms Festival might be it. The show will hit the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds on Saturday November 20.

An eclectic lineup of Aussie talent will play on the festival’s two stages, including The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Grafton Primary, Hungary Kids of Hungary, and Behind Crimson Eyes.

Tickets are on sale now through the Open Arms Festival website, Oztix, and a range of local stores.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

MM9 Tour New Single “Let It Take Over”

There’s no sleep for the wicked, or electro rockers MM9. Fresh from their recent tour Karnivool, the Sydney band are hitting the road to support their latest single “Let It Take Over.”

The track comes from The Air Between, the band’s debut album which achieved a credible top 10 AIR chart debut.

See MM9 play the single, and all the other tracks from the album, at the following shows. Tickets are selling fast, so I’d get yours quickly if I were you!

10 September 2010 – Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama
11 September 2010 – The Maram, Canberra
17 September 2010 – The Gaelic Club, Sydney
18 September 2010 – Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne
22 September 2010 – Club Coffs, Coffs Harbour
23 September 2010 – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
24 September 2010 – The Step Inn, Brisbane
25 September 2010 – B&S Ball, Goondawindi
1 October 2010 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
2 October 2010 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

North Stradbroke Island Hosts Island Vibe Reggae and Roots Festival

If you’re looking for great music and a laidback atmosphere you’ll find it at Island Vibe, the leading reggae, roots, and cultural festival in the South Pacific. The event will take over North Stradbroke Island from October 29 to 31.

2009 was the event’s biggest year, but 2010 is promising to top it with new additions Kiwi hip hop master King Kapisis, festival favourite Mista Savona, Coloured Stone’s Bunna Lawrie, and our own Mr Percival joining already confirmed starters Ladi 6, Groundation, Paula Fuga, and Rhythm Collision Sound and plenty of other top musicians, cabaret artists, and burlesque performances.

There’s still plenty of accommodation available, but I wouldn’t wait too long before sorting it out. Camping spots are available at Amity Point and Dunwich, although Amity is filling up quickly. Regular bus services will take you from either site to the festival. Call Redlands City Council on 1300 551 253 to reserve your campsite, or if you want something a bit more luxurious check out the holiday homes, apartments, and other accommodation options on the Island Vibe website.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Expats Gypsy & The Cat Come Home Again

After wowing crowds last month while supporting The Strokes and Foals and playing their own headline shows, Gypsy & The Cat are making another journey home for a few more gigs.

Their appearances at Parklife will be the big ones, but if you don’t have tickets to the festival dates you’ll have plenty of chance to catch them at their Time to Wander sideshows. Fans are in for a real treat, with the band showcasing songs from their soon to be released debut album Gilgamesh. Is that just the most fantastic album name or what?

Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

24 September 2010 – Globe Theatre, Brisbane
25 September 2010 – Parklife, Brisbane
29 September 2010 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
30 September 2010 – Grand Hotel, Wollongong
1 October 2010 – CBD Newcastle, Newcastle
2 October 2010 – Parklife, Melbourne
3 October 2010 – Parklife, Sydney
3 October 2010 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
4 October 2010 – Parklife, Adelaide
6 October 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 October 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 October 2010 – One Movement Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia