Citizen Kay Makes Powerful Statement with “Freedoom”

I was really impressed with Citizen Kay when he burst onto the scene a couple of years ago. Rap isn’t usually my genre of choice, but I loved the way he blended it with big funky brass and created tracks brimming with positivity. He’s gone a bit darker with his latest song “Freedoom,” but I really appreciate the message behind it. I don’t normally post big slabs of quotes but I think Citizen Kay explains how the song came about better than anything I could write.

“’Freedoom’ is a song I’d actually written around the same time as Manage but it was so, so different to anything else I’d ever written around that time because it was inspired so differently to any other track I’d written,” Citizen Kay explained in a press release. “I was searching the net pointlessly one day, watching news reports around the world and random videos etc. when I clicked on a news story from America about some gang on gang/black on black shootings that had happened in a local area and how they’d escalated to the point where innocent people were being shot and killed simply because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Now being someone that’s lived in Australia for most of my life, I’ve always found these things almost unbelievable. As I was watching this news documentary there was one guy in particular being interviewed about his thoughts on everything and how the community could better itself and absolutely everything he talked about he used the word ‘we.’ After a bit the reporter picked up on it and asked why he kept saying ‘we’ and if it implied that he had any part of it and he responded with something along the lines of ‘Yeah, I have a part in it … you have a part in it and everyone on the planet has a part in it.’ He went on to explain that these things will never stop until ‘we’ make the true and conscious effort to strive for peace.

“There were more specifics about black people killing fellow ‘brothers’ as well for the most part of the video and from that I began writing lyrics but doing so from their perspective (particularly the one guy in the interview). I thought about what he might say if he was the one writing the song and ‘Freedoom’ is what came from it. It’s heart-breaking to see any sort of unnecessary violence anywhere or to anyone so although the song really had nothing to specifically do with me, it actually meant a lot more to me that a lot of other songs I’d written and that’s simply because it’s probably one of the only songs I’ve written completely from someone else’s shoes but still somehow, at the same time felt like it could have been me.”

“Freedoom” comes from Demokracy, a mini-album set for digital and CD release on November 7. Citizen Kay will celebrate its release with his own shows ahead of supporting Ice Cube on his sold-out shows around the country.

1 November 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
7 November 2014 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
8 November 2014 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
21 November 2014 – Academy, Canberra
28 November 2014 – The Roller Den, Sydney
29 November 2014 – CoLAB Festival @ Oak Lawn, UWA, Nedlands

Little May Play EP Shows

With their debut self-titled EP in stores now, the supremely talented Little May are preparing to wing their way around the country to bring its songs to music fans in the flesh. Those include the dreamy lead single “Dust,” which is available for your listening pleasure here.

Little May have earned their live chops playing such high-profile gigs as Splendour in the Grass, Laneways, and Big Sound, so fans are in for a real treat at these shows.

6, 7, & 9 November 2014 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (supporting Rodriguez)
16 November 2014 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
21 November 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
22 November 2014 – The Front Gallery & Café, Canberra
27 & 28 November 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
29 November 2014 –  Gorgeous Music Festival, McLaren Vale
5 December 2014 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
6 December 2014 – Black Bear Lodge,  Brisbane

Katie Noonan & Friends Celebrate “Songs That Made Me” Release

With her Songs That Made Me album now in stores, Katie Noonan and some of her musical sisters are set to take the CD on the road.

Following the successful 2013 tour, Katie and other amazing local female talents have laid down tracks which pay homage to the songs that shaped their lives. Not only is the album full of fabulous music, 100 percent of the profits from sales will benefit the Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign.

I am so thrilled to be able to join with these remarkable women, utilising the Songs That Made Me concept, to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign,” Katie said in a press statement. “It’s not every day that you get to work with such incredibly gifted artists and contribute something meaningful at the same time.”

Featured artists Angie Hart, Melody Pool, and Sam Buckingham will join Katie for these very special shows.

30 October 2014 – Artbar, Perth
7 November 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
8 November 2014 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
13 November 2014 – Joan Sutherland PAC, Penrith
14 & 15 November 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
16 November 2014 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
21 November 2014 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
22 November 2014 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Brisbane
23 November 2014 – Soundlounge, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

The Short Fall Impress with “Seasons”

The Short Fall have wowed me with their single “Seasons,” the lead track from their recently released EP State of Mind.

This song is superb. The harmonies from Ryan and Angelo Conway are the kind of perfect you only get when siblings perform, and the gentle acoustic guitars support their angelic voices beautiful. In short, I’m in love.

The Short Fall recorded State of Mind on the Capricorn Coast with producer Anthony Lycenko, who’s recently worked with the likes of Pete Murray, Busby Marou, and Xavier Rudd. The EP’s in a very similar vein to the acoustic folk those more established Aussie artists produce, but that’s far from a bad thing.

With such talent, you know The Short Fall are going to be able to produce the goods in the live arena. Catch them on this tour before they start playing bigger venues!

24 October 2014 – The Irish Village, Emerald
25 October 2014 – Customs House, Rockhampton
2 November 2014 – Brolga Riverstage, Maryborough (FREE)
6 November 2014 – SolBar, Maroochydoore (FREE)
7 November 2014 – The Treehouse on Belongil, Byron Bay (FREE)
8 November 2014 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane (FREE)
15 November 2014 – Noktoberfest @ Gladstone Racecourse, Gladstone
21 November 2014 – Yeppoon Town Hall, Yeppoon (ALL AGES)

Jericco Rock Out with “Colour Outside the Lines”

Jericco have crept under my skin with their latest single “Colour Outside the Lines.” Brent McCormick drew me in with his a capella vocals early before the band assaulted my ears with the rest. Honestly, once the sound got turned up I wasn’t sure I was going to stick with it, but by the end of the track I was loving its anthemic quality. It’s a bit heavier than the music I’m used to, but I love it when something out of the box turns my head. And it all kind of makes sense for a song called “Colour Outside the Lines,” doesn’t it?

“In a world that sets us free … ‘Colour Outside the Lines’ is about an energy that travels through us,” Brent explained.

The track comes from Jericco’s forthcoming sophomore album Machine Made the Animals, which is scheduled to hit stores in early 2015. Fans should get a taste of more songs from that release when the Melbourne band travels around the country to promote the single, kicking off with a Brisbane show tomorrow night. Tickets will be available at the door, so make sure you check them out.

25 October 2014 – The New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
14 November 2014 – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide
21 November 2014 – Musicman Megastore, Bendigo
22 November 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
27 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
28 November 2014 – Transit Bar, Canberra, NSW
29 November 2014 – Factory Floor, Sydney, NSW

Image via Collision Course PR

Jack Carty Headlines Aus & NZ Shows

After spending the better part of the year keeping Josh Pyke and Katie Noonan company on the road, Jack Carty is preparing to step into the spotlight for his own headlining tour. He’ll go it alone to promote his third full-length album Esk, which is sitting pretty in all good record stores now. It features the gorgeous single “Be Like the Water,” which you can take a listen to here.

The song’s a bit darker than previous single “The Joneses,” but it really showcases the diversity of this very special singer-songwriter. I just love its driving acoustic guitar and Jack’s husky vocals. If you do too, make sure you grab some tickets for one of these shows.

11 October 2014 – Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston
12 October 2014 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart
17 October 2014 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
18 October 2014 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
19 October 2014 – Bon Amici Café, Toowoomba
23 October 2014 – Walton St, Te Awamutu
24 October 2014 – The Wine Cellar, Auckland
25 October 2014 – Menagerie @ Fringe, Wellington
26 October 2014 – Fringe Bar, Wellington
30 October 2014 – Babushka Lounge, Ballarat
1 November 2014 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
2 November 2014 – The Loft, Warrnambool
6 November 2014 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Fremantle
7 November 2014 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
9 November 2014 – Four 5 Nine, Perth
13 November 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
14 November 2014 – The Commons, Newcastle
16 November 2014 – Flow Espresso Bar, Old Bar
20 November 2014 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
21 November 2014 – 5 Church Street, Bellingen
27 November 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
28 November 2014 – Captains @ Mariners, Batemans Bay
29 November 2014 – The Front, Canberra
30 November 2014 – Birdhouse Bar, Wagga Wagga
4 December 2014 – Howler, Melbourne
5 December 2014 – Kay St Saloon Bar, Traralgon
6 December 2014 – Montrose Town Centre, Montrose
7 December 2014 – Bended, Geelong
11 December 2014 –The Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 December 2014 – Mars Hill Café, Parramatta
13 December 2014 – Venue 505, Sydney
14 December 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Ben Ottewell Celebrates Local Release of Rattlebag with Acoustic Shows

Incomparable Gomez frontman Ben Ottewell will bring his solo show to Australia next month. He’ll showcase the songs from his forthcoming release Rattlebag, some old favourites, and even some surprising covers in these intimate, acoustic shows.

Rattlebag again sees Ben collaborating with his childhood buddy Sam Genders.

“Sam and I grew up together in a little village called Bonsall in Derbyshire and have been friends since childhood. I love his songwriting — the stuff he did with his bands Tunng and The Accidental, particularly lyrically.”

Ben Ottewell’s tour kicks off in Fremantle on October 24, the same day that Rattlebag gets a local release. It might seem a bit of a gamble getting tickets for concerts showcasing a brand new album, but this sublime stripped back performance of “Rattlebag” should put your mind at ease.

24 October 2014 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
25 October 2014 – Four5Nine, Perth
26 October 2014 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
29 October 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
30 October 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
31 October 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
1 November 2014 – The Bunker, Coogee
2 November 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
3 November 2014 – Substation, Newport
5 November 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
6 November 2014 – Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick

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