The Audreys Kick Off Tour This Week

The Audreys are about to kick off their national tour supporting their critically acclaimed fourth album Til My Tears Roll Away this week!

This is the first time The Audreys have toured Australia with a full band in more than three years, but it should be worth the wait. The Adelaide duo promises to play their new album in full, as well as plenty of fan favourites. To make sure you hear the songs you want, remember to send through your song requests to the band by leaving a comment on their Facebook page.

Expect the merch stand to be crowded as the band will be selling their limited edition Monsters EP exclusively at the gigs. It features all four versions of the track “Monster” plus the previously unreleased “Monster Part IV” and a gorgeous hand-pressed hand-drawn cover from multi-award winning illustrator Luke Jurevicious.

There are still tickets available for most of the following shows.

5 June 2014 – The Abbey, Canberra
6 June 2014 – The Heritage Hotel, Bulli
7 June 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
8 June 2014 – The Factory, Sydney
12 June 2014 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
13 June 2014 – Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton
14 June 2014 – Ormond Hall, Melbourne
15 June 2014 – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
19 June 2014 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
20 June 2014 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
21 June 2014 – The Zoo, Brisbane
22 June 2014 – Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
26 June 2014 – Fresh, Launceston
27 June 2014 – Tapas Lounge Bar, Devonport
28 June 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
4 July 2014 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
5 July 2014 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
11 July 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Jackson McLaren Releases Long-Awaited Debut Album

I was blown away when I saw Jackson McLaren supporting Counting Crows last April. I said at the time that I was really looking forward to hearing more from this talented singer-songwriter. I waited patiently, and now he’s finally released his debut album Songs to Greet the Dawn with his band The Triple Threat.

The album includes the killer new single “Here’s a Memory,” a stirring song which celebrates living life to the fullest. Jackson McLaren & The Triple Threat will play this song and many other choice cuts from Songs to Greet the Dawn at the following shows.

4 June 2014 – The Melbourne Folk Club @ Bella Union, Melbourne
15 June 2014 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
22 June 2014 – The Exeter Hotel, Adelaide
28 June 2014 – Little Features @ Hibernian House, Sydney
29 June 2014 – Menagerie @ The Welcome Hotel, Rozelle

Cookin’ on 3 Burners Assemble Star-Studded Cast for “Blind Bet”

Funky Melbourne outfit Cookin’ on 3 Burners are giving us a tantalising taste of their sixth studio album with the release of the hot new single “Losing Streak.” The super-catchy track features homegrown soul superstar Daniel Merriweather on guest vocals. Flip the limited edition vinyl single over to soak up the similarly star-studded B-side “Mind Made Up,” featuring The Bamboo’s Kylie Auldist.

“Losing Streak” is the first song lifted from Blind Bet, which hits stores on July 4. It seems everyone that’s everyone wanted to be a part of it, as it also features guest appearances from Tex Perkins, the Cat Empire’s Harry James Angus, and Electric Empire’s Jason Heerah.

Those guys are going to join Cookin’ on 3 Burners at two very special album launch shows in the major capitals. You can bet these shows are going to be smoking.

4 July 2014 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (feat. Daniel Merriweather, Kylie Auldist, Jason Heerah, Mantra & 1/6 DJs Chris Gill, Manchild & Mz Rizk, Demilition B-Girl and her B-Boy crew)
11 July 2014 – The Basement, Sydney (feat. Tex Perkins, Kylie Auldist, DJs Huwston & JC)

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Little Earthquake Tour Cheerful “Brightside” Single

Central Coast brothers Mathew and Justin Hyland are Little Earthquake, the duo behind this optimistic slice of electronic pop-rock “Brightside.” The track comes from the EP of the same name, which will hit iTunes and other digital retailers on June 6.

The lads honed their craft as guest members of American indie rock act Lydia. While criss-crossing the United States they began working on the tracks which would help launch their own project, Little Earthquake. They developed the songs with superstar local producer Lachlan Mitchell (The Jezabels, Pnau) who helped take them to a brand new level.

Little Earthquake will launch the EP at the following East Coast shows.

2 June 2014 – Old Bar, Melbourne
3 June 2014 – Ruby Tuesdays @ Workers Club, Melbourne
5 June 2014 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
13 June 2014 – Corrimal Beach Hotel, Wollongong
15 June 2014 – Terrigal Surf Club, Terrigal
17 June 2014 – Armidale Club, Armidale,
19 & 21 June 2014 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
25 June 2014 – Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Newcastle
27 June 2014 – Armidale Club, Armidale
4 July 2014 – Beresford Hotel, Sydney
31 July 2014 – FBi Social, Sydney

Hands like Houses Release Amazing New Video

Anyone who’s ever tuned in to the Real Housewives of Melbourne knows there’s very little that’s real about its cashed up, perfectly manicured stars. If the creators wanted to cast real housewives, perhaps they should look to someone like the star of the new Hands like Houses video.

Sure she’s no glamourpuss, but there’s something very real about the woman who crumbles under the weight of domesticity in the “A Tale of Outer Suburbia” clip. It was filmed and directed by Joshua Aylett, who the Canberra band had on their wishlist for some time.

“He’s an amazing director that we grew up with in Canberra and someone that we knew we could create something a little outside of the box with,” explained Hands like Houses guitarist Matthew Cooper. “It’s always interesting approaching video clips with the intention of creating something unique and captivating, separate from the song though as well as complimentary. We absolutely love the final product and it’s definitely one of the coolest projects we’ve been part of.”

“A Tale of Outer Suburbia” is the latest song lifted from Hands like Houses album Unimagine. The band will celebrate its release with the following shows. Tickets are available at the door for all dates.

20 June 2014 – Bada Bing, Frankston
21 June 2014 – Bang, Melbourne
26 June 2014 – Hot Damn, Sydney
27 June 2014 – Riot! @ Enigma Bar, Adelaide
28 June 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane
4 July 2014 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith

MC Munk Back with Renegades of Munk

Welcome back Munk, an Aussie hip-hop veteran who’s been rapping, breakdancing, mixing, and producing since the 80s. The five-time Deadly Award nominee, who’s enjoyed fame as a solo artist and part of South West Syndicate is back with a new outfit dubbed Renegades of Munk. They’ve just released their debut single which is fittingly titled “Welcome Back.”

It’s just a taste of what’s sure to be an eclectic self-titled debut album from Renegades of Munk. It’s got one of the best guest star line-ups you’re likely to see with Anne Kirkpatrick, the Slim Dusty Band, Wilma Reading, Charley Boyter, Kutcha Edwards, and Eric Grothe Jnr. all lending their talents to the album. The album culminates with a hip-hop jam featuring more than 30 Aussie MCs including Jimblah, Rival MC, Luka Lesson, and L-Fresh the Lion.

The nine-piece Renegades of Munk will celebrate the release of “Welcome Back” with two New South Wales shows. See them at the Roller Den in Erskinville on June 6 or the Small Ballroom in Newcastle on June 7.

Boy & Bear Want You to Get Up & Dance

It’s hard to keep the winter chills away at this time of year, but Boy & Bear have the perfect solution with their Get Up & Dance theatre tour.

Most artists wrap up one tour before announcing another, but not Boy & Bear. Clearly they’re enjoying playing the songs from Harlequin Dream live.

“We’ve been on the road since February and it’s been amazing getting to play for people on the other side of the world as well as doing shows in parts of Australia that we’ve never even been before,” explained keyboardist Jon Hart. “It feels like the right time to come home and play some theatre shows in venues that we’ve only ever dreamed of playing at … we can’t wait!”

The Get Up & Dance dates will be the last supporting that album’s release as well as their last local shows for 2014. Tickets are on sale now from the Boy & Bear website.

3 September 2014 – The Palais, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
5 September 2014 – The Palais, Melbourne (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
6 September 2014 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
12 September 2014 –The Arts Centre, Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
13 September 2014 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (ALL AGES matinee & 18+ evening show)
21 September 2014 – Opera House, Sydney (ALL AGES)
22 September 2014 – Opera House, Sydney (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
25 September 2014 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany (ALL AGES)
26 September 2014 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Bunbury (ALL AGES)
28 September 2014 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle (Under 18s permitted with parent/guardian)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

James Reyne Plays Australian Crawl This August

It’s not quite an Australian Crawl reunion, but fans will enjoy the next best thing when James Reyne and a talented group of supporting musicians pay tribute to the songs of this classic rock act and its dearly departed members in August.

“Over the years we have often been asked if this could ever happen? Now is the time,” James explained. “You will never see Australian Crawl again. It just isn’t possible. This is the next best thing. We’re playing ‘ALL CRAWL.’”

With hits like “Errol,” “The Boys Light Up,” “Oh No Not You Again,” “Downhearted,” “Beautiful People,” “Fall of Rome,” and so many more to their name, these Australian Crawl shows are sure to have some of the best set lists you’re ever likely to hear. Tickets for James Reyne plays Australian Crawl: The Crawl Files Live are on sale now.

1 August 2014 – The Palms Crown, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
2 August 2014 – The Palms Crown, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
3 August 2014 – The Palms Crown, Melbourne
8 August 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane North
9 August 2014 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
15 August 2014 – The Enmore, Sydney (with Dragon)
16 August 2014 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra
23 August 2014 – The Astor, Perth
29 August 2014 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
30 August 2014 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Shelley Segal Wows me with “Morocco”

Where has Shelley Segal been all my life? This gorgeous Melbourne chanteuse is preparing to release her third studio album An Easy Escape on June 6, but this is first time I’ve heard her music. It certainly won’t be the last though, because after listening to the lead single “Morocco,” I’m a real fan.

Shelley was inspired to write the song after visiting Marrakech and Essaouira.

“I was completely blown away by the beauty of the country and the colourful, carefree, fun time that was available to me as a tourist,” she explained. “Slowly as the trip went on I began to see some of the darker sides of what it was like for many who lived there.”

The shooting of the video took Shelley back to Morocco where she got to experience “a whirlwind of people, bustling markets and beautiful seaside” all over again.

Shelley will celebrate the release of An Easy Escape with the following shows.

13 June 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
26 June 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
28 June 2014 – Paynesville Wine Bar, Paynesville

Busby Marou Announce My Second Mistake Tour

Busby Marou’s Farewell Fitzroy is one of those albums which has so many amazing songs that it’s hard to choose a favourite. But “My Second Mistake” is definitely amongst them. The playful song about fidelity, growing up, and a healthy dose of Catholic guilt now has an official release and an awesome Jim Henson-esque video to accompany it.

The Queenslanders are currently supporting James Blunt at the moment, but this is really just a warm-up for the headliner shows they’ll play on their My Second Mistake tour. It’ll be a real party with ex-Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton and banjo-wielding maestro Karl S Williams coming along for the ride.

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

25 July 2014 – Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre, Maryborough (ALL AGES)
26 July 2014 – Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, Gladstone (ALL AGES)
27 July 2014 – Capella Cultural Centre, Capella (ALL AGES)
8 August 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
9 August 2014 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
10 August 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
14 August 2014 – Baroque, Katoomba (18+)
15 August 2014 – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+)
16 August 2014 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale (18+)
21 August 2014 – Collector Hotel, Pararamatta (18+)
22 August 2014 – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
23 August 2014 – The Basemen, Sydney (18+)
24 August 2014 – Waves, Wollongong (18+)
29 August 2014 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast (18+)
30 August 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane (ALL AGES)