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)

The Pierce Brothers Tour New EP, The Night Tree

I raved about The Pierce Brothers back in December when they released the soothing folk single “Tallest Teepee in Town.” Now I’m back, raving about them again ahead of the release of their highly anticipated EP The Night Tree. The recording features the epic acoustic folk single “It’s My Fault.”

The song is a worldly tale exploring forgiveness that builds into a footstomping crescendo reminiscent of Mumford & Sons. But the big difference here is that The Pierce Brothers are just two guys, not four, yet they can create a sound this stirring.

While these Melbourne brothers are homegrown, it seems we’ve been a little slow to cotton on to their brilliance. They’re far from household names here, yet “It’s My Fault” is enjoying chart success in The Netherlands where it’s on the daily playlist of commercial radio giant 3FM. They’ve also toured throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.

Hopefully more locals will start to see what The Pierce Brothers are all about when they kick off their Aussie tour on May 31, a day after the EP’s release.

31 May 2014 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
4 June 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 June 2014 – Solbar, Maroochydore
8 June 2014 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
14 June 2014 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
20 June 2014 – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
26 & 27 June 2014 – Shebeen, Melbourne
28 June 2014 – Spirit Bar, Traralgon
11 July 2014 – Hotel High Plains, Dinner Plain
12 July 2014 – The General, Mt Hotham

Ron Pope Ready for Return Aussie Visit

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of New York’s Ron Pope until I saw he was coming to Australia. However, after listening to his new single “Lick My Wounds” I figure it’s a case of better late than never. It’s got a real pop core with country and folk overtones and some clever poetic lyrics. Great stuff.

“Lick My Wounds” comes from Ron’s debut album Calling off the Dogs, which hits local stores on June 6, the same day he kicks off his Aussie tour. This is the first time he’s played here with a full band, and he’s making the most of it with some in some of Australia’s most beloved venues.

He’s no stranger to our shores though, and can’t wait to be back Down Under.

“The people, the culture, the food, the wildlife … I love everything about Australia and I’m so excited to come back and visit my fans down there,” he said in a press release for his upcoming tour.

Tickets are available now for the following shows.

6 June 2014 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 June 2014 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (Under 18 afternoon show)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+ evening show)
13 June 2014 – Astor Lounge, Perth (ALL AGES solo acoustic)

Oliver’s Army Get Toes Tapping with “Born to Breed”

Adelaide-born, Melbourne-based outfit Oliver’s Army have released a stellar slice of Americana influenced indie rock with their latest single “Born to Breed.”

It’s got such a lovely jangly feelgood vibe to it. It just feels so easy, perhaps because the band’s frontman and founding member Ryan Oliver penned it in a matter of minutes. Take a listen to it on their Triple J Unearthed page.

“Born to Breed” is our first taste of Oliver’s Army’s debut album, which is due out later this year. You can get a little sneak peek when the band launches the single at the following shows.

5 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne
28 June 2014 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

David Campbell Teams Up with Broadway’s John Bucchino for Album and Tour

David Campbell is one of my very favourite Aussie performers. I get my daily fix on morning TV, but he really shines when he’s on stage. So I’m thrilled to hear he’s back doing what he does best, after a three-year-musical hiatus, with the help of his Broadway composer idol John Bucchino.

After albums paying tribute to musical decades and genres, David’s celebrating John’s music with his latest release David Campbell Sings John Bucchino. The album’s sure to sound great when you slip it in your stereo, but even better on the stage. David will play these songs with John, and the pair will take the time to share with audiences stories about their friendship, their careers, and the music that binds them.

It’s worth pre-ordering your copy of the album, as all advance orders will be signed by David and John. You’ll also go into the draw to win an ultimate David Campbell Sings John Bucchino prize. How do return flights to Sydney, one night’s accommodation, a venue tour, VIP lunch plus meet and greet with David and John, and front row tickets sound? Fabulous!

Even if you aren’t the lucky winner, you can catch David and John doing their thing at the following intimate shows.

25 May 2014 – Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
6 June 2014 – Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
13 & 14 June 2014 – Adelaide Cabaret Festival
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27 & 28 June 2014 – Hayes Theatre, Sydney
29 June 2014 – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta

Image used with permission from Jaden Social