123 Agency Artists Unite for Mi Casa Su Casa

Do you want to see the best up and coming talents sharing one stage? Well you’ve got it, because the 123 Agency’s massive Mi Casa Su Casa tour is kicking off tonight. It features some of the agency’s brightest talents – Tales in Space, Pierce Brothers, Stillwater Giants, Yeo, Gena Rose Bruce, and Blonde On Blonde –joining forces to put on one hell of a show.

Line ups don’t get much more diverse than this. We’ve got dance infused rock, indie-folk, and pop, all existing in harmony to delight punters around the country. The line up will change each night, so fans will always get a new, fresh, Mi Casa Su Casa experience!

7 March 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane (Tales In Space, Blonde On Blonde, Pierce Brothers)
8 March 2014 – Solbar, Maroochydore (Tales In Space, Blonde On Blonde, Pierce Brothers)
9 March 2014 – The Brewery, Byron Bay (Tales In Space, Blonde On Blonde, Pierce Brothers)
14 March 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (Pierce Brothers, Tales In Space, Gena Rose Bruce)
15 March 2014 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay (Pierce Brothers, Tales In Space, Gena Rose Bruce)
20 March 2014 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury (Stillwater Giants, Tales In Space – FREE)
22 March 2014 – Amplifier, Perth (Stillwater Giants, Tales In Space)
23 March 2014 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle (Stillwater Giants, Tales In Space – FREE)
27 March 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla (Tales In Space, Pierce Brothers)
29 March 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney (Yeo, Tales In Space, Pierce Brothers – FREE)
30 March 2014 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (Yeo, Tales In Space, Pierce Brothers)

Dewayne Everettsmith Releases Long-Awaited Solo Album

I can’t say that tourism ads are generally where I go looking for great music, but I found it when Tourism Australia featured Dewayne Everettsmith’s song “It’s Like Love” in their last campaign. I feel head over heels for the tune way back in 2012, and was desperate to hear more. He’ll finally show us what else is in his bag of tricks when he releases his debut album Surrender on March 14.

“When I wrote most of these songs, I was obviously in emotional turmoil – difficult things in my life,” he explained. “The idea was that when someone listens to it, it touches a nerve but they take a positive from it. That was the ultimate aim.”

If that intrigues you, make sure you grab a copy of the album and see Dewayne playing its songs live at a venue near you.

6 March 2014 – Kulcha, Fremantle
8 March 2014 – Kings Park, Perth (supporting Gurrumul)
9 March 2014 – Spiegeltent (10 Days On The Island), Hobart
11 March 2014 – Arts Centre Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
14 March 2014 – Factory Floor, Marrickville
16 March 2014 – Casterton/Sandford Football/Netball Club, Casterton
20 March 2014 – Captains at Mariners, Batemans Bay
21 March 2014 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
23 March 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
26 March 2014 – Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
27 March 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
28 March 2014 – Lizotte’s, Central Coast
29 March 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Postblue Get Ugly, and I Like It

The fuzzy, unpolished sound of Postblue isn’t the sort of thing I’d normally go for, but there’s something about this meeting of Byron Bay and Melbourne musicians that’s gotten underneath my skin. I couldn’t help thinking of the grunge acts of the ‘90s as I listened to “Ugly,” the latest song lifted from their debut album I Hope They’re Praying For Me.

The album is scheduled to hit stores on March 21, and they’ll celebrate with a string of shows all around the country. Stablemates Luca Brasi will serve as support act for the following dates.

14 March 2014 – Magpies Club, Canberra
15 March 2014 – Hermann’s Bar, Sydney
16 March 2014 – Beatdisc Records, Parramatta (ALL AGES)
21 March 2014 – John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
22 March 2014 – Crowbar, Brisbane
23 March 2014 – The Lab, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
11 April 2014 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
12 April 2014 – Secret Venue, Hobart (ALL AGES)
12 April 2014 – Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Sam Buckingham Tours “Shackles”

Aussie folk songstress Sam Buckingham spends most of her time in the United States these days, so opportunities to see her play are few and far between. But she’ll play her first, and possibly her last Australian shows for 2014 when she promotes her single “Shackles” this month.

Fans of this blog might remember watching Sam playing the song with Buffalo Tales last October. Now the song’s got an official release and a gorgeous black and white video to match. Following this tour, Sam will head back to New York to get back to collaborating with some of America’s top producers and songwriters. Who knows when we’ll see this bright talent again, so catch her live while you’ve got the chance!

19 February 2014 – Revolver, Prahran
20 February 2014 – Baha’s, Mornington Peninsula
21 February 2014 – Fringe Festival, Adelaide
26 February 2014 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford
1 March 2014 – The Shack, Narrabeen
2 March 2014 – The Newsagency, Marrickville
13 March 2014 – The Front, Canberra

The Preatures Release Latest Single & Take on the World

Following up “Is This How you Feel?” was always going to be a big ask for The Preatures. That song was just so good. But I think they’ve made a good effort with their latest release “Better Than It Ever Could Be.”

This song’s got great energy and infectious hooks. I’m not sure if I like it quite as much as “Is This How You Feel?” but if you ask me again, after I’ve heard it as many times as that song, I might answer differently. Following up a track that’s done so well is always tough, and I think The Preatures have done a great job. It certainly sends the message that this band is no one-hit wonder.

They’ll cement their reputation as one of Australia’s hottest new acts with the following shows in Europe and the United States. If you’re living abroad, make sure you don’t miss them!

17 February 2014 – Water Rats, London
18 February 2014 – King Tuts, Glasgow
19 February 2014 – Bodega, Nottingham
22 February 2014 – Lido, Berlin
23 February 2014 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
24 February 2014 – Prinzenbar, Hamburg
25 February 2014 – Boule Noir, Paris
28 February 2014 – Night and Day Café, Manchester
4 March 2014 – 100Club, London
6 March 2014 – The Mercury Lounge, NYC
11-16 March 2014 – SXSW, Austin
11 & 18 April 2014 – Coachella, Palm Springs

Stonefield Finally Play WA

Western Australia, your patience has been rewarded. Sister act Stonefield will finally bring their album tour to your part of the country next week.

Expect plenty of energy and big heavy guitar riffs when the girls from Victoria touch down next week! Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

13 February 2014 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
14 February 2014 – Clancy’s, Dunsborough
15 February 2014 – The Capitol, Perth

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

The Dead Daisies Release New Single & Album

The self-titled debut album from The Dead Daisies, fronted by our own Jon Stevens (we can claim him at this point, can’t we Australia?), hits stores tomorrow!

The album’s already generated buzz with the release of its first two singles, “Lock ‘N’ Load” and “Washington,” and now there’s a third to remind people why this album needs to be part of their collection. Just like the others, “It’s Gonna Take Time” celebrates classic rock music without the frills and bullshit.

“It’s a personal view on the world we live in today,” explained Jon. “We’re all running around on this planet consuming everything in our path. There are so many distractions, that the simple things in life, we don’t seem to have time for anymore. Is it just me? Everyone seems to be in a rush nowadays. This song is about stopping for a minute and identifying what is really important in your life! Simple really, but hard to do in this day and age!”

So shut out the rest of the world and wrap your ears around this. Then get excited because The Dead Daisies tour kicks off tonight. Where else can you see musicians from Noiseworks, Guns N’ Roses, Psychedelic Furs, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and The Cult all on one stage? Nowhere, that’s where!

6 February 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 February 2014 – The Old Mill, Hahndorf
8 February 2014 – Annie’s Lane Day On The Green, Clare Valley
15 February 2014 – Rochford Wines Day On The Green, Yarra Valley
16 February 2014 – Esplanade Hotel, Melbourne
21 February 2014 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney (with Jimmy Barnes)
22 February 2014 – Bateau Bay Hotel – Bateau Bay (with Jimmy Barnes)
23 February 2014 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
25 February 2014 – Country Club Casino, Launceston
26 February 2014 – Wrestpoint Casino Showroom, Hobart
28 February 2014 – Mulwala Water Ski Club, Mulwala
1 March 2014 – Albury SS&A Club, Albury

Image used with permission from Jaden Social

Pokey LaFarge Announces First Australian Shows

They don’t make musicians like Pokey LaFarge anymore. This American musician, songwriter, bandleader, and all-round entertainer takes us back to a time when swing, bluegrass, country, and jazz were all over the radio. And with a self-titled, full-length album now in stores, he’s making his first visit to Australia.

It might be a little old-timey for modern tastes, but listen to it with an open mind and you’ll discover a performer that really knows his stuff.

He’s also got one of the best bands that I’ve ever seen. Check out this video of them performing “Sadie Green” at the recent Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion for proof.

If you like what you see, make sure you grab a ticket for one of Pokey’s upcoming Aussie shows.

7 & 8 March 2014 – Port Fairy Folk Music Festival, Port Fairy
9 & 10 March 2014 – WOMADelaide, Botanic Park, Adelaide
12 March 2014 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
13 March 2014 – The Basement, Sydney

Elizabeth Rose Announces EP Tour

Elizabeth Rose is wasting no time promoting the release of her self-titled sophomore EP. She’s already announced a string of intimate shows all around the country.

Elizabeth has already started the year with a bang by taking out the FBi Radio SMAC Award for Next Big Thing. See why she won that coveted trophy at the following shows.

28 February 2014 – Manning Bar, Sydney
1 March 2014 – Secret Garden Festival, Camden
7 March 2014 – Bleach Festival, Gold Coast
8 March 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
13 March 2014 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong
15 March 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
22 March 2014 – Pirie Social Club, Adelaide
4 April 2014 – King Street Hotel Supperclub, Newcastle
11 April 2014 – Amplifier, Perth
12 April 2014 – Mojo’s, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Recon Music

Spanish Surf Band Los Coronas Return to Australia

Is Tuesday too early in the week to reach for sangria? Because I definitely feel like a nice cold jug as I listen to “Adios Sancho,” the title track from Los Coronas’ new album.

This Spanish band is returning to our shores after their successful 2012/2013 run of Aussie dates. If you like your music a little left of centre, make sure you don’t miss their unusual blend of traditional Spanish melodies and sun-drenched surf sounds.

2 March 2014 – Clancy’s Red Room, Dunsborough
4 March 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
5 & 6 March 2014 – Basement, Sydney
7 March 2014 – WOMADelaide, Adelaide
8 March 2014 – Enlighten, Canberra
9 March 2014 – Golden Plains Festival, Victoria
13 March 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
14 March 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne