Karl Smith Woos Us with “I Want You”

Karl Smith gets romantic with the release of his new single “I Want You”. The track is the first released from Karl’s debut solo album Kites. If this song’s any indication, I should really get my hands on the LP.

There are so many love songs out there that it really takes something special to cut through. Karl does it with relatable, honest lyrics. The pictures he paints might not be the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters, but that’s what makes them so real. I love the way the music swells as this whimsical love story builds.

Karl will promote his album’s release with the following shows supporting fellow Perth dweller Jae Laffer from The Panics.

12 October 2013 – The Toff, Melbourne
18 October 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
19 October 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
24 October 2013 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
25 October 2013 – Astor Upstairs, Perth
26 October 2013 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
8 November 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Weapons of Mass Entertainment

Nat Dunn Wows with “A Fool’s Fate” Acoustic

If you’re seeing Busby Marou this October or November, make sure you arrive early. Everyone’s sure to be talking about the support act Nat Dunn.

Nat signed with Mushroom when she was just 16 years old, but she was determined not to be just another disposable child star. She took a decade to hone her craft before releasing her debut EP A Fool’s Fate. For just a hint of how good it is, watch Nat stripping the title track back for this acoustic performance at Brisbane’s Sofar Sounds. It’s absolutely stunning.

It’s only a matter of time before this talented songbird graduates to her own headlining tour. The opportunity to see her at intimate venues with Busby Marou shouldn’t be missed.

Archie Roach Readies 4CD Creation Set

Archie Roach will look back on his career with a massive 4CD set called Creation. The set, which features remastered versions of Archie’s first four albums and more than a dozen unreleased bonus tracks, will hit stores on October 4.

Its deluxe packaging, with detailed liner notes and unearthed images from the archives, will also be a treat for collectors.

Archie will celebrate the release with live shows around the country. These very special concerts will see Archie playing with a ten-piece ensemble featuring a string quartet and the vocal talents of Lou Bennett, Emma Donovan, and Deline Briscoe.

15 November 2013 – Australasian Worldwide Music Expo @ Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne
30 December 2013 – Woodford Folk Festival @ The Amphitheatre, Woodford
25 January 2014 – Sydney Festival @ State Theatre, Sydney
26 January 2014 – Sydney Festival @ The Parade Ground, Parramatta (FREE)
10 February 2014 – Perth Festival @ Chevron Festival Gardens, Perth
15 March 2014 – Adelaide Festival @ Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Mantra Tours “Telling Scenes”

Mantra is proving to be one of the hardest working urban acts on the Aussie scene right now. His new album Telling Scenes hits stores today, and he’s currently touring the country supporting Seth Sentry. But with a few days free on that tour, he figured he’d also set off on his own headlining run to support the album’s release.

Telling Scenes features the single “Break Tradition”, which is one of the most intelligent hip hop tracks I’ve heard in a while. Make sure you really listen to the lyrics on this one readers. They’re stunning. The album continues this tradition, telling emotional narratives that take listeners on a journey, informing and moving them rather than just entertaining.

Mantra will promote the album and single at the following headline shows.

19 September 2013 – Flyrite, Perth
20 September 2013 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
3 October 2013 – Great Northern, Newcastle
4 October 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
5 October 2013 – Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley
11 October 2013 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
17 October 2013 – Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
19 October 2013 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
26 October 2013 – Ed Castle, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Paris Patient

Aimee Francis Follows Up Pink Shows with Single Tour

Fresh from warming up the crowds at Pink’s Sydney shows, Aimee Francis will head out on our own to promote her new track “Losers’ Game”.

I really love this song. It’s a great tale of heartbreak with some genuine grit and angst behind it. I just wish it wasn’t so produced. That heavy-handed approach in the studio has diluted its impact a bit. I’d love to hear it stripped right back, perhaps with just an acoustic guitar and Aimee’s killer voice.

Aimee described it as a look “at the cynical side of love … I guess the wonderful experience of break up and all the levels of emotions that go with it – sadness, anger and maybe some sort of resentment and the questions”

It’s great to have this girl from Sydney’s inner west home, as she’s been enjoying an extended stay in the United States where she toured with Pat Benatar and Steel Panther and received endorsements from Gibson Guitars and Orange Amps.

“I am really excited to hit the road. My new band are all PHENOMENAL (and are eyecandy – crowd can thank me later),” she gushed. “I think this has been the most focused and ready that I’ve ever been and we are up to 20-odd dates on the tour which makes me reaaaaaaaally reaaaaaally giddy. Bring it.”

You can see Aimee and her sexy band at the following shows.

18 September 2013 – Newcastle University, Newcastle (midday)
18 September 2013 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
19 September 2013 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie
21 September 2013 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
27 September 2013 – Musicman, Bendigo
28 September 2013 – Jetty Bar, Glenelg
29 September 2013 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
4 October 2013 – Bahas, Rye
5 October 2013 – The Espy, Melbourne
6 October 2013 – Albion Hotel, Albury
13 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
17 October 2013 – The Court Hotel, Perth
18 October 2013 – The Elliot St Bar, Bunbury
19 October 2013 – Oktoberfest – Duckstein Winery, Margaret River
19 October 2013 – The Swan Basement, North Fremantle
24 October 2013 – Frankies, Sydney

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Christopher Coleman and Zoe Elliot Tour Together

Tasmania’s Christopher Coleman and Sydney’s Zoe Elliot, two of Australia’s most exciting young singer-songwriters, are joining forces for The Rambling Tour this month.

These shows are a great way for Christopher Coleman to celebrate his homecoming. He returns to our shores after playing 26 shows around the United Kingdom and completing his debut album in Sweden. No doubt he’ll give fans a sneak peek at the whimsical folk narratives that have made the cut, as well as some of the beloved tracks from his EP Burnt Black Wood.

Zoe is the ideal foil for Christopher. She’s polished her live performances with supporting Matt Corby’s Secret Garden gigs and playing her own sell-out shows in her hometown this year. She hits the road to promote her recently released EP Black Dog.

With two superb singer-songwriters playing such intimate venues, these nights are sure to be pretty special.

13 September 2013 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
14 September 2013 – The Front Gallery, Canberra
20 September 2013 – House Concert, Newcastle
21 September 2013 – Smallest Gig sideshow, Sydney

Image used with permission from Dario Phillips Management

Jordie Lane Comes Home for EP Release

After enjoying critical acclaim and chart success with his 2011 album Blood Thinner, Jordie Lane has opted to return to the short EP format for his next release. Not Built to Last, which hits stores on October 18, was the result of an intense time co-writing and recording in his new adopted home of Los Angeles.

He’s also spent plenty of time on the stage recently, with slots at the Winnipeg and Calgary Folk Festivals and headlining gigs across North America. With all that experience under his belt, Jordie will return home to launch the single with festival appearances and solo shows around the country this October and November.

25 & 26 October 2013 – Fleurieu Folk Festival, Willunga
27 October 2013 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle (afternoon show)
27 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
31 October 2013 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
1 November 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (early evening show)
2 November 2013 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
3 November 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart (afternoon show)
7 November 2013 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
8 November 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
9 November 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (with full band)
10 November 2013 – Caravan Club, Oakleigh (afternoon show)
13 November 2013 – Street Theatre, Canberra
14 November 2013 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
15 November 2013 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
16 November 2013 – The Basement, Sydney (with full band)
17 November 2013 – Grand Junction, Maitland
18 November 2013 – Music Lounge, Manly
20 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
21 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
22 November 2013 – Mullumbimby Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Better Luck Next Time Bree De Rome

I normally don’t post clips that I’m not in love with. It’s my blog and I can do what I want after all. But I’m going to make an exception for Bree De Rome’s single “Better Luck”.

The danger in using a lot of bad luck clichés in your song is that the entire thing will come off as a bit of a cliché. The song writing feels a bit lazy honestly, and that really lets this sunny track down. That sunniness is also grating on me. I don’t mind a bit of positivity, but it’s almost like Bree hasn’t quite grasped the lyrics. When you’re saying goodbye to a failed relationship, shouldn’t there be just a little more edge?

Despite these failings, I find myself really liking Bree, even if I’m not mad about the song. She’s got a gorgeous voice and so much charisma. I like her so much that I think her debut EP Bag of Bones could be worth checking out. I might just skip this track. Bree’s promoting Bag of Bones with the following shows later this month.

20 September 2013 – The Waiting Room, Brisbane
21 September 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
4 October 2013 – Kittens, Sydney

EMPRA Tour “Strange Condition”

After taking out a global LiveNation band competition and opening for Fall Out Boy abroad, EMPRA are stepping things up as headliners. The Melbourne band has just released their second EP Strange Condition, which features this killer title track “Strange Condition”.

The number sounds like it’s ready for the radio. It’s got a great rock feel with enough of a pop sensibility to make it instantly accessible. It might just be the thing to put EMPRA in the spotlight, which is a good thing for the band’s founder Sanny Veloo.

Sanny originally came from Singapore, where he was a member of the band Boredphucks. The conservative Singapore people didn’t take to the band’s on-stage swearing, and when it caused a riot at a local music festival Sanny and his bandmates were banned from performing anywhere in the country.

Determined to live out his musical dreams, Sanny packed his bags for the home of AC/DC, Melbourne. There he found Matt Agius, Mat Gault, and Matt Cattanach on an internet forum and EMPRA was born.

Strange Condition showcases a band that’s matured significantly since the release of their debut self-titled EP. It sees them breaking free of their influences and finding their own sound.

You can see how far EMPRA’s come when they take their live show around the country later this month.

21 & 22 September 2013 – The Workers Club, Fitzroy
29 September 2013 – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth
4 October 2013 – Newmarket Hotel, Bendigo
5 October 2013 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
10 October 2013 – The Annandale Hotel, Annandale

Mia Dyson, Liz Stringer, and Jen Cloher Tour Oz Together

Mia Dyson, Liz Stringer, and Jen Cloher — three of Australia’s brightest female talents — will hit the road together for a massive national tour next month.

Mia’s continuing to ride the wave of success that’s followed the release of her 2012 album The Moment, Liz has just returned from Europe where she toured her album Warm in the Darkness, and Jen is fresh from the release of her third album In Blood Memory.

The women will play their own songs and a few surprising, supporting one another on stage in a truly collaborative event. There are plenty of shows in capital cities and regional centres, so no one need miss out!

24 October 2013 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
25 October 2013 – The Sound Lounge, Currumbin
26 October 2013 – Judith Wright Centre, Brisbane
27 October 2013 – Woombye Pub, Eumundi
31 October 2013 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
1 November 2013 – Panthers, Port Macquarie
2 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
3 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
5 November 2013 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
6 November 2013 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
7 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
8 November 2013 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
9 November 2013 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
10 November 2013 – The Abbey, Canberra
13 November 2013 – Ararat Hotel, Red Room Ararat
14 November 2013 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
15 November 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
16 November 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
17 November 2013 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
22 November 2013 – Balnarring Community Hall, Balnarring
23 November 2013 – Butter Factory, Mornington
27 November 2013 – Red Hot, Devonport
28 November 2013 – Grand Poobah, Hobart
29 November 2013 – Barossa Regional Gallery, Tanunda (Candleight Concert)
30 November 2013 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide (Matinee & Evening show)
1 December 2013 – Singing Gallery, McLaren Vale
5 December 2013 – Fremantle Arts Centre (Inner Courtyard), Fremantle
6 December 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
7 December 2013 – Quindanning Inne, Quindanning

Image used with permission from SCG Media