Texas Tea Drop Album Number Three

Exciting Queensland folk-country duo Texas Tea will release their eagerly awaited third record Sad Summer Hits tomorrow. The retro fans will release the album, which features the current single “Lily,” in both CD and vinyl formats.

Sad Summer Hits was recorded with legendary producer Lachlan “Magoo” Goold in his beloved Applewood Studios, a converted church nestled in the Queensland countryside. The disc charts the journey of a band keen to develop their sound without completely letting go of the familiar. Benjamin P. Dougherty and Kate Jacobsen enlisted a rhythm section for the first time, and presented their usual dark themes with a little more light.

“All-in-all, I think we’ve been able to take the vintage county pop idea and conceptualise it a little further,” Kate explained. “With our tongues placed firmly in our cheeks, it’s a combination of retro country, blues and 50s pop, all with the typical Texas Tea sparkle dust. Although we take a lot of influence from American music, I think we have always been able to Australianise and contextualise our music.”

Texas Tea will play the following shows to celebrate the release of Sad Summer Hits.

18 October 2012 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
19 October 2012 – Old Bar, Melbourne
21 October 2012 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
26 October 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
27 October 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast
28 October 2012 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (Afternoon Show)
3 November 2012 – The Newsagency, Sydney (BYO Show)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Lowlakes Take on America

Melbourne band Lowlakes are giving us a taste of their forthcoming debut album with the release of their new single “Cold Company.” The band hasn’t reinvented the wheel here, but when do what they do so well, why go changing?

It seems their haunting songs have hit the right note for American audiences too, as the band has been invited to play New York’s acclaimed CMJ Music Festival and some showcases. But before they spread their wings, Lowlakes will launch the single for their hometown fans at the Ding Dong Lounge.

Here are all the places Aussie and American music lovers can see Lowlakes play this month.

13 October 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
17 October 2012 – Parkside Lounge, New York City
20 October 2012 – The Delancey, New York City
22 October 2012 – Pianos, New York City
25 October 2012 – Silverlake Lounge, Los Angeles

Shannon Noll Plays 80s Classics at In My Youth Shows

Shannon Noll always performs for his fans, but he’s upping the ante on his forthcoming In My Youth tour.

The show will see Shannon playing acoustic versions of the songs that formed the soundtrack of his youth. The sets will be a homage to Australia’s most beloved 1980s performers, but it’s up to fans which classics they’ll hear. Shannon’s inviting his devotees to visit his Facebook page to nominate their favourite Aussie tracks from the 80s. He’ll use this fan feedback to craft his very special set. And if these shows go well, who knows? Perhaps an album of iconic Aussie songs will follow!

If the concept excites you, make sure you vote and check out Shannon at the one of the following acoustic shows.

30 November 2012 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
2 December 2012 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
6 December 2012 – Friends Restaurant, Perth
9 December 2012 – Icon Restaurant, Karratha
13 December 2012 – Spirit Bar & Lounge, Traralgon
14 December 2012 – Wellers Restaurant, Kangaroo Ground
17 January 2013 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
18 January 2013 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
31 January 2013 – Goolwa Aquatic Club, Goolwa
1 February 2013 – Coopers Alehouse, Wallaroo
2 February 2013 – Norwood Hotel, Norwood
3 February 2013 – Old Clarendon Inn, Clarendon
8 February 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
9 February 2013 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
15 February 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
16 February 2013 – Asquith Leagues Club, Asquith
21 February 2013 – Acacia Ridge Hotel, Brisbane South
22 February 2013 – Southport RSL, Gold Coast
23 February 2013 – Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane
24 February 2013 – Wynnum RSL, Brisbane East

Lincoln Le Fevre Wows Me Again with New Single

A few weeks ago I waxed lyrical about Tassie’s Lincoln Le Fevre and wished I had some music I could share with you all. Thankfully my prayers have been answered in the form of “Get Drunk, See Bands,” the first single lifted from Lincoln’s forthcoming album Resonation.

This track is everything I loved about Lincoln’s music the first time I heard. The vocals have an endearing rawness that makes you believe every word, and his blend of rock, country, and folk sounds is instantly accessible. I can also really relate to the song’s sentiment. In short, this is fantastic and I can’t wait to hear more from Lincoln when Resonation hits stores on October 12.

And don’t forget, Lincoln is touring Australia with his good mate, the equally talented Jamie Hay, later this month. Here are all the places you can see this amazing up and comers.

24 October 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
26 October 2012 – Royal Oak Boatshed. Launceston
27 October 2012 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
10 November 2012 – The Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 November 2012 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
23 November 2012 – O’Dowds, Rockhampton
24 November 2012 – The Shed – Byron Bay
1 December 2012 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
2 December 2012 – Blackwire Records, Sydney

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

The Translantics Announce Album Number 2 Release and Launch Shows

After spending 12 months crafting their sophomore album Find My Way Home, Adelaide soul outfit The Transatlantics are finally ready to unleash it on the public.

The album shuns modern technology for classic recording traditions of the analogue era. It shows a natural progression for the band, who’s embraced a more mature approach to songwriting while staying true to their soul roots. It manages to feel like a classic album without seeming derivative.

Find My Way Home will hit record stores on October 15. The Transatlantics will celebrate the release with two special launch shows. See them at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on October 26 or Adelaide’s Governor Hindmarsh on November 23.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Jamie Hay Teams Up with Lincoln Le Fevre for Impressive Tour

Jamie Hay is one of those musicians that grabs you with his raw emotion. His songs are simple, but they’re delivered with such gut-wrenching sincerity that it’s impossible to resist. He reminds us that you don’t need studio trickery or frills to impress. All you need is one hell of a voice and an acoustic guitar.

If it seems like I’m gushing, perhaps you should take a listen to “Rabbit On,” the incredible debut single from Jamie’s album King of the Sun, which will hit stores on November 2. The album was recorded in the middle of a chilly Tasmanian winter with Jamie’s pal and fellow musician Lincoln Le Fevre. Yes, the same Lincoln Le Fevre that I was raving about just a few weeks ago.

The musical mates will hit the road together later this month to promote their respective albums. There’s no doubt music lovers are in for a real treat at the following shows.

24 October 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
26 October 2012 – Royal Oak Boatshed. Launceston
27 October 2012 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
10 November 2012 – The Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 November 2012 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
23 November 2012 – O’Dowds, Rockhampton
24 November 2012 – The Shed – Byron Bay
1 December 2012 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
2 December 2012 – Blackwire Records, Sydney

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Charlie Horse Announces Album Tour

If you were as seduced by Charlie Horse’s single “Dead Roses” as I was, you’ll be happy to know The Sydney duo are setting out on a whirlwind East Coast tour.

The tour will promote Charlie Horse’s self-recorded album I Hope I’m Not a Monster, the result of time holed up in the own studio in the Blue Mountains. See why that record’s been earning rave reviews at the following shows.

26 October 2012 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
3 November 2012 – Factory Floor, Sydney
10 November 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

My Bloody Valentine Announce First Oz Tour in Decades

The patience of fans has been rewarded, with My Bloody Valentine announcing their first Australian tour for 21 years. The Irish rock pioneers will visit our shores next February.

Founding member Kevin Shields will make the return journey to our part of the world with co-founder Colm Ó Cíosóig, Bilinda Butcher, and Debbie Googe. Without a new album to promote, fans can rest assured they’ll enjoy an evening featuring all the songs they know and love.

Tickets go on sale on at midday Thursday, October 18 through Ticketek.

18 February 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 February 2013 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
22 February 2013 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Riothouse Publicity

Spit Syndicate Tour “Beauty in the Bricks”

In preparation for the October 5 release of their new single “Beauty in the Bricks,” Sydney hip hop duo Spit Syndicate have announced an up close and personal national tour.

“’Beauty In The Bricks’ is about an awareness of people around us getting older, many settling into monotonous routines in their lives, and the subsequent need to keep things fresh,” explained Spit Syndicate’s Lupi.

“Beauty in the Bricks” is the first single lifted from Spit Syndicate’s forthcoming third album Sunday Gentlemen, which should hit stores early next year. The song’s not even out yet but already it’s enjoying maximum rotation on Triple J. It’s only a matter of time before the other radio stations catch on to this heartfelt hip hop number.

Spit Syndicate have hand-selected their tour venues to create shows that are as intimate as their lyrics. That will mean that tickets won’t last long though, so make sure you don’t hesitate to secure yours from Oztix.

25 October 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
26 October 2012 – Rhino Room, Adelaide
27 October 2012 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
2 November 2012 – Ya-Ya’s, Perth
3 November 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Great Northern, Byron Bay
10 November 2012 – Sprung Hip-Hop Festival, Brisbane
16 November 2012 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney

Pink Announces Aussie Tour

Pink’s currently soaking up the Australian sun on a promotional tour, but it won’t be too long until she returns. Today she announced dates for a 2013 tour to promote her latest number one album, The Truth About Love.

Pink’s announced 12 shows for starters, but as there are plenty of gaps in her schedule we can expect more shows to be added as these inevitably sell out. Pink will stay in Australia for at least five weeks, but considering how long her last tour went I don’t expect we’ll get rid of her that quickly.

It remains to be seen whether the latest tour can beat the 58 sold-out shows she played here in 2009, but with The Truth About Love debuting at number one it seems like Australia’s love affair with the American pop star is far from over.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale from Live Nation on October 17.

25 & 26 June 2013 – Perth Arena, Perth
1 & 2 July 2013 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
7, 8 & 10 July 2013 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
19 & 20 July 2013 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
30 & 31 July & 2 August 2013 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney

Image source: Flominator @ Wikimedia Commons