Shannon Noll Tours New Single

It seemed like every time I switched on my TV on Australia Day, Shannon Noll’s face was staring back at me. I should have guessed he wasn’t simply getting patriotic; there’s a Nollsy tour a-brewing.

He’ll head back on the road next month to support the release of “Living in Stereo,” the latest cut from his newish album A Million Suns. Never one to do things by halves, the tour will run for five months and take in more than 30 cities across six states and territories.

Shannon is promising to play new tracks and plenty of old favourites backed by a full band. As he’s been performing in acoustic mode for some time it’ll be great to hear him really rocking out.

“Really looking forward to getting back out on the road to play in front of my fans, it’s been too long,” Shannon said in a statement. “I’m really happy with the new show, and I think my set is the strongest it’s ever been. Bring on the first gig!”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

24 February 2012 – Charles Hotel, Perth
25 February 2012 – Endeavour Tavern, Lancelin
26 February 2012 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
17 March 2012 – Hallam Hotel, Hallam
23 March 2012 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
24 March 2012 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
30 March 2012 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
31 March 2012 – North Sydney Leagues Club, North Sydney
13 April 2012 – Mounties, Mt Prichard
20 April 2012 – Canberra Southern Cross Club Events Centre, Canberra
21 April 2012 – The Cube at Campbelltown Catholic Club, Campbelltown
27 April 2012 – Dapto Leagues, Dapto
28 April 2012 – Penrith Panthers, Penrith
4 May 2012 – Urban Country Music Festival @ Queensland State Equestrian Centre, Caboolture
5 May 2012 – Yamba Bowling Club, Yamba
9 May 2012 – Nautilus Theatre, Port Lincoln
10 May 2012 – Middleback Theatre, Whyalla
11 May 2012 – Keith Mitchell Theatre, Port Pirie
12 May 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
13 May 2012 – Sir Robert Helpman Theatre, Mt Gambier
19 May 2012 – Wentworthville Leagues Club, Wentworthville
25 May 2012 – Taren Point Hotel, Taren Point
26 May 2012 – Belmont 16FT Sailing Club, Belmont
9 June 2012 – Bathurst Panthers, Bathhurst
10 June 2012 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
22 June 2012 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
23 June 2012 – Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
29 June 2012 – Fitzy’s Loganholme, Logan
30 June 2012 – Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Universal Music

John Williamson Releases “The Big Red”

With Australia Day celebrations in full swing it seems an appropriate time to mention that one of our most dinky-di performers, John Williamson, will release his new album The Big Red tomorrow.

The Big Red is actually John’s 48th studio recording, which is a fair effort by anyone’s summation. It features songs penned by John over the past three years about our country and its people. You know what you’re getting here; John’s always reliable and that’s exactly why we love him.

The album features the first single “Hang My Hat in Queensland,” which is an autobiographical tale of John’s life in the Sunshine State.

“At last The Big Red is out of the box. I think those who know my music will think ‘Yes! This is what we’ve been waiting for from Willo.’ For those who don’t know; clear the mind of American influences. This is purely Australian. I hope it makes you as proud as I am of the place,” he said in a statement.

John will see plenty of his beloved country over the coming months when he embarks on The Big Red tour. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

27 January 2011 –  Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth
16 February 2011 –  Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
17 February 2011 –  Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
18 February 2011 –  Frankston Cultural Centre, Frankston
19 February 2011 –  West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
22 February 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 February 2011 –  Swan Yacht Club, East Fremantle
1 March 2011 –  Redlands Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
2 March 2011 –  Logan Entertainment Centre, Logan Central
3 March 2011 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
4 March 2011 –  Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
21 March 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
29 March 2011 –  Shepparton Eastbank Centre, Shepparton
30 March 2011 –  Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
31 March 2011 –  Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton
1 April 2011 –  Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
11 April 2011 –  Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
12 April 2011 –  Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
13 April 2011 –  Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
14 April 2011 –  Townsville Civic Theatre, South Townsville
18 April 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
19 April 2011 –  Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
20 April 2011 –  Newcastle West Leagues Club, New Lambton
21 April 2011 –  Nelsons Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
22 April 2011 –  Toronto Workers Club, Toronto
4 May 2011 –  Campbelltown RSL Club, Campbelltown
5 May 2011 –  North Sydney Leagues Club, Cammeray
6 May 2011 –  Castle Hill RSL Club, Castle Hill
16 May 2011 –  Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
17 May 2011 –  Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
18 May 2011 –  Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
19 May 2011 –  Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
23 May 2011 –  ’99 on York’, Sydney
24 May 2011 –  Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
25 May 2011 –  Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange
26 May 2011 –  Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo
27 May 2011 –  Condobolin RSL Club, Condobolin

Image source: John Williamson media room

Buckley Ward Tour “Into the Darkening Blue” Single

Buckley Ward have set the scene for a cracking new album with the release of the sophomore single “Into the Darkening Blue.”

I love the track’s natural, almost accidental harmonies and the casually lush meeting of guitars and keyboards. It’s got just the right amount of optimism for a summer single.

“Into the Darkening Blue” comes from Buckley Ward’s second album So Pretend, which will hit stores soon. Until then music fans in the major capitals can satisfy their fix with a blink and you’ll miss it single launch tour. Buckley Ward will play Sydney’s FBI Social Club on February 11 before moving on to Melbourne’s Buffalo Club on February 18.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Canada’s Dan Mangan Brings Tunes Down Under

Canadian cutie Dan Mangan is heading Down Under to promote his brand new album Oh Fortune and current single “Rows of Houses.”

The track is the perfect showcase for Dan’s delicious rasp and edgy brand of folk music. Rest assured it’s only a matter of time before this Vancouver native blows up and we’ll have to brave larger venues. Enjoy the intimate shows while they last folks.

22 February 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 February 2012 – Notes, Newtown
25 February 2012 – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
26 February 2012 – Black Bear Lounge, Brisbane
28 February 2012 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
29 February 2012 – The Fly Trap, Fremantle

D12 Tour Australia

Eminem’s original crew D12 are striking out on their own for an Australian tour.

The band have been in the country for the Heatwave festival, and with that wrapped up they’ve decided to extend their stay. I can’t say that I blame them!

D12’s star has faded a little since they released their two albums in the early naughties, which means fans get to experience the band up close and personal in some intimate venues. The tour kicks off tomorrow in Coolangatta and takes in the capitals and key regional centers in Queensland and Victoria.

25 January 2012 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
26 Jan  January 2012 – M.A.D. Festival , Mackay
27 January 2012 – Post Office Hotel, Rockhampton
28 January 2012 – Sugarland Tavern, Bundaberg
29 January 2012 – Brothers Leagues Club, Carins
31 January 2012 – Bully’s Nightclub, Townsville
1 February 2012 – Cocktails, Ipswich
2 February 2012 – Tomba’s Nightclub, Toowoomba
3 February 2012 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights
4 February 2012 – Inferno Nightclub, Taralgan
5 February 2012 – Bended Elbow, Geelong

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Blanche Dubois Tours “Young Heart”

Blanche DuBois’ third album Young Heart has just hit stores, so the Melbourne twosome is celebrating with a string of new shows, and a free download.

“We’re both really proud of this record,” explained one half of the dynamic duo, Nadija Begovich. “It’s been a long time in the making as we had a break between this and our last, but I think the break served us well as we’re writing from a much better place.”

Music lovers can get a taste of Young Heart by downloading the new single “The War in Me” for free from Blanche Dubois’ Facebook page. If you like what you hear make sure you catch the band at The Toff in Melbourne on February 11, or The Ellington Jazz Club in Perth on March 11.

This is just the start of some major touring over the next few months. Blanche Dubois will announce more shows around the country in the coming weeks.

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

San Cisco Announce Politely Awkward Tour

I’ve been humming “Awkward” since I first heard it in December, and it seems I won’t be able to get it out of my head any time soon. Those cute kids from San Cisco will continue their meteoric rise with their Politely Awkward Tour.

This is the band’s first national run of dates, and they’re making the most of the opportunity. The tour takes in all the major capitals and a few choice regional spots. It coincides with the release of the Awkward EP, which hits stores in February 3.

Make sure you arrive early to catch The Jungle Giants supporting the talented teens. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

2 February 2012 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
3 February 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
4 February 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
9 February 2012 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
16 February 2012 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
17 February 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
18 February 2012 – Spectrum, Sydney
19 February 2012 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
24 February 2012 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Hoodoo Gurus Tour with Friends for 30th Anniversary

Hoodoo Gurus will celebrate 30 years in the business with some musical friends and their fans on their Dig It Up! The Hoodoo Gurus Invitational tour.

Since they released their debut 7-incher Leilani the Hoodoo Gurus has become one of the most beloved in Australia, thanks to big hits like “What’s My Scene?” “The Right Time,” and “Miss Free Love ‘69.”

These shows are bound to be something special as the band have promised they’ll play their landmark debut LP Stoneage Romeos in its entirety, plus a swag of other hits. Add in an enviable supporting bill including Died Pretty, The Sonics, The Lovetones, and Hard-Ons and you’ve got the kind of gigs that don’t come along every day. Sadly not every band performs at every show, but I’ve got the details outlined below.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, Sony will mark Hoodoo Gurus 3oth anniversary with the release of a new greatest hits collection, Gold Watch: 20 Golden Greats. Look out for the hit-filled album, featuring a new single “Use-By Date,” in store on March 16.

Tickets for the following star-filled Hoodoo Gurus shows go on sale from the usual outlets on Monday January 30.

20 April 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supported by The Sonics & The 5.6.7.8’s)
22 April 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Notes Live, and The Green Room, Sydney (supported by The Sonics, Died Pretty, Redd Kross, The 5.6.7.8’s, Tek & Younger, The Fleshtones, Hard-Ons, Belles Will Ring, Royal Headache, The Lovetones, The Straight Arrows; plus alternative comedy, spoken word, guest DJ’s with more TBA)
24 April 2012 – HQ, Adelaide (supported by The Sonics)
25 April 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne (supported by The Sonics, Died Pretty, Redd Kross, The 5.6.7.8’s, The Fleshtones, Hard-Ons, The Lovetones and more TBA)
28 April 2012 – The Astor Theatre, Perth (supported by Redd Kross and The Fleshtones)

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

For This Cause Rock Oceania

Brisbane rock band For This Cause is embarking on a truly Oceanic tour this month. The lads will play shows in New Zealand next week before returning home to Australia and then winging their way to Indonesia and Malaysia. Looks like they’ll clock up a few frequent flyer miles!

Things are definitely on the up for this band. The video for their new single “Sirens” has been viewed by more than 12000 fans in the last month. They’ve also just signed with Japanese record label Zestone. Surely world domination is next on the cards!

But for now the rockers will have to be content with wowing fans closer to home. Catch For This Cause at the following shows this month and beyond.

25 January 2012 – Zeal, Henderson, NZ
26 January 2012 – HBC Primal, Orewa, NZ
27 & 28 January 2012 – Parachute Music Festival, Auckland, NZ
4 February 2012 – Shout It Out Festival, Perth
19 February 2012 – Tuggeranong Alliance, Canberra
23 February 2012 – LiveO Music, Singapore
24 February 2012 – Scape Lab, Singapore (with A Skylit Drive)
25 February 2012 – Green Kemang, Jakarta, Indonesia (with A Skylit Drive)
2 March 2012 – Rumah Api, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3 March 2012 – Auditorium Taman Budaya, Kuala Terrengganu,
Malaysia
4 March 2012 – Shalien Studio, Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia
10 March 10 – Forest Edge Music Festival, Victoria

Elixir Ready For Rare National Tour

Katie Noonan has fronted so many outfits that it can be tough keeping track of her current project. These days she’s back with her jazz trio Elixir, who after 14 years together have finally released their second album First Seed Ripening.

The disc has been enthusiastically received by fans, who put it at the number one spot on the ARIA jazz charts for nine weeks, and critics who voted it the best jazz album at the 2011 ARIA awards.

After so long together it’s amazing that this year marks only their second national tour. If you’re a jazz fan make sure you get to one of these rare shows in the coming months!

2 February 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
3 February 2012 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
4 February 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
19 February 2012 – Spiegeltent “Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
24 February 2012 – The Famous Spiegeltent, Melbourne
29 February 2012 – Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie
1 March 2012 – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
2 March 2012 – Goulburn Workers Club, Goulburn
3 March 2012 – Roths Wine Bar, Mudgee
6 – 9 April 2012 – National Folk Festival, Exhibition Park, Canberra
19 April 2012 – Ravensthorpe Guesthouse & Restaurant, Wollongong
21 April 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
27 April 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
28 April 2012 – Civic Theatre, Townsville

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash