City Riots Return Home for Tour with The Chemist

Adelaide is fertile musical ground, with the city giving birth to Cold Chisel, The Angels, Hilltop Hoods, and Guy Sebastian. Now we can add City Riots to the list.

They don’t have a record label, or an album on music shelves yet, but this band has achieved plenty. For the last couple of years they travelled around the world on the mother of all road trips which led to appearances at South by Southwest and Liverpool’s International Pop Festival, and the recording of their as-yet unreleased album with Bjorn Thorsrud. That this unsigned band could enlist the talents of the producer who’s worked with the Smashing Pumpkins and Dandy Warhols is a testimony to their musical chops and determination.

Now they’re home City Riots are preparing for their first co-headline tour with Perth indie crooners The Chemist. The tour will take the band to capital cities around the country before concluding with a bang at Gosford’s Coaster Festival.

If you love the tunes you hear on the stage rest assured, you won’t have to wait too long to buy them. City Riots plans to release their debut album next year. Until then, make sure you get along to see the Adelaide boys in the flesh at the following venues.

9 September 2010 – Big Sound, Brisbane
17 September 2010 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – Jive, Adelaide
24 September 2010 – Spectrum, Sydney
25 September 2010 – Coaster, Gosford

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Juke Kartel Back in Oz for Shows with Slash

Juke Kartel are heading home for a string of shows later this month to promote the release of their new single “The Sign” and forthcoming album Levolution, which hits stores on August 20.

The album acts as something of a best of, with a selection of the premium cuts from Nowhere Left to Hide remixed and joining a bunch of new tracks. Juke Kartel also enlisted the production talents of Brian Virtue, who has worked with the likes of 30 Seconds to mars, Jane’s Addiction, and Velvet Revolver.

The run of local shows includes gigs supporting former Guns N Roses guitarist Slash and their own headline concerts. Tickets are available at the venues for the following shows.

11 August 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (Supporting Slash)
12 August 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (Supporting Slash)
13 August 2010 – Hard Rick Cafe, Gold Coast
14 August 2010 – Step Inn, Brisbane
16 August 2010 – Festival Hall, Sydney (Supporting Slash)
18 August 2010 – Sandringham Hotel, Sydney
19 August 2010 – Bull N Bush, Baulkham Hills
20 August 2010 – Prince Of Wales, Melbourne
22 August 2010 – The Sand Belt, Moorabin

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Aston Passes Magic Million Views, Announces Tour Dates

Way to go Aston! The Sydney-based classical pop act has just notched up more than a million views on their YouTube channel. This number was no doubt boosted by the recent release of the new single “Bulletproof.”

To celebrate the milestone the band has announced a handful of New South Wales dates this September. Hopefully we’ll see them venturing out of their home state really soon! Until then, you can catch the band at the following shows, and on The Matty Johns Show every Thursday night.

14 September 2010 – Raval, Sydney
17 September 2010 – Orange Conservatorium, Orange
18 September 2010 – Mitchell Conservatorium, Bathurst
19 September 2010 –  Mitchell Conservatorium, Lithgow

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Demon Parade Announce EP Launch Tour

Melbourne indie rockers Demon Parade are heading out on the road to support the release of their debut EP, God Said It’s Legal.

The band’s sound is like a meeting of 90s Britpop with 70s psychedelic rock, with its swirling guitars and lush harmonies. The EP was clearly a labour of love for the band; singer-songwriter and guitarist Michael Badger recorded and mixed the album at his own Jaya Jaya studios. Being so close to the project allowed Michael to bring out Demon Parade’s dense, ethereal sound. Take a listen to the first single “Do You Believe In Hell” here.

The band will play shows along the East Coast this August and September. While the music speaks for itself, it’s only going to sound better in the flesh. You can catch Demon Parade at the following shows.

7 August 2010 – Rats, Melbourne (with Wolf & Cub)
13 August 2010 – Missing Link Instore, Melbourne
13 August 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy (with Guests Slight Of Build and Buried Feather) 14 August 2010 – The National Hotel, Geelong (with The Frowning Clouds)
19 August 2010 – Melt Bar, Sydney
20 August 2010 – The Grand Hotel, Wollongong  (with Royal Chant Doors)
28 August 2010 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Fearless Vampire Killers)
3 September 2010 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (with The Checks)
10 September 2010 – Neverland, Gold Coast (with Villains of Wilhelm)
15 September 2010 – The Filth @ Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (with Cabins)
17 September 2010 – The Filth @ The Ivanhoe, Manly
17 September 2010 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney (late show)
18 September 2010 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney (with The Salvagers)
25 September 2010 – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Heaps a Flash

Sienna Skies Announce Another Aussie Tour

If you haven’t caught local experimental metal workhorses Sienna Skies live yet, the Sydney act is giving you another chance. They’ve been touring solidly since releasing their debut album Truest of Colors last December, and will play a bunch more shows this August and September.

It’s great to see that most of these gigs are all ages events, as all too often mini metal heads are neglected. Great stuff lads! Tickets for the following shows are available from the venues.

1 August 2010 – Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt (All Ages)
13 August 2010 – Music Man Megastore, Bendigo (All Ages)
14 August 2010 – Bridge 54, Picton (All Ages)
15 August 2010 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (All Ages)
20 August 2010 – The Fort, Brisbane (All Ages)
21 August 2010 – Expressive Grounds, Gold Coast (All Ages)
22 August 2010 – Price Street Hall, Nambour (All Ages)
27 August 2010 – The Cavern Club, Adelaide (All Ages)
28 August 2010 – Old Gaol, Mount Gambier (All Ages)
3 September 2010 – POW! @ Mynt Lounge, Werribee (18+)
4 September 2010 – Music Man Megastore, Bendigo (All Ages)
5 September 2010 – The National Hotel, Geelong (All Ages)
10 September 2010 – Expressive Grounds, Gold Coast (All Ages)
12 September 2010 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages – 1pm)
12 September 2010 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (18+)
16 September 2010 – Hot Damn, Spectrum, Sydney (18+)
17 September 2010 – Campbelltown PCYC, Campbelltown (All Ages)
18 September 2010 – Bridge 54, Picton (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Crowded House Bring “Intriguer” Tour to Oz

Aussie music legends Crowded House will circle the country this November in support of their latest studio album Intriguer.

Just quietly, it’s about time. Critics have been heaping praise on the lads after shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, and United States. Perhaps they were just perfecting things before they hit home soil?

At any rate, Crowded House are promising a two hour show featuring plenty of old favourites alongside new tracks. It sounds like it’ll be a whole lot of fun. Tickets for the following shows go on sale through Ticketek on August 10.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Neil Finn of Crowded House performs during day 3 of the Hard Rock Calling festival held in Hyde Park on June 27, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)


5 November 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
6 November 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
9 November 2010 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
14 November 2010 – Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley
16 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Casey Donovan Still Big, Beautiful, and Sexy

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15:  Casey Donmovan arrives at the 2009 Deadly Awards at Sydney Opera House on October 15, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty Images)

When most of my female peers were gunning for Anthony Callea to take out the Australian Idol crown in 2004, I had my money on Casey Donovan. She’d moved me all season with her performances that were honest and mature beyond her years, and I was thrilled to see her take out the title.

Needless to say, I wasn’t so happy with the way she struggled to get the industry support of previous winner Guy Sebastian, or need I say it, Mr Callea. I’m proud though that Casey has kept the dream alive and found her feet as an independent artist. She’s wrapped up a critically acclaimed tour with the musical The Sapphires, which saw her perform at the Daegu International Musical Festival in South Korea.

She’s also preparing to embark on her Big, Beautiful & Sexy tour next month to coincide with the saucy single of the same name, which will get a digital release on August 7. Tour dates have been announced for New South Wales and Queensland with more expected to follow soon.

Until then, these are the places you can see the incredible Casey Donovan.

7 August 2010 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
20 August 2010 – Slide, Darlinghurst
21 August 2010 – Wentworthville Leagues Club, Wentworthville
28 August 2010 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
29 August 2010 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
16 September 2010 – QUT Festival Theatre @ Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane

Gypsy and The Cat Announce Aussie Splendour Sideshows

Aussie expats Gypsy and The Cat are returning home to play a swag of shows. You can see these Melbourne born Londoners supporting Foals and The Strokes around the country, playing the main stage at Splendour in the Grass, and headlining two just announced sideshows.

If you don’t know Gypsy and The Cat yet you’re in for a real treat. The band combines electro vibes with a splash of folk-pop to create a cruisy, retro soundscape.

These shows will support the release of their debut single “Time to Wander,” and give fans a sneak peek at their album before it hits stores later this year. Around the same time Gypsy and The Cat will be back in Oz to play Parklife, but I’d much rather see them at these more intimate gigs than that massive festival.

This time around, these are the places you can see these up and coming ex-pats!

24 July 2010 – The Gov, Adelaide (with Foals)
26 & 27 July 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (with Foals)
28 July 2010 – Manning Bar, Sydney (with Foals)
29 July 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (with The Strokes)
30 July 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (with The Strokes)
31 July 2010 – Splendour In The Grass, Woodford
4 August 2010 – Toff In Town, Melbourne (with Clubfeet)
5 August 2010 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (with Jinja Safari and Step Panther)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

John Farnham Back With New Live Tour and Album

The legendary John Farnham is heading out on the road for shows all around the country this October and November. The dates include a handful of Day on the Green winery shows, and a special show at Luna Park celebrating the amusement park’s 75th birthday.

“I love doing outdoor shows and the vineyards around Australia are beautiful venues to perform at,” John said on the announcement of these shows, adding that “the opportunity to perform at an iconic venue such as Luna Park was something I just couldn’t say no to. Performing in an intimate venue will be fantastic.”

We can expect to hear plenty of old favourites, and a couple of new songs. These tracks will feature on John’s new album which should be in stores this October. That should give fans just enough time to learn the words!

John will be joined on the tour by some top-notch supports including Katie Noonan, Richard Clapton, and Ross Wilson.

Tickets go on sale from the usual outlets from July 30.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 03:  Singer John Farnham performs on stage in the Lyric Theatre on September 3, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)


4 October 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney
23 October 2010 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Kate Ceberano and Vika & Linda)
30 October 2010 – Robert Oatley Wines, Mudgee (with Ross Wilson and Richard Clapton)
27 November 2010 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (with Ross Wilson and Richard Clapton)
2 November 2010 – AIS Arena, Canberra (with Katie Noonan)
6 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (with Katie Noonan)
8 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle (with Katie Noonan)
11 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Tamworth (with Katie Noonan)
13 November 2010 – RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast (with Katie Noonan)
20 November 2010 – Coopers Brewery, Regency Park (with Katie Noonan)

Gorillaz Announce First Aussie Tour

It’s no real surprise to anyone who follows the Gorillaz, but Damon Albarn’s virtual rock outfit will tour Australia for the first time this December.

Animated bass player Murdoc has been busy tweeting about the tour for days, but it’s nice for fans to have that official confirmation and all-important dates. The tour comes on the back of the release of the band’s third album Plastic Beach.

This should be some intriguing shows, and if the rave reviews from their Coachella and Glastonbury performances are anything to go by, some pretty spectacular ones. Tickets go on sale from the regular outlets on August 6.

GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 25: Damon Albarn of Gorillaz performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival 2010 on June 25, 2010 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Getty Images)


6 December 2010 – Burswood Dome, Perth
8 December 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
11 December 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
16 December 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
19 December 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane