Ed Kowalczyk Makes Aussie Return

When Ed Kowalczyk toured Australia last August he promised he’d be back soon. He’s now making good on that vow with the announcement of a tour this October and November.

While he was in acoustic mode last time, the former Live frontman will be in full band mode this time around. He’ll play all the old Live favourites as well as songs from his first solo release Alive. We got a taste of some of these tracks during the last tour, and I can’t wait to hear them amped up with a full backing band.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on August 19. Get them; you won’t be disappointed.


31 Sunday October 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 Tuesday November 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
5 Friday November 2010 – The Forum, Melbourne
6 Saturday November 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
8 Monday November 2010 – Metropolis, Fremantle

Image source: own photo

From Las Vegas to Oz: Human Nature Come Home

The lads from Human Nature are coming home for Christmas. The Sydney boys will take a three-week break from their Las Vegas residency to play shows all around the country inspired by their overseas stint.

The Direct from Las Vegas tour is Human Nature’s first Aussie tour in three years. They’re promising to play the Motown tunes they’ve made famous in Vegas, favourites from their original back catalogue, and a few tracks from their new album.

This disc will feature covers of songs inspired by Sin City. Think Elvis, Barry Manilow, and Tom Jones. If I don’t hear their spin on “Danke Schoen” I’ll be disappointed. Having said that, isn’t it about time Human Nature reminded us of their own pop talents and recorded an album of originals? They’re so much better than simply becoming a covers act.

The boys will jet back to Vegas after these shows, so if you want to see them make sure you snap up your tickets for the following shows on August 16 from the usual outlets.

3 December 2010 – Wrest Point Casino, Hobart
7 & 8 December 2010 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
10 December 2010 – Convention Centre, Melbourne
12 December 2010 – Kings Park, Perth
15 December 2010 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
17 & 18 December 2010 – State Theatre, Sydney

Image source: The Harbour Agency

The Script Make a Return Visit to Oz

When I saw The Script last September they put on one of the most enjoyable shows I saw all year. At the time they were all over radio with their singles “Breakeven” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,” but the buzz has died down just a little. Rest assured, it’s about to kick off again.

The band are returning to our shores to spruik their sophomore album Science and Faith. They’ll also be ably supported by the lovely Michael Paynter. What a shame it’s all on while I’m enjoying a well-earned holiday in Adelaide! There are only two dates announced, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them back for a full scale tour. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

I can’t make one of these gigs, but you really should. Snag your tickets on August 13 for the following shows.

43176, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - Saturday July 31 2010. The Script perform at the In:Demand Live concert at the SECC in Glasgow.  Photograph:  Fred Lee, PacificCoastNews.com


5 October 2010 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
6 October 2010 – Luna Park Big Top, Sydney

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