Way of the Eagle Launches Album with Special Guests

Melbourne’s Jan Skubiszewski has produced music from a who’s who of industry talent, including Dan Sultan, John Butler Trio, and Illy. Now he’s flexing even more creative muscles with the recent release of his album Kodo under the moniker Way of the Eagle.

Jan serves as songwriter, musician, composer, and of course producer on the album, which has seen him collaborating with the likes of Dan Sultan, Illy, Harry James Angus from The Cat Empire and, on his latest single “Sweet Addiction,” American soul singer Bobby Saint.

“I love melodic songs and writing songs with different singers,” Jan explained. “And I think people love to sing along to songs – I know I do. I want that to be a really big part of Way Of The Eagle. I’ve written this music so that lots of people can enjoy it. It’s not dense jazz music and it’s not taking itself too seriously. There’s a strong sense of musicality, but the essence of it is to make people get up and have a good time.”

If you have a good time listening to “Sweet Addiction,” you going to want to see Jan playing shows in the east coast capitals next month. Dan Sultan, Benji Lewis, and Ceeko will be along for the ride, making these gigs you won’t forget in a hurry.

14 August 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
15 August 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 August 2015 – Howler, Melbourne

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

The Drones Celebrate “Wait Long’s” 10th Anniversary

The Drones’ Sydney Opera House gig celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their critically acclaimed album Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of your Enemies Float By went so well in May, the Melbourne band’s decided to take the show on the road. They’ll play songs from the album, some other old favourites, and some new stuff too at intimate venues across the country this August and September.

To celebrate the album’s milestone, Wait Long will be released as a deluxe double 180g vinyl LP with a digital download an unreleased live album. You can preorder your copy now from The Drones’ website.

Tickets are on sale now for the following anniversary shows.

20 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, The Lighthouse @ Festival Park, Darwin
22 August 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 August 2015 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 August 2015 – Triffid, Brisbane
4 September 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
5 September 2015 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
6 September 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Katie Noonan Back to Band with Transmutant

Katie Noonan’s musical evolution has been nothing short of stunning. I always eagerly anticipate her album releases because I’m never sure just what I’m going to get, but I’m confident it’ll be beautiful.

She’s about to begin her latest chapter with the release of Transmutant on July 24, an ethereal collection of songs which takes Katie back to fronting a band. With her new outfit Vanguard she creates exciting soundscapes which pair beautifully with her heavenly voice.

Katie’s Vanguard will take Transmutant on the road later this year with shows in intimate venues around the country. Tickets are on sale now.

15 October 2015 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
16 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
17 & 18 October 2015 – Melbourne Festival, Melbourne
22 October 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
23 October 2015 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
24 October 2015 – Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester
25 October 2015 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
28 October 2015 – Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle
29 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
30 & 31 October 2015 – John Painter Hall @ AIM, Sydney
5 November 2015 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
6 November 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Spicers Vineyard Estate, Hunter Valley

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Lior’s Autumn Flow Turns 10

Has it really been 10 years since Lior released Autumn Flow? Every time I spot an anniversary tour announcement like this I become incredibly conscious of my age! It really does seem like only yesterday that I first heard “This Old Love” and became instantly besotted.

If that clip’s got you feeling nostalgic, you’ll be interested to know that Lior will rerelease his debut album with previously unreleased tracks to mark the milestone. He’s also announced a string of theatre shows where he’ll play Autumn Flow from start to finish as well as other choice cuts from his back catalogue.

Tickets are available now from Metropolis Touring for the following shows.

9 October 2015 – Anitas Theatre, Thirroul
10 October 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
16 October 2015 – Athenaeum, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
30 October 2015 – Astor Theatre, Perth
31 October 2015 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

The Jensens Ready to Rock with Morning Harvey

The Jensens are loading up the tour bus and preparing to play shows all around the country with good mates Morning Harvey.

While Morning Harvey are the headliners, the tour comes at the perfect time for The Jensens who’ve just released “Fears” and the awesome garage rock song “A New Hope.” This is such good honest rock and roll, I imagine it’s going to go off in the live arena.

The Jensens have earned rave reviews for their shows all around Brisbane, so make sure you turn up early enough at these Morning Harvey gigs to catch their set.

4 July 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
10 July 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay
11 July 2015 – The Elephant, Brisbane
17 July 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne
18 July 2015 – OAF Gallery, Sydney

Nova and the Experience Announce Single Tour

Sydney indie pop act Nova and the Experience have really caught my attention with their new single “Whole Body.” I love the gutsy vocals from Anna Buckingham and the way they pair so beautifully with the Ed Sheeran-esque rhymes from James Buckingham. It’s really cool stuff.

The members of this quartet quit their day jobs at the start of the year to really focus on the music thing, and they really deserve your support. They’re heading to the United States in September to play the college and university circuit, but before then you can catch them at the following shows supporting the release of “Whole Body.”

10 July 2015 – Saloon Bar, Traralgon
12 July 2015 – Warrnambool Hotel, Warrnambool
17 July 2015 – Black Swan Hotel, Bendigo
18 July 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne
24 July 2015 – Captain’s @ Mariners, Batemans Bay
25 July 2015 – Polish Club, Canberra
31 July 2015 – The Aztec, Forster
1 August 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
8 August 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
14 August 2015 – The Brewery, Wollongong
20 August 2015 – Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin
21 August 2015 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen
22 August 2015 – Yamba Pacific Hotel, Yamba
28 August 2015 – Blackbear Lodge, Brisbane
29 August 2015 – The Pier, Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from Rob Carroll

Josh Pyke Treats Fans with Exclusive Album Packages and Shows

I just love Josh Pyke. And after listening to “There’s a Line,” the first song lifted from Josh’s fifth studio album But for all These Shrinking Hearts, I think I love him just a little more. And I love that he loves his fans. His social media followers were the first to clamp eyes on the video for the track, and to get a live link to pre-order the new album.

The fans-first album pre-orders get a deluxe edition of the album plus two exclusive tracks, a collector’s lyric magnet set, and a ticket to one of his special fans first shows. These gigs aren’t ticketed and they’re only available to people who pre-order the package.

“Writing and making this record has been one of the most pleasurable and creatively challenging things I’ve done, and I bloody well love the end result,” Josh explained. “After the making of the record, it’s pretty much up to you guys whether it travels and is shared and becomes part of people’s lives, so please share the news, the music, your thoughts. As always I owe any kind of continued success to you all, so thank you!”

If you’re not pre-ordering, you can get your hands on But for all These Shrinking Hearts on July 31. But seriously, why wouldn’t you pre-order when it’ll get you in to one of these shows?

29 July 2015 – The Soda Factory, Sydney
5 August 2015 – Bella Union, Melbourne
6 August 2015 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 August 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Palace of the King Release Rocking Debut Album

Melbourne rock act Palace of the King take me back to the 70s with their new track “Another Thing Coming.” It’s got a great classic rock feel, with chunky guitars and a chorus that just begs you to sing along.

The song comes from the band’s debut album White Bird/Burn the Sky, which was released today. They’re currently touring it around the country before they head to Europe for shows in October. Those international dates are yet to be finalised, so keep your ear to the ground if you’re living abroad!

19 June 2015 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
4 July 2015 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
12 July 2015 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney

Japanese Wallpaper Releases Debut EP

Local electronic prodigy Japanese Wallpaper will release his self-titled debut EP tomorrow. It’s a celebration of the incredible music he’s produced over the last 18 months, including the dreamy recent single “Forces ft. Airling.”

Japanese Wallpaper will mark the EP’s release with a string of shows to warm up for his big Splendour in the Grass slot. These will be his last shows for the year as he hits the books and prepares for his final exams.

2 July 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
4 July 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (18+)
5 July 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (ALL AGES)
11 July 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
12 July 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
24 July 2015 – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Inertia

Sex on Toast Go Vintage with “Oh Loretta!”

Sex on Toast take us way back to the days of pastel dinner jackets and warm vintage keys with their latest single “Oh Loretta!”

It feels like it’s come from a cheesy lounge club, but I can’t imagine the lyrics going down to well in that kind of environment! This single’s just so much fun, I can’t help wondering whether there’s more like this on the band’s Ready EP, which will hit stores later this year.

Sex on Toast will launch the single with a show at Sydney’s Good God Small Club on 19 June and another at Melbourne’s The Toff the following night.

Image used with permission from Wondercore Island