The Creases Make Music Video for Next to Nothing!

The Creases won’t let a lack of cash put an end to their rock and roll dreams. The Brisbane band recorded this video for their new single “I Won’t Wait” for just $5.50. Now that’s some frugal filmmaking!

The song has a suitably lo-fi feel to it, but it’s got a great melodic centre that will have you humming along by the end. It seems I’m not the only one that’s taken notice. The Creases recently inked deals with UK-based label Rough Trade and Byron Bay-based booking agency Village Sounds.

The Creases will release “I Won’t Wait” in a sexy 7-inch vinyl format tomorrow. You can snare your copy at one of the following shows.

31 October 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
28 November 2013 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
29 November 2013 – JIVE, Adelaide
30 November 2013 – Waratah, Hobart
5 December 2013 – The Rev, Brisbane
6 December 2013 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
7 December 2013 – The Standard, Sydney
4 February 2014 – GoodGod, Sydney
5 February 2014 – The Tote, Melbourne

We The People Charm with “Sweetheart”

If the single “Sweetheart” is anything to go by, Melbourne indie act We The People are a band to watch. It seems the public agrees with me, as the song racked up more than 2000 YouTube views in its first week. The infectiously upbeat number is our first taste of their EP The Truth About Fables, which will hit stores on November 8.

The band had me from the first perfectly harmonized notes. This song has such a great energy, and a great mix of electronic layers and classic guitar riffs.

With such vitality on the recording, you can be sure We The People will rock on stage. See them do just that when they launch The Truth About Fables at the following shows.

7 November 2013 – The Worker’s Club, Melbourne
9 November 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool
21 November 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
22 November 2013 – The Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
28 November 2013 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
29 November 2013 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
30 November 2013 – Spin Cycle @ The Wool Exchange, Geelong
6 December 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart
7 December 2013 – The Iron Horse, Launceston
13 December 2013 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide

The Good Ship Plays Shows to Support The Seven Seas

With Kat Cooke swapping her trumpet for a microphone, The Good Ship are preparing to launch their recently released third studio album, The Seven Seas.

What I love most about this Brisbane band is that they do it their way. No one else is singing sea shanties like the lead single “World Spin Round,” a dark number which tells of a boy looking to exact revenge upon the sea for taking his father and brother. More than just a gimmick, the eight-piece’s unique musical outlook is backed up by plenty of talent.

The Seven Seas was inspired by their sell-out hybrid musical theatre show, so it’s going to be best experienced on the stage. Fans can do just that when The Good Ship play the following shows along Australia’s East Coast.

15 November 2013 – The Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane (All Ages)
7 December 2013 – Spectrum, Sydney
8 December 2013 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 December – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie

Saskwatch Delight with “Hands”

Seriously, how good are Saskwatch? Just when I think I can’t love this energetic soul outfit any more than I already do, they release a song like “Hands.” If you’re feeling down, press play and dance around your lounge room. I guarantee you’ll feel better.

The feelgood track is accompanied by a cute clip starring travelling rabbits Larry and Alphy. Director Jason Galea spliced image of the rabbits with old VHS tapes and other vintage footage to create the “feel-good rabbit road trip film of the year.” As a final vintage touch, Saskwatch will release “Hands” as a 7” vinyl single on November 1.

Saskwatch will launch “Hands” with an extensive Aussie tour next month. Here are all the places you can see this exciting local act play!

1 November 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
2 November 2013 – Eden Whale Festival, Eden (FREE)
8 November 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 November 2013 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
15 November 2013 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
16 November 2013 – JIVE, Adelaide
22 November 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 November 2013 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
27 November 2013 – Sosueme @ Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)
28 November 2013 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 November 2013 – GoodGod Small Club, Sydney
7 December 2013 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Astrid & The Asteroids Launch EP with Hometown Show

Brisbanenites, your Sunday entertainment is sorted. Astrid & The Asteroids will launch their self-titled EP at the Kerbside Bar from 6:30 pm, a totally respectable time for an evening out before a workday. Best of all, the event’s completely free!

The band’s second EP showcases their refusal to adhere to genres. Instead they like to dabble in pop, jazz, and soul, as we hear on their latest single “Autopsy.” The likeable number tells the not so likable story of Charles Whitman, a sniper whose undiagnosed brain tumour might have had something to do with his suicidal killing spree.

The EP came about when Astrid & The Asteroids won the 2012 Billy Thorpe Scholarship, and they acknowledge that it might never have come to fruition without that support.

“The financial support it gave us allowed us to focus on putting our heart and soul into our music, without the mind-numbing worry of money,” frontwoman Astrid Jorgenson explained. “For entrusting us with this honour, we are eternally grateful.”

If you’re not in Brisbane, don’t worry. Astrid & The Asteroids promises to announce a string of EP launch shows soon!

Damien Leith Prepares to Launch “Chapter Seven”

Damien Leith won the Australian Idol title in 2006, but his career since has been overshadowed by the year’s runner-up Jessica Mauboy. Damien’s refused to just fade away though. Instead he’s worked consistently, releasing album after album and playing small venues to promote them. On November 1 he’ll release his seventh, appropriately titled Chapter Seven.

Chapter Seven is a collection of gentle acoustic pop and folk numbers that are clearly close to Damien’s heart. He wrote every one of the 12 tracks, including lead single “Without a Fight,” and recorded most of them in the Sydney studio he built with his own two hands. Damien also produced the album which is his first release as an independent artist.

“In the album I cover a lot of different themes, love, loss and everything in between. But I’ve tried to approach them from a positive outlook,” Damien explained. “It’s true to the style people know me for.”

Damien will introduce audiences around the country to his new songs, and reacquaint them with old favourites, at the following shows.

31 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
1 November 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
2 November 2013 – The BLVD Tavern, Perth
3 November 2013 – Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club, Mandurah
7 November 2013 – The Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
8 November 2013 – Mon Komo Hotel, Brisbane
9 November 2013 – Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane
10 November 2013 – Victoria Point Sharks Club, Brisbane
13 November 2013 – Roth’s Wine Bar, Mudgee
14 November 2013 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
15 November 2013 – The Brass Monkey, Sydney
16 November 2013 – The Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
22 November 2013 – Launceston Country Club, Launceston
23 November 2013 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
29 November 2013 – The Abbey, Canberra
30 November 2013 –  Velvet Room @ Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
6 December 2013 – Dural Country Club, Dural
7 December 2013 – Studio @ Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
8 December 2013 – Speers Point Carols @ Speers Point Park, Newcastle
12 December 2013 – Bean Bar and Café, Taree
13 December 2013 – Pier One @ Panthers, Port Macquarie
14 December 2013 – The Basement, Sydney

Convaire Get Toes Tapping with “Talk in Technicolour”

My days of clubbing are far behind me, but if I were heading out tonight to celebrate the arrival of the weekend I’d want the DJ to spin something like Convaire’s new single “Talk in Technicolour.”

The Sydney four-piece has built on the sound they showcased on their 2011 debut. The synthesizers are still front and centre, but they’re much slicker this time around. “Talk in Technicolour” takes all the fun of disco and brings it into the 21st century.

More of this please!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Jordie Lane Releases Video Ahead of Aussie Tour

Jordie Lane kicks off his national homecoming tour tomorrow! To celebrate Jordie’s return to our shores, and the recent release of his EP Not Built to Last, Jordie’s released the video for his killer new single “Here She Comes.” The clip gets us up close and personal with this incredible alt-country talent. If you dig it, make sure you get to one of the following shows.

25 & 26 October 2013 – Fleurieu Folk Festival, Willunga
27 October 2013 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle (afternoon show)
27 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
31 October 2013 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
1 November 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (early evening show)
2 November 2013 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
3 November 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart (afternoon show)
7 November 2013 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
8 November 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
9 November 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (with full band)
10 November 2013 – Caravan Club, Oakleigh (afternoon show)
13 November 2013 – Street Theatre, Canberra
14 November 2013 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
15 November 2013 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
16 November 2013 – The Basement, Sydney (with full band)
17 November 2013 – Grand Junction, Maitland
18 November 2013 – Music Lounge, Manly
20 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
21 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
22 November 2013 – Mullumbimby Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Audego Get it Right with “Fight”

I must admit, I wasn’t really feeling Audego when they released their last single “Sleepy”, but with their follow-up “Fight” they’ve really turned my head.

I think the difference here is the strong emotional core. More than just an intriguing electronic number, it’s a powerful snapshot of a marriage gone wrong. Producer Paso Bionic plays the role of an abusive husband while vocalist Big Fella takes on the part of his victimised trophy wife. The surrealistic clip, created by the talented team at Round 3 Creative, charts the deterioration of the toxic union. The song comes from Audego’s sophomore album Beneath the Static and the Low.

Audego will launch the album with a show at Sydney’s FBi Social on October 26 and another at The Hideaway in Brisbane on November 9.

The Siren Tower Tour “King River” Single

Rootsy Perth rockers The Siren Tower are hitting the road this week to support the recent release of their epic new single “King River.”

Isn’t it refreshing to hear an Australian song sung with a truly Australian voice? That accent and those rough edges give it a real honesty that’s so compelling. The Siren Tower’s frontman Grant McCulloch says the song “is about returning to familiar places to seek refuge. It’s about discovering that these places, these ports, they weary with time just as we do. They offer respite, but often their power lies in association with a memory, and sooner or later the world comes knocking.”

“King River” comes from the band’s 2012 album A History of Houses, but it still sounds fresh as a daisy. It comes with a gorgeous film clip directed by Tim Brade and pieced together by the band’s multitalented lead singer.

The Siren Tower will promote the single release, and remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place, at the following shows.

24 October 2013 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
25 October 2013 – The Espy Front Bar, Melbourne (FREE)
31 October 2013 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
1 November 2013 – The Beresford, Sydney (FREE)
2 November 2013 – Tempo, Brisbane (FREE)
9 November 2013 – Amplifier Bar, Perth