Gurrumul Releases “Gopuru”

Gurrumul Yunupingu has released “Gopuru,” the first single from his gold-selling sophomore album Rrakala.

Listening to a song like this just really brings home the power of music. I received a press release detailing what the song was about, but I almost felt like I didn’t need to read it. I usually focus on lyrics and rely on them to get to the heart of a song, but Gurrumul’s music transcends all that.

If you must know, this song describes the rhythms of a totemic fish as it makes its way through the sea. It feels a lot bigger than that simple explanation though, doesn’t it?

If you’re moved by Gurrumul’s music remember that he’ll embark on his first national tour next month. Tickets are selling fast though – they’ve even had to announce a second Sydney show – so I wouldn’t wait too long to get yours.

24 August 2011 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
26 August 2011 – Riverside Theatre Perth Convention Centre, Perth
29 & 30 August 2011 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
1 September 2011 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
3 September 2011 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
5 September 2011 – Royal Theatre @ Canberra Convention Centre, Canberra
7 September 2011 – The Palais, St Kilda

Stonefield Finally Tour Australia

A good eight months have gone by since Stonefield turned my head with their rocking debut single “Through the Clover.” I waited for these young Aussie sisters to blow up, and waited, and waited. Patience is a virtue, as they say though, and it seems all that waiting is finally about to pay off.

After spending rocking Glastonbury, the girls are back with a brand new single “Black Water Rising” and a national tour in the works. It’s also been announced that after these shows wrap up they’ll warm up the stage for the legendary Cold Chisel.

It’s taken some time, but Stonefield are bound to hit those dizzy heights I predicted. If you want to see them before everyone else catches on make sure you head to one of the following shows.

25 August 2011 – Fowlers, Adelaide
26 August 2011 – The Villa ‘Speakeasy’ Perth
28 August 2011 – Hyperfest, Perth (All ages)
1 September 2011 – The Bended Elbow, Geelong
2 September 2011 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
3 September 2011 – The Karova Lounge, Ballarat
9 September 2011 – New York Hotel, Launceston
10 September 2011 – Republic Bar, Hobart
10 September 2011 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart (Underage event)
15 September 2011 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
16 September 2011 – Food & Wine Festival, Toowoomba
17 September 2011 – Powerhouse, Brisbane (All ages)
17 September 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
22 September 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
23 September 2011 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

Little Scout’s Beautiful Ballet Clip

After stealing my heart last month with “We Are Walking Out,” Brisbane’s Little Scout have released a film clip to accompany the single, and announced a string of East Coast shows.

This beautiful ballet-themed clip is the perfect accompaniment to this lush, uplifting single. And what a relief to see a dance-focused piece of art that’s nothing like Black Swan!

Little Scout’s upcoming gigs will support the release of their debut album Take Your Light, which hits stores on August 5. If this song worms its way into your heart as it’s done mine you won’t want to miss these concerts. Tickets are available from the venues and usual outlets.

26 August 2011 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
27 August 2011 – The Spotted Cow Hotel, Toowoomba
2 September 2011 – Workers Club, Fitzroy
10 September 2011 – Notes Live, Sydney

Barry Southgate Charms with “Summer Night”

Fresh from his Australian tour supporting Brian McKnight, Barry Southgate has revealed another track from his forthcoming EP Epitome. “Summer Night” shows a more romantic side of Barry than his playful first single “Don’t You Think,” and I’m predicting the ladies are going to lap it up. And as a bonus, this video has accompanying lyrics so you can sing along, karaoke style!

San Cisco’s Sexy New Video

Perth’s San Cisco definitely knows what it takes to get people tuning in to their music videos. Hot girls in lingerie will do it every time, at least for a good percentage of the population! Happily their new single “Girls Do Cry” is pretty listenable as well. If you like jangly upbeat pop-rock and/or girls wearing next to nothing, this clip is definitely worth a look!

Evil Eddie Says Evil!

Evil Eddie seems to have gotten even eviler with the video for his new single, “(Somebody Say) Evil.” The former Butterfingers frontman is seen here corrupting kiddies and performing alongside a giant chicken. You can say what you like about Eddie, but he’s certainly not boring!

“(Somebody Say) Evil” is the second single from his soon to be released debut album. At this point it’s tentatively called Welcome to Flavour Country, but with Eddie you know nothing’s ever certain!

If you love Evil Eddie’s brand of madness make sure you check him out at the following home state shows.

10 June 2011 – Exchange Hotel, Townsville
11 June 2011 – Currajah Hotel, Wangan
12 June 2011 – Blue Sky Brewery, Cairns
17 June 2011 – Step Inn, Fortitude Valley
18 June 2011 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
2 July 2011 – River Sessions @ Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay

Steve Parkin’s Gorgeous Film Clip for “Sun Stealer”

Mighty Big Light was one of the first albums I really connected with this year, so I’m thrilled to see Steve Parkin’s released a music video for one of its stand-out tracks, “Sun Stealer.”

It’s a gorgeous looking thing, which is little wonder considering Steve enlisted the help of AFI Award winning filmmaker Nick Matthews for the project. Funnily enough it wasn’t Nick’s resume that impressed Steve, but his work on a film clip for a little Adelaide indie band.

Steve was confident Nick could interpret his vision, and I think he was right. There’s such a gorgeous warmth and color about this video, and a really great story. What a fitting accompaniment to a great song!

Ooh La La Impress with “The Saint That Sinned”

After hearing Rebecca Black’s “Friday” one too many times I was a bit soured for teen female talent. But it’s important to remember that every young female songwriter isn’t going to unleash drivel upon us. And when we’re lucky, they’re as talented as the girls from Ooh La La.

Ooh La La are Laura Pattison and Lauren Hodge, two 15-year-old girls from Griffith who’ve just released their debut single “The Saint That Sinned.” It’s gorgeous stuff, with stunning vocals and great instrumentation. And yes, that’s Laura and Lauren playing the acoustic guitar and mandolin. These girls aren’t just good for their ages; they’re just good.

Lest We Forget

It’s ANZAC Day, a time when we’re all stopping to reflect on the men and women who so bravely serve in the armed forces so that we can enjoy one of the best qualities of life in the Western world. It’s not just about those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, but the people who continue to bravely battle for freedom, who leave their partners, children, and parents behind so that the rest of us can enjoy the day to day privileges of being Australian.

This isn’t the time or place to get into an argument about whether it’s right that we continue to lose lives in Afghanistan, or send soldiers to wars that don’t seem like ours. It’s just a time to sit, contemplate, and give thanks.

In my opinion 1927 were one of the most underrated bands of the 80s and 90s. “Compulsory Hero” was one of those underappreciated songs that certainly holds up. Today its lyrics have some extra resonance. So listen, take it in, and take a moment to think of the soldiers. Lest we forget.

Tonight Alive One to Watch

You might not know the name Tonight Alive yet, but just wait for it. The Sydney pop-punk quintet are generating some major buzz around the world for their energetic riffs and melodic sensibilities.

Their self-funded debut EP All Shapes and Disguises earned rave reviews last year, and they’re set to continue the trend with the release of their first long player. Tonight Alive have definitely stepped up to the big leagues now, having enlisted Mark Trombino (Blink 182, Jimmy World) to serve as producer.

You can get a taste of that disc with “Breaking & Entering.” If you like what you see here make sure you head to the band’s website, as the track is currently available for free download.