John Butler Trio Start a “Revolution”

After the upbeat energy of “One Way Road” and “Close To You,” it’s great to see John Butler Trio switching gears on their latest single “Revolution.”

The track is the third to come from JBT’s amazing album April Uprising. The song is perhaps one of the band’s most powerful, and its black and white film clip is just as striking. The video, which depicts the diversity of contemporary society, was shot while the band was on tour in Los Angeles.

Now you could just appreciate the song and video for what it is, but I thought I’d also share with you John Butler’s own words about the track’s inspiration. It’s a long quote, much longer than the ones I tend to use on here, but I thought it was just so cool it needed to be here in its entirety.

“Revolution is such an overused impotent word nowadays, I just wanted to explore the subject and find out what it meant to me. We live in some pretty extreme times .I think a lot of people are considering living in a drastically different way on this planet and with each other. They have to. But the old ideas of reform and revolution are not applicable nor have many “revolutions” really ever brought about meaningful change before they turn into what they were fighting. My idea of revolution is basically taking the R off the word. It’s evolution. It’s not gonna be some fanciful day that comes where everything is going honky dory utopia. That’s bullshit and a practise in futility. You can’t stop evolution. It’s sometimes painfully slow and other times brutally quick but never the less it is on-going.  You can rev it up however; accelerate it from time to time by being engaged in your community, by being compassionate. I see that around me. That’s what I concentrate on when I’m being bombarded by the intense images and news of these times. Stay engaged but not inundated. By knowing that the revolution is underway and not some fantasy about to come I’m able to have the energy and optimism to keep being part of this eternal, unstoppable REVOLUTION.”

Hell yeah. If you’re digging on “Revolution” and the rest of “April Uprising,” remember it’s not too late to nab tickets to the John Butler Trio shows next month. They’re selling fast though, so be quick! The band are headed back overseas after these gigs, so we probably won’t see them for some time afterwards!

27 August 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
29 August 2010 – The Amphitheater, Darwin
31 August 2010 – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide
2 September 2010 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
3 September 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
5 September 2010 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
7 September 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
8 September 2010 – C.ex, Coffs Harbour
11 September 2010 – Reggaetown Festival @ Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Cairns
12 September 2010 – Union of Soul @ Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville
15 September 2010 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
17 September 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – Schweppes Centre, Bendigo
19 September 2010 – Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
21 September 2010 – Entertainment Convention Centre, Mackay
22 September 2010 – The Great Western, Rockhampton
23 September 2010 – The Riverstage, Brisbane
24 September 2010 – The Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
27 September 2010 – The Mangrove Resort Hotel, Broome

“We No Speak Americano” Tops UK Charts

Let’s have a hand for Sydney-based dance pairing of Yolanda Be Cool vs Dcup! Their track “We No Speak Americano” is sitting pretty at the top of the UK singles charts! Take that Eminem and Rihanna!

The song enjoyed great success here at home, so it’s great to see the rest of the world appreciating it. It’s also held the number one spot in Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and The Netherlands.

Aston Gives La Roux’s “Bulletproof” Classical Makeover

The people spoke and Aston listened. The Sydney based pop-classical act has released their cover of La Roux’s “Bulletproof,” as voted for by fans on their YouTube page. I think the public was right; this is great stuff. I’ll bet La Roux never imagined such a stirring rendition when she penned her dance floor filler! If you like it, you can get the single from iTunes.

Laura Imbruglia Kicks Justin Bieber’s Ass!

I’m always quietly thrilled to hear that anyone’s kicked Justin Bieber’s ass, even if it’s only in a metaphorical sense. When an Aussie does it, so much the better. So Laura Imbruglia, we salute you!

In its first week on MySpace, Laura’s new film clip for “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” attracted more than 14, 000 views, which saw it hold the number one spot for the entire week. Take that Bieber!

If you still haven’t seen the clip, here it is for your viewing pleasure. And remember, if you like what you hear check out Laura playing at Surry Hills’ Excelsior Hotel every Wednesday in August!

Michael Paynter Teams Up With The Veronicas for “Love The Fall”

Here’s one for all the Michael Paynter fans out there. The Aussie singer-songwriter has just released his new single “Love The Fall’ and he’s roped his old pals The Veronicas in.

The music video is suitably brooding and mysterious, but as always with Michael Paynter I’m most impressed by the song and his awesome vocals. It starts out as pretty standard pop-rock fare before building into something truly epic. The Veronicas star power might just be what Michael needs to break into the mainstream consciousness. I’m crossing my fingers.

“Love The Fall” is the title track from Michael Paynter’s new EP, which can be pre-ordered now ahead of its July 9 release.

Star Filled New Music Video from The Bedroom Philosopher

The Bedroom Philosopher, aka Justin Heazlewood, has just released the video for his new single “Northcote (So Hungover).” The film clip’s lots of fun, with some great cameos from Tim Rogers, Angie Hart, Kram, Hannah Fox, and Josh Earl. You’ll want to watch it a second time, as the first you’ll be too busy star-spotting! “Northcote (So Hungover) comes from The Bedroom Philosopher’s recently released third album Songs from the 86 Tram.

New Song Obsession: “I Promise” by Casey Barnes

Casey Barnes didn’t quite find his feet during his stint on the last series of Australian Idol, but there was something incredibly likable about this guy. So I was thrilled to see Casey pop up on Video Hits yesterday with the film clip for his new single “I Promise.” While I found him a bit imitative on his show, here he’s found his own voice. This is just the sort of mellow guitar driven music that I love, and I can’t wait to hear more of it. The track comes from Casey’s EP Red Lion Motel, which is available now through iTunes and Casey Barnes’ website.

Jonesez Announces “Be That Guy” Shows Ahead of Album Release

A couple of months ago I introduced you to Jonesez, the new solo venture of ex-Horsell Common member Mark Stewart. If you liked what you heard then, you’ll be thrilled to know his debut album Betty’s Soup isn’t too far away.

Our first taste is “Be That Guy,” the first single and the second of Jonesez’ “Basement Videos.” is Look out for Tahlia Shaw of Fuzz Phantoms making a guest appearance on drums!

Betty’s Soup won’t hit stores until August 6, but you can get a sneak peek at the new material when Jonesez performs the following shows.

16 June 2010 – Bar 32 (Gangbusters), Canberra
18 June 2010 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
25 June 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy

New Song Obsession: “All Four Seasons” by Mark Sholtez

Mark Sholtez has done it again with his new single “All Four Seasons.” Just as his last single quickly won my heart, this track and its accompanying video leave me feeling positively giddy.

“I often hint in my lyrics at the idea that women are complicated and confusing creatures,” Mark explained. “I wanted this song to be celebration of that complexity and unpredictability.”

He’s definitely achieved that; the song has some of the most perceptive lyrics I’ve ever heard, and the clip has some of the cutest animals. It’s a winner on all fronts!

“All Four Seasons” comes from Mark’s album The Distance Between Two Truths, which will hit stores on July 9.

Queen Ifrica Joins Blue King Brown for “Women’s Revolution”

Blue King Brown are back with their new single “Women’s Revolution,” a collaboration with respected Jamaican chart topper Queen Ifrica. Reflecting the heritage of both acts, its dynamic film clip was shot in Kingston and Melbourne.

“The song draws inspiration from the day-to-day female leaders in our world,” explained lead singer Natalie Pa’apa’a. “It also identifies and reinforces the philosophy that the best way to effect change in communities of developing nations is to educate, support and encourage the young female population, as they are most commonly the ones who grow up to be the anchors and teachers within their families and extended community. Queen Ifrica is one of Jamaica’s most gifted female artists and it has been incredible to have her collaborate with Blue King Brown. Feel it!”

“Women’s Revolution” will be available as a digital download from June 11. The song and video will be bundled together on iTunes for the special price of $1.69. “Women’s Revolution” comes from Blue King Brown’s sophomore album Worldwize, which will be in stores on August 20. The album’s release coincides with the band’s support slot on John Butler Trio’s April Uprising tour.