Australian Idol Alum Jacob Butler Releases "Coma"

Last night Australian Idol made its long-awaited return to television screens. Looking at the ratings, perhaps I was the only one hanging out for the reality TV show! While Marcia, Dicko, and co. are sorting out the wheat from the chaff, I thought it was a good time to look back at one of the past successes.

Jacob Butler appeared a couple of years ago, and has taken his time to produce his new single “Coma.” The title makes the song sound a little snoozeworthy, but it actually reminds me a lot of Crowded House. Jacob was so obsessed with Britpop on the show; I really like this change in direction. Hopefully there’s more to come!

 

New Song Obsession: "Red" by Daniel Merriweather

I must admit, I’ve been a little bemused at the hype about Daniel Merriweather. I was impressed at the level of success he’s achieved abroad, but also a little puzzled by it. The snippets I’d heard just seemed a little middle-of-the-road and uninspired. But then this morning I heard his new single “Red” and I understood. That’s why he’s generating such sales and buzz. This is one of the most genuine and soulful tracks I’ve heard in some time. I was wrong Daniel, and I say I’m wrong. This is brilliant.

 

Cassie Davis Does it Again

Perth’s Cassie Davis is back with her brand new single “Do it Again.” It’s another strong rock/dance track, in the same vein as previous singles “Like it Loud” and “Differently,” so if you liked those this will probably be just your cup of chai. I worry that Cassie’s turning into a bit of a one-trick pony, and I’d really like to see a more sensitive side. Yet there’s no denying that she’s very comfortably filling the void the Natalie Bassingthwaighte led Rogue Traders have left in the Aussie music landscape.

From Ramsey Street to Rock Star

Neighbours star Sam Clark is proving he’s more than just a pretty face with the release of his new single “Broken.”

It’s easy to be skeptical when these soap stars get behind a microphone, but Sam shows real potential here. Big pop-rock ballads like this are a dime a dozen, and Sam doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre, but I kind of like it anyway. He’s got a lovely tone to his voice, and he earns bonus points for playing the guitar and piano (or at least appearing to!)

Do we have another Delta Goodrem on our hands? It’s probably a little early to tell, but Sam shows real promise here.

Ross Wilson Celebrates 45 Musical Years with Melbourne Concert

Any way you cut it, Ross Wilson is a living legend. Very few folks clock up 45 years in the biz, but The Boss has done just that and he’s ready to celebrate.

To commemorate the milestone, Ross will perform a very special concert in his hometown of Melbourne in August. The show will feature a setlist straddling his first band The Pink Finks, Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock, his solo songs, and other side projects. That’s a whole lot of material to get through, so it promises to be one hell of a night!

Each ticket holder will take home a memento of the occasion: a limited edition CD featuring songs from Ross Wilson’s illustrious career.

This very special evening with Ross Wilson will take place at The Palais in St Kilda on August 14. To celebrate, here’s a look at one of my favourite Ross Wilson tracks, “Cool World.”

Wes Carr's "Fearless" Film Clip Released

Wes Carr has finally released his hotly anticipated new video clip for third single “Fearless.” A Wes Carr song is always cause for celebration, but when it’s backed up by such a star-studded clip it’s worth another look. Watch out for Underbelly tough guys Matthew Newton and Vince Colosimo, Pia Miranda, Tim-O-Matic, and Wes’ girlfriend Charlotte Grieg in starring roles.

New Song Obsession: "Out of the Airlock" by Paul Dempsey

I remember Paul Dempsey as the brooding singer-songwriter of 90s indie darlings Something for Kate. These days he seems to have lightened up a little, and it’s a really good thing. But lightness definitely doesn’t mean lightweight. His new single “Out of the Airlock” is a beautiful ditty, and the clip’s every bit as cool. I love seeing him as some kind of giant guitar god, quietly strumming above the miniature town of Lloydhurst.

Grand Atlantic do Beyonce

I haven’t come across Brisbane four-piece Grand Atlantic before, but they’ve really impressed me with this acoustic cover of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” The lads have stripped the bouncy girl power anthem back to acoustic guitars, a little percussion, and vocals, and the result is quite remarkable. And there’s not a single leotard to be seen! Well done!

Upper Coomera State College Wins Kate Miller-Heidke Competition

You might remember me mentioning Kate Miller-Heidke’s “Caught in the Crowd” competition, which invited high school students to create their own music video.

The entries are in, and Upper  Coomera State College in Queensland has emerged victorious. Their brilliant video highlights not just traditional bullying, but also the modern epidemic of cyberbullying. Check it out below!

The school has picked up a $2000 video hardware package and a live performance from Kate Miller-Heidke for their hard work.

If you’re not lucky enough to be a student, you can still see Kate as she embarks on her Caught in the Crowd tour. It kicks off at Melbourne’s Prince in Wales on April 30.

New Song Obsession: "Cassandra" by The Galvatrons

The Galvatrons are back with “Cassandra,” the latest single tiding us over until the lads release their debut album Laser Graffiti on June 5. The synthesisers give this a distinctly Van Halen feel, which is a very good thing. I have no clue how much the lads are spending on their clips these days, but the floating cubes in this one are impressive! Play it loud!