Category: Live Performances

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reality Graduates Remake “I Am Australian”

Australia Day might have been and gone, but you can continue feeling patriotic when you check out this star-studded remake of “I Am Australian.”

The song features a host of reality show graduates, including Jessica Mauboy, Samantha Jade, Justice Crew, Dami Im, Taylor Henderson, and Nathaniel. And together they sound pretty fabulous! This recording isn’t the best, but it gives you a taste of what this new crop of Aussie pop talent can do! And is there any backdrop better than Sydney Harbour?

Thanks to Anna Benson for bringing the track to my attention!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Africa’s Mango Groove Head to Australia

Like everyone across the world it seems, I was saddened to hear news this morning of Nelson Mandela’s passing. I thought about writing about it, but then decided that others probably had more to offer on the subject than a music blogger from Australia.

But then I came across an e-mail telling me Mango Groove are heading to our country next year. I must admit, I hadn’t heard of them, but then I read through their list of achievements and it seemed fortuitous that I stumbled across them today. They played at Freddie Mercury’s tribute. They played at the Hong Kong reunification concert, and at the Paris SOS Racism concert. And perhaps most importantly, this South African act played at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.

And so I watched their performance from the Montreux jazz festival in 1992 and marvelled at their joy and positivity. It was a similar energy to the one which radiated from Mr Mandela. I remember being a young girl and not really understanding who he was, but loving his big wide smile. I’ll bet he liked this band.

So have a listen and remember the joy, and if you like what they do consider checking out Mango Groove when they visit Australia next year.

21 February 2014 – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
23 February 2014 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
28 February 2014 – Big Top Sydney @ Luna Park, Sydney
1 March 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane
4 March 2014 – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flume Dominates, but 27th Annual ARIAs Underwhelm

I’m a little late on my ARIAs post this year as Australian music’s night of nights coincided with another big night for me: my husband’s birthday. So I’ve spent the morning catching up with all that went down. As these things go, I thought it was pretty average.

It was far from a debacle, polished and professional, but also lacking the wow factor of some of the other ceremonies. Watching the ladies from The Jezabels pay tribute to Chrissy Amphlett so beautifully was a real highlight, as was watching those classy fellows from Air Supply inducted into the Hall of Fame. I was also thrilled to see Matt Corby take home Song of the Year for the stunning “Resolution,” although his “speech” left plenty to be desired. Perhaps he should have taken notes from the eloquent Guy Sebastian.

By and large though, I felt the performances were a bit bland and predictable. Sheppard excited me more from the red carpet than most of the entertainers in the auditorium. I also thought it was odd that Michael Gudinski, as the recipient of the first “icon” award, didn’t take to the stage. Surely he deserved a moment in the spotlight rather than simply waving awkwardly from his seat. The same goes for the winners of the “minor” awards, many of whom weren’t even acknowledged. I miss the days where we at least saw all their names once we returned from commercials, not just the ones the broadcaster thinks we might be interested in. I always sit transfixed to awards shows, but I felt this one dragged. I’m not sure what it was missing, but I was left yawning despite watching the thing when I was well awake.

What was your take on this year’s ARIAs? And what do you think of this year’s winners?

Album of the Year: Lonerism – Tame Impala
Song of the Year: “Resolution” – Matt Corby
Breakthrough Artist (Release): Flume – Flume
Best Male Artist: Flume
Best Female Artist: Jessica Mauboy
Best Group: Tame Impala
Best Independent Release: Push The Sky Away – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Push The Sky Away – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Best Blues and Roots Album: Sharkmouth – Russell Morris
Best Children’s Album: A Little Day Out with Justine – Justine Clarke
Best Comedy Release: The Bits We’re Least Ashamed Of – Tom & Alex
Best Country Album: Wreck and Ruin – Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson
Best Dance Release: Flume – Flume
Best Pop Release: Armageddon – Guy Sebastian
Best Rock Album: Lonerism – Tame Impala
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: Asymmetry – Karnivool
Best Urban Album: Bring it Back – Illy
Best International Artist: One Direction
Best Australian Live Act: Guy Sebastian
Best Video: “Firestarter” – Samantha Jade
Best Cover Art: Dave Homer & Aaron Hayward of Debaser (Ice On The Dune – Empire Of The Sun)
Engineer of the Year: Virginia Read (Sally Whitwell)
Producer of the Year: Harley Streten (Flume)
Best Classical Album: All Imperfect Things: Solo Piano Music of Michael Nyman – Sally Whitwell
ARIAs Best Jazz Album: Smile – The Idea Of North
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album: Conversations With Ghosts – Paul Kelly, James Ledger, Genevieve Lacey & ANAM Musicians
Best World Music Album: Chameleons of the White Shadow – Joseph Tawadros

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Triple J Like a Version 9 Nabs Number One

Local compilation album Triple J Like a Version 9 has beaten out strong competition from James Blunt and Lorde to claim the spot at the top of the ARIA albums chart this week. This is the best result for a Like a Version compilation, beating out volume 6 which made it to number two in November 2010. The latest edition features local acts San Cisco, Tame Impala, Vance Joy, Chance Waters, and the fabulous Bonjah.

Tina Arena’s recent appearance on X Factor seems to have done her some good. Her new album Reset debuted at number four. Last week we saw Jessica Mauboy sitting there, but this week her latest album Beautiful has dropped down to number eight.

On the singles chart it’s another X Factor success story. Taylor Henderson’s sitting at number two with his awesome cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” What a shame this show doesn’t work like The Voice and offer voting credits in exchange for downloads! Last year’s finalist Nathaniel is also making his presence felt. His new single “You” slipped to number six this week, down two spots from last week.

Click below to see the rest of this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “Triple J Like a Version 9 Nabs Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham & Buffalo Tales Pair Up for “Shackles”

If you were umming and aahing about getting to one of Sam Buckingham and Buffalo Tales’ upcoming gigs, this video might be just the thing to tip you over the edge. It features the talented twosome in the studio performing “Shackles,” a fan favourite from Sam’s I’m a Bird album.

Music doesn’t get much better than this folks. If you agree, make sure you get to one of the following gigs.

30 October 2013 – Royal, Exchange Theatre, Newcastle
31 October 2013 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford
1 November 2013 – Venue 505, Surry Hills
4 December 2013 – Revolver, Prahan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nat Dunn Wows with “A Fool’s Fate” Acoustic

If you’re seeing Busby Marou this October or November, make sure you arrive early. Everyone’s sure to be talking about the support act Nat Dunn.

Nat signed with Mushroom when she was just 16 years old, but she was determined not to be just another disposable child star. She took a decade to hone her craft before releasing her debut EP A Fool’s Fate. For just a hint of how good it is, watch Nat stripping the title track back for this acoustic performance at Brisbane’s Sofar Sounds. It’s absolutely stunning.

It’s only a matter of time before this talented songbird graduates to her own headlining tour. The opportunity to see her at intimate venues with Busby Marou shouldn’t be missed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Buckingham Covers The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Theme

The musical stylings of sweet Sydney songstress Sam Buckingham and Will Smith couldn’t be more different, yet for some reason this clip of Sam covering the theme from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air works. You’ve never heard it quite like this before!

Sam recorded this gorgeous take on the retro classic backstage in Brisbane recently. I think it deserves a place in her sets, don’t you?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Oak Impress at Sofar Sounds

I think you can only tell how good a band is when you see them perform live and acoustic. Without studio trickery or even loud instruments to hide behind, you can hear that pure talent. And that’s why Good Oak, and this performance of their track “The Stumble Inn” blows me away. Shot during a secret show, part of the Sofar Sounds initiative, it really is something special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Snowdroppers Tour “So Much Better”

The Snowdroppers are ready to close the door on their sophomore album Moving Out of Eden with the release of its third and final single, “So Much Better”.

“So Much Better” is a cheeky, danceable ditty about the ease with which we can hurt the ones we love. It’s kind of depressing subject matter really, but when it’s wrapped in such an upbeat package it’s much easier to swallow. You can hear a little of the track live in this video.

The Snowdroppers are getting ready to hibernate and record album number three, but before they do they’ll play a string of shows with their best pals Gay Paris and some other like-minded musical guests.

6 September 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
7 September 2013 – Jive Bar Adelaide
13 September 2013 – John Curtin Band Room, Carlton
20 & 21 September 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Annandale

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pigeon Cover Daft Punk

Local electronic band Pigeon have celebrated the recent release of Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories with a video capturing a medley of the French act’s biggest hits. In just nine minutes Pigeon takes us on a trip down memory lane with some of dance music’s most enduring classics. Clever stuff!

I can’t promise they’ll play any Daft Punk, but you will hear some great electronic music when Pigeon launch their new single “Curtain Call” with the following shows.

21 August 2013 – The Jack, Cairns (FREE)
22 August 2013 – Paddy’s Shenanigans, Arlie Beach (FREE)
23 August 2013 – CBD Hotel, Mackay (FREE)
30 August 2013 – Oh Hello, Brisbane
4 September 2013 – Beach Road Hotel, Sydney (FREE)
5 September 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
6 September 2013 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney
13 September 2013 – Can’t Say, Melbourne
14 September 2013 – Rhino Room, Adelaide
19 September 2013 – Alpha Beta, Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (FREE)
20 September 2013 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
21 September 2013 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore