I always love an interesting cover version. It’s so exciting when an artist can make me look at a song differently and reveal parts of the lyrics I hadn’t tapped in to before. So in that spirit, check out Billy Fox’s take on John Farnham’s 80s classic, “Pressure Down.”
“I originally did an arrangement of it at live shows with no plans to release it, until fans kept asking how they could get their hands on it,” explained the Sydney-based songwriter. “So I rearranged it in my studio and sent my arrangement to Sesta (The Funkoars) who added some more drums and other sounds to it”.
I know this stripped back cover isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but I think this unique cover really works. Love it or hate it, I’d love to know what you think!
Has it really been 10 years since Lior released Autumn Flow? Every time I spot an anniversary tour announcement like this I become incredibly conscious of my age! It really does seem like only yesterday that I first heard “This Old Love” and became instantly besotted.
If that clip’s got you feeling nostalgic, you’ll be interested to know that Lior will rerelease his debut album with previously unreleased tracks to mark the milestone. He’s also announced a string of theatre shows where he’ll play Autumn Flow from start to finish as well as other choice cuts from his back catalogue.
Tickets are available now from Metropolis Touring for the following shows.
9 October 2015 – Anitas Theatre, Thirroul
10 October 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
16 October 2015 – Athenaeum, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
30 October 2015 – Astor Theatre, Perth
31 October 2015 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
I am feeling so privileged to come across some gorgeous music from incredible female performers of late. A day after discovering Alanna Eileen, I’m now about to wax lyrical about Montaigne and her stunning song “A Cinematic Plea for an End.”
This is truly incredible. It’s dramatic without being overblown, so honest and angsty and real. I’m really glad that she chose to release a live video, because it captures the emotion so much better than something that’s been tamed in the studio might.
“Cinematic the song basically expresses several issues with idealism, both in platonic and romantic relationships,” Montaigne explained. “It is pretty much a letter to myself which is me trying to ensure that I don’t create unreasonable and idealistic expectations of situations and relationships, so that I don’t hurt myself nor others.”
Sydney indie-pop act Bad Pony have grown from a duo to a quintet since they released of their debut single “Sucker.” So we hear a much fuller sound on their new single “White Russian,” the first single lifted from their forthcoming EP.
I’m not quite sure what the song has in common with my husband’s favourite drink, but I do know that I like how it goes down. It’s so damned catchy, with beautiful harmonies and more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box.
I had the Soundcloud link, but I think I prefer the energy of this video recorded in the studio. It gives just a hint of what they’re going to unleash at the following shows.
5 June 2015 – Worlds End Brewpub, Sandy Bat
7 June 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
12 June 2015 – Standard Bowl, Sydney
I have fallen hard for the musical stylings of new Aussie indie-folk act and the latest Heartstop Music sign Rowena Wise. She’s just released her debut single “Words” and it’s absolutely darling.
I received the Soundcloud version but decided I’d post this live one here so you can see her and her ukulele. I already have a weakness for the instrument, but when you add in Rowena’s superb lyrics and sweet voice it’s magic.
“Words” comes from Rowena’s debut EP, which is scheduled for a March release. You can help her release it by giving generously to her Pozible campaign, which is achingly close to reaching its goal.
There are plenty of places you can see her play in the near future, including festival appearances, support slots for Jordie Lane, and headline shows in the major capitals to support the single’s release.
20 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 February 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 February – 2 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
13-15 March 2015 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Blue Mountains
26 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (supporting Jordie Lane)
27 March 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney NSW (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 March 2015 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (supporting Jordie Lane)
17 April 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra (supporting Jordie Lane)
18 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
19 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
22 April 2015 – Ararat Live, Ararat (supporting Jordie Lane)
23 April 2015 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong (supporting Jordie Lane)
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty
Twelve months after the release of their third LP So We Can Remember, Thundamentals show no signs of slowing down. They already wowed crowds at Falls and Groovin, sold out their own headline shows, and supported the Hilltop Hoods all around the country, and now they figure it’s time for another headlining gig.
If you want proof of just how good these guys are live, check them out guesting on the Hilltop Hoods’ “Cosby Sweater” with a host of other hip hop stars for Triple J’s Beat the Drum. If that doesn’t put you in a party mood, nothing will.
The following Thundamentals shows are already starting to sell out, so I wouldn’t wait too long before grabbing your tickets.
5 March 2015 – Manning Bar, Sydney
6 March 2015 – Katoomba RSL, Katoomba
10 April 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
11 April 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 April 2015 – Autumn Sounds Festival, Bundaberg
22 April 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 April 2015 – Star Bar, Bendigo
24 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne
1 May 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
2 May 2015 – Capitol Theatre, Perth
3 May 2015 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
7 May 2015 – The Jack, Cairns
8 May 2015 – Base Backpackers, Magnetic Island
After wowing crowds across Europe for many years, talented expat Phia is finally coming home for her very first Australian tour. You might remember seeing Phia and her kalimba challenging the contestants on Spicks and Specks last year. Or perhaps you’re a super Sounds of Oz fan and you remember me interviewing her way back in 2012. Or perhaps you’ve never heard of Phia at all, but you want to experience the kind of music that will blow your mind. Either way, get yourself to one of these very rare shows!
30 January 2015 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
7 February 2015 – High Tea @ Glebe Town Hall, Sydney
12 February 2015 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
13 February 2015 – Babushka Bar, Ballarat
26 February 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
It’s been 18 long months since Jordie Lane toured this fair country, but he’s about to reward fans for their patience. Jordie’s certainly not skimping, with a 27-date run of shows including appearances at leading festivals including the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Nannup Music Festival.
These shows will see Jordie performing alongside Clare Reynolds, who has become a regular part of his shows after the past couple of years. You can get a little taste of the magic they create watching this performance of “Feet Fall” recorded at the Melbourne Folk Club.
Expect more of that magic at the following shows.
27 February 2015 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
28 February – 2 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
6-9 March 6th 2015 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
10 March 2015 – Ten Days On The Island Festival, Hobart
11 March 2015 – The Melbourne Folk Club, Melbourne (In Conversation with James Fahy)
13–15 March 2015 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba
26 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
27 March 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney
28 March 2015 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
10-12 April 2015 – Fairbridge Folk Festival, Fairbridge
17 April 2015 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
18 & 19 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
22 April 2015 – Ararat Live, Ararat
23 April 2015 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
24-26 April 2015 – Mt Beauty Music Festival, Mt Beauty
So here it is, my last post for 2014. Time for me to grab a glass of champers and get the party started away from my computer. But I felt it was fitting to leave you with a little something. So in case you missed it when it was on Triple J recently, here is the final Like a Version for the year, Bluejuice and a host of special guests (including Ngaiire, Elana Stone, the guys from The Griswolds, and Andy Bull) covering “End of the Road.” It’s amazing. Farewell 2014 and bring on 2015!
Melbourne band Storm the Sky like to rock, hard. Their usual stuff is much too heavy for my tastes, but I love the new side of themselves they’re showcasing with their unexpected cover of The 1975’s “Robbers.” There’s a little edge there, but it’s balanced out beautifully by their tender take.
I don’t expect to hear many numbers like this on their debut album Permanence, but if you love it when Storm the Sky cranks the volume the album’s out on January 16.