The Basics Get Political with “The Lucky Country”

The Basics have come out swinging with their scathing new single “The Lucky Country.” It’s a damning commentary on Australia’s age of entitlement and the political circus we’ve been subjected to of late.

“We’re songwriters, but we’re not just here to talk about love, heartbreak and getting drunk,” explained Kris Schroeder. “We believe in reflecting something of the society we live in, and right now there are a lot of people who seem to think that they’re better off sticking our heads in the sand and pretending the rest of the world isn’t there. It’s about time someone stood up and said that valuing education and believing that being aware and informed is important, doesn’t make you a ‘hippy’. Wanting to leave the planet in better shape for our children doesn’t make you a ‘bleeding heart’. Thinking that respect for other cultures enhances our nation rather than diminishes it doesn’t make you unpatriotic.”

“Whether it’s politicians, newspapers or ‘shock-jocks’, we’ve got this toxic culture that has been fostered on “what’s in it for me” – it’s as if this ‘Doctrine of Prosperity’ that’s been preached in churches for years has filtered down to the rest of us. It’s been encouraged for so long for quick votes and ratings – like “You’ve only got two cars? You should have six!” – and maybe someone needs to take Australia by the wrist, give it a shake and say “WAKE UP”. And why not a bunch of musicians to do it?”

The Basics will spend the festive season taking their message to the people with their The Lucky Country tour.

16 & 17 December 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
19 December 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
20 December 2014 – Old Museum, Brisbane
27 December 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
31 December 2014 – Princes Wharf 1 “A Taste of Tasmania NYE”, Hobart
1 January 2015 – Cataract Gorge “The Basin Concert,” Launceston
3 January 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
4 January 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle
13 February 2015 – Aurora Spiegeltent @ The Garden Of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide

Elesia Iimura Has a Terrible Film Clip But Great Sound

Brisbane soulstress Elesia Iimura shows that she’s got star quality with the release of her new single “Believe.” She’s got an angelic voice which reminds me of the late Aaliyah and a really fresh sound.

I just wish that I had a Soundcloud version rather than the clip, because I think it’s pretty distracting. I’m no prude but I don’t think the over-sexualised video is doing Elesia any favours. It’ll appeal to a certain demographic of course, but will they be listening to her talent or simply marvelling at her physique?

Elesia’s set for big things after supporting Boyz ll Men and K-Ci & Jo Jo and wowing crowds on a recent promo trip to Japan. She’ll shoot her new video clip in Jamaica later this year, which hopefully won’t trade as blatantly on her good looks.

Love Like Hate Tour Unnoticed EP

Brisbane band Love Like Hate have just returned from a European tour where they performed to rave reviews and inked an exclusive signing deal with Rough Trade Publishing, the same company that represents Violent Femmes and Le Tigre. Now back on home soil they’re celebrating with an Aussie tour to promote their new EP Unnoticed.

Unnoticed features the single “Electric Ships,” which got them noticed by music fans here and across the pond, and the latest single and the EP’s title track, “Unnoticed”. It’s got an upbeat pop core but a darkness that I really like. The film clip also gives us a bit of an insight into their recent international travels.

If you’ve noticed how good Love Like Hate are, make sure you don’t miss their Unnoticed EP shows.

20th November 2014 – B East, Melbourne
21st November 2014 – The Homestead, Hobart
24th November 2014 – The Public Bar, St Kilda
28th November 2014 – Union Hotel, Newtown
6th December 2014 – Treehouse On Belongil, Byron Bay
17th January 2015 – Bearded Lady, West End

Call the Shots Make Powerful Statement with “All the Same”

There was a time when every second band seemed to be doing the pop-punk thing. Most faded away, but Brisbane band Call the Shots have been steadily making music for years now, thanks to inspired songwriting like that showcased on their new single “All the Same.”

The track from their forthcoming EP delivers a powerful message about acceptance.

“I’m sick to death of hearing about how people’s skin colours or who they’re attracted to apparently affect who they are,” explained Call the Shots’ singer Josh Setterfield. “Everyone has or SHOULD have an equal chance regardless of their race or sexuality.”

Amen! Good news for fans, the forthcoming EP is part one in a trilogy, so there’ll be a lot more Call the Shots music to come in the not too distant future.

Sharon van Etten Announces Golden Plains Sideshows

Awesome American alt-country singer Sharon van Etten has announced sideshows in the East Coast capitals to coincide with her visit for Golden Plains. I must admit, I wasn’t aware of Sharon’s music until I caught her performance of “Every Time the Sun Comes Up,” from her most recent studio album Are We There, on Letterman.

Something tells me it’s only a matter of time before Sharon enters the mainstream consciousness, so if you love her music make sure you catch her playing intimate venues like these while you can.

1 March 2015 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
3 March 2015 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
4 March 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
7 March 2015 – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith

Nahko and Medicine for the People Spread Positivity on Aussie Tour

Is Monday kicking your arse right now? Then take a listen to Nahko and Medicine for the People’s “I Mua” in preparation for their Aussie tour this week. The Oregon act is all about good vibes. I think it’s probably scientifically impossible to feel down when you’re listening to this song.

It wasn’t that long ago that the band were here for Bluesfest, but it seems they can’t stay away from our fair shores. The upcoming shows give you a chance to see Nahko and Medicine for the People in more intimate venues, without all the festival sweatiness.

14 November 2014 – AWME @ The HiFi, Melbourne
18 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
19 November 2014 – The HiFi, Brisbane
20 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
21 November 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
22 November 2014 –Tanks Art Centre, Cairns
23 November 2014 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby (Nahko solo)
25 November 2014 – The HiFi, Sydney
26 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
29 November 2014 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
02 December 2014 – The Governor, Hindmarsh
04 December 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
06 December 2014 – Fly By Night, Fremantle

Robbie Miller Makes Me Swoon with “Sunday”

I was watching The Project last week and they said something about how men are 90 percent more attractive when they’re playing a guitar. I’m not sure quite how they measured that, but I’m not going to argue. Long-time readers have seen me falling for good looking men playing guitars time and time again in this blog, so it’s probably no surprise to anyone that Brisbane’s Robbie Miller is right up my alley. His song “Sunday” is sublime, and pretty appropriate for posting today if I do say so myself. Not just a pretty face, Robbie’s been playing guitar since he was 13. He’s been raised right on a musical diet of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, and Neil Young. And as this performance and interview on Brisbane’s BalconyTV shows, he’s an absolute charmer. Colour me smitten.

Guy Pearce Flexes His Creative Muscles with “Broken Bones”

Most of us know Guy Pearce as Aussie acting royalty, but he’s actually a pretty decent musician. This Jack of all Trades has just released his debut album Broken Bones. It features a brand new single “Taste,” which showcases his husky vocals and knack for catchy melodies beautifully.

“‘Taste’ digs into that illusive thing we call “identity”, and who we think we are, versus who we actually are – whatever that even means,” he explained in a press release. “We’re so malleable and contradictory at times, it’s often hard to be objective.”

Guy will play two launch shows to promote the release of Broken Bones. Wednesday’s show at The Toff is all sold out, but there are a handful of general admission tickets for The Basement on Wednesday, November 19, still available.

Sean Kirkwood One to Watch

New Zealand born, Melbourne based singer-songwriter Sean Kirkwood released his debut EP Tales for the Barman way back in April, but it didn’t exactly break through. It’s a shame, because the songs I’ve heard are incredible, including the gorgeous “Don’t Want to Own You.” I just love the way he marries folk, roots, and blues, and his no frills vocals. There’s something so compellingly raw and organic about what he does. If you love it too, you can grab a free download on Sean’s Bandcamp page.

Hopefully more people will sit up and take notice when Sean takes his songs on the road this month. If you like what you hear check him out at the following venues.

13 November 2014 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
14 November 2014 – Exeter Hotel, Adelaide
15 November 2014 – Babushka Bar, Ballarat
17 November 2014 – The Phoenix, Canberra
22 November 2014 – Cambridge Sidebar, Newcastle
23 November 2014 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
28 November 2014 – Cardigan Bar, Brisbane
29 November 2014 – Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi (afternoon)
29 November 2014 – Upfront Club, Maleny (night)
30 November 2014 – Milk Factory, Brisbane
2 December 2014 – The Rails, Byron Bay
4 December 2014 – Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga
7 December 2014 – Menagerie, Sydney

Caitlin Park Heads to the United Kingdom

Music lovers in the United Kingdom are in for a real treat. Sydney songstress Caitlin Park is winging her way to you to celebrate the release of her sublime new single “Hunt for the Young.” The song was the first written for her sophomore LP The Sleeper.

“‘Hunt for the Young’ is about fighting for someone you love – when you’ve stepped in the wrong direction and you anxiously grab at what you know you’re about to lose,” Caitlin explained. That passion that inspired it rings through this song which is so compelling and so beautiful.

If you’re in the United Kingdom, you don’t want to miss these shows.

17 November 2014 – The Islington, London
21-23 November 2014 – The End Festival, Crouch End
28 November 2014 – Union Chapel, London
29 November 2014 – Epic, Norwich
4 December 2014 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
5 December 2014 – Sage Gateshead, Gateshead
6 December 2014 – Gorilla, Manchester

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations