Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Scott Spark Releases Monday Anthem “Two Alarms”

It’s Monday at there’s no beating around the bush: it sucks. It’s the worst. There’s no cure for Mondayitis, but you can at least feel like you’re not alone when you listen to Scott Spark’s brilliant new single “Two Alarms.” The Brisbane singer-songwriter has crafted one of the catchiest melodies and some of the wittiest lyrics about the soul-sucking nature of the corporate world that I’ve ever heard.

It also comes with an awesome filmclip, animated by local cartoonist Oslo Davis, which stars Lenny, the most adorable alarm clock you’re ever likely to see. And there’s a free app too which allows you to turn your iPhone into a Scott Spark alarm clock.

And if that wasn’t enough goodness, Scott Spark will also release his sophomore album Muscle Memory, featuring “Two Alarms,” this Friday, June 13.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Ska Orchestra Ready for World Tour

I was so sad to hear of the recent axing of the ABC’s rebooted Spicks and Specks. Sure it took a little while for Josh, Ella, and Adam to settle in to the chairs. However, I felt that the essence of the show remained that same, and for that reason it’s a shame more people didn’t tune in.

Watching the show I was delighted at so many of those quirky acts that chose to transform hits for “Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma.” The Melbourne Ska Orchestra was one of those bands that blew my mind, so I’m thrilled to see they’re moving on to bigger and better things.

The 25-piece have played shows all over Australia supporting the release of their debut album, and now they’re preparing to take it to the world. Their originals and surprising ska covers of classics like the Get Smart theme are sure to win over music lovers at high-profile events like Glastonbury and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Rest assured readers in other parts of the world, you don’t want to miss this truly original act.

26 June 2014 – The Forge, Camden, London
27 & 28 June 2014 – Glastonbury Festival
30 June & 1 & 2 July 2014 – Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal
3 July 2014 – Festival D’ete, Quebec City
4 July 2014 – Yonge, Dundas Square, Toronto
5 July 2014 – Northern Lights Festival Boreal, Ontario

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Davidson Brothers Reveal Wanderlust

Australia’s hottest bluegrass act the Davidson Brothers are preparing to unleash their seventh studio album, Wanderlust. It’s an appropriate name considering the duo’s spent the greater part of the last few years gigging around Australia, Europe, and the United States.

The album sees Hamish and Lachlan exploring their desire to travel and new sounds which build on their love of contemporary bluegrass.

To coincide with Wanderlust’s June 20 release, the Davidson Brothers are taking us behind the scenes with the short film The Making of Wanderlust.

The Davidson Brothers will celebrate the album’s release early with a launch show at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on June 19. Tickets are on sale from the venue now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Things of Stone and Wood Play “Happy Birthday Helen” with Babaganouj

Frankly I’m happy for any excuse to post “Happy Birthday Helen,” one of the most awesome songs to come out of the 90s, on this blog. So when I heard that Brisbane band Babaganouj had recorded a cover with their childhood idols and the original artists Things of Stone and Wood, it seemed as good a reason as any!

Apparently all this came about because people starting raving about the cover which formed part of Babaganouj’s set on a monthly 90s night. Things of Stone and Wood got wind of it so decided to pay the young band a visit while they were in Brisbane.

“We were thrilled to hear that not only was a bunch of groovy youngsters like Babaganouj listening to our song, they were playing it as well!” said Things of Stone and Wood frontman Greg Arnold. “It was a great start to our tour to smash out this version with a new generation of rock road warriors – thanks for having us!”

If this has made you all nostalgic, there’s two more shows on Things of Stone and Wood’s 25th anniversary tour. Check them out at The Flying Saucer Club at Caulfield RSL tomorrow night, or The Republic Bar in North Hobart on June 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Doc Neeson

I didn’t intend to touch my blog today. I’d queued up enough posts on the weekend to allow me to focus on the frantic pace of my other freelance work at the moment. But sometimes things happen that force you to reevaluate your plans and make time that you’re not sure that you have. Sometimes you just have to stop and reflect for a moment. So here I am, writing when I didn’t intend to write because Doc Neeson’s lost his battle with cancer.

Doc was diagnosed with a brain tumour 17 months ago, and he’s been fighting ever since. The end was forecast time and time again and Doc got back up. I remember marvelling at his performance at the RocKwiz Vanda and Young show over the Christmas break, which was televised earlier this year, being so impressed that he still had more fight in him. He wasn’t looking good, but he was still standing. I guess a man can only do that for so long.

And so we take a moment and remember his contributions to the music industry. He split with the Brewster Brothers in 1999, but continued to defiantly sing The Angels hits like “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” “Take a Long Line,” and “No Secrets” with his new outfit. When my American husband arrived in this country around a decade ago, he declared The Angels his favourite Aussie act. Even international artists Pearl Jam and Nirvana cited his music as major influences.

He might have been born in Northern Ireland, but he was one of us, and he will be missed. Whatever you’re doing, however busy you are I urge you to stop, take a moment, watch this video, and remember him.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Divide & Conquer Rock Out with “Superheroboy”

Sydney band Divide & Conquer show that they love to do things a little differently with their new single “Superheroboy.” It starts out like so many fun pop-punk numbers, but listen a little longer and you’ll hear its dark side. I’ve heard them described as popcore and popmosh, but you can make up your own mind.

“Superheroboy” is the lead single from Divide & Conquer’s recently released EP Long Story Short. It comes with an awesome music video which follows one man looking to solve the world’s problems by taking out one bad guy at a time.

“It was loads of fun filming ‘Superheroboy’” affirmed guitarist Lorenzo La Cava. “The organisation and process of the project was quite complex and many times we questioned our vision for the clip.”

“We came round to thinking the project was possibly too ambitious, but the end result was totally worth it” added lead vocalist Pat Thatcher.

Do you agree?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jackson McLaren Releases Long-Awaited Debut Album

I was blown away when I saw Jackson McLaren supporting Counting Crows last April. I said at the time that I was really looking forward to hearing more from this talented singer-songwriter. I waited patiently, and now he’s finally released his debut album Songs to Greet the Dawn with his band The Triple Threat.

The album includes the killer new single “Here’s a Memory,” a stirring song which celebrates living life to the fullest. Jackson McLaren & The Triple Threat will play this song and many other choice cuts from Songs to Greet the Dawn at the following shows.

4 June 2014 – The Melbourne Folk Club @ Bella Union, Melbourne
15 June 2014 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
22 June 2014 – The Exeter Hotel, Adelaide
28 June 2014 – Little Features @ Hibernian House, Sydney
29 June 2014 – Menagerie @ The Welcome Hotel, Rozelle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kait Hudson Rocks with Pulse Mavens

The punk scene is so male-dominated that I’m excited to see Kait Hudson turning the tide with her band Pulse Mavens. Don’t go thinking she’s a token female though. Her voice is angelic, but it’s got a ferocious intensity which is showcased beautifully on the Sydney band’s new single “Fight Back.”

The song also happens to be the title track of the band’s debut EP, which is available via iTunes now. But if you like what you hear, don’t just settle for listening to the digital download at home. The band’s playing a couple of shows in front of Sydney audiences in the coming weeks, and something tells me that they’ll sound even better in the flesh.

Get your skates on and see them tonight at SFX Sydney, or catch them at the Bald Faced Stag on June 22.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hands like Houses Release Amazing New Video

Anyone who’s ever tuned in to the Real Housewives of Melbourne knows there’s very little that’s real about its cashed up, perfectly manicured stars. If the creators wanted to cast real housewives, perhaps they should look to someone like the star of the new Hands like Houses video.

Sure she’s no glamourpuss, but there’s something very real about the woman who crumbles under the weight of domesticity in the “A Tale of Outer Suburbia” clip. It was filmed and directed by Joshua Aylett, who the Canberra band had on their wishlist for some time.

“He’s an amazing director that we grew up with in Canberra and someone that we knew we could create something a little outside of the box with,” explained Hands like Houses guitarist Matthew Cooper. “It’s always interesting approaching video clips with the intention of creating something unique and captivating, separate from the song though as well as complimentary. We absolutely love the final product and it’s definitely one of the coolest projects we’ve been part of.”

“A Tale of Outer Suburbia” is the latest song lifted from Hands like Houses album Unimagine. The band will celebrate its release with the following shows. Tickets are available at the door for all dates.

20 June 2014 – Bada Bing, Frankston
21 June 2014 – Bang, Melbourne
26 June 2014 – Hot Damn, Sydney
27 June 2014 – Riot! @ Enigma Bar, Adelaide
28 June 2014 – The Brightside, Brisbane
4 July 2014 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith