Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Local Songstresses Unite for I Touch Myself Project

Chrissy Amphlett’s dying wish was that her sexy song “I Touch Myself” would become an anthem for breast cancer awareness. Now it’s happened thanks to some of Australia’s best female vocalists. Sarah McLeod, Deborah Conway, Megan Washington, Olivia Newton-John, Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Sarah Blasko, Suze DeMarchi, Little Pattie, and Connie Mitchell have all stripped down, physically and musically, for a touching rendition of the song.

It’s all part of the I Touch Myself Project, an initiative which encourages people to share how they’ve been touched by breast cancer using the hashtags #itouchmyselfproject or #itouchmyselfie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Google Plus. You can get involved on the inaugural I Touch Myself Day on April 21, the first anniversary of Chrissy’s tragic passing. Of course the video also reminds us to get in touch with our breasts to detect cancer early.

The video is available for purchase from iTunes and Google Play, with all proceeds benefiting the Cancer Council.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sheppard & INXS Both at Number One

You could have bowled me over with a feather when I saw that Sheppard were sitting at the top of the ARIA singles chart this week. It’s not that the song isn’t stellar, but Australia doesn’t have the best record of supporting local singles. We’re an albums nation, while the singles chart is generally dominated by international fare of the urban variety. It’s even rarer to see an independent local act on the top of the charts. And then consider how unstoppable Pharrell Williams seemed to be and you’ll start to appreciate the enormity of “Geronimo’s” meteoric rise.

“It’s like a dream,” said singer George Sheppard. “You secretly think about having a number one record when you’re in your bedroom writing songs, but you never really believe that it could come true. To have the public embrace us like they have is just such a special feeling and being able to share the success with my siblings and mates just makes it all the sweeter.”

Sheppard’s feat ensures that Aussies are dominating the charts this week. Over on the albums charts we’ve got INXS continuing their reign with “The Very Best,” which notches up its seventh week at number one.

They’re the big guns, but we’ve got plenty of other Aussies threatening to steal their thunder. Last week, Sia had her first every top ten appearance as a solo act with “Chandelier.” Now she’s achieved her first ever top five finish. The song sits at number four this week after jumping six positions.

“High,” by Peking Duk featuring Nicole Millar has also jumped into the top five this week. This betters last week’s position by a couple of spots.
5 Seconds of Summer look to be on the way out with “She Looks So Perfect.” It’s at number seven this week after tumbling three spots. Still, a top ten finish seven weeks after its release is nothing to sneeze at.

Meanwhile on the albums charts, INXS very nearly lost their top spot to Ball Park Music. The Brisbane band’s third album Puddinghead debuted at number two, which is their highest peak on the local charts.

Dan Sultan’s also debuted well at number four with his album Blackbird. It’s amazing to note that with his third release he’s actually achieved his first ever appearance in the ARIA top 50.

The John Butler Trio round out the top 10 with their latest album Flesh & Blood holding steady at number 10.

Click below for more information about this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Sheppard & INXS Both at Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Hookey Impresses with “Man on Fire”

If the lead single “Man on Fire” is any indication, Harry Hookey’s debut album Misdiagnosed is going to be one of 2014’s best releases.

Harry recorded the album with the help of his friend and mentor Nash Chambers at Foggy Mountain Studios. He originally intended to just cut a few demos, but when it started to come together so effortlessly an album seemed like the only option. There’s definitely an ease and self-assurity about “Man on Fire.” It sits somewhere on the country-rock spectrum, but there’s also a soul to it that should draw in people that swear they aren’t country fans.

If you love it, you’ll be happy to hear that Misdiagnosed hits stores on April 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Things of Stone and Wood Reform for “Happy Birthday Helen” Anniversary

Can you believe it’s been 25 years since Things of Stone and Wood zoomed into the top 10 with their breakthrough single “Happy Birthday Helen”? It’s enough to make a blogger feel old, and probably the band members too!

If Things of Stone and Wood are feeling a little long in the tooth, they’re determined not to let it show. They’re actually using the anniversary as a great excuse to get back together for the first since 1997 for a limited run of shows. If you’ve missed this national treasure, make sure you head out and enjoy the nostalgia in the air at the following shows.

9 May 2014 – The Powerhouse Visy Theatre, Brisbane
10 May 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 May 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
24 May 2014 – The Northcote Social Club
25 May 2014 – The Northcote Social Club (matinee)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eleanor Dunlop Ready to Release EP

Sydney-based songstress Eleanor Dunlop is preparing to unleash her brand new self-titled EP.

The recording will feature the track “Disguise,” which was released last October, and the brand new single “Rough Side of Town.” Its name might have a real edge, but Eleanor’s angelic vocals are all sweetness and light on this dreamy song. Listen to the lyrics though and you’ll hear real power in this song about being true to yourself and fighting for what you deserve.

The Eleanor Dunlop EP gets a digital release tomorrow, April 11. She’ll give fans a week to live with it before she launches it at Sydney’s Brighton Up Bar on April 17.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leah Flanagan Wows Me with “Everything”

Leah Flanagan’s one of those awesome performers who’s been plugging away in the background for years without ever really breaking through.

She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2008 Deadly Awards, but she’s not a household name like other nominees Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan. She’s performed on stage with the likes of John Cale, Ricki-Lee Jones, Sinead O’Connor, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Gurrumul. Her songs have appeared in ABC TV shows like “Dirt Games” and “The Gods of Wheat Street.”

If there’s ever song that should propel Leah into the spotlight, it’s her new single “Everything.” It’s so simple and tender, poetic and romantic. There aren’t bells and whistles about it, but it’s anchored by a whole lot of heart. Do you love it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Go DIY

With their homecoming tour just around the corner, The Jezabels have decided to release their first ever DIY film clip to promote their new single “Angels of Fire.” The music video was filmed in and around London by their talented photographer friend.

“Our friend Jo is a photographer so we enlisted her to be our DOP. She had some really nice touches which helped. Filming London isn’t that difficult either though,” said the band’s lead guitarist, Samuel Lockwood said. ”The song is partly about time and ageing, and what city could better convey that sort of thing.”

The “Angels of Fire” video is available exclusively online. Enjoy!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gossling and Vance Joy Unite for Double-Header Tour

Two of the hottest names in Aussie music, Gossling and Vance Joy, are teaming up for one big tour this autumn.

Gossling has been busy wowing crowds in the United Kingdom and United States this month, but she’s ready to return to Oz to promote her latest single “Harvest Gold.” As a special bonus for fans, they can buy a limited edition 7” gold vinyl version of the single, which includes the B-Side “Never Expire (Oliver Tank Remix), exclusively at the gigs. There’s another reason to get to the merch desk too. Gossling will sell her very special Glossling, a shimmery lip gloss created by Gossling and Melbourne cosmetics label Shanghai Suzy.

As far as I know Vance Joy doesn’t have any fabulous merchandise, but he does have that “Riptide” song which should be enough to get people through the door. See him and Gossling at the following shows through April and May.

24 April 2014 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
6 May 2014 – The Hi Fi, Brisbane (18+)
8 May 2014 – The Bakery, Perth (18+)
15 & 16 May 2014 – The Metro, Sydney
22 & 23 May 2014 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne (18+)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harmony Tours Carpetboming

With their sophomore album Carpetboming sitting pretty in stores, Melbourne sextet Harmony are preparing to play some of Australia’s best pubs and clubs.

I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to make of the lead single “Water Runs Cold” at first. But slowly but surely, I got it. What initially seemed like a bit of a novelty song suddenly made so much sense. The raw lead vocals matched with angelic harmonies are flawless. It’s a great indication of what music lovers can expect from the album which has already earned plenty of critical acclaim. Carpetboming became PBS Radio’s feature album, and FBi Radio’s album of the week. Blunt Magazine also gave it a perfect five-star rating.

Harmony wowed fans when they supported The Drones last year. See them step into the spotlight and earn their rightful place as headliners at the following shows.

3 April 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
4 April 2014 – GoodGod Small Club, Sydney
5 April 2014 – The Phoenix, Canberra
12 April 2014 – The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
26 April 2014 – Howler, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Supergroup Holidays on Ice Back with The Luxury of Wasted Space

Angie Hart from Frente!, Dean Manning from Leonardo’s Bride, and Stella Mozgawa from Warpaint are back with a brand new Holidays on Ice album. This Aussie supergroup will release The Luxury of Wasted Space on March 31.

The album’s title cheekily references the modern aversion to emptiness, and if the lead single’s anything to go by it’s fitting. The song is very subtle and minimalist, but Angie’s heavenly vocals and their collective musical sensibility shines through. It’s definitely a slow burner, but patient listeners will be rewarded. I also love that, like the album’s other songs, it was recorded in a living room to eight track reel to reel. How old school!

The video for new single “Broken” also shuns modern animation techniques for a more traditional approach. Dean actually made all the puppets in the clip from clay and wood. He even sewed their clothes and made the sets, then painstakingly put the clip together frame by frame.

Holidays on Ice will celebrate the release of The Luxury of Wasted Space with a national tour through April.

18 April 2014 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
20 April 2014 – Open Studio, Northcote
25 April 2014 – Glebe Café Church Hall, Glebe
27 April 2014 – Dowse Bar, Paddington