Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Siren Tower Tour “King River” Single

Rootsy Perth rockers The Siren Tower are hitting the road this week to support the recent release of their epic new single “King River.”

Isn’t it refreshing to hear an Australian song sung with a truly Australian voice? That accent and those rough edges give it a real honesty that’s so compelling. The Siren Tower’s frontman Grant McCulloch says the song “is about returning to familiar places to seek refuge. It’s about discovering that these places, these ports, they weary with time just as we do. They offer respite, but often their power lies in association with a memory, and sooner or later the world comes knocking.”

“King River” comes from the band’s 2012 album A History of Houses, but it still sounds fresh as a daisy. It comes with a gorgeous film clip directed by Tim Brade and pieced together by the band’s multitalented lead singer.

The Siren Tower will promote the single release, and remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place, at the following shows.

24 October 2013 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
25 October 2013 – The Espy Front Bar, Melbourne (FREE)
31 October 2013 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
1 November 2013 – The Beresford, Sydney (FREE)
2 November 2013 – Tempo, Brisbane (FREE)
9 November 2013 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beautiful Fools Tour Beautiful Single

Matt Harris, Shawn Whittaker, and Leigh Wilson might call themselves the Beautiful Fools, but there’s nothing silly about the music they make.

The strength of their early demos enticed American producer Matt Malpass, who previously worked with Train, to help them record and produce their debut self-titled EP. This recording features the lush single “Small Town,” which speaks so eloquently of wanting to escape from a frustrating situation.

“It could be a job, a relationship or for me it was the small town I lived in with no way of fulfilling what I wanted to do,” explained songwriter and frontman Matt Harris. “You know it can be done and you will get there and if you stay where you are your dreams will fade and you will end up someone you didn’t want to be.”

Beautiful Fools will launch “Small Town” this week at the following shows.

23 October 2013 – World’s End Hotel, Adelaide
24 October 2013 – Bull & Bush, Baulkham Hills
25 October 2013 – Music Makers Club @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forever the Optimist Tour “Revolutions”

Brisbane rock act Forever the Optimist will take their new single “Revolutions” to the masses next month, following plenty of local and American radio love.

It’s easy to see why radio stations at home and in the States are digging this track. I appreciate that the band built it beautifully rather than going for the jugular from the outset. It’s dark and moody and oh-so satisfying.

Forever the Optimist will be joined on their local dates by a who’s who of local alt-rock and prog acts including Sydonia, Engine, Shinobi, Self is a Seed, and a very special guest for their Brisbane show which the band is keeping under its collective hat. Here are all the places you can see this emerging rock force this November.

1 November 2013 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
9 November 2013 – River Rock Festival, Toogoolawah
16 November 2013 – John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
17 November 2013 – Espy Showdown @ Gershwin Room, Melbourne
21 November 2013 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
23 November 2013 – Spectrum, Sydney
29 November 2013 – Southern Cross Tavern, Coolangatta
30 November 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Louis London Serves Up New Single

Sydney five-piece Louis London offers us a sneak peek at their forthcoming sophomore EP with the release of their new single “This Night Time”.

Who would have thought a humble band holiday to a tiny fly-fishing shack in Jindabyne would result in such a lush, epic track? It’s such a solid song that soars with searing vocals from lead singer Ed Saloman. The video, which sees Ed embarking on a cross-country odyssey, is a fitting accompaniment for this beautiful track.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carmichael Does Lady Gaga

Carmichael continues to push the envelope with this very cool new video. In it he puts his own spin on Lady Gaga’s latest single “Applause”. Of course, Carmichael’s far too creative to perform just a simple cover. He mashes the song with his own original “Girl”, and adds a bit of Bowie and Andy Warhol for good measure. It’s so unique, and it sounds fabulous!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rising Country Star Ashleigh Dallas Readies Debut Album

As a Tamworth native and the granddaughter of country music legend Rex Dallas, a career in country music was always on the cards for Ashleigh Dallas. She began playing the fiddle at the tender age of six and is now an accomplished musician, playing fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and banjo.

She’s been on a fixture on the country music for some time, honing her craft playing the fiddle in Kasey Chambers’ band and supporting artists like Shane Nicholson and Troy Cassar-Daley. She’s channelled that experience into the creation of her debut album Dancing with a Ghost, which hits stores tomorrow. It features the fun fiddle-driven single “Me”.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Middleton Goes Solo

Bernard Fanning isn’t the only former member of Powderfinger eying solo success. Darren Middleton’s also having a crack with his new single “Let Go”.

I really love this track. It’s deceptively simple, with heartfelt delivery and an awesome philosophy. It’s clear that the time Darren’s taken to release his first solo number was well spent.

“It has been two and half years now since we parted ways and the final chords rang
out as our Powderfinger tour concluded,” Darren explained. 
”Initially I intended to get straight back on
the horse to write, record and perform … all
 the things I have loved so much over the 
years, but it wasn’t to be that way for quite 
some time. I knew that I loved writing and
 making music, I just didn’t feel it straight 
away … I didn’t feel I had anything to write
 about. As time moved on, I found myself
 dealing with a lot of emotions I hadn’t 
planned on and there were some bumpy
 seas for myself and those close to me.
 From that though, arose Translations, my 
first solo album.”

Translations is scheduled to hit stores on November 1. If this song’s any indication, it’s going to be pretty special.

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

Lester the Fierce Offers Delicious Taste of Self-Titled EP

Melbourne alt-pop artist Lester the Fierce serves up a serious slice of girl power with “Howl”, the first single lifted from her self-titled EP.

There’s such feminine strength in this number, which is anchored by such relatable lyrics. I’m sure most women out there will understand this song which tells of Lester the Fierce’s refusal to go quietly, despite the people around her hoping for a sweeter, calmer version of femininity.

“It’s about my family and the boy I love,” she explained. “It’s about the frustration you sometimes feel at the people closest to you.”

The song is complemented beautifully be the abstract film clip crafted by Melbourne’s Superteam Studios and Yoav Lester.

Lester the Fierce’s EP drops on September 13, but she’ll start promoting it tomorrow when she hits the road with Ngaiire. With two such strong female voices on the one bill, this tour should be something really special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordan Rakei Knocks My Socks Off with “My Time”

I’m sitting here with goosebumps after listening to Jordan Rakei’s debut single “My Time” for the first time.

This track is seriously good. This boy plays the keys like nobody’s business, and his voice is smooth as silk. He’s got such a cool vibe. There’s an assurance to his sound that comes from being confident in doing your own thing. This song sounds like nothing I’ve heard, yet its off-kilter melody and new-style crooner charm are instantly accessible.

There’s more where this came from too. “My Time” is the first song lifted from Jordan’s debut EP Franklin’s Room. I’m definitely looking forward to listening to more. If you are too, you can see Jordan launching the single in Brisbane or supporting American singer-songwriter Raul Midon on his Aussie tour.

27 September 2013 – The Joynt, Brisbane
21 November 2013 – The Corner Hotel,  Richmond (supporting Raul Midon)
22 November 2013 – Blue Beat Live Club, Double Bay (supporting Raul Midon)