Hey Geronimo Release Awesome “Dreamboat Jack” Video

They might not have Sam Mendes’ budget, but the lads from Brisbane band Hey Geronimo have managed to stage a Skyfall-worthy chase sequence in the music video for their latest single “Dreamboat Jack.” Who knew watching the antics of some stuffed animals could be so much fun?

The video release is well timed as Hey Geronimo have just been announced as the support act for the President of the USA’s Aussie shows in 2013. That’s a match made in musical heaven if you ask me! If you can’t wait that long though, you can see Hey Geronimo at the following summer gigs.

22 December 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
28 December 2012 – The Beresford Hotel, Sydney
29 December 2012 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle
31 December 2012 – Peats Ridge Festival, Glenworth Valley

Tokyo Denmark Sweden Win Me Over

What a difference the right song makes. When I first heard from Tokyo Denmark Sweden, I dismissed them pretty quickly. I just couldn’t connect to their last single “Lights Off” at all. But they’ve won me over with their newie “When it Breaks.”

This is a dreamy melodic gem, with the right amount of retro charm. It’s perfect for this warm weather we’ve all been enjoying. I’m not sure a song’s made me do such a dramatic 180!

Tokyo Denmark Sweden will support the release of “When it Breaks” with a tour of the East Coast, which kicks off their hometown of Sydney tomorrow.

7 December 2012 – Mum @ The World Bar, Sydney
13 December 2012 – Lambda Lambda Lambda @ Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
31 December 2012 – Peats Ridge Festival, Peats Ridge
11 January 2012 – Beresford Hotel, Sydney (FREE)
1 February 2012 – The Espy, Melbourne

Fans Help Eskimo Joe Make New Album

Eskimo Joe have enjoyed the support of major labels in recent years, but they’ve decided to do things a little differently for album number six. Rather than working with a record company, the Perth band decided to let fans fund the new record through Pozible.

Fans have been quick to embrace the initiative, pledging $54, 600 at last count, far exceeding the $40, 000 Eskimo Joe hoped to raise. With the fundraising drive running until February, they might even end up doubling their target.

Contributors will have the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with helping to support local talent, as well as a few extra perks. Depending on how much they give, people who pledge can earn bonuses like advance copies of the new single and even a barbeque with the band members.

If you’re feeling skint you can still join in on the fun. Eskimo Joe will engage with their fans through social media during the writing and recording process.

“We feel that involving all our supporters like this brings a real responsibility to us to make a fucking awesome record and to also make them feel a real part of it,” the band said in an official statement. “This feels like a new creative beginning for us.”

I must admit to feeling Eskimo Joe’s album was a little lacklustre. I really hope this new direction brings them the inspiration they need to create another Aussie classic!

Sons of Rico Release Great New Music Video

Hat’s off to Sons of Rico, who’ve created one of the funniest film clips I’ve seen in some time for their latest single “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing.” In it we see a couple of young yuppies searching for their dream home, only to stumble across a house inspection with a difference. A few drinks and a raucous karaoke session help these fairly stiff lovebirds loosen up!

Full Tote Odds Go Retro

Full Tote Odds step back in time with the video for “Adrenaline,” the latest single from their debut album Place Your Bets.

The Adelaide outfit are proud of their hip hop sound, but they’ve given it a soulful edge with this fun film clip. With its irresistible vocal hook and persistent guitar line, it wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a real 60s variety show!

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out the rest of Place Your Bets which is in stores now.

Gotye Dominates 2012 ARIA Awards

Gotye showed he’s the current king of Australian music after taking home four of the silver pointy things at last night’s ARIA Awards.

The Melbourne singer-songwriter was recognised as the best male artist and best Australian live act. His album Making Mirrors was also named the year’s best album and the best pop release. He took the opportunity to pay tribute to the album format, which so many naysayers insist is dying, as well as the work of local musicians.

The other awards were spread out amongst the talented crowd. Gotye’s mate Kimbra won her second consecutive female artist of the year while The Temper Trap were named the best band and their self-titled album dubbed the best rock album. Matt Corby’s “Brother” was deservedly given the song of the year title.

The ceremony had its fair share of international talent, but the musical highlight arguably came from new hall of fame inductees Yothu Yindi. They were joined by Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, Paul Kelly, and Andrew Farris for a rousing rendition of their smash hit “Treaty.”

And in case you missed the telecast, here are all the winners!

Album of the Year: Gotye – Making Mirrors
Best Male Artist: Gotye – Making Mirrors
Best Female Artist: Kimbra – Vows
Best Group: The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap
Breakthrough Artist: 360 – Falling & Flying
Best Independent Release: The Jezabels – Prisoner
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Missy Higgins – The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle
Best Blues & Roots Album: Jeff Lang – Carried In Mind
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: DZ Deathrays – Bloodstreams
Best Pop Release: Gotye – Making Mirrors
Best Rock Album: The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap
Best Urban Album: Hilltop Hoods – Drinking From The Sun
Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles – Surfer Jeff
Best Comedy Release: Buddy Goode – Unappropriate
Best Country Album: The McClymonts – Two Worlds Collide
Best Dance Release: Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay – In My Mind
ARIA Song of the Year: Matt Corby – “Brother”
Best International Artist: One Direction
Best Australian Live Act: Gotye
Best Video: Natasha Pincus- Missy Higgins – “Everyone’s Waiting”
Best Classical Album: William Barton – Kalkadungu
Best Jazz Album: Sarah McKenzie – Close Your Eyes
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album: triple j – Straight To You: triple j’s Tribute To Nick Cave
Best World Music Album: Joseph Tawadros – Concerts of the Greater Sea
Best Cover Art: Frank De Backer (Artwork & Handwriting) & Wally De Backer– Making Mirrors
Producer of the Year: Styalz Fuego – 360, Falling & Flying

Cordrazine Announce Rare Melbourne Show

Cordrazine fans have never had it easy. The band’s debut album shot its way into the top ten back in 1997, around the same time the group disbanded.

A little more than a decade later, frontman Hamish Cowan found a new crew and released the band’s long awaited follow-up Always Coming Down. They played three shows to support the release, and then Hamish went AWOL.

You can hardly blame the guy. After suffering an accident at work and the breakdown of his marriage, he escaped to Europe. He worked as a lifeguard at a Bulgarian summer camp, became passionate about running triathlons, and found a new home in Edinburgh.

It seems the hiatus has done Hamish some good, because he’s returning home for one very special show at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on December 20. This is the first gig Cordrazine have played in two years, so it’s a must-attend for fans. The band has also just released the video for the album’s title track that they shot way back in February of last year. It’s a timely reminder of just how talented this band is.

Texture Like Sun’s Moving Music Video

It might be a second single, but “One Great Prize” is the strongest track I’ve heard from Texture Like Sun’s self-titled EP. While I enjoyed “Bottle,” there’s such a beautiful melancholy feel to this new cut.

I must admit, I might be feeling swayed by the film clip. This black and white video is so simple, but incredibly moving. I was mesmerised by it.

Texture Like Sun’s debut EP is out now.

Northmost Making Homegrown Music

Northmost are a band doing it their way. The housemates from the New South Wales North Coast recorded their debut single “One More” in their own home studio, and shot the video in their backyard.

Understandably without the backing of a big production house, things are a little rough around the edges. However Northmost show a real pop-rock sensibility that’s infectious. According to their YouTube page they “have a lot more music coming soon,” so watch this space!

Esther Holt Goes Solo

Esther Holt has stepped from the ashes of her former band Snowy Belfast to release her debut solo effort Countless Verse. This is the title track of that EP, a bittersweet folk ditty about dealing with the aftermath of a painful breakup.

I love the way the piano underpins this song and another of the EP’s tracks, “Testify.” She shows her lighter pop side with “Rock Me Through the Night” and “What You Know.” Esther’s angelic vocals and searing lyrics pack a real punch.

See Esther Holt when she launches her Countless Verse EP at Melbourne’s Ding Dong Lounge on December 15.