Teddy Stars in Cute Khancoban Clip

It seems like a few musical acts are embracing their inner children of late. After enjoying Bob Evans and Kirsty Akers’ puppet filled music video yesterday, I’ve discovered this toy-filled one from Khancoban.

The clip for “Cause and Chaos” sees a dejected teddy bear with some serious skateboarding skills attempting to become the band’s new synth player. Will his lack of opposable thumbs be a barrier? You’ll have to watch to find out!

The charming clip and equally gorgeous song come from Arches Over the Sun, the Melbourne quintet’s second album which hits stores next Friday. To celebrate the release Khancoban will play a launch show in Brisbane before getting around to some of the other states.

12 August 2011 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
13 & 14 August 2011 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
18 August 2011 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
26 August 2011 – Petersham Bowls Club, Sydney
27 August 2011 – The Front, Canberra
3 September 2011 – Grace Emily, Adelaide

Bob Evans & Kirsty Akers Puppets Star in “In Spite of Ourselves” Video

Give me puppets in a music video and I’m a happy girl. Add in some great musical talents and so much the better. So predictably I’m going wild for “In Spite of Ourselves,” the recent collaboration by Bob Evans and Kirsty Akers.

The song’s going great guns on the AirIt chart, hitting number one despite strong challenges from Seeker Lover Keeper and Josh Pyke. It’s the first tune to be lifted from Kirsty’s recently released album, Naked.

If you like what you hear you can catch Kirsty playing shows with America’s Jace Everett later this month. I can’t promise she’ll bring the puppet, but you can see her at the following venues.

18 August 2011 – The Basement, Sydney
19 August 2011 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
20 August 2011 – Hotel Gearin, Katoomba
21 August 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
23 August 2011 – Hallam Hotel, Melbourne
24 August 2011 – Lizottes, Newcastle
25 August 2011 – Lizottes, Central Coast
26 August 2011 – Gympie Muster, Gympie

Stars Cover “The Ship Song” at Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House has assembled some of Australia’s most influential musical talents (and one Canadian ring-in) for The Ship Song Project, an epic cover version of one of Nick Cave’s best loved songs.

If you want stars, this video’s got them. Neil Finn, Kev Carmody, Angus & Julia Stone, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, The Temper Trap, Daniel Johns, Martha Wainwright and heaps more lend their vocal stylings to this amazing clip, which is filmed against the dynamic background of the Opera House.

As marketing campaigns go, they don’t get more effective than this. I’d love to see a cleverly cut version of it on our television screens. It might just convince the naysayers that the Opera House isn’t as stuffy as they believe.

New Jordie Lane Music Video for “Not From Round Here”

This was all set to be a busy gig weekend for me. I caught Bachelor Girl last night at Lizotte’s, and tonight I was supposed to head back there to see Jordie Lane. Sadly though that gig has been cancelled at the last minute, so instead I’ve got a date with homemade lasagna and Masterchef. A Sunday shouldn’t be entirely devoid of Jordie though, so instead I figured I’d show you his new music video for “Not From Round Here.”

It was shot by up-and-coming filmmaker Darius Devas around New South Wales’ Byron Shire, and it really suits this gentle, rambling song perfectly. This is perfect Sunday music, don’t you think? It’s a shame I’m not experiencing it in the flesh tonight, but it’s probably the next best thing!

Gurrumul Releases “Gopuru”

Gurrumul Yunupingu has released “Gopuru,” the first single from his gold-selling sophomore album Rrakala.

Listening to a song like this just really brings home the power of music. I received a press release detailing what the song was about, but I almost felt like I didn’t need to read it. I usually focus on lyrics and rely on them to get to the heart of a song, but Gurrumul’s music transcends all that.

If you must know, this song describes the rhythms of a totemic fish as it makes its way through the sea. It feels a lot bigger than that simple explanation though, doesn’t it?

If you’re moved by Gurrumul’s music remember that he’ll embark on his first national tour next month. Tickets are selling fast though – they’ve even had to announce a second Sydney show – so I wouldn’t wait too long to get yours.

24 August 2011 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
26 August 2011 – Riverside Theatre Perth Convention Centre, Perth
29 & 30 August 2011 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
1 September 2011 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
3 September 2011 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
5 September 2011 – Royal Theatre @ Canberra Convention Centre, Canberra
7 September 2011 – The Palais, St Kilda

Stonefield Finally Tour Australia

A good eight months have gone by since Stonefield turned my head with their rocking debut single “Through the Clover.” I waited for these young Aussie sisters to blow up, and waited, and waited. Patience is a virtue, as they say though, and it seems all that waiting is finally about to pay off.

After spending rocking Glastonbury, the girls are back with a brand new single “Black Water Rising” and a national tour in the works. It’s also been announced that after these shows wrap up they’ll warm up the stage for the legendary Cold Chisel.

It’s taken some time, but Stonefield are bound to hit those dizzy heights I predicted. If you want to see them before everyone else catches on make sure you head to one of the following shows.

25 August 2011 – Fowlers, Adelaide
26 August 2011 – The Villa ‘Speakeasy’ Perth
28 August 2011 – Hyperfest, Perth (All ages)
1 September 2011 – The Bended Elbow, Geelong
2 September 2011 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
3 September 2011 – The Karova Lounge, Ballarat
9 September 2011 – New York Hotel, Launceston
10 September 2011 – Republic Bar, Hobart
10 September 2011 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart (Underage event)
15 September 2011 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
16 September 2011 – Food & Wine Festival, Toowoomba
17 September 2011 – Powerhouse, Brisbane (All ages)
17 September 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
22 September 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
23 September 2011 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

Little Scout’s Beautiful Ballet Clip

After stealing my heart last month with “We Are Walking Out,” Brisbane’s Little Scout have released a film clip to accompany the single, and announced a string of East Coast shows.

This beautiful ballet-themed clip is the perfect accompaniment to this lush, uplifting single. And what a relief to see a dance-focused piece of art that’s nothing like Black Swan!

Little Scout’s upcoming gigs will support the release of their debut album Take Your Light, which hits stores on August 5. If this song worms its way into your heart as it’s done mine you won’t want to miss these concerts. Tickets are available from the venues and usual outlets.

26 August 2011 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
27 August 2011 – The Spotted Cow Hotel, Toowoomba
2 September 2011 – Workers Club, Fitzroy
10 September 2011 – Notes Live, Sydney

Barry Southgate Charms with “Summer Night”

Fresh from his Australian tour supporting Brian McKnight, Barry Southgate has revealed another track from his forthcoming EP Epitome. “Summer Night” shows a more romantic side of Barry than his playful first single “Don’t You Think,” and I’m predicting the ladies are going to lap it up. And as a bonus, this video has accompanying lyrics so you can sing along, karaoke style!

San Cisco’s Sexy New Video

Perth’s San Cisco definitely knows what it takes to get people tuning in to their music videos. Hot girls in lingerie will do it every time, at least for a good percentage of the population! Happily their new single “Girls Do Cry” is pretty listenable as well. If you like jangly upbeat pop-rock and/or girls wearing next to nothing, this clip is definitely worth a look!

Miami Horror Do “Sometimes” in San Fran

Miami Horror have been performing some killer shows in the United States, and this video is the proof! It shows the electro dance darlings wowing the crowd at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge with “Sometimes.”

That early support will no doubt serve Miami Horror well when they relocate to the sunny shores of Los Angeles later this year. We’ll get a chance to say goodbye on the band’s Summersun tour, which kicks off in Ballarat next Wednesday. Tickets are still available, but I’d get in quick if you want to be there!

29 June 2011 – The Karova Lounge, Ballarat
30 June 2011 – Runaway Tavern, Runaway Bay
1 July 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
7 July 2011 – Villa, Perth
8 July 2011 – The Gov, Adelaide
9 July 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
14 July 2011 – The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
16 July 2011 – Metro, Sydney