Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeremy Neale Visiting Record Stores for Album Release

With the release of his debut solo album Getting The Team Back Together imminent, former Velociraptor frontman Jeremy Neale has announced instore appearances in the East Coast capitals.

The album features the fun single “Dancin’ & Romancin’” and plenty more quirky, energetic power pop tunes. The tunes are great fun, but hone in on the lyrics and you’ll hear some life lessons about love, growth, doubt, and the pursuit of happiness.

Getting The Team Back Together is released on November 3, the same day these instores kick off!

3 November 2017 – Jet Black Cat Music, Brisbane
5 November 2017 – Oh Jean Records, Melbourne
9 November 2017 – Red Eye Records, Sydney

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Sharing Stories From New Book on Upcoming Tour

My poor credit card isn’t thanking me, but I seem to be buying concert tickets like they’re going out of style this week. Monday already saw me participating in presales for Red Hot Summer at Cockatoo Island and New Power Generation at the Enmore, and I’ve just bought tickets for Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories & Songs national tour at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. Thank god I don’t have kids because I’m far too busy to manage anything but seeing shows!

Anyway, with the regular sale still a few days away I thought it was best I clue the rest of you in to what’s sure to be an awesome tour. I caught Jimmy on his Working Class Boy tour last year, and this is even half as good it’s going to be phenomenal. Like the previous tour, Jimmy will share stories of his life and songs the songs that shaped him and his career.

To commemorate his upcoming book release and tour, Jimmy will also rerelease a commemorative edition of For the Working Class Man tomorrow. The album comes bundled with a DVD recorded in 1984 at the Playroom in Queensland. Get it on October 20 and your copy of the Working Class Man book and your concert tickets on October 23.

15 & 16 March 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
17 March 2018 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
21 March 2018 – Devonport Entertainment Centre, Devonport
22 & 23 March 2018 – Country Club Showroom, Launceston
24 March 2018 – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre, Hobart
5 April 2018 – Parklands Resort & Conference Centre, Mudgee
6 April 2018 – Civic Centre, Newcastle
7 April 2018 – Bathurst Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
12 April 2018 – Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane
13 April 2018 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
14 April 2018 – The Star Theatre, Gold Coast
18 April 2018 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
19 April 2018 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth
21 April 2018 – Keith Mitchell Theatre, Port Pirie
22 April 2018 Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
26 April 2018 Frankston Arts Centre Theatre, Frankston
27 April 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
28 April 2018 – The Palais Theatre, St Kilda
29 April 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
3 May 2018 – Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney
8 May 2018 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
10 May 2018 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
11 May 2018 – Spark Arena, Auckland
12 May 2018 – Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
20 May 2018 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
22 & 23 May 2018 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns
25 May 2018 – Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, Townsville
26 May 2018 – Plenary Halls, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay
27 May 2018 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
29 May 2018 – Caloundra Events Centre, Caloundra
30 May 2018 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jess Cornelius Floors Me With “Love and Low Self Esteem”

Melbourne-based muso Jess Cornelius lays her heart bare with her powerful new single “Love and Low Self Esteem.” I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who couldn’t relate to this tragic song about love for the wrong person.

“Love and Low Self Esteem” comes from Jess Cornelius’s debut solo EP Nothing is Lost, out October 27. The Teeth and Tongue frontwoman is currently keeping Paul Kelly company on his US tour. So if you’re attending one of the following shows, make sure you arrive early enough for her set. She’ll return to Oz for some shows in November.

18 October 2017 – The Crocodile, Seattle
20 October 2017 – Slim’s, San Francisco
22 October 2017 – The Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles
23 November 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
24 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Palmary

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Highlight Mental Health Issues With “Finger Painting”

Last week Saskwatch released “Finger Painting” through headspace.org.au to coincide with Mental Health Week. I think initiatives like Mental Health Week and R U OK? Day are important for starting the conversation, but I also think it’s vital that we don’t just wait for a special day or week to talk about mental health issues. Because as anyone who’s struggled with them knows, managing the symptoms can be a year round battle.

So while Mental Health Week has passed, I think it’s still important to get this song out there. It details band member Liam McGorry’s own struggles with anxiety and depression.

“With Finger Painting, I wanted to contrast the anxious lyric with the happiness of the music… a bit like how a lot of the time we feel like we have to put up a facade of everything being okay…” he explained.

“Finger Painting” comes from Saskwatch’s fourth studio album Manual Override. They’re currently touring the album all over the country. Here’s where you can still catch them play. Seeing live music can be great therapy in my personal experience, but remember if you’re struggling that professional help is also available. Visiting the Headspace website is a great place to start.

21 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
26 October 2017 – Strawberry Boogie, Wollongong
27 October 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 October 2017 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 October 2017 – Long Jetty Hotel, Long Jetty
2 November 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
3 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane
4 November 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
18 November 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

With Confidence Break Hearts With “Waterfall”

Sydney’s With Confidence know how to pump out a big punk-rock belter, but I think I like them best when they’re showing a softer side. They won me over with “Long Night” earlier this year, and now I’m just as taken by their latest single “Waterfall.” The verses are delicate while the chorus is heartbreakingly epic, a desperate plea for lost love.

“Our video for ‘Waterfall’ is an exploration of technology’s effect on the modern relationship,” vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley stated. “We live in a world where instant-gratification has devalued honest human interaction. This video is a look into a likely future where we find ourselves more distanced than ever.”

“Waterfall” comes from With Confidence’s most recent album Better Weather, which is available through iTunes, Spotify, and With Confidence’s online store. The band is currently wowing U.S. crowds supporting Knuckle Puck. Catch them at the following venues.

17 October 2017 – Neumos, Seattle
18 October 2017 – Hawthorne, Portland
20 October 2017 – 924 Gilman, Berkeley
21 October 2017 – Glasshouse, Pomona
22 October 2017 – Teragram, Los Angeles
23 October 2017 – The Irenic, San Diego
24 October 2017 – The Nile, Mesa
26 October 2017 – RBC, Dallas
27 October 2017 – Come and Tak It, Austin
28 October 2017 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2017 – Rocketown, Nashville
31 October 2017 – Masquerade, Atlanta
1 November 2017 – The Social, Orlando
2 November 2017 – Kelsey Theater, Lake Park
3 November 2017 – Crowbar, Tampa
4 November 2017 – Cats Cradle, Carrboro
5 November 2017 – Canal Club, Richmond
7 November 2017 – Soundstage, Baltimore
8 November 2017 – The TLA, Philadelphia
9 November 2017 – House of Independence, Asbury Park
10 November 2017 – Irving Plaza, New York City
11 November 2017 – The Ballroom, Hamden
12 November 2017 – Paradise, Boston
14 November 2017 – Mr. Smalls, Pittsburgh
15 November 2017 – Opera House, Toronto
16 November 2017 – Waiting Room, Buffalo
17 November 2017 – Agora Ballroom, Cleveland
18 November 2017 – St. Andrews, Detroit
19 November 2017 – Skullys, Columbus

Image used with permission from Hopeless Records/copyright Brendan Lung

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dancing With Mannequins” – Ra Ra Ruby

Pottsville Beach on New South Wales’ Far North Coast isn’t exactly a place the rest of the nation thinks of as a hive of musical talent, but it has birthed at least one Aussie act worth noticing: Ra Ra Ruby. The trio has just released its first EP Dancing With Mannequins, a collection of four songs that hint at their talent.

The opening track “She” bursts out of the gates with a flurry, instantly putting listeners on side. The follow-up “Undress” is such a sexy number, with its throbbing bass and provocative lyrics. “I Need a Woman” is another rock masterclass, the kind of song that sounds great on a record but is likely to be even better in the live arena. And then there’s “Pam,” which has a playful vibe reminiscent of The Kooks or The Wombats. It’s a great way to end this EP which with just four tracks is over way too soon.

Dancing With Mannequins is such great fun. Each number is bursting with energy, filled with frantic driving drums and singalong choruses. It all sounds a little raw, with the instruments perhaps turned up a little high for the vocals, but there’s something endearing about the imperfections. Hopefully we hear a lot more music from this promising local three-piece.

Dancing With Mannequins is out now.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Local Musos and DJs Turning Out for Taste of Melbourne

You probably know Taste of Melbourne is a celebration of amazing food, but you might not realise it also showcases some awesome music.

On November 30, DJ Miss Goldie will spin tunes as part of Taste’s 10th Birthday Bash. Then on December 1 and 2, funky duo GL and hometown hero Fraser A. Gorman will entertain the crowds at the first After Dark Party. Enjoy the music as you sample your welcome cocktail from Archie Rose as well as an array of top wines and beers.

While the evening’s entertainment is top notch, crowds at Taste will also enjoy some great tunes from local DJs Mike Gurrea, Sammy The Bullet, Horne Dogg, and popular PBS Radio hosts Vince Peach, Rick Howe and Richie 1250.

“Melbourne is as famous for its great gigs and DJs as much as its cutting-edge restaurants and chefs. I’m so excited to have some of the city’s best live acts on board to keep the tunes pumping well after the exclusive daily masterclasses and gourmet picnics wrap up,” explained Taste Festival Australia director Kristy Austin.

Taste of Melbourne runs from November 30 to December 3 at Yarra Park. Taste of Melbourne and After Dark Party tickets are on sale now. You can get your Birthday Bash tickets from October 26.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stems Celebrate Debut Album’s 30th Anniversary

“At First Sight” by The Stems is one of the real unsung gems to come out of Australia in the 80s. Now The Stems are remembering that song and others from their 1987 debut At First Sight Violets are Blue with an album reissue and tour.

Citadel Records will rerelease the long deleted album as a limited edition 30th anniversary digipack on November 3. The new release is worth getting even if you’ve got the original; it’s been totally remastered and there are three bonus tracks as well. If you prefer things a little bit old school, look for the vinyl edition out early next year.

The Stems will stop by capital cities around the country next year.

9 November 2017 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
10 November 2017 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
11 November 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 November 2017 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stanleys Touring Long Awaited Debut Everywhere

The Stanleys have been making waves around the Perth live scene since 2011, but they’re finally showing not just the rest of the country but the world what they can do with the recent release of their self-titled debut album. It features the lead single “Amy,” a fast, frenetic, and fun summer smash you’re going to fall in love with.

“‘Amy’ is an upbeat pop, punktastic plea of love. It’s about a guy with a very big crush on his best female friend and wants her to be the one. Its full of bright sparked energetic guitars,” said Di Renzo.

It sets the tone for the band’s “upbeat energetic, fun time, sing out loud album of power pop anthems; best played in sunshine.”

The Stanleys make the sort of music you’ll love dancing to with a hairbrush in your bedroom but enjoy even more in the flesh. Catch them doing what they do so well at the following shows.

13 October 2017 – Four Seasons Sixties Club, Castellón de la Plana
14 October 2017 – Wurlitzer Ballroom, Madrid
15 October 2017 – Backstage Rock Bar, Valladolid
8 November 2017 – The Other Door, North Hollywood
9 November 2017 – Haskell’s Prospector, San Diego
10 November 2017 – Chopper John’s, Phoenix
11 November 2017 – Mesa Music Festival, Mesa
12 November 2017 – Artisan, Las Vegas
13 November 2017 – TRiP, Santa Monica
14 November 2017 – Silverlake Lounge, Silverlake
15 November 2017 – TBC, Brooklyn
16 November 2017 – TBC, Greater Philadelphia
17 November 2017 – Club Bohemia, Cambridge
18 November 2017 – International Pop Overthrow Festival Boston @ PA’s Lounge, Somerville
19 November 2017 – Bowery Electric, New York City
25 November 2017 – 459 Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Timber” – Liv Cartledge

Sometimes a single grabs you but the album or EP it comes from doesn’t live up to that promise. However, sometimes it takes a few more songs for you to really understand an artist and the longer release exceeds your expectations. I love when that happens, so I was thrilled to hear Liv Cartledge’s EP Timber.

It’s not that the single “Heard Your Name” didn’t impress me, because it did. I liked its cruisy vibe and I thought Liv’s voice has a really distinct huskiness to it. But if I heard an EP of five songs in the same vein, it might have become one of those pleasant background releases that I’d like well enough, but didn’t feel compelled by. However, Timber is such an intimate, special recording. Lyrically it lays everything bare. It’s at its best in its quieter moments, like “Running” and the title track, a sublime closer.

It was only on listening to Timber that I felt I got a real sense of who Liv Cartledge is. The soft husky tone I loved first is showcased well, but what impressed me most is her intimate and raw songwriting talents. She’s not afraid to show us who she is and what’s been through, and that’s powerful. There’s darkness, strength, fragility, and true beauty in this release.

Timber is out now. Liv is currently touring the EP around the country. You can still catch her at the following gigs.

12 October 2017 – Porch Light Sessions, Sydney
13 October 2017 – Parlour Show, Sydney
21 October 2017 – Swagger Music Festival, Wandiligong
3 November 2017 – Happy Wanderer Festival, Benalla
5 November 2017 – Parlour Show, Benalla
10 November 2017 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
18 & 19 November 2017 – Brown Brothers, Milawa
24 November 2017 – The Taphouse, Bendigo

Image used with permission from Beehive PR