Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Henry Clarke Takes New Musical Direction As Duncan Saige

You might know Henry Clarke as the frontman of raucous indie surf-rock outfit Stillwater Giants. If you do, you might be surprised to hear the music he’s making under his new moniker Duncan Saige. Much as Kevin Mitchell bounces between making high-energy rock music with Jebediah and gentle acoustic stuff as Bob Evans, Henry makes genre-hopping look easy.

As Duncan Saige, he’s just released his cruisy debut EP I’m Saved and the single of the same name. It’s a thoroughly pleasing piece of indie-pop which should put a smile on your face. Duncan Saige will launch I’m Saved with Western Australian shows next month in preparation for a national tour later this year.

1 September 2017 – The Odd Fellow Bar, Fremantle
7 September 2017 – Defectors Bar, Mt. Lawley
8 September 2017 – The Monkey Bar, Mandurah
9 September 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
14 September 2017 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Hitting The Lansdowne

You might have assumed your days of seeing The Jezabels in pubs were over. However, if you’re in Sydney, you get another chance. Or seven to be precise. You see, the band is scheduled to perform seven shows at The Lansdowne over seven consecutive nights this month.

“We had a few reasons for doing seven nights at the Lansdowne,” explained Hayley Mary. “We wanted to play a bunch of small, intimate shows to our Sydney fans where we could change up the set and play some songs we wouldn’t normally have time for and the reopened Lansdowne represents such an awesome new era for Sydney that it seemed right it should be there. But mainly, we felt a sadistic kind of pleasure in making the staff listen to us over and over to the point of sheer disdain.”

Each show will feature a different opening act before The Jezabels take you on a musical journey through their back catalogue. If you’re lucky, you might even be among the first to hear some new tunes.

Tickets for all shows are available through Oztix.

21 August 2017 – with special guest, Didirri (solo)
22 August 2017 – with special guest, Sunscreen
23 August 2017 – with special guest, Soma
24 August 2017 – with special guest, Angie McMahon
25 August 2017 – with special guest, Planet
26 August 2017 – with special guest, Borneo
27 August 2017 – with special guest, Big Time

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Montreals’ “deadheads” Single is the Perfect Pick-Me-Up

The Montreals only have one EP under their belt, but already this Adelaide band is being touted as one of the next big things in Australian music. It’s a big call, but the more I listen to their new single “deadheads” the more I tend to agree with that assessment.

There’s just something so damn likeable about this band and their ode to Aussie youth culture. The song’s raw enthusiasm and energy reminds me a little of Arctic Monkeys and The Wombats. It’s really good stuff. You’ll find it in your favourite digital stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Best of Americana Play Out on the Weekend

Justin Townes Earle, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Son Volt, Traveller, Fanny Lumsden, and a host of other leading local and international Americana acts will descend on Williamstown in October for the Out of the Weekend festival.

“It’s a continued pleasure to bring music lovers the finest sounds in the international and local Americana scene to the glorious Seaworks venue. Four years strong and building, we aim to put on an excellent day of cultural and important entertainment hand picked for your pleasure,” said BT from Love Police. “We used to talk up the fine food and booze selections on offer, but that goes without saying now. Its always the best! Avoid imitations and late comers, Out On The Weekend is the real deal. Authentic presentations by passionate people with colourful experience. Buy a ticket, get your look on, study up on acts you don’t know, and see you in October for the good times.”

Out on the Weekend hits Williamstown on October 14. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stand Atlantic Does It Again With “Mess I Made”

Sydney’s Stand Atlantic have released another charming pop-punk song, “Mess I Made.” It’s a superb follow-up to “Coffee at Midnight,” proving this band is no one-trick pony. I just love this band’s energy.

“Mess I Made” comes from Stand Atlantic’s new EP Sidewinder, which drops on September 15 via Rude Records.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lockhearts Touring Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Release

The Lockhearts won’t release a new album until next year, but you can get your fix of the band’s particular brand of straight-up rock and roll with the release of the new single “Ride Home.”

Bands just don’t make rock music this good any more. I love the ‘70s influence, with its big chunky guitars and singalong chorus.

The Lockhearts are currently on tour test-driving new material from their forthcoming album Americana Doom Fuzz. Catch them at the following shows.

12 August 2017 – Crowbar, Brisbane
13 August 2017 – Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)
18 August 2017 – Worldsend Hotel, Adelaide
19 August 2017 – The Workers Club, Geelong
24 August 2017 – The Vineyard, St Kilda, Melbourne
26 August 2017 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
1 September 2017 – The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Newcastle
8 September 2017 – The Backroom, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels, British India Headline Port Macquarie’s Wildwood Festival

Now in its fourth year, Port Macquarie’s boutique independent music festival Wildwood is getting even more fabulous. The first major line-up announcement recently confirmed The Jezabels, British India, Hugo Race, and Alex the Astronaut will all grave the Wildwood stage.

It might have an incredible line-up, but Wildwood doesn’t believe bigger is better.

“Wildwood has never strayed from its roots while at the same time continues to grow year after year,” explained festival organiser Simon Leigh. “We just aim to bring together a warm feel good festival and have really gone beyond and above this year with our amazing line up and our food stalls and children’s area will once again bring colour, glitter and our own brand of fun to the festival.”

“We are excited to see the forest filled with fireflies and adults and children alike sparkling from head to toe in their illuminated aurora. It’s always the most magical way to end a day of great music”.

Wildwood hits Cassegrain Winery in Port Macquarie on October 1. Tickets are on sale through Livetix.

Image used with permission from Wildwood Music Festival

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Whispering Jackie Rock Out With “Breaking Up This Time”

Sydney punk-rock outfit Whispering Jackie speaks for a generation of confused, lovelorn listeners with the new single “Breaking Up This Time.”

The track is essentially a love song, but it avoids the clichés. I love its gritty garage rock attitude.

“Breaking Up This Time” is the lead single from Whispering Jackie’s sophomore EP For The Moment, due out late this year.

Whispering Jackie is launching “Breaking Up This Time” with a handful of shows in New South Wales. The trio will play Rad Bar in Wollongong tonight and Fuzz Face at Sydney’s Hideaway Bar on August 10.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Hip Hop Elite Raising Money for Oxfam in Melbourne

L Fresh The Lion, N’Fa Jones, Mantra, Mistress, and other leading Aussie hip hop talents will hit The Penny Black in Brunswick on August 13, all for a good cause. Money raised will benefit OXJAM, an Oxfam initiative looking to end poverty and homelessness through the power of music.

Not only are ticket sales helping the charity, The Penny Black will give 50 percent of the bar takings as well. With Young Henrys, 42Below Vodka, and Bacardi Fuego supplying the drinks, you’ll want to indulge. This promises to be a great night out for a great cause. Melbourne residents, get on it!

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Social Touring “In Colour”

King Social are likely loading up the van as I type, preparing to play shows around the country on the In Colour tour. The early shows will give fans a sneak peek at the album which will drop on September 3.

The album should be something special if current single “Lemonade” is any indication. I love the blending of genres here. The rap is honest and raw and the soul silky smooth. Stevie Mitchell, who wrote and raps on the song, says it’s one of the most specific and personal tracks the band has released.

“I started writing Lemonade just as I was about to begin my current job. I’d bounced around for a while and done every job under the sun and I’d come to a point where I just wanted to put my head down and finish something,” he explained. “It wasn’t meant to be so father-oriented; I was just being honest with myself, that I wasn’t a little kid anymore and it was time to grow up. My dad is a great role model.

“He hasn’t heard the song, but I told him the lyrics once. He gets too carried away though – I fed him the first three lines: “Call me that bastard, these bars are the weapons I harbour, I’m hoping to tread the same footprints and steps as my father…” He stopped me there to berate me for ever thinking I was a bastard – he listened too much, that he didn’t listen.”

Kevin was reluctant to release such a personal song, fearing people who hadn’t lived his life may struggle to relate, but he reconsidered after hearing the track come to life.

“The boys – and the production team at The Grove Studios – have just made it sound so fucking good,” he gushed. “I think maybe they’re more in love with the sound than the message, but I guess that’s what music is all about – presenting meaningful lyrics in an exciting way.”

King Social will play the following headlining gigs and festivals in the coming months.

4 August 2017 – Whitsunday Reef Festival, Cannonvale (FREE)
5 August 2017 – Gigs & Digs Festival, Yamala
25 August 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
27 August 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (FREE)
1 September 2017 – SS & A Club, Albury (FREE)
2 September 2017 – The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (FREE)
9 September 2017 – New Globe Theatre, Fortitude Valley
10 September 2017 – The Bearded Dragon Hotel, Tamborine (FREE)
23 September 2017 – Longreach Cup, Longreach
29 September 2017 – Caloundra Music Festival, Kings Beach
1 October 2017 – The Salt House, Cairns (FREE)
21 October 2017 – Darwin Railway Club, Parap
25 November 2017 – Brews & Barbie Bash, Toowoomba
8 December 2017 – King’s Christmas, Townsville