Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Island” – Carus Thompson

With five albums already under his belt, you might assume that Carus Thompson was running out of things to say. However, listening to his new album Island quickly dispels that myth.

Perhaps it’s because Carus hasn’t released an album in five years. Think about your own life and how much you’ve learned in that period of time, and you’ll soon understand why Carus has so many stories to tell. He’s also spent his hiatus working with groups like Headspace, Canteen, and the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. I can hear the way some of the people he encountered during that time has informed his work. Carus has also returned home to Fremantle, to a quieter life with his two children. That sort of move is bound to be good for the soul.

Considering all of those factors, it’s not really surprising that Carus has so much to say with this release. It tackles some deep topics here. He sings so eloquently about the ice epidemic in the single “Bush Fires.” He humanises the plight of refugees on Manus Island in “Reza Barati.” There are themes of isolation and depression that run through.

“Lies” may be the happiest sounding song about betrayal that I’ve ever heard. I love the juxtaposition of this sing-along melody with the cutting lyrics. “Go There With You” is such an honest love song. There are no frills about it; Carus just bears the soul. The delicate “Gone But Not Forgotten” is such a poignant way to end this exceptional album.

Island is so easy to listen to. You could slip it on at your next BBQ and it would add a relaxed atmosphere. But it’s so much richer than just a cruisy acoustic folk album. Tapping into the lyrics you hear so much wisdom and heart. I know I’m going to go back to it at a time when I can just drop everything and really hone in on those words, because I know it’s going to hit me more with every listen.

Island by Carus Thompson is released today. Look out for his live show at the following venues.

12 February 2017 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide (Matinee)
17 February 2017 – Mojos, Fremantle
25 February 2017 – Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Ocean Grove
26 February 2017 – Grampians Festival, Halls Gap
3 March 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
4 March 2017 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
5 March 2017 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
10 March 2017 – The Quarry Ampitheatre, City Beach

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Asha Impresses With “Drowning”

You know those voices that you just stop you in your tracks because they are so beautiful? You’re about to hear one.

This is Asha, a Central Coast songbird with skills beyond her 18 years. She’s been playing shows in Newcastle and Sydney and even scored supporting gigs with Alex Lloyd and Diesel. Now with the release of her debut single “Drowning,” she sure to step out of the shadows.

Her voice is divine, but she backs it up with some fierce songwriting skills. Asha wrote “Drowning” about a toxic relationship and then worked with producer Rod McCormack to create a sound which fused Asha’s love of acoustic music with modern electronica.

“This is the music that I want to keep creating. I’d love to keep evolving within this genre. But at the same time I’m not going to limit myself to anything,” Asha states. “Drowning was a song that I wrote and then forgot about. It wasn’t even going to make the EP. One day I was reminded of the song, and we ended up recording it and it even superseded the title track of the EP Illusions, as we chose it to be my debut single.”

You can hear more from Asha when Illusions drops on February 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Themed Free Concerts Hit Werribee This Month

I think there’s something so special about parents and their children coming together to appreciate live music. So I want to make sure you all know about Wyndham City’s Friday LIVE Series which all kicks off on February 10.

Each night is themed and designed to celebrate some of Australia’s big name acts and introduce music lovers to some up and comers they’re bound to enjoy. It all kicks off with the ‘80s Family Fun show headlined by Pseudo Echo on the 10th. The Songwriters Showcase is on the next week, with Go Americana the following week closing the festival.

It all happens at Station Place, Werribee, from 5 pm to 10 pm on the nights below. There’ll be food and beverage vendors, so round up the entire family and check it out!

10 February 2017 – ‘80s Family Fun: Pseudo Echo, Happy Enchilada, Trent Hamilton, Jessica Paige, Troy Barrett, and Niall Dunsmore.
17 February 2017 – Songwriters Showcase: Charles Jenkins, Shaun Kirk, Little Georgia, Lisa Mary Drake, Jack Gramski, and Van Walker.
24 February 2017 – Go Americana: Dan Parsons Trio, Stetson Family, Gretta Ziller, The Weeping Willows, and Nigel Wearne.

Image used with permission from Remedy PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeff Lang Touring New Album Almost Everywhere

One of this country’s finest blues singers, Jeff Lang, is ready to unleash a brand new album and he’s going to tour the country to celebrate it. Alone in Bad Company drops on February 24, roughly a month before this extensive tour kicks off.

This video for the lead single “Burnside” gives you a good indication of what you’re in for on this album and the tour. It really shows off his unparalleled guitar prowess and the album’s very organic, rootsy sound.

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows. There’s so many, there’s bound to be one near you!

17 March 2017 – Geelong Workers Club, Geelong
18 March 2017 – Brunswick Music Festival, Brunswick
24 March 2017 – Golden Vine, Bendigo
25 March 2017 – Suttons, Ballarat
31 March 2017 – Trinity Sessions, Adelaide
1 April 2017 – Lefties, Whyalla
6 April 2017 – Royal Oak, Launceston
7 April 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
15 & 17 April 2017 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
5 May 2017 – Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
6 May 2017 – Music By The Sea, Sandgate
11 May 2017 – The Oxley, Cowra
12 May 2017 – The Agrestic, Orange
13 May 2017 – The Gearin, Katoomba
18 May 2017 – Lizottes, Newcastle
19 May 2017 – Hardy’s Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay
20 May 2017 – Wauchope Community Arts Hall, Wauchope
21 May 2017 – 5 Church St, Bellingen
26 May 2017 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
27 May 2017 – The Basement, Sydney
28 May 2017 – Thirroul Village Hall, Thirroul
9 June 2017 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
10 June 2017 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
16 June 2017 – Street Theatre, Canberra
17 June 2017 – Murrah Hall, Murrah

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Echo Defy the Odds For Album Tour

After touring the country with Kingswood this month, My Echo are ready to do it all again as the headliners. The Melbourne rockers will hit the road later this month to support the release of their long awaited debut album Brothers, which drops on March 3. It features the raucous new single “Meet You There.”

The name Brothers resonates with this band of surrogate siblings who showed their mateship when they rallied around lead singer Brenton Perry during a critical illness.

“We banded together and put everything with music on hold and focused our energy to supporting Brenton and letting him deal with his illness,” explained drummer Henry Hollingsworth. “I’m relieved beyond belief to say that he got back to full health.’”

The album is a tribute to My Echo’s bond and resilience. See them in all their glory at the following venues.

24 Feb 2017 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
3 March 2017 – Yah Yahs, Melbourne
4 March 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
11 & 12 March 2017 – Sydney Tattoo Expo, Sydney
16 March 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 March 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
18 March 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
23 March 2017 – Trainspotters @ Woolly Mammoth Front Bar, Brisbane
24 March 2017 – Currumbin Creek Tavern, Gold Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Tops ARIA Charts

I’m thrilled to see Kasey Chambers’ excellent new album Dragonfly sitting at the top of the ARIA charts this week. Dragonfly is the first Aussie album to score the coveted number one possie and Kasey’s fifth number one album, after Barricades & Brickwalls (#1 in February ’02), Wayward Angel (#1 June ’04), Carnival (#1 June ’04) and her collaboration with Shane Nicholson, Rattlin’ Bones (#1 April ’08).

The influence of the Tamworth Country Music Festival has no doubt influenced this week’s charts, with Kasey keeping company in the top 10 with some other notable Aussie country acts. The McClymonts are at number six with Endless, while the perennially popular Ripcord by Keith Urban is at number 10.

Our dance acts are dominating over on the singles charts. “Chameleon” by Pnau sits at number 7 while Starley rounds out the top 10 with “Call On Me – Ryan Riback Remix.”

Top 10 Albums
1. Dragonfly – Kasey Chambers
2. Trolls – Soundtrack
3. Sing – Soundtrack
4. Moana – Soundtrack
5. 25 – Adele
6. Endless – The McClymonts
7. I See You – The XX
8. La La Land – Soundtrack
9. Blue and Lonesome – The Rolling Stones
10. Ripcord – Keith Urban

Top 10 Singles
1. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran
2. “Castle on the Hill” – Ed Sheeran
3. “Rockabye” – Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul and Anne-Marie
4. “Paris” – The Chainsmokers
5. “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” – Zayn and Taylor Swift
6. “Fresh Eyes” – Andy Grammer
7. “Chameleon” – Pnau
8. “I Feel It Coming” – The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk
9. “Starboy” – The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk
10. “Call On Me – Ryan Riback Remix” – Starley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thunder Ready to Take Australia By Storm

It’s taken British rock band Thunder 27 years to make a trip Down Under. The band has released 20 Top 50 singles in their native UK, but this isn’t just a nostalgia tour. The band has a brand new single called “Rip It Up” and a new album with the same name set to drop on February 10.

You can expect Thunder to make it up to those Aussie fans who’ve been waiting since the late 80s for this tour. Tickets are on sale now.

7 March 2017 – Factory, Sydney
8 March 2017 – The Corner, Melbourne
10 March 2017 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
11 March 2017 – Capitol, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Deer Prudence Releases Sophomore Single “Judgement Call”

Deer Prudence proves it can do no wrong with the release of a brand new single “Judgement Call.” The follow-up to “Sam’s Lament,” this is another sublime slice of country-folk with a message that resonates.

“Inspired by the happenings in the world around us, ‘Judgement Call’ is a song singing of our disappointment in the justice system and politics; an ode to all the embittered businessmen out there who’ve lost touch with the rest of us,” the Melbourne duo explained in a press release.

“Judgement Call” comes from Deer Prudence’s self-titled EP, which will drop on February 17. The band will launch the EP with two Victorian shows.

19 February 2017 – Goldmines, Bendigo (FREE)
25 February 2017 – Spotted Mallard, Brunswick

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Icehouse Commemorates 40 Years

Listen up Icehouse fans! This one’s for you.

In honour of the band’s 40-year anniversary, a brand new box set called Icehouse – The Complete Collection, drops on February 17. The 10-album set features every Icehouse album ever release, from Flowers to Icehouse – In Concert. You can get a digital copy but any real fan is going to want the digipack CDs in the deluxe slipcase. You can pre-order them now from the Icehouse online store.

In addition, Flowers will be reissued on vinyl for the first time since its 1980 release. This landmark debut features amazing tracks like “Can’t Help Myself,” “We Can Get Together,” and “Walls.” It’s pressed on 180-gram vinyl and replicates the original layout and uncoated sleeve of the original. It’s also available for pre-order.

If you prefer streaming, you’re in lucky. Icehouse have now released their entire back catalogue to leading streaming services.

And if that’s not enough Icehouse news for you, remember the band is currently on tour! If you haven’t already organised tickets, make sure you snap some up.

28 January 2017 – Taupo Amphitheatre, Taupo
29 January 2017 – Whitianga Open Air Venue, Whitianga
1 & 2 February 2017 – Crown Theatre, Perth
9 February 2017 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
11 February 2017 – Red Hot Summer Tour @ Old Mount Gambier Gaol, Mt Gambier
18 February 2017 – Red Hot Summer Tour @ Country Club, Launceston
24 February 2017 – Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane
25 February 2017- Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre, Tamworth
11 March 2017 – Red Hot Summer Tour @ Mackay Park, Bateman’s Bay
12 March 2017 – A Weekend in the Gardens, Melbourne (with James Reyne and Clare Bowditch)
17 & 18 March 2017 – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart
25 March 2017 – Red Hot Summer Tour @ Roche Estate, Hunter Valley
1 April 2017 – Red Hot Summer Tour @ Harrigan’s Drift Inn, Jacob’s Well
22 April 2017 – Red Hot Summer Tour @ Bendigo Jockey Club, Bendigo
23 & 24 June 2017 – Enmore Theatre, Enmore

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM
Image used with permission from Ferris Dav

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Addss More Working Class Boy Shows

I can’t remember people raving about a musician’s autobiography as much as they have for Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Boy. My dad got a copy for Christmas and he’s barely put it down. It sold more copies in 2016 than any other adult book in the country.

The response to Jimmy’s upcoming Working Class Boy: An Evening of Stories & Songs shows, where he promises to share tales of the past and some amazing tunes, has been phenomenal. So he’s just announced some new concerts to meet the demand. Regional fans, this is what you’ve been waiting for.

There’s a presale at 2 pm today through Frontier Music. If you miss out on that, there’s a Ticketek presale from 2 pm on Monday 30 January ahead of the general sale from 2 pm on Tuesday January 31.

14 March 2017 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
15 & 16 March 2017 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
18 March 2017 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
23 March 2017 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
24 March 2017 – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
25 March 2017 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
7 April 2017 – Geelong Performance Arts Centre Playhouse, Geelong
8 April 2017 – Regent Theatre, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM