Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Does It Again With “Tidal Wave”

If you need something mellow this Sunday morning, press play on “Tidal Wave,” the gorgeous new single from Alexander Biggs.

This song is an outstanding follow-up to “Out in the Dark,” which I raved about in May. It’s a beautiful folk number about the influence someone can have in the distance they create, or the distance that already exists.

We’ll hear more from this talented Melbourne troubadour when he releases his debut EP Until I Go To Hell in November. Fans will get a taste of the music featured on it when Alexander Biggs launches Tidal Wave at The Fitzroy Pinnacle in Melbourne on September 1. Entry is free, so there’s no reason not to get out and support this up-and-coming local.

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wildwood Music Festival Brings Musical Magic to Port Macquarie

For some amazing Australian music in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, look no further than the Wildwood Music Festival, which is hitting Port Macquarie this October.

Now in its third year, this boutique festival boasts an exciting line-up featuring Blue King Brown, Montaigne, Claude Hay, The Lyrical, Mar Haze, and heaps more. The musical acts will be complemented by market stalls and children’s activities.

“Last year we knew we had reached new heights with the festival which has traditionally been attended by local folks. It’s been so well received we decided to ramp it up a notch and encourage like-minded festival people from Brisbane to Sydney to come,” explained Simon Leigh, the man behind Wildwood.

“At the conclusion of last year’s event, the whole forest filled with fireflies as punters were leaving the venue and adults and kids alike were covered from head to toe illuminated in their sparkling aurora. It was truly a magical ending to a really special day.”

Wildwood Music Festival is at Cassegrains Winery in Port Macquarie on October 2. Tickets are available from the LiveTix website.

Image used with permission from RAWR Music PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cavalcade of Stars Appear in Casey Barnes’ Music Video

Casey Barnes has enlisted plenty of star power for the music video for his latest single “Live as One.” Appearances from Erik Thompson, Pete Evans, Shane Heal, Greg Bird, Sally Pearson, Rob Mills, and heaps more have helped the clip go viral. But this clip has more than celebrities to endear itself.

With the Olympics winding down, we’re all thinking of the need to break down barriers and live harmoniously together, putting aside cultural and religious beliefs as well as other differences like sexual orientation, disabilities, and upbringings. It’s such a great positive message expressed beautifully by Casey and his cowriter Rick Price.

“Rick and I were both inspired to write ‘Live As One’ at the start of this year after feeling frustration at the constant fear filled messages and negativity we constantly see every day in the news and on social media, along with the mistakes we keep on making as a human race, over the history of time, with violence and hatred, which clearly isn’t the answer,” Casey explained. “My favourite lyric in the whole song is the opening line: ‘Angry words and a fist never healed no one’. I feel there’s never been a more important time to be spreading messages of hope and positivity, especially for our kids who are the next generation that have the ability to make change.”

“Live as One” is the title track from Casey’s new album, which drops on August 26.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

See All Star Entertainment at the Age Music Victoria Awards After Party

There’s always something a bit special about an after party, an event where fabulous people get to rub shoulders while Average Joes like us wait to see the images in the social pages. So it’s exciting to hear the Age Music Victoria Awards is opening its after party up to the public to celebrate its 11th year.

It’s shaping up to be one of the events people will talk about long after, with entertainment confirmed from the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Camp Cope, Tash Sultana, and the EG All Stars. The EG All Stars, featuring members of the RocKwiZ band, will be joined by special guest vocalists Paul Dempsey, Garreth Liddiard, Kylie Auldist, Pierce Brothers, and more.

What’s more, tickets are cheap as chips at just $30. $5 from every ticket sold will benefit the event’s charity partner, Support Act Limited, which provides financial aid to musicians in need. Don’t miss the Age Music Victoria Awards after party at 170 Russell on November 16.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Plastic Attraction Wows Me With “Holding You”

The Plastic Attraction has hit a home run with its debut single “Holding You.” This song from four Perth schoolyard pals is one of the catchiest tracks I’ve heard in some time. It’s your classic tale of love and heartache, with 90s pop-rock sensibilities given a 21st century update.

“’Holding You’ was born when Matt and Horna were jamming on some ideas and came up with that opening riff,” explained the band’s lead singer Liam. “The whole song stemmed from that intro section and once the drums came in, the song seemed to come together very naturally.”

The Plastic Attraction will launch “Holding You” for hometown fans at The Hen House Live at Badlands Bar in Perth on September 10.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Amity Affliction Return to Regional Australia

The Amity Affliction will make its long-awaited return to regional Australia in early 2017. Gympie’s biggest metalcore act hasn’t toured regional centres since early 2015, but they’ll make up for it with this 13-date jaunt to celebrate the release of their fifth album This Could Be Heartbreak.

This Could Be Heartbreak shot to number one on the iTunes chart on its release. It’s been hailed their “personal-best album” by Kerrang! and scored them the cover of this month’s Rolling Stone.

Make sure you arrive early to catch the stellar supports, Hellions and Ocean Grove. These shows will likely sell out, so make sure you get your tickets soon.

2 January 2017 – HQ, Adelaide
18 January 2017 – The Jack, Cairns
19 January 2017 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
20 January 2017 – Civic Centre, Gympie
21 January 2017 – Lake Kawana, Sunshine Coast
22 January 2017 – Gold Coast Convention Centre, Gold Coast
25 January 2017 – Ex Servos, Coffs Harbour
26 January 2017 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle
27 January 2017 – Waves, Wollongong
28 January 2017 – ANU Bar, Canberra
2 February 2017 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Frankston
3 February 2017 – The Arena, Geelong
4 February 2017 – Hobart Uni, Hobart

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mystery Mark Will Get Sydney Dancing

Dance music fans are in for a treat this November when the Mystery Mark festival makes its debut in Sydney.

Joel Fletcher, Yolanda Be Cool, Bombs Away, Uberjak’d, SCNDL, and Brooke Evers are among the big names scheduled to take the stage.

Mystery Mark hits the Sydney Showground on November 19. It’s a 15+ event, but there’ll be licensed facilities for the adults in the crowds. VIP and early bird tickets are available now from the Mystery Mark website.

Image used with permission from Paris is Patient

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Formidable Vegetable Sound System Spread the Word About “Kimchi”

Quirky doesn’t even begin to cover “Kimchi,” the groovy new single from Fremantle’s Formidable Vegetable Sound System. Both entertaining and informative, the song will make you want to get up and dance and make your own fermented Korean cabbage. Thankfully the lyrics tell you how!

“It’s basically a recipe of how to make it yourself so that everyone can experience how awesome it is!” frontman Charlie Mgee explains. “The food-ninja challenge is getting past the smell, but once you’ve achieved that, everlasting deliciousness is your reward!”

“Kimchi” is just a taste of the ecological electro-swing you’ll find on Formidable Vegetable Sound System’s debut album Grow Do It, which drops on September 2. The band will promote the album with a tour around the country. In keeping with their sustainable philosophy, they won’t be clocking up any frequent flyer points. Instead they’ll travel around the country in their beloved van Norbit, which runs on used fish and chips shop oil sourced from fast food joints around the country.

Charlie promises “The shows will be full of the world’s maddest chicken impersonations, hyperactive trombones, trumpets and violins, songs about dirt, eating weeds, recycling and lots of crazy dancing (on and off stage!)” If you want in, make sure you get to one of the following gigs. All shows are all ages events.

2 September 2016 – Daylesford Town Hall, Daylesford
3 September 2016 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
9 September 2016 – Camelot, Marrickville
10 September 2016 – Canberra Musicians Club, Canberra
11 September 2016 – The Spotted Mallard, Brunswick
17 September 2016 – Mt Gambier City Hall, Mt Gambier
18 September 2016 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
21 September 2016 – Hannans Club, Kalgoorlie
2 October 2016 – Permafest @ Swan Valley Adventure Centre, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Let Koi Child Brighten Your Wednesday

After a late night glued to the discus finals and with a cold that’s lingering, I’m struggling to get moving even more than usual this Hump Day. Koi Child’s latest single “Touch Em” is just what I needed to get my butt into gear.

“Touch Em” is a magnificent fireball of brassy energy that showcases the unique funky sound of this Western Australian quartet. Its laidback vid was filmed in Koi Child’s hometown of Fremantle at the legendary Mojos Bar and surrounds.

“Touch Em” comes from Koi Child’s self-titled debut album, which is in stores now. The band will play “Touch Em” and other album tracks on their Aussie tour which kicks off in Mandurah this week.

19 August 2016 – ‘Hooch’ Players Bar, Mandurah
20 & 21 August 2016 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
26 August 2016 – Volumes Festival @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
27 August 2016 – Howler, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2016 Melbourne Music Bank Entries Closing Soon

Victorian musos have less than two weeks to get their entries in for this year’s 2016 Melbourne Music Bank. The lucky winner will have the opportunities to kick start their musical career with an amazing prize pool valued at more than $60,000.

The prizes include four days of recording time at The Studio in the City, enough to record, mix, and master an EP, two paid film clips, album artwork, and printed CDs. Image will also be taken care of with styling sessions, median training, management and mentoring. You’ll also get a photoshoot, which will give you the images you need for your paid publicity campaign. Radio will also plug your music and you’ll get gig bookings, including an east coast tour and a slot at the Beyond the Valley Festival line-up.

If you’d love all these perks, submit your entry via the Bank of Melbourne website by 5 pm on Saturday August 27.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR