Bands like The Go-Betweens, The Saints, Powderfinger, and The Butterfly Effect helped cement Queensland’s reputation as the perfect breeding ground for rock bands. However, lately the Sunshine State is punching well above its weight when it comes to R&B music. Generally Australia doesn’t produce a lot of these artists, but acts like Bec Laughton, Travis Lee, and now Maximo are breaking the mould.
Maximo’s just hit the scene with his debut single “Hesitate.” It’s got some sexy lyrics and really interesting instrumentation. Noting that Maximo produced the track himself makes it all the more impressive.
John Butler Trio, The Jezabels Headline Big Pineapple Music Festival
I thought that the Big Pineapple was just a place for tourists to snap a few photos. But it turns out it’s also been hosting a sold-out music festival for the last couple of years. It’s little wonder the event’s so popular when organisers can put together a lineup featuring the John Butler Trio, The Jezabels, Thundamentals, Violent Soho, Jebadiah, and helps more.
This year it’s got a brand new site with space for 2500 people to camp, three stages, and plenty of car parking.
“We were given the opportunity to move to the land just across the road, which now gives us a stunning panoramic view to main stage area,” explained festival organiser Mark Pico. “We also gained two more beautiful areas for our smaller stages, double the site space, and the camping is now very close by – bringing the whole festival together.”
The third annual Big Pineapple Music Festival hits Nambour on May 30. Early-bird tickets go on sale tomorrow from the festival website for the bargain price of just $69.95 plus booking fees.
Little Deed’s Stormy Second Single
It’s taken a long time to hear new material from Sydney’s Little Deed, but it was worth the wait. She posted her debut “Neon” on Soundcloud in mid-2014. Now we get another taste in the form of the feisty “Storm in my Cup.” This has got such power. I love Little Deed’s vocals which work so beautifully with those thundering, driving drums.
Apparently Little Deed has spent summer fine-tuning her live show and we should hear word of her very first shows soon. If she sounds half as good live as she does on the record they’re going to be awesome.
Sheppard Make Play for U.S. Market
After winning over Australian audiences, Sheppard are determined to make music lovers in the United States fall for them as well. The band from Brissie are capitalising on the buzz their appearance on Ellen created last year and launching a full-scale attack on the U.S. market.
They’ve booked a slate of big name TV appearances, including a spot on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on February 9, The Today Show on March 10, and LIVE! with Kelly & Michael on March 13. There’s a big gap there, but that’s because come February 11, Sheppard will be supporting Meghan Trainor on her sold-out The Bass tour.
Do you think Sheppard have what it takes to be the next bit Aussie success story?
Image used with permission from SCG Media
“Black Cat” – Deena
Brisbane-based chanteuse Deena shows her versatility in her sophomore album Black Cat. This release builds on the acoustic-folk sound that she showcased on her debut album Lone Wolf, with a full band helping her create something much bigger, grittier, darker, and bluesier.
The opening song “Cupid” is a steamy number that starts sultry before erupting with a cacophony of guitars. There’s a lot of that pattern in this album. I think I’m hearing something small and intimate, but somewhere along the way Deena takes a left turn and really lets loose. It’s as if her emotions can only be contained for so long before brimming and bubbling over. There so much good stuff on here, but Deena floored me with “Curve.” That song may have some of the most heartbreaking lyrics that I’ve ever heard.
If I had any criticism of the album, it’s that I could have done without the final track, a remix of “Uncut Diamonds II.” This electronic makeover doesn’t do the song any favours, and doesn’t seem to gel with the rest of the album. I suppose it shows another side of Deena, but it feels like a wasted exercise considering how good the other version is. That said, you’ve got to admire an artist that takes risks as Deena does, especially when so many of them pay off as they do on this album.
Black Cat hits stores on 13 February. Deena will promote its release with the following shows.
8 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
11 February 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (FREE)
12 February 2015 – The Publishers Hotel, Adelaide
13 February 2015 – The Vinyl, Adelaide
15 February 2015 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
18 February 2015 – Brisasia Festival, Brisbane
20 February 2015 – Queen St Mall, Brisbane (FREE)
8 March 2015 – Kettle & Tin, Paddington, Brisbane
15 March 2015 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
20 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Andrew Swift Reminisces with “Sound the Alarm”
Melbourne single-songwriter Andrew Swift has always penned songs from the heart, but he believes that his latest single “Sound the Alarm” is “as honest and personal” as he’s ever been.
“It was written during the hardest break up I’ve had to go through, but rather than write a heartbroken, ‘woe is me’ type of break up song, what came out was a reflection of the night that that we met,” he explained.
Hearing the story behind it makes this song that much more poignant. I love a story song, and this one tells a tale so vivid that I felt a bit choked up reading that it didn’t work out.
Andrew Swift will promote the release of “Sound the Alarm” with a string of shows kicking off tomorrow night in Footscray.
8 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
21 February 2015 – Berwick Show, Berwick (ALL AGES)
21 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 February 2015 – Bonnie Doon Music Festival, Bonnie Doon
26 February 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
19 March 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
20 March 2015 – Crown + Anchor, Adelaide
The Workers Club Geelong Opening in March
I’m of the belief that there aren’t enough great venues celebrating live music these days. So I’m thrilled for Geelong that they’re about to get another great place to see people play. The Workers Club Geelong is a joint venture between Melbourne’s The Workers Club and Geelong music bookers Spinning Half.
“We are driven to provide Geelong with a sustainable and reliable music venue that can service the country’s touring artists, along with showcasing local talent, while focused on helping grow The Workers Club brand,” explained Spinning Half director, Steven Nichols.
“With Spinning Half’s years of local experience and street cred, it is obvious that us pivotonians love good music, food and drink here in the city of dreams,” added The Workers Club Melbourne co-owner and Geelong resident John O’Brien. “We are confident that this will tie in with The Workers Club philosophy and look forward to sharing our mutual love of music.”
The twosome say that artist comfort, sound, and punter satisfaction are their top priorities, but they’re also promising awesome food, great beverage options, no TVs, no cover bands, no nightclub DJs, and no parmies. I was with them right up until their no parmies policy!
The Workers Club Geelong will open on Little Malop Street in late March. Northeast Party House and Jake Clemons are already confirmed to play there, and we can expect plenty more announcements in the coming weeks.
Left. Win Me Over with “Lay With Me”
I’m not sure what happened the first time I listened to “Lay With Me,” the latest single from Sydney electronic duo Left. Perhaps I was too cranky to appreciate its mellow, poppy groove. All I know is that weeks after my initial listen, I can’t stop playing it.
Left. is made up of the ethereal voice of Sarah Corry and her partner in crime, guitarist and producer Jono Graham. They’ve got something really special here. It initially sounds perfect for grooving with a handsome stranger on the dance floor, but listen to the lyrics and its darker side is revealed. Sarah’s actually singing about being forced into an arranged marriage, despite yearning for someone else.
“I was inspired by how I imagined that circumstances might feel: the desperation, helplessness, and desire to make yourself happy against all the odds,” explains Corry.
“Lay With Me” is the third track lifted from Left.’s debut LP Sirens, which hits stores today. Left. will launch it with three shows in the East Coast capitals.
12 February 2015 – Laundry, Melbourne
13 February 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
Image used with permission from Umbrella Music
With Confidence Play for the Kids
Sydney alternative rock band With Confidence are hitting the road for a kid-friendly tour. I’ve got to admire this band for knowing their market and happily making every single show appropriate for under 18s.
The gigs will promote the band’s brand new EP Distance, which features the epic single “Take Me Away.” It’s done amazing things for the band, reaching number 10 on the overall iTunes charts and number two on the alternative charts.
“Honestly, fans always surprise us with their support and we didn’t expect to push that high in the charts,” admitted lead vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley. “We’re forever grateful for everyone that lends us their ears and supports our music”.
With Confidence sold out their last headlining tour in April 2013, so expect a very vocal crowd at the following shows.
7 February 2015 – The Lair, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 February 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 February 2015 – 38 Berwick St, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)
15 February 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Rubix Funhouse, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
Thundamentals Continue the Party with Brand New Tour
Twelve months after the release of their third LP So We Can Remember, Thundamentals show no signs of slowing down. They already wowed crowds at Falls and Groovin, sold out their own headline shows, and supported the Hilltop Hoods all around the country, and now they figure it’s time for another headlining gig.
If you want proof of just how good these guys are live, check them out guesting on the Hilltop Hoods’ “Cosby Sweater” with a host of other hip hop stars for Triple J’s Beat the Drum. If that doesn’t put you in a party mood, nothing will.
The following Thundamentals shows are already starting to sell out, so I wouldn’t wait too long before grabbing your tickets.
5 March 2015 – Manning Bar, Sydney
6 March 2015 – Katoomba RSL, Katoomba
10 April 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
11 April 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 April 2015 – Autumn Sounds Festival, Bundaberg
22 April 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 April 2015 – Star Bar, Bendigo
24 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne
1 May 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
2 May 2015 – Capitol Theatre, Perth
3 May 2015 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
7 May 2015 – The Jack, Cairns
8 May 2015 – Base Backpackers, Magnetic Island