Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Pierce Brothers Tour New EP, The Night Tree

I raved about The Pierce Brothers back in December when they released the soothing folk single “Tallest Teepee in Town.” Now I’m back, raving about them again ahead of the release of their highly anticipated EP The Night Tree. The recording features the epic acoustic folk single “It’s My Fault.”

The song is a worldly tale exploring forgiveness that builds into a footstomping crescendo reminiscent of Mumford & Sons. But the big difference here is that The Pierce Brothers are just two guys, not four, yet they can create a sound this stirring.

While these Melbourne brothers are homegrown, it seems we’ve been a little slow to cotton on to their brilliance. They’re far from household names here, yet “It’s My Fault” is enjoying chart success in The Netherlands where it’s on the daily playlist of commercial radio giant 3FM. They’ve also toured throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.

Hopefully more locals will start to see what The Pierce Brothers are all about when they kick off their Aussie tour on May 31, a day after the EP’s release.

31 May 2014 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
4 June 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 June 2014 – Solbar, Maroochydore
8 June 2014 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
14 June 2014 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
20 June 2014 – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
26 & 27 June 2014 – Shebeen, Melbourne
28 June 2014 – Spirit Bar, Traralgon
11 July 2014 – Hotel High Plains, Dinner Plain
12 July 2014 – The General, Mt Hotham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ron Pope Ready for Return Aussie Visit

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of New York’s Ron Pope until I saw he was coming to Australia. However, after listening to his new single “Lick My Wounds” I figure it’s a case of better late than never. It’s got a real pop core with country and folk overtones and some clever poetic lyrics. Great stuff.

“Lick My Wounds” comes from Ron’s debut album Calling off the Dogs, which hits local stores on June 6, the same day he kicks off his Aussie tour. This is the first time he’s played here with a full band, and he’s making the most of it with some in some of Australia’s most beloved venues.

He’s no stranger to our shores though, and can’t wait to be back Down Under.

“The people, the culture, the food, the wildlife … I love everything about Australia and I’m so excited to come back and visit my fans down there,” he said in a press release for his upcoming tour.

Tickets are available now for the following shows.

6 June 2014 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 June 2014 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (Under 18 afternoon show)
8 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+ evening show)
13 June 2014 – Astor Lounge, Perth (ALL AGES solo acoustic)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oliver’s Army Get Toes Tapping with “Born to Breed”

Adelaide-born, Melbourne-based outfit Oliver’s Army have released a stellar slice of Americana influenced indie rock with their latest single “Born to Breed.”

It’s got such a lovely jangly feelgood vibe to it. It just feels so easy, perhaps because the band’s frontman and founding member Ryan Oliver penned it in a matter of minutes. Take a listen to it on their Triple J Unearthed page.

“Born to Breed” is our first taste of Oliver’s Army’s debut album, which is due out later this year. You can get a little sneak peek when the band launches the single at the following shows.

5 June 2014 – Workers Club, Melbourne
28 June 2014 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell Teams Up with Broadway’s John Bucchino for Album and Tour

David Campbell is one of my very favourite Aussie performers. I get my daily fix on morning TV, but he really shines when he’s on stage. So I’m thrilled to hear he’s back doing what he does best, after a three-year-musical hiatus, with the help of his Broadway composer idol John Bucchino.

After albums paying tribute to musical decades and genres, David’s celebrating John’s music with his latest release David Campbell Sings John Bucchino. The album’s sure to sound great when you slip it in your stereo, but even better on the stage. David will play these songs with John, and the pair will take the time to share with audiences stories about their friendship, their careers, and the music that binds them.

It’s worth pre-ordering your copy of the album, as all advance orders will be signed by David and John. You’ll also go into the draw to win an ultimate David Campbell Sings John Bucchino prize. How do return flights to Sydney, one night’s accommodation, a venue tour, VIP lunch plus meet and greet with David and John, and front row tickets sound? Fabulous!

Even if you aren’t the lucky winner, you can catch David and John doing their thing at the following intimate shows.

25 May 2014 – Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
6 June 2014 – Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
13 & 14 June 2014 – Adelaide Cabaret Festival
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27 & 28 June 2014 – Hayes Theatre, Sydney
29 June 2014 – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta

Image used with permission from Jaden Social

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justice Crew On Top of ARIA Charts Again

It’s a little belated after a busy week, but I couldn’t resist tipping my proverbial hat to Justice Crew, who’ve clocked up their second week at the top of the ARIA singles charts with “Que Sera.” The achievement matches their previous record of two weeks at number one with “Boom Boom.” Could this song go one better?

Sheppard prove there’s still life in “Geronimo,” with the song moving up one position to number three this week.

Sia rounds out the top ten with “Chandelier.” Will her performance on Ellen that’s got everyone talking this week send it back up the charts?

INXS are the best of the Aussies on the albums charts. Their Very Best Of has also had a resurgence this week, rising from number nine to five.

Harrison Craig’s also up the up with L.O.V.E. It moves up one spot to claim number six.

Chet Faker’s holding steady with Built on Glass at number ten.

Click below for this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “Justice Crew On Top of ARIA Charts Again” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Laughton Tours M & R

In her new single “M & R”, Bec Laughton tells us about the abundance of music and rhythm inside of her. And that’s a good thing too, because she’s going to be gigging relentlessly over the next few months.

She’s got the obligatory promotion for the single and the EP of the same name to take care of, as well as high-profile appearances at Singapore’s Music Matters conference and Brisbane’s R’n’B festival Soulfest. No doubt she’ll have the crowds dancing as enthusiastically as the folks in her latest music video at the following shows.

21-24 May 2014 – Music Matters Live @ Clarke Quay, Singapore
31 May 2014 – Salt House, Cairns
7 June 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
13 June 2014 – Armidale Club, Armidale
14 June 2014 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney
19 June 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
22 June 2014 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
27 June 2014 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
28 June 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
29 June 2014 – The Aviary, Perth
3 July 2014 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
4 July 2014 – Golden Vine, Bendigo
25 October 2014 – Soulfest @ Riverstage, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boyeur Make Me Swoon with “Cupid”

Today Melbourne indie pop duo Boyeur have officially unleashed their brand new single “Cupid.” The release comes ahead of the band’s debut EP Gold Street, which is slated to hit stores on May 30. The lads will celebrate the releases with official launches all around the country.

It might have a romantic title, but the single is no cliché. Its lush strings are dreamy, but the song’s actually about those moments when the head gets in the way of the heart.

“Overthinking is toxic to any human relationship,” explained Tim Ischia, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, “and sometimes it prevents a relationship from even starting. All the emotions become magnified and you end up being too nervous to do anything.”

I love the way this duo marries classical elements with contemporary hip hop sounds. The song’s also so catchy, but it stays well away from the middle of the road. The two piece manages to play six instruments between them, so music lovers are in for a real treat when Boyeur play shows to support the single release next month.

“We’re really excited to play live with our string quartet,” Tim said. “We spent a lot of time perfecting our setup so that the two of us can play all of our instruments on stage and adding the string quartet to that creates something we’re really proud of!”

You can see just how good Boyeur are for yourself at the following gigs.

4 June 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 June 2014 – The Newsagency, Sydney
7 June 2014 – Rad, Wollongong
8 June 2014 – Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Canberra (3-5pm)
26 June 2014 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dungog Festival Comes to the Hunter

Good music, film, food, and wine will come together this August at the first annual Dungog Festival. From August 28 to 31, a full line-up of entertainment will be showcased in the Upper Hunter.

“I’m delighted to be here on behalf of the NSW Government for the launch of the new Dungog Festival,” George Souris, Member for Upper Hunter, said at official announcement. “The Government is committed to supporting the creative industries and the Australian film industry, as well as fostering great regional events that bring so much to the local community. With this in mind, we have entered into a partnership with the Dungog Arts Foundation to support The Dungog Festival for the next three years, through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.”

Details are a little thin on the ground at this point, but the strong sense of community spirit and picturesque location should help make the Dungog Festival something special. The event is expected to bring 3,000 visitors to the area, and inject around $3.6 million into the local economy.

Early bird tickets will be available from June 10 from the Dungog Festival website.

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Al Parkinson Charms with “Like This”

I must admit, I was caught off guard when I started playing “Like This,” the newest single from Al Parkinson. The shadowy press image and masculine name convinced me I was about to hear something from a male singer-songwriter. However, her delicate, honeyed voice soon set me straight! It’s shown off to beautiful effect in this sweet song about those moments when someone makes your day that much brighter.

Al’s angelic vocals are set off by a lush string section and the gentle strum of her ukulele. Seriously, we need to see more artists utilising the ukulele!

Al will launch the single for her hometown fans at The Aviary Creative Hub in Abbotsford this Saturday, May 17. Tickets are just $15 including a physical copy of the single from TryBooking.

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dark Fair Team Up with Adalita for New Single

If you loved grungy ‘90s female rock bands like Hole and Veruca Salt, you’re going to adore Australia’s own Dark Fair. The ladies are preparing to release a new EP You Shouldn’t Be Mine at the end of the month. It features the lead single “Poison,” which boasts Magic Dirt’s Adalita on bass.

Dark Fair will launch You Shouldn’t Be Mine with the following East Coast shows.

24 May 2014 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
31 May 2014 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
21 June 2014 – Captain Cook, Sydney

Image used with permission from Amanda Virtatas