Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Local Songstresses Unite for I Touch Myself Project

Chrissy Amphlett’s dying wish was that her sexy song “I Touch Myself” would become an anthem for breast cancer awareness. Now it’s happened thanks to some of Australia’s best female vocalists. Sarah McLeod, Deborah Conway, Megan Washington, Olivia Newton-John, Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Sarah Blasko, Suze DeMarchi, Little Pattie, and Connie Mitchell have all stripped down, physically and musically, for a touching rendition of the song.

It’s all part of the I Touch Myself Project, an initiative which encourages people to share how they’ve been touched by breast cancer using the hashtags #itouchmyselfproject or #itouchmyselfie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Google Plus. You can get involved on the inaugural I Touch Myself Day on April 21, the first anniversary of Chrissy’s tragic passing. Of course the video also reminds us to get in touch with our breasts to detect cancer early.

The video is available for purchase from iTunes and Google Play, with all proceeds benefiting the Cancer Council.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sheppard & INXS Both at Number One

You could have bowled me over with a feather when I saw that Sheppard were sitting at the top of the ARIA singles chart this week. It’s not that the song isn’t stellar, but Australia doesn’t have the best record of supporting local singles. We’re an albums nation, while the singles chart is generally dominated by international fare of the urban variety. It’s even rarer to see an independent local act on the top of the charts. And then consider how unstoppable Pharrell Williams seemed to be and you’ll start to appreciate the enormity of “Geronimo’s” meteoric rise.

“It’s like a dream,” said singer George Sheppard. “You secretly think about having a number one record when you’re in your bedroom writing songs, but you never really believe that it could come true. To have the public embrace us like they have is just such a special feeling and being able to share the success with my siblings and mates just makes it all the sweeter.”

Sheppard’s feat ensures that Aussies are dominating the charts this week. Over on the albums charts we’ve got INXS continuing their reign with “The Very Best,” which notches up its seventh week at number one.

They’re the big guns, but we’ve got plenty of other Aussies threatening to steal their thunder. Last week, Sia had her first every top ten appearance as a solo act with “Chandelier.” Now she’s achieved her first ever top five finish. The song sits at number four this week after jumping six positions.

“High,” by Peking Duk featuring Nicole Millar has also jumped into the top five this week. This betters last week’s position by a couple of spots.
5 Seconds of Summer look to be on the way out with “She Looks So Perfect.” It’s at number seven this week after tumbling three spots. Still, a top ten finish seven weeks after its release is nothing to sneeze at.

Meanwhile on the albums charts, INXS very nearly lost their top spot to Ball Park Music. The Brisbane band’s third album Puddinghead debuted at number two, which is their highest peak on the local charts.

Dan Sultan’s also debuted well at number four with his album Blackbird. It’s amazing to note that with his third release he’s actually achieved his first ever appearance in the ARIA top 50.

The John Butler Trio round out the top 10 with their latest album Flesh & Blood holding steady at number 10.

Click below for more information about this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Sheppard & INXS Both at Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Hookey Impresses with “Man on Fire”

If the lead single “Man on Fire” is any indication, Harry Hookey’s debut album Misdiagnosed is going to be one of 2014’s best releases.

Harry recorded the album with the help of his friend and mentor Nash Chambers at Foggy Mountain Studios. He originally intended to just cut a few demos, but when it started to come together so effortlessly an album seemed like the only option. There’s definitely an ease and self-assurity about “Man on Fire.” It sits somewhere on the country-rock spectrum, but there’s also a soul to it that should draw in people that swear they aren’t country fans.

If you love it, you’ll be happy to hear that Misdiagnosed hits stores on April 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Frente! Reunite for Marvin Anniversary Shows

Things of Stone and Wood aren’t the only 90s ‘act preparing to tour around the country. Frente! are also back together to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their breakthrough album Marvin the Album.

To celebrate the anniversary, the album will also be rereleased as a deluxe two-CD set. As a reminder, this is the album that features the massive singles “Ordinary Angels, “Accidentally Kelly Street,” and that haunting cover of “Bizarre Love Triangle.”

Frente! promises to perform every song off the Australian release, plus the bonus tracks from the international version, as well as a few surprises, at the following shows.

22 & 23 May 2014 – Playhouse @ Arts Centre, Melbourne
24 May 2014 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
30 & 31 May 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
6 June 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 June 2014 – The Astor, Perth
27 June 2014 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
28 June 2014 – Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayden Calnin Announces Two Small Shows

Hayden Calnin’s one of those quiet, special musicians who gets under your skin with slow-burning, deeply personal songs. So it’s only fitting that he’ll showcase tunes from his latest EP Oh, Hunter with two intimate shows rather than big extravaganzas.

Hayden will delight hometown fans with a gig at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on May 3. He’ll then move on to Sydney’s Goodgod Small Club on May 9. He’ll be supported on both shows by the equally impressive Eliza Hull. Tickets are a steal at $15 plus booking fee. If you’re yet to snap up Oh, Hunter, you can purchase it with your tickets online.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Russell Morris’ Van Diemen’s Land in Stores Today

Russell Morris showed he’s still got it with the release of Sharkmouth in 2012. Now he’s set to wow music lovers again with the release of Van Diemen’s Land.

Van Diemen’s Land picks up where Sharkmouth left off, telling real Australian stories about Breaker Morant, Sandakan, and the Eureka Stockade. It also features an impressive line-up of special guest artists including Joe Camilleri, Rick Springfield, Rob Hirst, Ross Hannaford, and Vika and Linda Bull.

“I spent over a year researching these great Australian stories,” Russell explained in the press release. “To me these albums are about looking back at the characters that deserve to be remembered and then doing that in the best way I know how—through song. It’s about leaving a legacy that in fifty years’ time, someone can put these records on and learn something about the spirit of our great country, in the same way we do when we read The Man from Snowy River.”

Van Diemen’s Land is in stores today.

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pharoah’s Playground Set to Release “3 Days in the Belly of a Whale”

Brisbane rockers Pharoah’s Playground are offering a sneak peek of their brand new album 3 Days in the Belly of a Whale ahead of its official release.

The recording process wasn’t quite as dramatic as Jonah’s tale, but the lads did spend three days in the belly of a recording studio. That’s a fairly quick time to record an album, but it’s given songs like the lead single “Comin’ Round the Mountain” a spontaneous energy that’s so appealing. It was all recorded straight to analogue tape, so it’s only fitting that the album’s getting a suitably retro release on vinyl, as well as the standard digital release.

Pharoah’s Playground will celebrate both when they launch the album for hometown fans at Tempo Hotel on April 26. Entry is free, so there’s no excuse for missing it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Things of Stone and Wood Reform for “Happy Birthday Helen” Anniversary

Can you believe it’s been 25 years since Things of Stone and Wood zoomed into the top 10 with their breakthrough single “Happy Birthday Helen”? It’s enough to make a blogger feel old, and probably the band members too!

If Things of Stone and Wood are feeling a little long in the tooth, they’re determined not to let it show. They’re actually using the anniversary as a great excuse to get back together for the first since 1997 for a limited run of shows. If you’ve missed this national treasure, make sure you head out and enjoy the nostalgia in the air at the following shows.

9 May 2014 – The Powerhouse Visy Theatre, Brisbane
10 May 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 May 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
24 May 2014 – The Northcote Social Club
25 May 2014 – The Northcote Social Club (matinee)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eleanor Dunlop Ready to Release EP

Sydney-based songstress Eleanor Dunlop is preparing to unleash her brand new self-titled EP.

The recording will feature the track “Disguise,” which was released last October, and the brand new single “Rough Side of Town.” Its name might have a real edge, but Eleanor’s angelic vocals are all sweetness and light on this dreamy song. Listen to the lyrics though and you’ll hear real power in this song about being true to yourself and fighting for what you deserve.

The Eleanor Dunlop EP gets a digital release tomorrow, April 11. She’ll give fans a week to live with it before she launches it at Sydney’s Brighton Up Bar on April 17.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Cameron Releases Album on Vinyl

When Sydney singer-songwriter Alex Cameron released his debut solo album Jumping the Shark as a few download late last year, it crashed his website. So there’s sure to be plenty of interest in news that he’ll release the album on vinyl on April 11.

If you weren’t swept up in Alex Cameron hysteria the first time, it’ll take just one listen of his latest single “Mongrel.” It doesn’t have the prettiest name, but this is a gorgeous song, minimalist and simple and real. Take a listen and if you love it, make sure you preorder a vinyl copy of the album here.