Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Jim Keays

It’s not a good time to be an Australian music lover right now. It seems like we were all still mourning the loss of Doc Neeson, and now we have to deal with the loss of another of our greats. Today Jim Keays succumbed to multiple myeloma after seven years battling the disease. He was just 67.

It was pretty easy to forget Jim was sick. He seemed permanently on the road with Darryl Cotton and Russell Morris, and he was still putting out albums right to the end. It might be some consolation to fans that there’s another on the way which Jim was apparently really excited for us all to hear.

But it’s no doubt be the music he made with the Masters Apprentices that is his greatest legacy. This song’s not just my favourite Masters Apprentices song, but also one of my favourite songs of all time. We’ll miss you Jim.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Charms with “Message”

Way back in March 2012 I fell for New South Wales’ Patrick James when he supported Howie Day. I was so enamoured by this incredible lyrics and sweet demeanour. So I was thrilled to hear he’s releasing his second EP soon. But before that drops, we can enjoy the stunning lead single “Message.”

The song came about while Patrick was touring with Josh Pyke late in 2013. During one show Josh broke a guitar string so Patrick offered his own guitar. Josh altered the tuning for his performance, so when Patrick pulled it out after returning home it sounded a little differently. That sound sparked the idea for “Message’s” melody. Lyrically the song explores how difficult it can be to find the balance between life as a touring musician and the other aspects of life.

“Message” signals the new, bigger sound Patrick’s playing with these days. While it’ll hardly blow your speakers, it’s a big change from the bedroom recordings that made up his debut EP. It’s so exciting to see the evolution of this talented young artist.

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zed Eppelin and Philemon Team Up for “Stowaway”

What do you get when you put together a Hungarian-born composer living in Melbourne and a multitalented singer-songwriter-instrumentalist from Victoria’s capital? You get “Stowaway,” the magical new single from Zed Eppelin and Philemon.

The collaboration is part of the Prop Joe Presents artist collective, which looks to support self-managed artists hustle collaboratively. It’s certainly a great showcase for these two talented acts at a time when they could both use the publicity. Zed Eppelin has just launched his debut album Aerial Sway, which comes after the release of two independent EPs. Philomen will release her debut EP Frame at The Toff in Town on June 22. If her angelic vocals are any indication, the EP’s sure to be sublime.

What do you think of this pairing?

Image used with permission from Prop Joe Presents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Youthfire Prepare to set the “World on Fire”

Over the years I’ve really loved watching the musical journey of Brisbane electro-pop prince Carmichael. He’s developing his sound with a new outfit called Youthfire these days, and it seems its paying dividends.

Our first taste is the delicious single “World on Fire,” a stirring, primal number with tribal drums, retro synths, and lush vocals.

You can learn more this exciting new project when Youthfire launch “World on Fire” at Brisbane’s Metro Arts Theatre on June 20.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Scott Spark Releases Monday Anthem “Two Alarms”

It’s Monday at there’s no beating around the bush: it sucks. It’s the worst. There’s no cure for Mondayitis, but you can at least feel like you’re not alone when you listen to Scott Spark’s brilliant new single “Two Alarms.” The Brisbane singer-songwriter has crafted one of the catchiest melodies and some of the wittiest lyrics about the soul-sucking nature of the corporate world that I’ve ever heard.

It also comes with an awesome filmclip, animated by local cartoonist Oslo Davis, which stars Lenny, the most adorable alarm clock you’re ever likely to see. And there’s a free app too which allows you to turn your iPhone into a Scott Spark alarm clock.

And if that wasn’t enough goodness, Scott Spark will also release his sophomore album Muscle Memory, featuring “Two Alarms,” this Friday, June 13.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sinking Teeth Rock with “You Can’t Build a Bike Out of Muffins”

The Sinking Teeth offer some sage advice with the release of their rocking new single “You Can’t Build a Bike Out of Muffins.”

The song doesn’t seem to have a lot to do with baked goods, but it’s a brilliantly intense number with an infectious melodic core. It’s also the first single from The Sinking Teeth’s second EP Salt & Stitches, which hits stores on July 26. The Melbourne band will build up to that release date with a string of shows which culminate with a big gig for hometown fans to launch the EP.

19 June 2014 – Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, Surfers Paradise (FREE)
20 June 2014 – The New Tattersalls Hotel, Lismore
21 June 2014 – Crowbar, Brisbane
27 June 2014 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith (FREE)
28 June 2014 – Blackwire Records, Sydney
4 July 2014 – The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
5 July 2014 – The Pav, Launceston
18 July 2014 – The Jade Monkey, Adelaide
25 July 2014 – The Barwon Club, Geelong
26 July 2014 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Ska Orchestra Ready for World Tour

I was so sad to hear of the recent axing of the ABC’s rebooted Spicks and Specks. Sure it took a little while for Josh, Ella, and Adam to settle in to the chairs. However, I felt that the essence of the show remained that same, and for that reason it’s a shame more people didn’t tune in.

Watching the show I was delighted at so many of those quirky acts that chose to transform hits for “Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma.” The Melbourne Ska Orchestra was one of those bands that blew my mind, so I’m thrilled to see they’re moving on to bigger and better things.

The 25-piece have played shows all over Australia supporting the release of their debut album, and now they’re preparing to take it to the world. Their originals and surprising ska covers of classics like the Get Smart theme are sure to win over music lovers at high-profile events like Glastonbury and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Rest assured readers in other parts of the world, you don’t want to miss this truly original act.

26 June 2014 – The Forge, Camden, London
27 & 28 June 2014 – Glastonbury Festival
30 June & 1 & 2 July 2014 – Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal
3 July 2014 – Festival D’ete, Quebec City
4 July 2014 – Yonge, Dundas Square, Toronto
5 July 2014 – Northern Lights Festival Boreal, Ontario

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Davidson Brothers Reveal Wanderlust

Australia’s hottest bluegrass act the Davidson Brothers are preparing to unleash their seventh studio album, Wanderlust. It’s an appropriate name considering the duo’s spent the greater part of the last few years gigging around Australia, Europe, and the United States.

The album sees Hamish and Lachlan exploring their desire to travel and new sounds which build on their love of contemporary bluegrass.

To coincide with Wanderlust’s June 20 release, the Davidson Brothers are taking us behind the scenes with the short film The Making of Wanderlust.

The Davidson Brothers will celebrate the album’s release early with a launch show at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on June 19. Tickets are on sale from the venue now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Dalton Moves on from Hungry Kids of Hungary with Born Joy Dead

Like so many Aussies, I was really disappointed to see Hungry Kids of Hungary go their separate ways. Generally when these things happen you expect the lead singer to launch the first high-profile solo project, but the band’s bassist Ben Dalton has actually gotten in first. The Brisbane musician has just launched his solo project, Born Joy Dead, and his debut single “Upside Down, Inside Out.”

The quirky bassline is sure to delight Hungry Kids of Hungary fans. But beyond that, the song’s got such a great new wave feel to it. If this is a sign of things to come, Ben Dalton’s destined for solo success.

Image used with permission from White Label Servicing

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Breaking Orbit Empower Us with “Become the Light”

Sydney progressive rock band Breaking Orbit are giving us our first taste of their forthcoming sophomore album with the release of the title track “Become the Light.”

This is such an intense, uplifting, epic song. Its instrumentation is lush and powerful, and the vocals every bit as strong. It sounds so good coming through my speakers, but I imagine it’d hit another level live.

We’ll find out when Breaking Orbit hit the road next month to celebrate the single release. Sydney post-rockers sleepmakeswaves will join Breaking Orbit for the following shows.

5 July 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
6 July 2014 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
13 July 2014 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
18 July 2014 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
19 July 2014 – The Zoo, Brisbane
1 August 2014 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
2 August 2014 – ANU Bar, Canberra
8 August 2014 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
9 August 2014 – Jive, Adelaide
16 August 2014 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal