Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne Plays Australian Crawl This August

It’s not quite an Australian Crawl reunion, but fans will enjoy the next best thing when James Reyne and a talented group of supporting musicians pay tribute to the songs of this classic rock act and its dearly departed members in August.

“Over the years we have often been asked if this could ever happen? Now is the time,” James explained. “You will never see Australian Crawl again. It just isn’t possible. This is the next best thing. We’re playing ‘ALL CRAWL.’”

With hits like “Errol,” “The Boys Light Up,” “Oh No Not You Again,” “Downhearted,” “Beautiful People,” “Fall of Rome,” and so many more to their name, these Australian Crawl shows are sure to have some of the best set lists you’re ever likely to hear. Tickets for James Reyne plays Australian Crawl: The Crawl Files Live are on sale now.

1 August 2014 – The Palms Crown, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
2 August 2014 – The Palms Crown, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
3 August 2014 – The Palms Crown, Melbourne
8 August 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane North
9 August 2014 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
15 August 2014 – The Enmore, Sydney (with Dragon)
16 August 2014 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra
23 August 2014 – The Astor, Perth
29 August 2014 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
30 August 2014 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shelley Segal Wows me with “Morocco”

Where has Shelley Segal been all my life? This gorgeous Melbourne chanteuse is preparing to release her third studio album An Easy Escape on June 6, but this is first time I’ve heard her music. It certainly won’t be the last though, because after listening to the lead single “Morocco,” I’m a real fan.

Shelley was inspired to write the song after visiting Marrakech and Essaouira.

“I was completely blown away by the beauty of the country and the colourful, carefree, fun time that was available to me as a tourist,” she explained. “Slowly as the trip went on I began to see some of the darker sides of what it was like for many who lived there.”

The shooting of the video took Shelley back to Morocco where she got to experience “a whirlwind of people, bustling markets and beautiful seaside” all over again.

Shelley will celebrate the release of An Easy Escape with the following shows.

13 June 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
26 June 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
28 June 2014 – Paynesville Wine Bar, Paynesville

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hailey Cramer Impresses with “Liquid Confidence”

Hailey Cramer has come a long way since lending her vocals to Pez’s 2008 smash “The Festival Song.” She’s since toured with Blue King Brown and collaborated with the likes of Gotye, The Grates, 360, and Michael Franti. And now she’s stepping out on her own with the release of her amazing new single “Liquid Confidence,” which hits iTunes today.

It sounds so slick and smooth, but there’s a real edge to this song which speaks about the darker side of alcohol and the toll it can take on relationships. Hailey wrote the insightful song too, proving she’s got much more than silky vocals to offer.

Hailey will launch “Liquid Confidence” with a show in front of hometown fans at Northcote Social Club on June 5.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Busby Marou Announce My Second Mistake Tour

Busby Marou’s Farewell Fitzroy is one of those albums which has so many amazing songs that it’s hard to choose a favourite. But “My Second Mistake” is definitely amongst them. The playful song about fidelity, growing up, and a healthy dose of Catholic guilt now has an official release and an awesome Jim Henson-esque video to accompany it.

The Queenslanders are currently supporting James Blunt at the moment, but this is really just a warm-up for the headliner shows they’ll play on their My Second Mistake tour. It’ll be a real party with ex-Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton and banjo-wielding maestro Karl S Williams coming along for the ride.

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

25 July 2014 – Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre, Maryborough (ALL AGES)
26 July 2014 – Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, Gladstone (ALL AGES)
27 July 2014 – Capella Cultural Centre, Capella (ALL AGES)
8 August 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
9 August 2014 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
10 August 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
14 August 2014 – Baroque, Katoomba (18+)
15 August 2014 – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+)
16 August 2014 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale (18+)
21 August 2014 – Collector Hotel, Pararamatta (18+)
22 August 2014 – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
23 August 2014 – The Basemen, Sydney (18+)
24 August 2014 – Waves, Wollongong (18+)
29 August 2014 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast (18+)
30 August 2014 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justice Crew Achieve Personal Chart Best with “Que Sera”

Justice Crew have achieved their best chart success to date this week, after “Que Sera” clocked up a third consecutive week at number one.

As I predicted, Sia reaped the benefits of her conversation-starting performance on Ellen. Her current smash “Chandelier” jumped five places, from number ten to number five this week.

Sheppard’s “Geronimo” flagged a little this week, dropping three places to land at number six. Iggy Azalea was back in the top ten this week with “Fancy.” The song climbed two positions to sit at number nine.

In the albums charts our local talents were clustered down the bottom of the top ten. Chet Faker’s Built on Glass climbed three to be our best Aussie performer at number seven. This week’s most improved must go to Rufus though, who climbed from number 50 to number eight with Atlas. INXS have fallen four places, but 41 weeks after its release they won’t complain about sitting at number nine with The Very Best.

Click below for this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “Justice Crew Achieve Personal Chart Best with “Que Sera”” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Velociraptor Cure Mondayitis with “Ramona”

Mondays can be a little difficult to swallow, but Velociraptor is set to make yours much brighter with the release of the video for their new single “Ramona.”

The Brisbane 10-piece shot the clip in just one day, which suits the spontaneous energy of the track perfectly. It’s got a bit of a low-tech Tron feel to it which is so much fun.You can see it at Music Feeds.

“Ramona” is lifted from Velociraptor’s debut album, which will hit stores later this year.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skryptcha Releases Comeback Single “What We Do It For”

Sydney MC Skryptcha was a hip-hop force for more than a decade before a plague of personal problems saw him taking a two-year hiatus. He thought he’d quit the business for good until the desire to make music overwhelmed him.

The result is “What We Do It For,” an ode the people who’ve supported him along the way and the diversity of the world at large. It also features smooth soulful vocals from Evan & The Brave’s Daniel Mifsud, who some of you may remember as an Australian Idol finalist way back when.

Only time will tell where Skryptcha goes from here, but it’s great to have him back.

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