Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Halfway Shows Gen Y How It’s Done

There’s something just so comforting about listening to a band like Halfway. These Brisbane music veterans know their strengths and work together so well. It all seems so easy on “Dropout,” the lead single from their fourth LP Any Old Love, which hits stores today.

The album is a collection of songs based around the story of a young couple struggling to make things work in Barcaldine, Central Queensland. And it’s not just getting an iTunes and CD release; you’ll also find it on vinyl. Now that’s the kind of old school approach that I can appreciate. If you do too, make sure you see Halfway launching Any Old Love at the following shows.

8 February 2014 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
28 February 2014 – The Yarra Hotel, Melbourne
1 March 2014 – Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay
23 March 2014 – The Powerhouse, Brisbane
20 April 2014 – Boogie, Tallarook

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stonefield Finally Play WA

Western Australia, your patience has been rewarded. Sister act Stonefield will finally bring their album tour to your part of the country next week.

Expect plenty of energy and big heavy guitar riffs when the girls from Victoria touch down next week! Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

13 February 2014 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
14 February 2014 – Clancy’s, Dunsborough
15 February 2014 – The Capitol, Perth

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dead Daisies Release New Single & Album

The self-titled debut album from The Dead Daisies, fronted by our own Jon Stevens (we can claim him at this point, can’t we Australia?), hits stores tomorrow!

The album’s already generated buzz with the release of its first two singles, “Lock ‘N’ Load” and “Washington,” and now there’s a third to remind people why this album needs to be part of their collection. Just like the others, “It’s Gonna Take Time” celebrates classic rock music without the frills and bullshit.

“It’s a personal view on the world we live in today,” explained Jon. “We’re all running around on this planet consuming everything in our path. There are so many distractions, that the simple things in life, we don’t seem to have time for anymore. Is it just me? Everyone seems to be in a rush nowadays. This song is about stopping for a minute and identifying what is really important in your life! Simple really, but hard to do in this day and age!”

So shut out the rest of the world and wrap your ears around this. Then get excited because The Dead Daisies tour kicks off tonight. Where else can you see musicians from Noiseworks, Guns N’ Roses, Psychedelic Furs, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and The Cult all on one stage? Nowhere, that’s where!

6 February 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 February 2014 – The Old Mill, Hahndorf
8 February 2014 – Annie’s Lane Day On The Green, Clare Valley
15 February 2014 – Rochford Wines Day On The Green, Yarra Valley
16 February 2014 – Esplanade Hotel, Melbourne
21 February 2014 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney (with Jimmy Barnes)
22 February 2014 – Bateau Bay Hotel – Bateau Bay (with Jimmy Barnes)
23 February 2014 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
25 February 2014 – Country Club Casino, Launceston
26 February 2014 – Wrestpoint Casino Showroom, Hobart
28 February 2014 – Mulwala Water Ski Club, Mulwala
1 March 2014 – Albury SS&A Club, Albury

Image used with permission from Jaden Social

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pokey LaFarge Announces First Australian Shows

They don’t make musicians like Pokey LaFarge anymore. This American musician, songwriter, bandleader, and all-round entertainer takes us back to a time when swing, bluegrass, country, and jazz were all over the radio. And with a self-titled, full-length album now in stores, he’s making his first visit to Australia.

It might be a little old-timey for modern tastes, but listen to it with an open mind and you’ll discover a performer that really knows his stuff.

He’s also got one of the best bands that I’ve ever seen. Check out this video of them performing “Sadie Green” at the recent Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion for proof.

If you like what you see, make sure you grab a ticket for one of Pokey’s upcoming Aussie shows.

7 & 8 March 2014 – Port Fairy Folk Music Festival, Port Fairy
9 & 10 March 2014 – WOMADelaide, Botanic Park, Adelaide
12 March 2014 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
13 March 2014 – The Basement, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever go to the Movies

There’ll be no sweaty punters or overpriced beers at launch shows for The Never Ever’s new single “In or Out.” The Sydney band’s turning their back on the pubs for a while and heading to the movies!

The quintet will play an intimate acoustic set in the movie theatres before their latest music video plays on the big screen. They’ll also show a behind the scenes documentary, which will never be seen again, before fielding audience questions in a Q&A session.

“These shows are going to be really special,” promised singer Dylan Nash.

If you want to be a part of these unique all-ages events, get your tickets now from The Never Ever’s website.

21 February 2014 – Event Cinemas @ Myer Centre, Brisbane
22 February 2014 – Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
23 February 2014 – Hoyts Melbourne Central, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elizabeth Rose Announces EP Tour

Elizabeth Rose is wasting no time promoting the release of her self-titled sophomore EP. She’s already announced a string of intimate shows all around the country.

Elizabeth has already started the year with a bang by taking out the FBi Radio SMAC Award for Next Big Thing. See why she won that coveted trophy at the following shows.

28 February 2014 – Manning Bar, Sydney
1 March 2014 – Secret Garden Festival, Camden
7 March 2014 – Bleach Festival, Gold Coast
8 March 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
13 March 2014 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong
15 March 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
22 March 2014 – Pirie Social Club, Adelaide
4 April 2014 – King Street Hotel Supperclub, Newcastle
11 April 2014 – Amplifier, Perth
12 April 2014 – Mojo’s, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Recon Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Own “Look of Love”

If the first single “The End” didn’t already convince you that you need to own The Jezabel’s new album The Brink, then let the “Look of Love” work its magic. This electro-pop gem showcases the depth of talent that this album offers. Don’t let its familiar name fool you either. This is a true Jezabels original.

“Essentially, it’s story is that of ‘Uptown Girl’, but sung from the perspective the girl, who acted ‘too good’ for the boy who loved her, afraid to become stigmatized by her own desire. Years later, when nothing has matched up to the young love she pushed away, the pretence crumbles into delusion,”explained Jezabels’ frontwoman Hayley Mary. “Though the song is sung in present tense, about wanting to give into this love right then and there, the opportunity she speaks of is dead, and all that is left is an unhealthy reliving of the past, and a desire for a love that’s gone.”

What do you think of this killer cut?

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spanish Surf Band Los Coronas Return to Australia

Is Tuesday too early in the week to reach for sangria? Because I definitely feel like a nice cold jug as I listen to “Adios Sancho,” the title track from Los Coronas’ new album.

This Spanish band is returning to our shores after their successful 2012/2013 run of Aussie dates. If you like your music a little left of centre, make sure you don’t miss their unusual blend of traditional Spanish melodies and sun-drenched surf sounds.

2 March 2014 – Clancy’s Red Room, Dunsborough
4 March 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
5 & 6 March 2014 – Basement, Sydney
7 March 2014 – WOMADelaide, Adelaide
8 March 2014 – Enlighten, Canberra
9 March 2014 – Golden Plains Festival, Victoria
13 March 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
14 March 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Appleonia Gives Away Album to Help Oz Harvest

What if the albums you download could do more than just filling up your MP3 player and making you happy? What if they could fill the bellies of people in need and put smiles on their faces? They could if the album you buy is OH from Sydney songstress Appleonia.

Appleonia’s teamed up with Vittoria Coffee, who’s promised to donate the value of every copy downloaded to Oz Harvest. That’s the equivalent of three meals for hungry Aussies. And do you know the best part? The downloads are actually free, so you can support this cause and enjoy some great new local music without putting your hand in your pocket!

Click here to own the album and spread the word! And if you love what you hear, make sure you show your support when Appleonia launches at the album at the FBi Social Club on February 20.

Image used with permission from Umbrella Artist Management & PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Washington and The Rubens Headline Lost Picnic

If you’re tired of all of those crowded, sweaty summer festivals, then you should definitely check out the much more elegant Lost Picnic. With its talented local musicians, gourmet food, and lush backdrop of Sydney’s Centennial Park, this is a festival with a difference.

The first year is set to be something special with entertainment from Megan Washington, The Rubens, Emma Louise, Dustin Tebbutt, and Sons of the East. Picnic hampers will also be available from the talented chefs behind some of Sydney’s best restaurants including Rushcutters and Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.

“We’ve grown up organising successful dance events in Sydney and although this will always be a passion of ours, we have evolved and we want our events to evolve with us,” explained Simon Beckingham, who’s organising the event along with his partner in crime, Wade Cawood. “Growing up in the UK festival scene, we know Sydney is looking for the next generation in music events. Lost Picnic is exactly that, a boutique-style event that not only supports local musical talent but local restaurants, to offer a completely different experience to the Sydney entertainment calendar.”

Lost Picnic hit Centennial Park on 23 March 2014. Tickets and picnic hampers are available to pre-order now from the Lost Picnic website.

Image used with permission from Lost Picnic