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.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler Tries Something New with “Get Right Round”

Forget what you thought you knew about Jacob Butler. He’s gone in a completely different direction with his new single “Get Right Round.”

I never thought I’d see the day where Jacob was creating dance rock with lyrics which reference twerking, but I suppose it’s a good thing that he refused to be stuck in a rut. I honestly wasn’t sure to make of it at first, but by the end I was tapping my toes.

“Get Right Round” will be featured on an upcoming deluxe rerelease of Jacob’s debut album Reason, as well as a few other new songs. What do you think about this brand new sound?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella Union Becomes the Melbourne Folk Club

From April 23, Carlton’s Bella Union will be transformed into The Melbourne Folk Club. This transformation will see some of the world’s finest folk singers playing for locals in a weekly concert series.

Jordie Lane, Davey Lane, Mick Thomas, Liz Stringer and more will encourage folks to venture out on Wednesday nights to enjoy some great music.

If that sounds right up your alley, make sure you head to the website and become a member of the Melbourne Folk Club. Your free membership entitles you to discounted tickets, a free Mountain Goat beer on entry, pre-sales, and more.

If you need further convincing, here’s the upcoming lineup!

23 April 2014 – Jordie Lane and Special International Guest
30 April 2014 – Melody Pool, The Little Stevies, and Davidson Brothers
7 May 2014 – Liz Stringer, The Mae Trio, and James Kenyon
14 May 2014 – Marlon Williams, Mick Thomas, and Suzannah Espie
21 May 2014 – Grand Slavo, Sal Kimber, and Brendan Welch
28 May 2014 – Sweet Jean, Davey Lane, and Sara Retallick

Image used with permission from Heartstop Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leah Flanagan Wows Me with “Everything”

Leah Flanagan’s one of those awesome performers who’s been plugging away in the background for years without ever really breaking through.

She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2008 Deadly Awards, but she’s not a household name like other nominees Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan. She’s performed on stage with the likes of John Cale, Ricki-Lee Jones, Sinead O’Connor, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Gurrumul. Her songs have appeared in ABC TV shows like “Dirt Games” and “The Gods of Wheat Street.”

If there’s ever song that should propel Leah into the spotlight, it’s her new single “Everything.” It’s so simple and tender, poetic and romantic. There aren’t bells and whistles about it, but it’s anchored by a whole lot of heart. Do you love it?