Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cocoa Jackson Lane Release Your Sunday Soundtrack

I don’t know about you, but I love my Sunday music smooth. “Search of Souls,” the debut album from Sydney-raised, American-based duo Cocoa Jackson Lane definitely fits the bill.

This song just oozes cool, with its angelic vocals and easy groove. It comes from their forthcoming debut EP, which was written on the road and recorded in their Boston apartment. Nothing recorded in an apartment should sound so polished, but the fact that it does is testimony to the talent of this duo. The anime-style video is the perfect accompaniment to this beautiful number.

Do you dig it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Paynter Tours Long Awaited Debut Album

Michael Paynter has long been one of the hardest working singer-songwriters in the country, but it took his stint on The Voice for him to really hit the big time. It took that exposure for Michael to finally release his debut album Weary Stars a couple of days ago.

He wrote the album shortly after parting ways with Sony Music, and he said he’s thrilled for the public to finally hear it. It comes with a clip recorded in just one day in Avalon, Victoria, with the health of Pete Seamons from EPIK Films.

“I’ve loved his work with The Paper Kites, New Empire and Simple Plan, so I was incredibility excited to work with Pete,” Michael said. “ We went down to scope out the location with one idea and as soon as we stepped out of the car, all these new concepts started floating to our heads … the location kinda told us what it wanted to say.”

Michael will promote the album with some solo shows, as well as a couple of gigs with his old buddies from Icehouse.

12 February 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
13 February 2014 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
14 February 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
20 February 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
21 February 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
22 February 2014 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
23 February 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
7 March 2014 – Forest Edge Music Festival, Neerim East
19 March 2014 – Belmont Sailing Club, Belmont (with Icehouse)
20 March 2014 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill (with Icehouse)
22 March 2014 – The Astor Theatre, Perth
27 March 2014 – Jive, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reality Graduates Remake “I Am Australian”

Australia Day might have been and gone, but you can continue feeling patriotic when you check out this star-studded remake of “I Am Australian.”

The song features a host of reality show graduates, including Jessica Mauboy, Samantha Jade, Justice Crew, Dami Im, Taylor Henderson, and Nathaniel. And together they sound pretty fabulous! This recording isn’t the best, but it gives you a taste of what this new crop of Aussie pop talent can do! And is there any backdrop better than Sydney Harbour?

Thanks to Anna Benson for bringing the track to my attention!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On with Joel Sarakula

He’s been living in the United Kingdom for the last few days, but Joel Sarakula showed he still calls Australia home when it came time to record his new album The Golden Age. He returned to his hometown of Sydney to record it at Skeet Music, and several local musicians also appear on the songs.

He also used the talents of Aussie artist Wons Phreely for the fabulous video which accompanies “Only One Still Dancing.” Anyone with a weak stomach might want to brace themselves for the conclusion, but for the most part this is an adorable clip with the cutest dancing star you’re likely to see. The song should have you tapping your toes too!

If you like this song make sure you check out The Golden Age, which is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PBS Announces Drive Live Schedule

It’s just about that time again folks. PBS are preparing to bring you the best up-and-coming Aussie acts with their annual Drive Live event.

Between 5 pm and 7 pm every night from Monday 3 February to Friday 7 February, some of the best exciting new acts will enter the PBS studios for some exclusive performances. Forces, The Stevens, Hiatus Kaiyote, Bad Vision, The Murlocs, DD Dumbo, and Courtney Barnette are all scheduled to appear.

You can tune in on 106.7 on your radio dial or online at www.pbsfm.org.au. But if you really want to get up close and personal with these live acts, head to the PBS website to see how you can get on the guest list.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Growlers Announce First Aussie Tour

Cool Californian act The Growlers have played venues everywhere from London to Brazil, and the stages of Coachella and Lollapalooza. Now they’re preparing to add Australia to the list with their first ever Aussie tour this March.

The band will be here to promote their EP Gilded Pleasures, which features the surf-drench, psychedelic-influenced rootsy grooves of “Humdrum Blues.” If you love it, you can hear more at the following shows.

5 March 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
6 March 2014 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
7 March 2014 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
8 March 2014 – The Tote, Melbourne

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I, A Man Announce Garden Party for Single Launch

How you’re feeling this morning will probably depend on how hard you celebrated Australia Day. If you need something to ease you into your public holiday Monday, then I might have found the perfect track for you. Wrap your ears around “In Time,” our second taste of I, A Man’s forthcoming sophomore release. We’ll have to wait until March to hear it in its entirety, but this hypnotic, mellow number, which gets an official release on February 7, should tide you over until then.

If you like what you hear, make sure you see the band launching it in Brunswick’s beautiful Luscombe Street Community Gardens on February 8. It promises to be a very civilised affair with its 5 pm start time. There’s also be a licensed bar and BBQ dinner available, including vego options. Flyying Colours, Sunbeam Sound Machine, and DJ Skinny G will offer support on this special outdoor launch. Tickets are just $8 now from OzTix.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celebrate Australia Day with Free Australian Crawl!

I hope you’re all enjoying a chilled out Australia Day! It seems iTunes is, because it’s set up a pretty cool Australia Day room to celebrate the occasion. Happily it includes a couple of free downloads, including Australian Crawl’s classic “Boys Light Up” lifted from their new greatest hits collection.

If you want to splash your cash around there’s also the rest of Australian Crawl’s greatest hits and albums from Kylie Minogue, INXS, and The 12th Man. Marvellous! You’ll also find a bunch of Aussie TV shows, movies, books, and Australian-made apps for your downloading pleasure, so your Australia Day entertainment is pretty much sorted!

This campaign runs until January 30, so make sure you download your free Australian Crawl track before then!

Image source: Tim Swinson @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pigeon’s Settle In Ready to Drop

Local electronic wunderkinds Pigeon will release their sophomore EP Settle In tomorrow. The second album from this acclaimed Brisbane band features the singles “Curtain Call” and “Two Moon Love,” which have been both been well received by local radio, fans, and the blogosphere.

The songs give us a taste of the unique electronic cocktail we can expect to sample on the short player. It’s a little European, with nods to Sebastien Tellier and Royskopp, but it’s got that distinctly Australian twist fans love. It’s also completely self-produced, mixed, mastered, and recorded too, so it definitely deserves to be celebrated! You can give them a pat on the back when Pigeon tours the EP around the major capitals next month.

6 February 2014 – The Transit Bar, Canberra
7 February 2014 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
8 February 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
27 February 2014 – Boney, Melbourne
28 February 2014 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elizabeth Rose Releases Second Single from Self-Titled EP


Elizabeth Rose’s self-titled EP is in stores now! If first single “The Good Life” didn’t get you excited about this release, then the follow-up “Sensibility” will probably do it.

I couldn’t help thinking about artists like JoJo and Aaliyah as I listened to this laidback, melodic tune, which isn’t surprising because Elizabeth Rose cites the RnB music of the late ‘90s and early naughties as one of her biggest influences.

“I grew up loving that sound,” Rose says, “and I just loved writing with that influence in mind.”

See why The Guardian UK called our own Elizabeth “an emerging star” and discover the Elizabeth Rose EP today!

Image used with permission from Recon Music