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

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!