Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Astrid & The Asteroids Launch EP with Hometown Show

Brisbanenites, your Sunday entertainment is sorted. Astrid & The Asteroids will launch their self-titled EP at the Kerbside Bar from 6:30 pm, a totally respectable time for an evening out before a workday. Best of all, the event’s completely free!

The band’s second EP showcases their refusal to adhere to genres. Instead they like to dabble in pop, jazz, and soul, as we hear on their latest single “Autopsy.” The likeable number tells the not so likable story of Charles Whitman, a sniper whose undiagnosed brain tumour might have had something to do with his suicidal killing spree.

The EP came about when Astrid & The Asteroids won the 2012 Billy Thorpe Scholarship, and they acknowledge that it might never have come to fruition without that support.

“The financial support it gave us allowed us to focus on putting our heart and soul into our music, without the mind-numbing worry of money,” frontwoman Astrid Jorgenson explained. “For entrusting us with this honour, we are eternally grateful.”

If you’re not in Brisbane, don’t worry. Astrid & The Asteroids promises to announce a string of EP launch shows soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Prepares to Launch “Chapter Seven”

Damien Leith won the Australian Idol title in 2006, but his career since has been overshadowed by the year’s runner-up Jessica Mauboy. Damien’s refused to just fade away though. Instead he’s worked consistently, releasing album after album and playing small venues to promote them. On November 1 he’ll release his seventh, appropriately titled Chapter Seven.

Chapter Seven is a collection of gentle acoustic pop and folk numbers that are clearly close to Damien’s heart. He wrote every one of the 12 tracks, including lead single “Without a Fight,” and recorded most of them in the Sydney studio he built with his own two hands. Damien also produced the album which is his first release as an independent artist.

“In the album I cover a lot of different themes, love, loss and everything in between. But I’ve tried to approach them from a positive outlook,” Damien explained. “It’s true to the style people know me for.”

Damien will introduce audiences around the country to his new songs, and reacquaint them with old favourites, at the following shows.

31 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
1 November 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
2 November 2013 – The BLVD Tavern, Perth
3 November 2013 – Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club, Mandurah
7 November 2013 – The Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
8 November 2013 – Mon Komo Hotel, Brisbane
9 November 2013 – Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane
10 November 2013 – Victoria Point Sharks Club, Brisbane
13 November 2013 – Roth’s Wine Bar, Mudgee
14 November 2013 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
15 November 2013 – The Brass Monkey, Sydney
16 November 2013 – The Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
22 November 2013 – Launceston Country Club, Launceston
23 November 2013 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
29 November 2013 – The Abbey, Canberra
30 November 2013 –  Velvet Room @ Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
6 December 2013 – Dural Country Club, Dural
7 December 2013 – Studio @ Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
8 December 2013 – Speers Point Carols @ Speers Point Park, Newcastle
12 December 2013 – Bean Bar and Café, Taree
13 December 2013 – Pier One @ Panthers, Port Macquarie
14 December 2013 – The Basement, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Convaire Get Toes Tapping with “Talk in Technicolour”

My days of clubbing are far behind me, but if I were heading out tonight to celebrate the arrival of the weekend I’d want the DJ to spin something like Convaire’s new single “Talk in Technicolour.”

The Sydney four-piece has built on the sound they showcased on their 2011 debut. The synthesizers are still front and centre, but they’re much slicker this time around. “Talk in Technicolour” takes all the fun of disco and brings it into the 21st century.

More of this please!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Kill Devil Hills Celebrate Live Album with Capital City Shows

After a decade sweating it out in the country’s pubs and clubs, Perth act The Kill Devil Hills are set to release their first live album Past and Future Ghosts. The disc was recorded on a steamy March night at a Fremantle arts centre that once served as an asylum.

Past and Future Ghosts features tracks from The Kill Devil Hills’ three studio albums and two previously unreleased songs. This live version of “Words from Robin to Batman,” an emotional number originally featured on Man, You Should Explode, gives you a taste of what to expect from the album.

Those hard-working lads from the Kill Devil Hills are about the hit the studio again to record another album, but it wouldn’t be right if they didn’t play some shows to launch Past and Future Ghosts, which will be available on CD at the gigs as well as digitally via Bandcamp.

6 November 2013 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
7 November 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane
8 November 2013 – The Factory Floor, Sydney
9 November 2013 – The John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
10 November 2013 – The Republic Bar, Hobart

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordie Lane Releases Video Ahead of Aussie Tour

Jordie Lane kicks off his national homecoming tour tomorrow! To celebrate Jordie’s return to our shores, and the recent release of his EP Not Built to Last, Jordie’s released the video for his killer new single “Here She Comes.” The clip gets us up close and personal with this incredible alt-country talent. If you dig it, make sure you get to one of the following shows.

25 & 26 October 2013 – Fleurieu Folk Festival, Willunga
27 October 2013 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle (afternoon show)
27 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
31 October 2013 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
1 November 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (early evening show)
2 November 2013 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
3 November 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart (afternoon show)
7 November 2013 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
8 November 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
9 November 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (with full band)
10 November 2013 – Caravan Club, Oakleigh (afternoon show)
13 November 2013 – Street Theatre, Canberra
14 November 2013 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
15 November 2013 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
16 November 2013 – The Basement, Sydney (with full band)
17 November 2013 – Grand Junction, Maitland
18 November 2013 – Music Lounge, Manly
20 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
21 November 2013 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
22 November 2013 – Mullumbimby Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bid on Musicians’ Shoes for Charity

Over the past 18 months, Warner Music Australia has been sending plain white Converse sneakers and Sharpies to some of the best local and international music acts for its In Their Shoes program. The musicians have put their unique stamp on the footwear before sending them back to Warner headquarters. Now finally Warner has put the one-of-a-kind shoes up for auction to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the musos’ favourite charities.

You’ve got until October 29 to bid for shoes doodled by Cold Chisel, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, Lisa Mitchell, You Am I, New Order, Moby, Busby Marou, Tame Impala, and heaps more. All shoes will be sent out on October 30 with a certificate of authenticity.

Whose shoes do you have your eye on?

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Audego Get it Right with “Fight”

I must admit, I wasn’t really feeling Audego when they released their last single “Sleepy”, but with their follow-up “Fight” they’ve really turned my head.

I think the difference here is the strong emotional core. More than just an intriguing electronic number, it’s a powerful snapshot of a marriage gone wrong. Producer Paso Bionic plays the role of an abusive husband while vocalist Big Fella takes on the part of his victimised trophy wife. The surrealistic clip, created by the talented team at Round 3 Creative, charts the deterioration of the toxic union. The song comes from Audego’s sophomore album Beneath the Static and the Low.

Audego will launch the album with a show at Sydney’s FBi Social on October 26 and another at The Hideaway in Brisbane on November 9.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Shadow Electric Host 12 Shows in 10 Days

Melbourne’s The Shadow Electric will serve up a slew up live music next month as a prelude to its 3rd annual cinema program. The Shadow Electric will host 12 shows over 10 days from the 1st of the month.

Acts are still being finalised, but the line-up as it stands is pretty enticing. Little Scout and Palms will both stop by on their album launch tours. Local music legend Courtney Barnett will take the opportunity to launch his EP at the venue, and supergroup The Ape will also grace The Shadow Electric stage.

Visit The Shadow Electric website to see all the shows and set times and secure your tickets.

Image used with permission from We Manage

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skrillex at Shore Thing

Sydneysiders can ring in the New Year with Skrillex at this year’s Shore Thing festival. The event will see the internationally acclaimed DJ bringing his Skrillex Spaceship stage show to Australia for the very first time.

In another festival first, organisers have entrusted their headliner to craft the rest of the line-up. Skrillex will handpick his support acts to ensure this year’s Shore Thing is a night to remember.

Tickets are on sale now for this over 18s event from the Shore Thing website.

Image used with permission from Fuzzy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Acfields Need Your Help for Album Funding

With 18 days to go, Dan and Hannah Acfield are still well short of their Pozible goal. If they don’t reach it, these super-talented siblings will run out of the cash they need to finish their first full-length album.

Giving to the cause is well worth your while. Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped The Acfields bring their music to the masses. A donation of just $5 will give you a digital copy of their EP Turning a Page. Start splurging and you could have Dan become your music mentor or Hannah become your op-shopping buddy.

So browse the options and give, give, give people! This brother-sister duo make such beautiful folk-pop music, and it deserves to be heard by all!