Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gyton Grantley Stars in New Electric Empire Video

I was initially going to dismiss the press release about Electric Empire’s new single “Changin’” as old news, as the EP came out last year. But then I revisited the track and watched the excellent music video, starring my favourite House Husband Gyton Grantley, and I changed my mind.

Because many of you might not have heard this gorgeous soulful song, and you really should. And if you’re one of the folks who bought the Changin’ EP last year, maybe you need a reminder to get it out of your CD rack and have another listen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Classixx Remix The Preatures Ahead of EP Tour

Ease yourself into the working week with this very cool remix of The Preatures’ latest single “Is This How You Feel?”

Los Angeles-based dance duo Classixx have put their stamp on the title track of The Preatures’ new EP, which is in stores now. That EP was recorded at The Preatures’ own DIY studio space in Surry Hills, which they’ve dubbed Doldrums.

To celebrate the release of the Is This How You Feel? EP and remix, The Preatures have announced a national headline tour for next month. They’ll play the following local dates before wowing crowds in the United States and United Kingdom.

6 September 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
13 September 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 September 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
19 September 2013 – Jive, Adelaide
20 September 2013 – Flyrite, Perth
21 September 2013 – Mojos, Fremantle
26 September 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
27 September 2013 – Black Bear Lounge, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Make Valar Your Sunday Soundtrack

Sydney trio Valar offers a great chill-out Sunday soundtrack with their latest single “Anoesis”.

It sounds so slick, I was doubly impressed to hear the band self-produced this number. The subdued electronic track is accompanied beautifully by this stunning music video, directed by Jon Key. “Anoesis” comes from Valar’s new EP Chocolate Cake, which is available now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rufus Tops ARIA Charts

Sydney indie-dance trio Rufus have topped the ARIA albums chart this week on debut with Atlas. It’s the ninth Australian album to top the ARIA albums chart this year. The feat’s even more impressive when you consider their highest charting single was “Sundream” which only reached number 65.

Rufus edged out Dead Letter Circus, who debuted at number two with The Catalyst Fire. Their sophomore release is their second to debut at number two.

Cloud Control also cracked the top ten with their second album Dream Cave. It sits at number nine on debut.

Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey have also reentered the top 10 with their country tribute album, The Great Country Songbook.

Vance Joy is the lone Aussie act represented in the singles top 10. “Riptide” sits at number 10 this week.

Continue reading “Rufus Tops ARIA Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler’s “Reason” in Stores Today!

It’s the day that Jacob Butler fans across the country have been waiting for. His long awaited debut album Reason will hit music stores across Australia today.

The latest single “Kites” is just one of many reasons to pick this album up. It’s a soaring pop-rock number accompanied by a stunning video. The clip, which was shot in Switzerland, features some of the most gorgeous scenery I’ve seen!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sons of Rico Speak for Us All with “Get to You”

Around this time of the week, it’s easy to let things get to you. The weekend’s too far away and everyone seems irritating. Thankfully Sons of Rico have released a single that speaks of just this experience.

“Get To You” marks a bit of a departure for the lads better known for rocky numbers “I’m Not Thinking About You” and “You Don’t Know What’s You’re Missin’”. It has a dreamy Beatlesesque feel to it and some really relatable lyrics from frontman Alex McRae. It comes from Sons of Rico’s awesome album In Rico Glaciers.

Sons of Rico will be announcing some September shows shortly to mark the single’s release, so watch this space.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lloyd Launches Crowdfunding Campaign

After living in the United Kingdom for the last five years, Alex Lloyd is coming home. He’s hoping you’ll welcome his return, and perhaps fork over a little of your cold hard cash. You see, Alex is the latest muso to launch a crowdfunding campaign to finance a new album. Donating to Alex’s Pledge Music campaign will help him complete his sixth studio album Urban Wilderness.

It seems like a pretty worthwhile endeavour, as Alex is making some great music at the moment. His new single “Better The Less You Know” combines the pop sensibility he’s known for with a great bluesy vibe. You just wait and see if you’re not singing along by the end.

The clip’s also pretty cool, as it sees Alex shooting the reactions of people hearing the song for the first time. They loved it and you probably will too!

Alex also plans to take the album on the road, so watch this space for the dates when they’re announced!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trouble with Templeton Tour Rookie Album

With their new album Rookie in stores now, The Trouble with Templeton are preparing to head out on the road.

They’ve also released a new single, “You Are New”, to celebrate. This is such a lush orchestral number, and the whimsical film clip is the perfect accompaniment.

“Much like the song itself, the film clip for ‘You Are New’ feels almost like a culmination and fond look back on everything we’ve done up until this point. The sombre tone of ‘Someday Soon’ meets the playfulness of ‘I Wrote a Novel’ and the theatricality of ‘Like A Kid’,” explained The Trouble with Templeton brainchild Thomas Calder. “’You Are New’ feels to me like the real first step into the next part of our journey as a band. And the clip is a perfect representation of that feeling.”

See the band usher in the next chapter at the following shows.

16 August 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
17 August 2013 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
22 August 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
23 August 2013 – GoodGod, Sydney
24 August 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart
29 August 2013 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
30 August 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane
31 August 2013 – The Brewery, Byron Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I, A Man Tour “Less Travelled”

I, A Man is actually four men from Melbourne who according to the press release are “trying to figure things out together”.

It seems they’ve figured out this music thing though, as the new single “Less Travelled” is one of the most accessible pieces of pop-rock I’ve heard in some time.

After releasing the EPs Fifteen Thirty-Three and You’re Boring Us All in 2011 and 2012, I, A Man felt ready to tackle a longer format. It was still a daunting prospect, so the lads escaped to the country to bond and fuel their creativity. There they came up with the 11 tracks that would become their debut album. The lads worked with a first class production team of Tim O’Halloran, Dave Williamson, and Tim Whitten to apply the finishing touched.

I, A Man will play the following shows to support the release of “Less Travelled”.

16 August 2013 – The Tote, Melbourne
23 August 2013 – The Exeter, Adelaide
29 August 2013 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
30 August 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Snowdroppers Tour “So Much Better”

The Snowdroppers are ready to close the door on their sophomore album Moving Out of Eden with the release of its third and final single, “So Much Better”.

“So Much Better” is a cheeky, danceable ditty about the ease with which we can hurt the ones we love. It’s kind of depressing subject matter really, but when it’s wrapped in such an upbeat package it’s much easier to swallow. You can hear a little of the track live in this video.

The Snowdroppers are getting ready to hibernate and record album number three, but before they do they’ll play a string of shows with their best pals Gay Paris and some other like-minded musical guests.

6 September 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
7 September 2013 – Jive Bar Adelaide
13 September 2013 – John Curtin Band Room, Carlton
20 & 21 September 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Annandale