Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sheppard Delight Music Lovers with “Let Me Down Easy”

I just love Brisbane pop six-piece Sheppard’s debut single “Let Me Down Easy”, and it seems I’m not alone. The track’s cracked the ARIA top 20 and been certified platinum. It’s also become the only independent Aussie track to appear in the Music Network’s top 100 airplay chart this year.

They’re not just enjoying success on the home front though. After the track became the most requested song on Portland’s KNRK 94.7, the band sold out the city’s Crystal Ballroom. They’ve played shows throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, The Philippines, South Africa, and India.

“Let Me Down Easy” has such a positive party vibe, and sublime harmonies from siblings Amy, George, and Emma Sheppard. Jay Bovino, Michael Butler, and Dean Gordon round out the group.

“Having a platinum record with our very first release is like a dream come true,” said George, “We’ve not only had great support from radio, but it’s been amazing over the last few months taking our show to the fans and getting such a great reaction live. It’s been such a great ride, sometimes we need to remind ourselves that it’s real!”

Are you in love with “Let Me Down Easy” too?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eagle and the Worm Commence Worker’s Club Residency

Eagle and the Worm will begin a month-long residency at Fitzroy’s Worker’s Club tonight.

Every Tuesday night in August, Eagle and the Worm will play the iconic music venue with special guests. They promise to take fans on a musical journey from their acclaimed debut Good Times to their 2012 EP Strangelove, which featured the ridiculously catchy single “Angela’s Lonely Heart”. They’re also planning to play some new tunes, so the shows promise to be well worth Melbourne residents venturing out on school nights.

Tickets cost $10 at the door, which opens at 7:30 pm each night.

6 August 2013 – with Flyying Colours
13 August 2013 – with The Bluebottles
20 August 2013 – with Hollow Everdaze
27 August 2013 – with Sagamore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pigeon Cover Daft Punk

Local electronic band Pigeon have celebrated the recent release of Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories with a video capturing a medley of the French act’s biggest hits. In just nine minutes Pigeon takes us on a trip down memory lane with some of dance music’s most enduring classics. Clever stuff!

I can’t promise they’ll play any Daft Punk, but you will hear some great electronic music when Pigeon launch their new single “Curtain Call” with the following shows.

21 August 2013 – The Jack, Cairns (FREE)
22 August 2013 – Paddy’s Shenanigans, Arlie Beach (FREE)
23 August 2013 – CBD Hotel, Mackay (FREE)
30 August 2013 – Oh Hello, Brisbane
4 September 2013 – Beach Road Hotel, Sydney (FREE)
5 September 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
6 September 2013 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney
13 September 2013 – Can’t Say, Melbourne
14 September 2013 – Rhino Room, Adelaide
19 September 2013 – Alpha Beta, Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (FREE)
20 September 2013 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
21 September 2013 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Bull Releases Another Pop Gem

Andy Bull delivers another stunning track with his new single “Baby I Am Nobody Now”.

Seriously, this guy can do no wrong. This number is every bit as catchy as “Keep On Running”, which became a top 5 global sensation on Hype Machine and was played more than 160,000 times on Soundcloud.

Andy has such an interesting tone and a really smart pop sensibility. I’m sure this one will come close to getting just as many Soundcloud listens. I know I’ve definitely played my part there!

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jinja Safari Tour “Dozer”

Jinja Safari inject a little African flavour into your working week with their funky new single “Dozer”. The track comes from Jinja Safari’s self-titled debut album, which was released in May.

Jinja Safari are celebrating the release of this very funky single with their largest national tour to date. With so many shows, I’m sure they’re coming somewhere near you!

11 September 2013 – Woombye Pub, Sunshine Coast
12 September 2013 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
13 Sept 2013 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
14 September 2013 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
18 September 2013 – ANU, Canberra
19 September 2013 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
20 September 2013 – Cambridge, Newcastle
21 September 2013 – The Metro, Sydney (ALL AGES)
25 September 2013 – Loft, Warrnambool
26 September 2013 – Barwon Club, Geelong
27 September 2013 – Forum, Melbourne
28 September 2013 – Karova, Ballarat
3 October 2013 – Adelaide Uni Bar, Adelaide
4 October 2013 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 October 2013 – The Astor, Perth (ALL AGES)
6 October 2013 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Webb Launches August Single and Pozible campaign

Dan Webb is back with “Sandstorm”, the August track in his 12 Songs, 12 Months project. It’s a dreamy number which reminds me of what the Beatles may have come up with if they ever tried to write a waltz.

If you’ve been enjoying Dan Webb’s free monthly songs, perhaps it’s time you gave something back. While Dan’s been happy to share these tracks free of charge, it takes money to make an album. Dan hopes you’ll share some of yours and donate to his crowdfunding campaign. All proceeds will help Dan fund his full-length album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little May Release “Boardwalks”

It might be chilly outside, but you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside as you let Little May’s debut single “Boardwalks” wash over you.

This is such a great example of guitar-driven indie folk which takes its cues from the work of Julia Stone and Holly Throsby. Those harmonies give it an edge over the material of these trailblazers though. The natural connection between the friends Hannah Field, Liz Drummond and Annie Hamilton shines through as their vocals combine. They’re all self-taught musicians, and that lack of grooming gives this track a beautiful organic feel.

“Boardwalks” gives us our first taste of Little May’s EP, which will hit stores late this year. If you love it, make sure you get along to the official single launch at Sydney’s The Vanguard on August 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elephant Eyes Launch Debut EP

Melbourne act Elephant Eyes are preparing to celebrate the release of their debut EP with a launch show for hometown fans next week.

I’m thrilled to see more from this outfit who thoroughly charmed me with their single “Mother Said” last year. Apparently chronic illness, line-up changes, and the nine-to-five drudge made producing something else a bit slow, but I for one am glad they took the time. The single “India” gives us a beautiful taste of the EP. Lead singer Kate McMahon positively soars on this number about globetrotting from the comfort of your armchair.

The launch is a double headliner show with Susy Blue at Fitzroy’s Workers Club on August 11. Doors open at 1:30 pm, and Elephant Eyes will take the stage at the very civilised time of 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Blackwater Fever Tour New Bluesy Single

The Blackwater Fever are celebrating their recent deal with Brisbane management company Pricewar Music with the release of a brand new single “Won’t Cry Over You” and an accompanying tour.

I just love this song. It’s so swampy and bluesy and dirty. It gets underneath your skin from the first listen. It comes from The Blackwater Fever’s third album The Depths, which critics and the band themselves claim is their best yet.

“The Depths is our best release yet and the first we have made entirely under our own steam,” said lead singer and guitarist Shane Hicks. “It was a huge learning curve with much trial and error but in the end I think the result has vividly realised our ideas and vision. This is how we will make albums from now on.”

You can hear tracks from this stellar release, including “Won’t Cry Over You” at the following shows.

3 August 2013 – El Grande Festival, Gladstone
16 August 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane
23 August 2013 – Spectrum, Sydney
24 August 2013 – Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Newcastle
6 September 2013 – Solbar, Maroochydore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Beasts of Bourbon Celebrate 30 Years with Live Album & Shows

The Beasts of Bourbon are celebrating three decades in the business with a 3CD live set dubbed 30 Years of Borrowed Time.

The CDs feature sets from All Tomorrow’s Parties, Byron Bay Bluesfest, and a show at Festival Hall.

To celebrate the release, band fixtures Tex Perkins and Spencer P Jones will play their hits and fan favourites with a different Beasts of Bourbon line-up each night in Sydney and Melbourne. Each show promises a different set too, so why not get along to all three? Tickets cost $44 for a single show, $79 for two, and $110 for all three in your nearest capital.

30 Years of Borrowed Time will be available exclusively at the following shows ahead of its digital and in store release in mid-September.

22 Aug 2013 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville (Original line-up)
23 Aug 2013 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville (Low Road line-up)
24 Aug 2013 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville (Current line-up)
29 Aug 2013 – The Memo, St Kilda (Original line-up)
30 Aug 2013 – The Memo, St Kilda (Low Road line-up)
31 Aug 2013 – The Memo, St Kilda (Current line-up)

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water