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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Okenyo Wows Me with “Broken Chest”

It wasn’t too long ago that I was lamenting a lack of really strong female voices in the music industry. I remembered looking up to artists like Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, and The Bangles as a kid, and I didn’t feel anyone was really occupying those spaces. Katy Perry might count if her music wasn’t so vapid, and perhaps I’d give Lady Gaga a pass if she wasn’t so derivative. Sure there are some examples in the alternative world, but their music doesn’t have the commercial hooks to touch the next generation of girls. P!nk’s probably the only mainstream female artist that fits the bill, but once upon a time ballsy chicks like her were everywhere. In light of those thoughts, I’m pretty excited to learn of a sassy songstress living in our own backyard. Let me introduce you to Okenyo.

With her first single “Broken Chest”, Okenyo delivers an enticing blend of female sensuality and ferocity. This electronic number has got a smart pop sensibility with a fierceness more associated with the rock genre. I’m intrigued by this bright new talent. If you are too, you can catch Okenya supporting Jinja Safari at the following shows.

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

Image used with permission from Original Matters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spit Syndicate Tour “Amazing” New Single

Spit Syndicate are continuing to ride the wave following the release of their third album Sunday Gentlemen earlier this year. The Sydney hip hop lads have just released the album’s third single, “Amazing”.

The track is a postcard from a tour which pays tribute to the intensity of the live shows and the special connection between performers and their fans.

So it’s only fitting that Spit Syndicate will celebrate the single’s release with a massive tour. This hard-working hip hop act will play plenty of shows in capital cities and regional centres, including a few under 18s and all-ages gigs. Make sure you arrive early to see a set from support act from singer-songwriter-producer Joyride, Spit Syndicate’s DJ and life coach.

13 September 2013 – Flinders Social, Townsville
14 September 2013 – Union Jack Hotel, Cairns
20 September 2013 – Barwon Club, Geelong
21 September 2013 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
22 September 2013 – Phoenix Youth Club, Footscray (Under 18s)
26 September 2013 – The Armidale Club, Armidale
27 September 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
28 September 2013 – Sol Bar Maroochydore
4 October 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
5 October 2013 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
10 October 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
11 October 2013 – Woodys Surf Shack Byron Bay, NSW
12 October 2013 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane (Under 18s)
17 October 2013 – Newport, Fremantle
18 October 2013 – Amplifier, Perth
19 October 2013 – Enigma, Adelaide (All Ages)
25 October 2013 – Baroque, Katoomba, NSW
2 November 2013 – Hi-Fi, Sydney (All Ages)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Butterfly Effect Lay it All Bare with DVD Release

The Butterfly Effect are taking us behind the scenes with the release of their brutally honest documentary and live DVD set.

The Effected DVD caps off an epic twelve year career, which has seen the band play more than 500 shows and sell around 200, 000 albums. It also closes the door on the first chapter of the band following the departure of lead singer Clint Boge last year.

“If nothing else, our fans know that we’re always honest and we went into this DVD wanting to really lay it out on the table and tell the whole story. If we’re going to open a new chapter of The Butterfly Effect story, it’s important there are no secrets and this is a real opportunity for fans to see what the pressures of being in a touring band can do,” said drummer Ben Hall.

The Butterfly Effect’s Effected DVD hits stores today.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Twelve Foot Ninja Launch “Shuriken” with Aussie Shows

Twelve Foot Ninja might be preparing to conquer the world, but they’ve got time to rock Australia before they go. They’ll play a string of local shows to support the release of their epic genre-bending new single “Shuriken”.

The accompanying music video shows Twelve Foot Ninja doing what they do best. It acts as a kind of tour postcard, documenting their life on the road over the last twelve months.

Capital city shows sold out last time Twelve Foot Ninja headlined a local tour, so don’t wait too long to get your tickets. North American dates will be announced shortly.

30 August 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
5 September 2013 – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
6 September 2013 – Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
7 September 2013 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
12 September 2013 – Zierholz UC, Canberra
13 September 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
14 September 2013 – Manning Bar, Sydney
19 September 2013 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
20 September 2013 – Entrance Leagues, The Entrance
21 September 2013 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
26 September 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
27 September 2013 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
4 October 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
5 October 2013 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
9 October 2013 – K17, Berlin
10 October 2013 – Headcrash, Hamburg
11 October 2013 – Camden Barfly, London
12 October 2013 – Euroblast, Cologne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boogie Celebrates ’70s Country-Rock with Silver Roads

They brought us blues, R&B, and heavy rock last time around, and now the Boogie! team promises to treat us to the other side of the return-to-roots coin. Their latest compilation, BOOGIE! Presents Silver Roads: Australian Country-Rock and Singer-Songwriters of the ‘70s, hits stores tomorrow.

The two CD set features big names like Axiom, Russell Morris, Richard Clapton, and Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs alongside more obscure numbers from acts like Autodrifters, Tymepiece, and Hot Knives.

Its release means I don’t have to wrack my brains for a Father’s Day gift for dear old dad. I have a sneaking feeling I’ll want him to burn me a copy too!

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boy Outside Plays Redfern Shows for EP Release

British-born, Sydney-based singer-songwriter Boy Outside will release his self-titled debut EP tomorrow, August 9.

The EP features the gorgeous folky single “River Runs to the Sea” and five more stellar songs recorded at Linear Studios late last year.

Boy Outside will celebrate the EP’s release with launch shows every Thursday in August at Redfern’s Arcadia Liquors. The first show’s tonight, so make sure you don’t miss it!