Posted on by Lauren Katulka

X Factor Contestant Matt Gresham Releases Single

You can keep your Samantha Jades and your Jason Owens. When it came to The X Factor this year, I only had eyes for Matt Gresham. I was gutted (but frankly not surprised) when Mel B kept this soulful singer-songwriter out of her top three. Mel’s always been a bit afraid of artists that played left of centre, but I think he could have been an amazing addition to the show.

There’s no sense worrying about could have beens now though, because Matt has capitalised on his 15 minutes of fame and released a single. “See the World” is an intriguing and uplifting blend of hip hop and rootsy blues. I wouldn’t have thought this combination would work, but the proof’s in this delicious pudding. Clearly I’ve got Christmas on the brain. Perhaps it’s time to stop writing and thinking of food and just let you listen!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Coerce Prepare for Hiatus After Album Launch

Music’s a labour of love for post-hardcore band Coerce. For the last five years, the lads from Adelaide have worked tirelessly and poured their hard earned savings into it. They even moved to Aussie music hub Melbourne. The result is their album Genome, a project they’re immensely proud of.

But operating as an independent act has sadly taken its toll, prompting Coerce to call it a day, at least for now.

“Independent rock and roll is hanging by the decayed skin of all of our teeth, local shows are getting less and less support,” Coerce admitted.

But they won’t go out without launching Genome. In front of their adopted hometown, Coerce will have what may be their very last gig at The Gasometer on January 11.

“Please support this local show, buy a record, a shirt, a beer and maybe some day we may deliver a new record and possibly afford to play in other towns once more,” Coerce urge fans. How could you say no?

Image used with permission from Coerce

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

360 Announces US Shows

Award winning hip hop act 360 will play shows in the United States early next year, including his first in New York City.

Considering the busy 2012 he’s had, no one would blame him if he took some time off until those dates, but it seems he wants to say goodbye to his fans in Oz properly. He’ll play a string of local gigs, including slots at the Big Day Out tour, before taking off for America’s bright lights.

More American dates will be added to 360’s schedule, but for now here are all the places we can all see him play over the coming months.

29 December 2012 – Oxford Street Party @ The Riverbank, Rockhampton
30 December 2012 – Pyramid Rock Festival, Phillip Island
31 December 2012 – Inserts to Play @ Supreme Court Gardens, Perth
18 January 2013 – Big Day Out @ Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney
20 January 2013 – Big Day Out @ Gold Coast Parklands, Gold Coast
25 January 2013 – Big Day Out @ Adelaide Showgrounds, Adelaide
26 January 2013 – Big Day Out @ Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
28 January 2013 – Big Day Out @ Claremont Showgrounds, Perth
10 March 2013 – Breath of Life @ Inversek Park, Launceston
18 March 2013 – Santos Party House, New York
23 March 2013 – Viper Room, Los Angeles

Image used with permission from Crucial Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever Give Us Deja Vu

The Never Ever have created the kind of epic song that makes young girls swoon with their latest single “Déjà vu.” The track isn’t officially released until New Year’s Eve but with the video already on YouTube, we can take an early listen.

I must admit, I wasn’t so sure about this one when I started to listen to it. The vocals were a bit whiny, the production a bit overblown, and the whole thing just a little too earnest. But somewhere along the way I got swept up in it all. I guess no matter how old we get, we never really lose the part of ourselves that’s still a squealing teenager!

No doubt there’ll be plenty of those when The Never Ever take this song on the road. They’ve scored the support slot on the Diviney tour in January, which will no doubt earn them a new legion of young fans. After that it’s off to New York where they’ll start recording with a big name producer. It sounds like there’s big things to come from this band!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Soundwave Photographer Releases Festival Book

Official Soundwave photographer Kane Hibberd (or Kanye Lens as he’s sometimes called) is bringing his festival snaps to the masses with the release of his first photography book Kanye Lens Vs Soundwave Volume 1.

Kane has worked as Soundwave’s official photographer since the festival went national way back in 2008. This book showcases more than 600 of his best Soundwave photos. These capture the most exciting moments on stage and behind the scenes. Clearly the book was a labour of love for Kane who has self-funded and independently published this tome.

“From the moment I was asked to jump on board the Soundwave machine, my goal was to, one day, produce a coffee table style photography book,” Kane explained. “ I grew up watching Tony Mott create a legacy with the Big Day Out and now this is hopefully the start of my own legacy. I’ve tried to create book full of imagery that can escape the shadow of its famous inhabitants and stand alone as beautiful pieces of artwork. Hopefully the book will appeal to not only music fans, but also fans of photography.”

Kanye Lens Vs Soundwave Volume 1 will hit stores in February, but it’s worth pre-ordering a copy from his website as Kane will individually number the first 2000 copies.

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Strangers Announce Album Tour

Sydney rock quintet Strangers will kick off 2013 with a national tour to promote their debut album Persona Non Grata.

It’s a gritty release, but one with real maturity that’s no doubt been helped along by seasoned producer Tom Larkin (Shihad, The Getaway Plan, Calling All Cars). As the title track shows, it rocks hard, but the melodic guitar riffs ensure it stays accessible.

The release of Persona Non Grata caps off a big year for Strangers, who enjoyed support slots with The Darkness, Good Charlotte, and Calling All Cars, and even sold out their own headlining show at The Lansdowne. The upcoming nine-date tour hints that 2013 might be just as epic!

31 January 2013 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
1 February 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
2 February 2013 – The Patch, Wollongong
7 February 2013 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
8 February 2013 – Workers Club, Melbourne
14 February 2013 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
15 February 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (FREE)
16 February 2013 – Amplifier, Perth
17 February 2013 – Indi Bar, Scarborough

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tony Joe White Announces Aussie Tour

Not content with shows at Byron Bay’s Bluesfest, Tony Joe White has decided to arrive in Australia early and play shows around the country.

Music lovers will be treated to the timeless tunes of the Swamp Fox, a bona fide music legend who’s been in the business for the last 50 years. I’m sure his sets will feature plenty of classics, but this won’t be just as nostalgia tour. Tony Joe released his most recent studio album The Shine in 2010. It scored rave reviews and proved Tony Joe’s
still got it.

Tickets for the following shows are available now from Love Police.

7 March 2013 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
8 March 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
9 March 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
10 March 2013 – Substation, Newport
13 March 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
14 March 2013 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
15 March 2013 – Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, Hurlstone Park
16 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
17 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
28 March 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide
29 March 2013 – Boogie @ Bruzzy’s Farm, Tallarook
30 March 2013 – The Deni Blues & Roots Festival, Deniliquin
31 March – 1 April 2013 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image source: Raul Mesa @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Vigo Offers Album Tease with New Single

Kate Vigo’s current suitor should be under no illusion with the release of her new “Not the One.” The track pulls no punches; this man might be a good distraction for now, but he’s not the one!

“Not the One” comes from Kate’s forthcoming album Blue to Gold, a disc which promises to fuse the organic roots of music with the synthetic sounds Kate loves so much. She says she’s been enjoying having fun and writing the kind of songs that “people can dance around in their bedroom to,” although she adds that the album also has a much darker side.

If “Not the One’s” any indication, Blue to Gold will be an album to listen out for in 2013.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kim Churchill Comes Home for Summer Tour

After playing more in 300 shows around the world in 2012, you’d think Kim Churchill would be ready for a rest. But it seems the lure of a homegrown summer tour is too strong. Kim will return to Australia for a string of dates to support last year’s release of his sophomore album Details of Distance.

The album showcases an artist whose traditional bluesy, folky sound is maturing. There’s a grittier edge to the songs including the first single “Season’s Grind” and the newie, “Sarah.” Kim recorded the album in Vancouver, Canada, and he’s clearly excited to bring it to music lovers in his own country this summer.

“I’m excited to be in my country for the summer for once,” Kim said in a statement. “Also very excited to be touring with Steve Smyth. I find him melodically very inspiring and an incredible performer.”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

2 January 2013 – Indica Showcase @ The Vanguard, Sydney
5 January 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
6 January 2013 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
9 January 2013 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
10 January 2013 – Cambridge Hotel Side Bar, Newcastle
11 January 2013 – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong NSW
12 January 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
18 January 2013 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Fremantle
19 January 2013 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River
20 January 2013 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
22 January 2013 – The Loft, Gold Coast
23 January 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
24 January 2013 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
25 January 2013 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
26 January 2013 – Widgefest, Jugiong
1 February 2013 – Melbourne Zoo Twilight Series, Melbourne
2 February 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
16 February 2013 – Garden of Unearthly Delights @ Paradiso Spiegeltent, Adelaide
17 February 2013 – Fringe Comes to Birdwood @ Birdwood High School, Birdwood
22-24 February 2013 – Cobargo Folk Festival, Cobargo
1-3 March 2013 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
8-11 March 2013 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
15-17 March 2013 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fairchild Republic Strike Gold Again

Is anyone sick of hearing me talk about how good Gold Coast six-piece Fairchild Republic are? I fall a little more in love with them every time I hear a new track. The latest is “Tear Us Down” an anthemic slice of pop-rock that will have you wanting to buy a cigarette lighter, just so you can hold it above your head in the soaring chorus. I’m pretty sure there’s not a bad song in this talented new act.