Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Equals Chart Record

Guy Sebastian has retained the top spot on the ARIA singles chart for the third consecutive week with “Battle Scars.” That equals his best chart performance, as “Angels Brought Me Here” also stayed at number one for three weeks way back in 2003. Do you think “Battle Scars” can eclipse its success?

The news isn’t quite as good for the cast of The Sapphires, as the soundtrack’s been bumped from the number one spot by Birdy. However it’s still at number two, which is no small feat.

Birdy’s doing great things on the singles charts too. She’s pushed Justice Crew out of the number two spot, but their track “Boom Boom” is still going gangbusters with a number three finish this week.

Timomatic’s enjoyed a big chart debut. His self-titled album has clinched the third spot on the albums chart. It’s sitting ahead of longstanding chart favourites The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle by Missy Higgins (4) and My Journey by Karise Eden (6).

Click below for this week’s Aussie top tens.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Equals Chart Record” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tara Favell’s Over “The Chase”

Hot new country pop act Tara Favell speaks for anyone who’s ever tired of the bad boys and their games with her new single “The Chase.”

“The Chase is about “falling too hard for guys who end up breaking your heart and yet the next day they want you back!” Tara explained in a press release. “This song is a message to all those guys.”

I hope they’re taking note! It’s been a mercifully long time since a boy messed me around, but this track takes me right back to that heartache. Rather than wallowing in the drama though, this song urges us to pick ourselves up and take charge. I’m sure it’s going to become an anthem amongst girls who’ve had enough!

“The Chase” is the follow-up to Tara’s acclaimed debut EP You Shine. It’s available now for digital download from iTunes.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fairchild Republic Rock!

Fairchild Republic are proving that they’re not going anywhere with their newest single “Stay Young.” Every track I hear from this Gold Coast band is just so solid. “Stay Young” has such strong lyrics, and powerful vocals to match the world. I’m sure someone’s going to get their knickers in a twist about the wearing of a Native American headpiece in the music video, but what Fairchild Republic are doing doesn’t deserve to get caught up in political correctness. This is simply great music.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pyramid Rocks Phillip Island

Phillip Island’s got more than fairy penguins to offer New Year’s revellers. The Victorian township will again play host to the Pyramid Rock Festival from December 29 to January 1.

Organisers have assembled a great line-up for Pyramid’s ninth year, shaped largely through the suggestions of Pyramid fans. Aussies dominate the bill, including 360, Karnivool, Children Collide, Dead Letter Circus, Illy, Stonefield, and Xavier Rudd.

For the third year, prices have stayed steady too. How many other New Year’s parties can boast that? Two and three-day passes will go on sale from the Pyramid Rock Festival website from Tuesday September 4.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Eastern Ready to Rock Oz

Kiwi rock veterans The Eastern are bringing their music across the ditch.

They’re no household names here, but their last album Hope and Wire peaked at number one on New Zealand’s iTunes country chart, number two on the country’s artist charts, and number 11 on the nation’s national charts. They’re seasoned performers who rarely take a break from life on the road. They’ve also shared the stage with some of the world’s best including our own Jimmy Barnes, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Earle, and his son Justin Townes Earle.

The Eastern’s frontman Adam McGrath says, “we have one job, that is to play like our lives depend on it, If you’re there to see us play then we owe you, not the other way around!”

If you appreciate that philosophy make sure you catch The Eastern at one of the following shows.

27 September 2012 – Clancy’s, Fremantle
30 September 2012 – Wave Rock Weekender, Wave Rock
4 October 2012 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
5 October 2012 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
6 October 2012 – Harvester Moon, Bellarine
7 October 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne
9 October 2012 – The Front, Canberra
11 October 2012 – Camelot Longue, Sydney
12 October 2012 – The Clarendon, Katoomba
13 October 2012 – The Block, Hunter Valley (private show)
14 October 2012 – The Junkyard, Maitland (FREE)

Image used with permission from ThrillHill Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Traveller & Fortune’s Gorgeous Folk Letter

Adelaide indie folk act Traveller & Fortune made my ears prick up from the opening notes of their new single “Letter to Japan.” With winter temperatures still hanging around, this sweet song made me feel all warm and cozy. I love the lush organic instrumentation and lead singer Tom’s effortless, easy vocals. Has it charmed you?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Husky Come Home for Tidal Wave Shows

Husky are riding high on the international acclaim for their album Forever So. They’re enjoying their status as the first Aussies signed up to Seattle’s prestigious Sub Pop label. That opportunity’s seen them book shows in America, the United Kingdom, and across Europe.

But they’re just about ready to return home.

Of course those international dates are really just a warm-up for the local shows celebrating the release of the single “Tidal Wave.” They’ll play some headlining dates and join Mumford and Sons, Sarah Blasko, Matt Corby, and other big names at the sold-out Gentlemen of the Road show in Dungog.

Welcome Husky home at the following shows.

11 October 2012 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
12 October 2012 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
14 October 2012 – Uni Bar, Adelaide
18 October 2012 – Old Museum, Brisbane
20 October 2012 – Gentlemen of the Road
21 October 2012 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Bamboos’ Kylie Auldist Enjoys Solo Success

Kylie Auldist first came to my attention as the sassy frontwoman of funk act The Bamboos. But apparently when she’s not strutting her stuff with the band, she makes her own solo music. Today she releases the single “Counting on You,” our first taste of her third album Still Life.

Due to drop on October 15, Still Life promises to be the album that sees Kylie truly make her mark as a solo album. It was co-written with her Bamboos bandmate Lance Ferguson, who helped her plum universally timeless themes like love and loss.

“Counting on You” is available now ahead of Still Life’s release.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Voltaire Twins’ Controversial New Clip

Local indie pop act Voltaire Twins are known for pushing the envelope with their music videos. Their clip for “Anamalia” well and truly freaked me out last August, and now around a year later they’re making waves again with the video for their new single “Solaris.”

This isn’t the clip to go playing at work, or around your uptight parents. It’s full of artsy nudity, and that saw it yanked from YouTube after just six hours. Thankfully Vimeo’s down with exposing pink bits for the sake of your craft.

No doubt all the buzz around the clip will attract more people to Voltaire Twins third EP Apollo, and the national tour they’ve announced to celebrate its release. You can see the Voltaire Twins, who will likely be fully clothed, at the following shows.

8 September 2012 – Plus One @ Ed Castle, Adelaide
13 September 2012 – Big Sound @ Bakery Lane, Brisbane
14 September 2012 – The Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
15 September 2012 – Kittens @ Spectrum, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Sultan Rocks for Recognition & Constitutional Change

Dan Sultan will headline a series of shows in November to highlight the need for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Constitution.

Rock for Recognition will touch down in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Fremantle. At each show he’ll be joined by other indigenous acts. Yabu Band, Leah Flanagan, and Ken Eavel have been announced so far, but more artists are expected to join the events as the concert gains momentum.

As a proud Gurindji man, Dan Sultan promises to raise the roof at these shows. Changing the constitution is likely to prove much harder, as any amendments require a successful referendum, but these awareness raising concerts are a step in the right direction.

Learn more about constitutional change and see Dan Sultan Rock for Recognition at the following shows. Pre-booked tickets cost $30, or you can pay $35 at the door.

8 November 2012 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (Dan Sultan, Leah Flanagan, and DJ Ken Eavel)
9 November 2012 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Dan Sultan and Leah Flanagan)
10 November 2012 – Bakery Artrage, Perth (Dan Sultan, Leah Flanagan and Yabu Band)
11 November 2012 – Fly By Night, Fremantle (Dan Sultan and Leah Flanagan)

Image source: The Harbour Agency