Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KOOII Releasing “Call Out” EP

They’re far from household names, but Beautiful Girls frontman Matt McHugh calls KOOII his “favourite band.” The genre-bending Brisbane septet hope to show Australia what caught Matt’s ear when they release their brand new EP Call Out.

The reggae-funk outfit have released two critically acclaimed albums over 10 years in the business, but Call Out is a much smaller endeavour. It has just four songs, including the catchy single “Kick It.”

Call Out will hit stores on October 8. KOOII will celebrate its release with a tour around the country, including sets at the Island Vibe and Eclipse festivals. See one of Queensland’s best kept secrets at the following venues.

13 October 2012 – Blue Beat, Sydney
14 October 2012 – Honky Tonks, Canberra (FREE)
27 October 2012 – Island Vibe Festival, Stradbroke Island.
2 November 2012 – Mandala Café, Gold Coast
3 November 2012 – Full Moon Dance Party @ Verrierdale Hall, Sunshine Coast
4 November 2012 – Greenslopes Bowls Club, Brisbane
10 November 2012 – Memorial Hall, Bellingen
10 November 2012 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
13–15 November 2012 – The Eclipse Festival, Atherton Tablelands

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oceanics Tour “The City”

Gold Coast quartet Oceanics are celebrating the upcoming release of their feel-good new single “The City” with a national tour. The song quickly gets under your skin with its jangly guitars and hooky chorus.

“The City’ is more or less about the going ons when we’re on the road playing shows and having a certain love interest playing on your thoughts,” explained founding member Elliot Weston

“The City” will be included on Oceanics forthcoming debut album, which should hit stores in the first part of 2013. The track will hit iTunes on October 16.

Oceanics are quickly earning a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting new live acts. See why at the following shows.

11 October 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
12 October 2012 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
13 October 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
14 October 2012 – Sunday Safari @ The Brewery, Byron Bay
26 October 2012 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
27 October 2012 – Clock Hotel, Gold Coast
1 November 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
2 November 2012 – FBi Social Club, Sydney
3 November 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dewayne Everettsmith’s Tourism Song Gets Official Release

Ever since I heard the latest Australian Tourism commercial, I was determined to track down the man behind the song “It’s Like Love.” My Google skills failed me, but I recently learned it’s the debut single from Hobart-based singer-songwriter and sometimes Aboriginal health worker Dewayne Everettsmith.

Dewayne isn’t just a talented musician; he’s also a passionate ambassador for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal. So it’s only fitting that Dewayne was recently presented with a custom-made Maton Guitar, dubbed The Australian Devil, to celebrate the single’s release.

Songs used in commercials have a bit of a stigma, but this track is so good that hopefully it can be appreciated on its own merits. It gets a digital release this week, and Dewayne has hit the publicity track running with photo shoots and television appearances.

“The connection people are making with ‘It’s Like Love’ is so exciting for me as a songwriter and the ability to now tour my new songs and meet a whole new group of fans who are appreciating what I do is really a privilege,” he said in a statement.

“It’s Like Love” comes from Dewayne’s debut album, which should hit stores early next year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Easy Star All-Stars Do Michael Jackson

After wowing crowds with their unique version of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon last year, reggae act Easy Star All-Stars will serve up Michael Jackson classics with a twist to Aussie audiences later this month.

The band will play songs from their latest album Easy Star’s Thrillah, a homage to MJ’s multi-platinum Thriller album. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” because an extended Afrobeat jam, and “Billie Jean” a reggae dance-hall number. The album is a true work of art, but I hear the songs are even better in the live arena.

Tickets are available now for the following Easy Star All-Stars shows.

25 October 2012 – Rock Lily @ The Star, Sydney
26 October 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
27 October 2012 – All Fruits Ripe @ Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
28 October 2012 – Island Vibe Festival, North Stradbroke Island

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trews Tour Extended EP

Multi-award winning Canadian rock band The Trews are frequent visitors to our shores, and they’re planning a return visit next month.

The upcoming tour celebrates the release of …thank you and I’m sorry, The Trews’ latest extended EP. It will feature eight tracks including the lead single, a cover version of Paul Kelly’s “Leaps and Bounds,” and a new recording of their song “Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me” featuring Shannon Noll. Shannon and the Canucks are great mates, so it’s only fitting they’ll join forces during this tour for a show in Melbourne.

…thank you and I’m sorry will get a digital release on October 22 on iTunes before it hits stores on November 2. Tickets to the following shows are on sale now. For an extra $10 you can enjoy a pre-sale bundle which includes a copy of the EP, a two-track download card, Australian tour sticker, and badge. Sounds like a good deal to me!

24 October 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
25 October 2012 – Upstairs Beresford, Sydney
26 October 2012 – Terrey Hills Tavern, Terrey Hills
27 & 28 October 2012 – Sydney Blues and Roots Festival, Windsor
28 October 2012 – Beaches, Thirroul
1 November 2012 – Ding Dong, Melbourne
2 November 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
3 November 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
5 November 2012 – Hallam Hotel, Melbourne (with Shannon Noll)

Image source: Lildreamer22 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Purple Sneakers Launch Singles Label & New Song

Sydney club pioneers Purple Sneakers are ushering in a brand new era with the launch of its own singles label.

The label will expand its roster with plenty of hot new Aussie acts, but for now it’s the perfect vehicle for a brand new Purple Sneakers DJs track. “Last One Standing” sees PhDJ and Randall Stagg working with Amy Pes of hot new Sydney outfit Tokyo Denmark Sweden.

The track might just hit the big time too, as it gets a global release on October 18. The full single package will include a summery disco house remix from Jeremy Glenn, and a deep main room mix by New York’s DJ Wool.

Purple Sneakers will celebrate the launch of its record label and the release of “Last One Standing” with club shows and festival slots around the country. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from Oztix for the following dates.

5 October 2012 – Cats at Rocket Bar, Adelaide
6 October 2012 – Family Nightclub, Perth
7 October 2012 – Hyperfest, Perth
12 October 2012 – Can’t Say, Melbourne
19 October 2012 – Armor All Gold Coast 600, Gold Coast (with 360)
20 October 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
27 October 2012 – Surry Hills Festival, Sydney
27 October 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
3 November 2012 – FBI Social, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crooked Saint & Ashleigh Mannix Tour Together

Crooked Saint and Ashleigh Mannix are joining forces for one big tour of the East Coast.

Crooked Saint, the musical alter ego of Tim Wheatley, is hitting the road to support his current A-side single “Hot & Heavy/Outta Sight, Outta Mind.” After spending a recent trip in France writing more songs, he’s itching to get back in front of local audiences.

Ashleigh isn’t even 25 yet, but she’s earning some series respect for her blend of folk, rockabilly, and blues. She’s currently promoting her recent EP From the City, the first in a three-part set of EPs celebrating the locations that inspire her.

Crooked Saint and Ashleigh Mannix will visit almost 25 venues in the eastern states’ capitals and key regional centres through October and November. Here are all the places you can hear these talented Aussies play.

12 October 2012 – Western Port Hotel, Westernport
13 October 2012 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh
17 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
18 October 2012 – Front Gallery & Café, Canberra
19 October 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
20 October 2012 – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
24 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
25 October 2012 – Old Manly Boatshed, Manly
26 October 2012 – The Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues & Roots Festival, Windsor
1 November 2012 – Railway Friendly Bar, Byron Bay
2 November 2012 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
3 November 2012 – Armidale Club, Armidale
4 November 2012 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
8 November 2012 –Café Le Monde, Noosa Heads
9 November 2012 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba
10 November 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast
11 November 2012 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
15 November 2012 – The Empress Hotel, Melbourne (Crooked Saint only)
16 November 2012 – Bended Elbow, Geelong (Crooked Saint only)
17 November 2012 – Pure Pop Records, St.Kilda (Crooked Saint only)
20 November 2012 – Café Lounge, Surry Hills (Crooked Saint only)
22 November 2012 – The Grand Junction, Maitland (Crooked Saint only)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yarraville Club Opening with Rolling Stones Tribute

With Australia losing so many live music venues, it’s exciting to see another one popping up. The historic Yarraville Club in Melbourne’s West is set to become a 600-capacity live music venue in the coming months.

The venue will open its doors in style on November 3 with a show celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Rolling Stones’ epic Exile on Main Street album. The special tribute show will see some of Australia’s most beloved performers lending their vocals to The Stones’ classics. The lineup includes Nick Barker, The Wolfgramm Sisters, Jack Howard from Hunters & Collectors, Ash Naylor from Even, Dave Larkin from Dallas Crane, and heaps more.

What a way to open this exciting new nightspot! General admission tickets are $25 while dinner and show costs $45. Get yours through the Cherryrock website.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shane Howard Celebrates 30 Years of “Solid Rock” with New Singles & Shows

Former Goanna front man Shane Howard will celebrate 30 years since the release of his indigenous rights anthem “Solid Rock” with the release of three new versions and some special anniversary concerts.

“Solid Rock – Puli Kunpungka” sees Shane joined by Archie Roach, Amy Saunders, Natalie Pa’apa’a (Blue King Brown), Emma Donovan, Myra Howard, and the children of the APY Lands. “Solid Rock – Sacred Ground” is a stripped back, ballad-style version of the classic song. Both versions are available digitally now. In November these reimaginings will be joined by “Solid Rock – Stronger Now,” which will see Shane sharing vocal duties with Natalie Pa’apa’a and Dan Sultan.

Many of the artists who’ve leant their voices to the new recordings will join Shane Howard for Other Side of the Rock show, which will appropriately hit Uluru on October 6. Archie Roach, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan, John Butler, Natalie Pa’apa’a, and Stephen Pigram are all on the bill. The show is part of the Mutitjulu Community Carnival, which celebrates the cultural and sporting achievements of the people of the APY Lands. If you can’t make it to the Red Centre you can see the show when it hits The Forum in Melbourne on December 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dave Impress with “Red Eye”

Perth post-punk act Dave have one of the most unassuming names in the business, but they’ve caught my ear with their debut single “Red Eye.”

This song is just seriously good fun. It’s got a vaguely British feel to it, and hooks in all the right places. It doesn’t sound like anything I’ve heard of late either, which can only be a good thing. There’s no word on when an album will follow, but “Red Eye” has piqued my interest. Do you love it?

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback