Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elle Skies Charms with “City”

I’ve fallen hard for the charms of Melbourne singer-songwriter Elle Skies, and I’m pretty sure you will too when you hear her new single “City.”

I must admit, I missed Elle when she released her debut EP Skyscraper back in 2006, but I won’t make the same mistake with this release. It earned the songstress rave reviews and first prize in a British song-writing competition. If City’s any indication of the calibre of songs she’s assembled for her new EP, she can expect plenty more praise.

“City” is such an endearingly upbeat number. It’s quirky but in such an honest way. Its hooks draw you in, and Elle’s sweet vocals keep on there. The vibrant time-lapse stop-motion animated video is a gorgeously colourful accompaniment.

Has “City” put a smile on your face?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus Stone Releases Album, New Music Video

“Wooden Chair” is the latest single lifted from Angus Stone’s solo outing Broken Brights.

It’s not going to blow anyone’s mind, but it’s a solid little piece of folk pop. The music video’s also really sweet, with footage of Angus hanging out in the country with his dog. Adorable. I can’t imagine this will be the track to attract new fans, but I’m sure anyone who adored Angus’ work with his sister Julia will be satisfied by it.

Broken Brights is in Australian stores today. It gets a UK and European release on the 16th, and hits American stores on the 17th.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vulpes Vulpes Rock with Mirrorvine

Vulpes Vulpes burst out of the gate with their first single “Mirrorvine.”

“Mirrorvine” is a bit rough around the edges, but I think this is a really exciting debut. There’s a touch of Nick Cave about the resonant vocals in the verses, and an intensity that’s hypnotic. The balance isn’t quite right in places, where the instrumentation starts to overwhelm the lyrics, but it’s early days.

And for a band that’s still green, Vulpes Vulpes are impressing all the right people. They’ve only been together for a year, but they’ve already played Canberra’s Foreshore festival and earned some great reviews for their debut EP Vol-pez Vol-pez.

Vulpes Vulpes are the kind of band that’s bound to do their best work on the stage, so if you like what you’ve seen make sure you catch them at their forthcoming Sydney shows. They’ll play the FBi Social Club on July 14, and Oxford Arts Factory on August 17.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stonefield & Owl Eyes Team Up for The Line

It’ll be a serious case of girl power when sisters Stonefield join forces with fellow Victorian Owl Eyes for one big national tour next month. Casually dubbed Winter Road Trip 2012, the tour hopes to raise awareness of the national government’s The Line initiative.

The Line is all about promoting respective relationships amongst young Australians. It touches on a range of issues including physical violence, cyber bullying, abusive texting, and sexting. Both Owl Eyes and Stonefield’s Findlay sisters are program ambassadors, and they’re keen to take its message to regional locations.

“I feel like out in the regional places they don’t  always get a lot of live  music or get an opportunity to get out to a lot of venues or anything like that so it will be nice to take our music and The Line’s  message there and spread it around a bit.  It will be quite special.” Owl Eyes said in a statement.

“Playing in a country town makes a big impact,” Amy Findlay added. “It seems like everyone knows what  it is going on and they are so appreciative  of it. So I feel like the message will make a big impact.”

Catch Stonefield and Owl Eyes on their Winter Road Trip at the following pit stops:

1 August 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
2 August 2012 – Kay St, Traralgon
3 August 2012 – Macgillivray Hall, Bendigo (Strictly Under 18s)
4 August 2012 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
8 August 2012 – Station Resort, Jindabyne
9 August 2012 – Zierholz @ University of Canberra, Canberra
10 August 2012 – Orange Ex Services Club, Orange
11 August 2012 – Southern Cross University, Lismore
12 August 2012 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
16 August 2012 – Art Gallery of WA, Perth (Owl Eyes only)
16 August 2012 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle (Stonefield only)
17 August 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
18 August 2012 – Studio 146, Albany
23 August 2012 – Monash University, Clayton
25 August 2012 – Townsville Uni Bar, Townsville
31 August – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
1 September – South Eastern Hotel, Mt Gambier

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Drops New Single, Announces Album Tour

Mia Dyson’s offered us our first taste of her forthcoming album The Moment in the form of her brand new single, “When the Moment Comes.”

The song sees Mia in fine form, with her trademark rasp bleeding all over the lyrics of her first official single release in four years. It seems she’s relished the chance to record in her new American home base. If this killer cut is any indication of what we can expect when The Moment hits stores on August 17, we’re in for a real treat.

Mia will enjoy a homecoming later this year with local shows to promote The Moment. If you’ve missed her, make sure you show your support at one of the following gigs:

24 Aug 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
7 September 2012 – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs
12 September 2012 – Brisbane Festival @ Spiegeltent, Brisbane
14 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
15 September 2012 – Notes Live, Sydney
16 September 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra
21 September 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
22 September 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
6 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber NSW
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues Festival, Sydney
8 November 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Bridgetown Blues, Bridgetown

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Punch Brothers Announce First Australian Tour

Former Nickel Creek singer and mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile is bringing his newish band Punch Brothers to Australia next month for a quickie tour.

Nickel Creek never really broke here, but my American husband introduced me to the bluegrassy folk outfit several years ago. It turns out since that time Chris has been making music with acclaimed fiddler Gabe Witcher, banjo player Baom Pkelny, bass player Paul Kowert, and lead guitarist Chris Eldridge. The result is a genre defying outfit that T-Bone Burnett calls “one of the most incredible bands (America) has ever produced.” And we all know T-Bone knows his stuff.

Punch Brothers are out here to celebrate the release of their third album Who’s Feeling Young Now, the follow-up to 2010’s Grammy Award nominated Antifogmatic. Discover the band before the rest of the country does at the following intimate shows.

Punch Brothers6 August 2012 – Recital Centre, Melbourne
8 August 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
10 August 2012 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie Musselwhite, Ian Moss, and & Lanie Lane Headline Sydney Blues & Roots Festival

We haven’t even seen the full line-up yet, but the Sydney Blues & Roots Festival is already looking like a tempting proposition. Acclaimed American harmonica guru Charlie Musselwhite is making the trip to share top billing with local acts Ian Moss and Lanie Lane.

Other notable musicians on the bill include Canadian rockers The Trews, internationally acclaimed local songstress Mia Dyson, blues legends The Backsliders, and legendary guitarist Ray Beadle. And we’re expecting another announcement with more bands later this month.

Festival creative directors Geoff Trio and Steve Griffiths knew it would take some effort to top 2011’s line-up, but they’ve given it a red hot go.

“The blend of established and new ‘discovery’ acts is sensational and we expect crowds to flock to Windsor like never before,” they said in a statement.

The Sydney Blues & Roots Festival will hit various venues in the Hawkesbury region from October 25 to 28. First-release tickets are available now from Oztix from $79 for a one-day adult pass.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Scout Take Left Turn with “Go Quietly”

I’ve been wooed by the music of Little Scout ever since I heard “We Are Walking Out” a couple of months ago. I was starting to feel I had the Brisbane band figured out, but they’ve thrown me for a loop with their new single “Go Quietly.”

The track is a much fuzzier and bolder song than the band’s other singles. I haven’t warmed to it as easily, but I can really appreciate its drama. The song saw the band working in Los Angeles with Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta), so perhaps it’s little wonder that it signals a new direction for the band. You can’t be plucked out of your comfort zone and produce the same old thing, can you?

“We fell in love with this song pretty quickly. It’s short, fuzzy and loud,” Little Scout said in a statement. “This is uncharted territory for us and we like the way it makes us feel; we hope you like it too.”

“Go Quietly” comes from Little Scout’s sophomore album, which will hit stores later this year. What do you think of the tune?

Image used with permission from We Manage

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trouble with Templeton Take on US

It’s going to be a big couple of months for The Trouble with Templeton. Later this month Thomas Calder and his posse will release a five-track EP, featuring songs from his LP Bleeder, to American college radio.

Hopefully that release, which features the lead single “I Wrote A Novel” will build some real buzz ahead of the act’s American shows in September and October. While The Trouble with Templeton’s stateside, the band will play some industry showcases and write and record some new material. Those tracks, as well as the one’s they’re currently laying down in Australia, will form album number two.

Before they spread their wings The Trouble with Templeton will find time to play some local shows. Queenslanders can catch the band at Black Bear Lodge on July 11 and 12. They’ll also support Banjamin Francis Leftwich at Victoria’s Northcote Social Club on July 16 and Sydney’s The Vanguard on July 17. Then it’s back to Melbourne to support Father John Misty at The Corner on July 28.

Image used with permission from Tiny Monster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin & Karise Eden Top ARIA Charts

It’s not likely to silence critics, but local reality TV show graduates have taken the top spots on Australia’s major ARIA charts. Karise Eden’s My Journey album has maintained its number one possie, while reigning X Factor winner Reece Mastin’s nabbed the top single spot with his newie “Shout It Out.”

Again proving their musical might, the singers from the Hillsong Church have zoomed into the albums charts with their latest release Cornerstone. It sits at number two. Keith Urban’s greatest hits also continues to sell truckloads. The Story So Far holds steady at number three.

Click below for the rest of this week’s ARIA charts.

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