Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matchbox Twenty Kicking Off North Tour Down Under

Matchbox Twenty have made no secret of their love for Australia, so perhaps it’s unsurprising that they’ll kick off their world tour here in October. However it’s still enough to send a long-time fan like me into a tailspin.

The band will play songs from their new album North, which will hit local record stores on August 31, as well as the rest of their back catalogue. They’ll also have our own INXS in tow.

Tickets go on sale on August 31 through LiveNation, which should make that day pretty special for the rest of the Matchbox lovers out there!

20 October 2012 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
25 October 2012 – AIS Arena, Canberra
27 October 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
30 October 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
3 November 2012 – Hope Estate, Hunter Valley
6 November 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
8 November 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
11 November 2012 – Perth Arena, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phil Hancock Releases Single for “Reach Out”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Phil Hancock is putting his talents to good use with the release of his new single “Who We Fall For.”

Proceeds from the song’s iTunes sales will benefit Reach Out, a local charity that supports teens struggling with bullying, grief, drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, and a host of other concerns.

“Who We Fall For” is a beautiful piano-driven track that shows Phil’s softer side. His soaring vocals are superb, and his words about the out-of-control nature of love resonate.

Beautiful stuff!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Takes Tin Shed Tales to Queensland

John Butler will take his acclaimed solo and acoustic Tin Shed Tales to North Queensland through September and October.

The new dates follow on from the Tin Shed Tales shows John Butler played around Australia earlier this year. They saw John recreating his own tin shed in intimate venues, complete with vintage skateboards and guitars and other sources of inspiration. In this personal setting, John shared personal anecdotes and songs from his vast back catalogue.

Queensland fans can look forward to the same special treatment at their long awaited shows.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t bring the Tin Shed to Queensland on the last run,” John explained. “It felt weird like we had forgotten to invite dear friends to a party. So I am stoked to be bringing the solo show over and completing the circle. Queensland family have always held a special place in my heart. They’re always so passionate and giving as an audience. I can’t wait.”

And as an extra special treat, Mia Dyson will serve as support act. These shows will act as a warm-up for some summer festival slots, which are also printed below. Tickets for the solo Queensland gigs go on sale tomorrow.

30 September 2012 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
1 October 2012 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Townsville
3 October 2012 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg
28 October 2012 – Rock It Festival, Perth
31 December 2012 – Peats Ridge Festival, Peats Ridge NSW

Image used with permission from Jones PR, credit: Leon Morris

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Batterie Release Another Glitch Pop Puzzle

Batterie’s gotten underneath my skin again with “Jump Start,” the follow up to the first single “Spring Step.”

I must admit, I didn’t know what to make of this one at first. This really isn’t the music I’m used to, and so I wasn’t sure what to cling on to. It’s like some sort of strange cross between Kraftwerk’s “Popcorn” and the Tetris theme music. I’m not sure whether I like it or not, but I know I can’t stop thinking about it so perhaps it’s done its job.

What do you think dear readers?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Snowdroppers Still Rocking

The Snowdroppers are back with a brand new single, a shiny new contract, and an album on the way.

The Sydney based blues rockers just signed up to ABC Music’s hot new label FOUR | FOUR. This home of left-of-centre acts proved the perfect launchpad for The Snowdroppers’ new single “White Dress.”

The song shows the way the band’s sound has evolved since they released their debut album Too Late to Pray in 2009. Their Americana and swamp leanings have been tempered somewhat, but it’s got all the swagger and blues sensibility we loved the first time around.

“White Dress” is our first taste of The Snowdropper’s sophomore album Moving Out of Eden, which will hit stores in early 2013. In the meantime you can catch The Snowdroppers supporting Kiwi rock stalwarts Shihad at the following shows.

6 September 2012 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
7 September 2012 – The Metro, Sydney
8 September 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane

Image source: Premier Artists

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Demon Parade Offer Pop Pick Me Up

The Demon Parade clearly figures that if it’s broke, it ain’t worth fixing. The new single “She’s Gonna Be a Star” sees them sticking to their retro roots. It’s a jangly slice of psychedelic pop that definitely put a smile on my face.

The track’s our second teaser of The Demon Parade’s new EP, which will hit stores later this year. The band will launch the track at Melbourne’s Worker’s Club on September 1.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sola Rosa and Special Guests Visit Oz

Genre defying Kiwi urban act Sola Rosa will return to Australia next month to support the recent release of their fifth album Low and Behold, High and Beyond.

The album sees a host of guest performers joining founding member Andrew Spraggon and his regular collaborators for songs that fuse soul, funk, jazz, hip hop, and other musical styles.

Sola Rosa started as Andrew’s one man band, but in time Spikey Tee, Ben White, and Matt Short have become key members of the project. This core group will be joined on the Aussie tour by guest singers Cherie Mathieson and L.A. Mitchell, who appears on the album’s cruisy first single “Spinning Top.”

Sola Rosa will play the following Aussie venues next month. Tickets are on sale now.

13 September 2012 –  The Standard, Sydney
14 September 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
26 September 2012 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
28 September 2012 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough
29 September 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
30 September 2012 – Wave Rock Weekender, Wave Rock Beach

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“It’s An Endless Desire” – Penny Hewson

Melbourne songstress Penny Hewson charmed me with her single “This One’s For You,” so I was excited to see what she’d do with a longer format. With her album It’s an Endless Desire hitting stores today, we’ve all got the chance to find out.

The single opens the disc and proves to be one of its standout tracks. Its pop sensibility easily draws us in, hinting at more melodic gems to come.

If you were expecting an album full of those catchy whimsy-pop numbers from Penny, you’d probably be disappointed. Many of the songs are low-key, even a little sleepy, until you make an effort to really listen to them. It takes catching the lyrics of these well-crafted tunes to truly appreciate this album’s depth.

“This One’s for You” might be the album’s most accessible number, but there are plenty of other jewels to be found through it. I thought “My Apology” was achingly beautiful, and I loved the equal measures of sweetness and sorrow in “Most of All.” “Higher” is a glorious way to close out the album. This song’s my favourite, a restrained and beautifully crafted number that really hits the heart.

There are probably two ways to listen to It’s an Endless Desire. You could slip it on as a party’s winding down, or you’re nursing a hangover the next day. People that do will let the gentle tunes wash over and soothe them, never moving from the background. Or you could choose to look deeper, engage with the lyrics, and appreciate the way Penny’s sweet and pure voice swells against a piano, a trumpet, or a flute.

It’s an Endless Desire is a bit of a slow-burner, but it’s a beautiful album that becomes richer with every listen.

See Penny Hewson launching It’s an Endless Desire at The Empress Hotel in Fitzroy on August 31.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Gives Away Oceans

The epic track “Ocean” has long been a highlight of any John Butler set. The acclaimed Aussie singer-songwriter has actually been performing the epic guitar instrumental since 1998 when he’d busk at Fremantle markets to earn a living. John Butler is giving back to all the fans he’s made since those early days by releasing the first studio recording of “Ocean” in 12 years as a free download.

“’Ocean’ is a very interesting aspect of my life. It is part of my DNA. It conveys all things I can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As I evolve so too does ‘Ocean’,” John explained. “I’d like to thank you for your continued support over all these years; it means so much to me. I would like to thank you by offering this first studio recording of “Ocean” in over a decade as a free download.”

The track was captured at John Butler’s own studio, dubbed The Compound in February. You can grab the MP3 that accompanies this YouTube video by visiting the John Butler Trio website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zoophyte Finally Release Second Album

After five years, Zoophyte are finally ready to release their sophomore album. Somewhere Elsewhere will hit music stores on September 21.

It’s unusual for an act to wait so long to release a new record, but the last five years have been a tumultuous time for the band. Their line-up’s changed, their sound’s evolved. Needless to say, this won’t simply be Another Point of View Part II.

“The old format of the band was a five-piece and we were all into different styles and types of music,” explained Zoophyte front man Cam Lee. “But now, everyone is on the same track and it feels like a new band. It’s a much bigger, larger sound; we use a lot of delayed guitars and everyone sings – there’s definitely a stronger, rockier edge to our sound.”

Zoophyte will take Somewhere Elsewhere on the road next month. Don’t worry if they’re not visiting your town, as more dates will be announced soon.

1 September 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide
2 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
6 September 2012 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
7 September 2012 – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
8 September 2012 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
9 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
16 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
23 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne
30 September 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment