Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden Tops Album Charts

Without a final flurry of The Voice competition to contend with, the ARIA Chart has returned to an even keel. But that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about the show that gripped the nation. Karise Eden’s debut album My Journey has dethroned Justin Bieber to take out the top spot. Her official first single “You Won’t Let Me” is also the only local single to crack the top 10. It’s currently sitting at number five.

Karise Eden LiveKeith Urban’s greatest hits album also continues to perform well. The Story So Far sits at number three. Missy Higgins’ The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle has started its downward descent, but it hasn’t done badly to land at number seven.

Click below for this week’s top ten!
Continue reading “Karise Eden Tops Album Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katchafire Bring Reggae Grooves to Australia

Acclaimed New Zealand reggae act Katchafire will head across the ditch for some Aussie shows in August and September.

The band has barely had time to breathe since releasing their fourth studio album On the Road Again. The latest batch of songs has seen them play a 25-date string of shows in the United States and a headline tour of Brazil. They recently returned to the US to appear the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, so they should be in fine form when they reach our shores.

Katchafire will take their time playing Aussie capitals and regional centres over a month long stay, including an appearance marking the 10th anniversary of the Cairns Reggaetown Festival. Catch them at the following venues:

31 August 2012 – The Hi-Fi Bar, Brisbane
1 September 2012 – Reggaetown Festival @ Kuranda Amphitheatre, Cairns
2 September 2012 – The Venue, Townville
5 September 2012 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
6 September 2012 – Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
7 September 2012 – RSL Southport, Southport
8 September 2012 – The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
9 September 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
14 September 2012 – The Astor Theatre, Perth
15 September 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
16 September 2012 – Prince Of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
20 September 2012 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
21 September 2012 – The Forum, Melbourne
22 September 2012 – The Enmore Theatre, Sydney
23 September 2012 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enola Fall Rock with “We Become Wolves”

Enola Fall are helping me get through my weekend with “We Become Wolves,” the lead track from their recently released album Isolationist.

The Tassie quartet have a sound much bigger than their four members. I love the track’s driving rhythm and Joe Nuttall’s distinctive vocals. Their sound is so tight and distinct, they’re clearly destined for big things. Enola Fall are already making plans for shows around the world later this year, which can only be a good sign.

What do you think of this tune?

Image credit: Scott Gelston

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mumford & Sons Make Long Awaited Australian Return

Can you believe it’s been three years since Mumford & Sons treated us to their breakthrough album Sigh No More? The Brits will finally unleash their sophomore effort in September, and they’re wasting little time in bringing the music to Aussie fans.

Mumford & Sons will play 10 shows around the country in October including some often forgotten capitals and unusual regional centres. They’re also bringing some choice international acts along for the ride. American indie-folksters Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes will play all but the final Queensland shows, while fellow Yank Willy Mason will appear at all 10 gigs.

Tickets will go on sale from the usual outlets on Monday July 9, which gives us all a little time to save the cash!

Mumford and Sons13 October 2012 – Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth
15 October 2012 – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide
17 October 2012 – Riverstage, Brisbane
18 October 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
23 October 2012 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
25 October 2012 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
26 October 2012 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
28 October 2012 – Kuranda Amphitheatre, Cairns
29 October 2012 – Convention Centre, Townsville
31 October 2012 – Convention Centre, Gold Coast

Image source: Prusakolep @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Medics Tour “Foundations”

With their debut album Foundations receiving critical acclaim and a top 30 debut, far North Queensland breakout act The Medics are taking their music on the road.

The Medics have received rave reviews for their slots at Groovin’ The Moo, Woodford Folk Festival, Splendour, and Big Day Out, and they’re sure to bring the same energy to these headliner shows.

Fans can catch The Medics playing their new single “Griffin” and plenty more at the following shows.

6 July 2012 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney
29 July 2012 – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay
4 August 2012 – Four Walls Festival @ Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Brisbane (All Ages)
11 August 2012 – National Indigenous Music Awards @ Darwin Amphitheatre, Darwin
17 August 2012 – Brothers League’s Club, Cairns (Licensed 15+)
18 August 2012 – The Uni Club, Townsville
31 August 2012 – Hotel New York, Launceston
1 September 2012 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
6 September 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
7 September 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
8 September 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
12 September 2012 – Spectrum, Darlinghurst
14 September 2012 – The National, Geelong
15 September 2012 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
27 September 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
28 September 2012 – The Patch, Fairy Meadow
29 September 2012 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
5 October 2012 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fat as Butter Brings Back the Nineties

Fat as Butter is back with one of its most eclectic line-ups yet. Good Charlotte headline the bill along with local success stories Grinspoon and 360.

When we start scrolling down the lists things get really interesting though. We’ve got Wheatus. And if that wasn’t bizarre enough, there’ll be N-Trance. And Eiffel 65. Who knows what they’ll do once they bust out “Blue”!

It’s not all lacking about taking a trip down memory lane though. I’m particularly excited by the inclusion of Hungry Kids of Hungary, Urthboy, Hunting Grounds, and Yellowcard.

It all happens on Newcastle Foreshore on September 22. Tickets are on sale from June 28.

Image source: Fat as Butter website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Voice Dominates ARIA Chart

Ordinarily when I write about the ARIA Charts the local successes are all about the albums. We tend to produce quality product, but the downloading public flocks to the international smash songs that saturate the airwaves. But the tide has turned this week, and it’s all thanks to The Voice.

After her big win, I expected we might find Karise Eden’s name cropping up, but I didn’t expect she’d claim four of the top five spots. Her cover of “Stay With Me Baby” came out on top, but her version of “Hallelujah” showed it had real staying power, maintaining its number two possie.

Even more startling about this week’s chart is that the remaining top five position was nabbed by her Voice comrade Sarah De Bono. Darren Percival also made his mark, with his outstanding original “Damage Down” sitting at number eight.

These results really show the power of this program. We’ve seen reality shows encouraging us to download the live performances before, but by making this action part of the voting process it actually compelled us to do it.

Justin Bieber predictably rocketed to the top of the album charts with his newie Believe, but Keith Urban did a great job to clinch the number two spot. His greatest hits album The Story So Far jumped from number four, and should hold steady with his national tour approaching. That’s seen Missy Higgins slip to number three with The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle.

Click below to see this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “The Voice Dominates ARIA Chart” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hunting Grounds Tour, “Flaws” and All

With their new single “Flaws” enjoying plenty of radio love, Hunting Grounds figure the time is right to take their life show to the people. The Victorian indie rock act will play a string of gigs this August for what will be their first headline tour in more than two years.

The tour will celebrate the release of the single and Hunting Grounds’ new album In Hindsight, which hits stores on July 6. The album is already generating some major buzz. If you believe Hunting Grounds’ Facebook page (and you probably shouldn’t), even Oprah Winfrey’s a fan!

If you are too you can see Hunting Grounds at the following venues in August.

3 August 2012 – Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast
4 August 2012 – X and Y Bar, Brisbane
5 August 2012 – The Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay (Free)
8 August 2012 – Plantation, Coffs Harbour (Free)
9 August 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
10 August 2012 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
11 August 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
16 August 2012 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury (Free)
17 August 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
18 August 2012 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
24 August 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 August 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophie Koh Tours Album Number 3

Sophie Koh wowed me with her most recent single “I Understand,” so I’m thrilled to see its album and accompanying tour aren’t too far away.

Oh My Garden, Sophie’s third record, will hit stores on July 6. It saw Sophie stepping away from her guitar and exploring new musical terrain through recording sessions with Brad Wood and Ben Lee in Los Angeles. The singles “Lo-Fi” and “I Understand” have been so strong that I expect big things from this release.

Sophie will celebrate Oh My Garden’s birth by playing some of her favourite venues over the next few months.

13 July 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
21 July 2012 – WheatSheaf Hotel, Adelaide
2 August 2012 – FBi Social, Sydney
12 August 2012 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
8 September 2012 – Alice Springs Festival, Alice Springs

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Rescue Ships Tour “City Life” Single

Sydney folk-pop duo The Rescue Ships have well and truly charmed me with their new single “City Life.”

The track speaks of the ironic isolation so many city dwellers feel. They’re surrounded by crowds, yet they’re still searching for real connection. Despite the dark subject matter the song is a so catchy and sweet that you can’t help but smile in spite of it!

“City Life” comes from The Rescue Ships forthcoming debut album, which they’re currently recording with friends in their Newtown studio. They’ll treat fans to the single and other new tunes at the following “City Life” launch shows:

5 July 2012 – Beavs Bar, Geelong (Free)
6 July 2012 – The Grace Darling, Collingwood
13 July 2012 – The Red Rattler, Marrickville
18 July 2012 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Wickham
20 July 2012 – 5 Church Street, Bellingen
26 July 2012 – The Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley
3 August 2012 – The Front Bar, Lyneham
11 August 2012 – The Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash