Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Roland K Smith & The Sinners Announce Sydney Residency to Launch Album

Roland K Smith & The Sinners are launching their long awaited album Breaking Hearts and Saving Souls with a five-week residency at Newtown’s hallowed Sandringham Hotel.

The album documents a tumultuous 18 months in the band’s history. Loved ones were lost, relationships broke down, and much wisdom was gained along the way. The universal themes are set to an intriguing soundtrack of rock and roll, bluegrass, and punk.

Roland K Smith & The Sinners will play The Sandringham Hotel every Wednesday in August, culminating with a special acoustic show on the 29th. Tickets cost just $10 for a night’s entertainment, which should leave plenty of loose change for a few schooners.

Image used with permission from Paulette Kay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Minibikes’ Charming Pop Ditty

Melbourne quintet Minibikes have put a big smile on my face with “Oh Japan,” the second track lifted from their forthcoming debut album For Woods or Trails.

I’m hearing a little Elvis Costello in this quirky pop gem, which can only be a good thing. The single should tide fans over until that album drops on September 14. Has it give your Friday a lift?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Does Dune Look Familiar To You?

Melbourne singer-songwriter Dune is making a big impression with her debut single “Shoestring.”

Or at least, this is Dune’s first release as Dune. If she sounds seasoned, it’s because she is. Underneath all those bandages it’s the artist formerly known as Jade McRae. Remember her pop music fans?

Jade’s reinvention is about more than just a new name. “Shoestring” is a world away from the mainstream R’n’B I remember her for. It’s got a catchy pop sound, but it’s paired with some compelling tribal beats. She hasn’t relied on outside knowhow to make the song either; the whole thing’s entirely self produced.

Something tells me Dune’s going to be one of those artists we just can’t ignore. Get in on the ground up when she launches the single at two very special launch shows. She’ll play for her hometown at The Workers Club on August 30 before heading to Sydney’s Upstairs Beresford Hotel the following night.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maxi Steps Out with Debut Single

Melbourne songstress Maxi’s giving us a taste of her musical skills with the soulful sounds of “In a Little While” her debut single and the first track lifted from her self-titled EP.

Maxi’s shaken off her musical theatre background to reveal a sound that’s incredibly sultry and sensuous. The song settles into an easy groove and doesn’t let go. It sounds more seasoned than any debut probably should, but Maxi’s no musical newcomer. While this is her first solo endeavour she’s been laying down backing vocals and collaborating with local DJs and musos for some time. She’s even played Good Vibrations and Parklife. Surely she’s due her time in the sun!

We’ll no doubt hear more of Maxi when her EP drops this September.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Red Ink Tour Euphoria

Red Ink are preparing to tour their catchy new single “Euphoria,” our first taste of their forthcoming new single The Colour Age. They’ll play the major capitals in support of the song.

It’s such a great track, carefully crafted with a killer pop sensibility. It’s amazing to think it was originally conceived in Red Ink’s early days, and only dug out of the archives recently. Thank goodness it was! I also love the film clip, which is a moving look at the polarities of life.

If you dig the song make sure you head to iTunes or Spotify as it’s currently available as a free download. And of course get to the following shows!

3 August 2012 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
17 August 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
6 September 2012 – Cobra Kai @ Oh Hello, Brisbane
8 September 2012 – Upstairs Beresford Hotel, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Glasshouse Living” – Molly Contogeorge

It took just five songs for Sydney singer-songwriter Molly Contogeorge to knock my socks off with her new EP Glasshouse Living.

The disc opens with “Lead On, Lead On,” a self-assured track which acts as the perfect introduction for newcomers. Molly takes things down a notch with the title track, but it’s an easy groove rather than a sleeper. Just when I thought I might have Molly pegged she took me somewhere different with “Lock and Key.” This brassy number shows another side, with plenty of sass and conviction. But Molly’s not all edges. The following track “Why” is a lush ballad with a palpable ache. “Off I Go” plums similar territory, but in a more minimalist way. This song proves the power of a lone voice and a piano. Without all the noise around it, those heartfelt lyrics really have time to breath.

Glasshouse Living is an eclectic mix, but Molly’s piano playing and delicate voice, dripping in soul, anchor the tracks. They show her to be a dynamic and enigmatic musician. I can’t wait to hear more!

Image used with permission from Molly Contogeorge

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Voice Artists Dominate ARIA Charts

Karise Eden remains on top of the ARIA Albums Chart this week, but her fellow Voice finalists have challenged her for the number one possie.

The remaining top four contestants have all enjoyed top ten debuts for their album releases. Runner-up Darren Percival landed at number three with his disc Happy Home, Rachel Leahcar’s Shooting Star sits at number five, while Sarah De Bono shouldn’t feel embarrassed by her number seven debut with No Shame.

In a bumper week for Aussie albums, it’s not just the reality TV stars shining. Angus Stone’s solo endeavour Broken Brights took out the number two spot, while all The Voice action saw Keith Urban’s The Story So Far pushed down to number eight. Missy Higgins continues to hang on to the top ten by her fingernails. The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle is again at number ten.

In contrast the singles chart looks pretty bare. Why don’t we support homegrown songs? Thank goodness for Justice Crew, who are representing with “Boom Boom.” It sits at number seven.

Click below for this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “The Voice Artists Dominate ARIA Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chet Faker Comes Home

Chet Faker’s been quite the jetsetter over the last couple of months. He toured Europe with The Temper Trap and played big international festivals South by Southwest and The Great Escape. But these were just the warm up shows for his forthcoming Australian tour to celebrate the release of his new single “Love and Feeling.”

The track is the latest to come from Chet’s album Thinking in Textures, which has earned critical acclaim in the UK, the US, and his native Australia.

Chet will kick off his Australian tour with a slot at Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass before hitting the country’s best clubs.

27-29 July 2012 – Splendour in the Grass Festival, Byron Bay
3 August 2012 – The Bakery, Perth
4 August 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
16 August 2012 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
17 August 2012 – Trinity Bar, Canberra
24 August 2012 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
7 September 2012 – Revolt, Melbourne
14 September 2012 – Up Late @ GOMA, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Circle Step Into Studio for The Middle

Sydney’s Circle have stepped out of their bedrooms and into the studio for their latest album The Middle.

Despite recording six albums, this is the first recorded in a proper studio. That should bring a bit of refinement to the band’s 70s inspired pop rock tunes. Don’t think we’ll lose the band’s originality though. Circle founding member Radi Safi produced the album, with the aid of industry vet Mike Stavrou (America, David Bowie, Kate Bush).

Look for The Middle in stores on August 1.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I, A Man Take The Scenic Route

I, a Man are celebrating the release of their dreamy new single “The Scenic Route” with an East Coast tour.

The song has such a lush quality, with jangly guitars, hypnotic drum beats, and Daniel Moss’ easy vocals. It’s definitely the kind of tune that can blast you out of a winter funk.

The accompanying tour will be your last chance to catch I, a Man for a while, as the band are heading into hibernation to write and record their debut album. We should see that in stores in the first half of next year.

I, a Man kick off their Scenic Route tour tonight in Geelong. Here are all the places you can catch them in the coming weeks:

19 July 2012 – Beavs Bar, Geelong
21 July 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
26 July 2012 – Lambda, Alhambra
29 July 2012 – Dan & Ash Acoustic @ Pure Pop Records, St Kilda
2 August 2012 – The Front Gallery and Café, Canberra
4 August 2012 – Kittens @ The Spectrum, Sydney