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.

Continue reading “Reece Mastin & Karise Eden Top ARIA Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sans Gras Get Under My Skin

I was pretty sure I wouldn’t write about Sans Gras as I listened to “Sun Come Up,” the opening track from their new EP Shed Your Woes. I admired its ambition and dynamism, but I was struggling to find something to hang on to. I appreciated the song on an intellectual level, but I just couldn’t connect with it. I really wanted to like it because it was so interesting and bold, but I didn’t.

I promise myself that I’d listen to the whole track before turning off the EP. But then a game of Angry Birds got intense, and I found myself listening to the next song “Left and Right.” It was soulful, and so much more cohesive than the first number. It didn’t take as many risks, but it was much more enjoyable to listen to. And so in spite of my initial assessment, I decided to try track three on for size. “Wildflower” sees the quirkiness that sets Sans Gras apart used to great effect. Again it’s more accessible than “Sun Come Up” and less daring, but it’s such good fun. It lost me a little in the middle, but that lacklustre bridge is sandwiched between brilliance.

Sans Gras are the sort of band that stretches out in many different directions. They’re so creative, and even the fans probably won’t like everything they produce. But that’s pretty cool. Greatness doesn’t come from playing it safe. Sans Gras aren’t there yet, but in just three tracks they’ve shown a special spark. Keep your ear to the ground, as Sans Gras will launch Shed Your Woes with an EP tour in the not too distant future.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Chase Away Winter Blues with “Your Love”

Saskwatch look to blast us all out of our winter funks with their feel good new single “Your Love.”

The release of their latest 7-incher (yes boys and girl, this is a band firmly rooted in old school traditions) is the latest achievement in a big year for the band. They earned rave reviews for their performances at the Golden Plains and Falls Festivals, and scored the support slots for Earth Wind & Fire, and Maceo Parker.

“Your Love” is our second taste of Saskwatch’s forthcoming debut album Leave It All Behind, which will hit stores next month. If it’s any indication, that LP’s going to be a whole lot of fun. You can buy the vinyl or digital versions on the Saskwatch website.

Saskwatch will celebrate the release of “Your Love” with some launch shows in the major capitals. Melbourne can catch them at the Ding Dong Lounge on July 20. They’ll play the Beresford in Sydney on July 28.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pluto Jonze’s Genre Bending New Single

I’m really impressed by “See What the Sun Sees,” the dreamy new single from Sydney music Pluto Jonze. The song gets a digital release today.

Pluto was influences by artists like Beatles and Bowie, and you can hear some of their epic qualities and love of theatre in this tune. It doesn’t fit neatly into any genre, and perhaps because of that feels really fresh. The closest I can come to categorizing it would be psychedelic pop, but perhaps it’s better to listen rather than agonising over labels.

Pluto is celebrating the release of “See What the Sun Sees” with a quickie tour around the East Coast. Catch him in the capitals later this month.

13 July 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne
19 July 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
21 July 2012 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from Falcona