Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skypilot Rock with “Anonymous”

Skypilot have impressed me again with their second single “Anonymous,” the follow-up to “Harold (You Sold Your Brother Down).”

It’s another anthemic slice of rock from the Brisbane band, but there’s more to it than simply a great sound. I love the intelligence of Skypilot’s approach to music making, the lyrics that talk about really meaty topics. In this case the band is reflecting on the dichotomy between loneliness and connection in the modern world.

“Despite the advent of the internet and social networking, today’s world can still be a lonely place,” explained the band’s bassist and keyboard player, Dan Lane. “All of us may be lost but we’re not alone. As long as one other person in the world knows our name, we’re not anonymous.”

I love everything I’m hearing from this band, and I can’t wait to hear more when Skypilot’s debut EP drops in March.Until then we can all enjoy a free download of “Anonymous” at Skypilot’s Bandcamp page.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blueju!ce Back with “Company” Album Tour

It’s been some time since Blueju!ce burst onto the airwaves with “Broken Leg.” But now they’re back with a brand new album called Company, and a national tour in the works.

Company was released late last year to relatively little fanfare, but it has the critics buzzing. Its high energy pop tunes should easily translate to the stage. Hopefully this tour will encourage more people to listen to the disc that many believe is the band’s best and most consistent. If you still haven’t snagged the album you can purchase a digital version for just $10 when you bundle it with your concert tickets.

Young music lovers should note that Blueju!ce have announced some all ages and under 18s gigs for the very first time. If you’ve always wanted to see Blueju!ce kids, this is your chance!

Tickets for the following shows are available now from the usual outlets.

12 April 2012 – Waves, Wollongong
13 April 2012 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
14 April 2012 – Hi-Fi, Brisbane
19 April 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
20 April 2012 – The Capitol, Perth
21 April 2012 – The Gov, Adelaide (All Ages)
26 April 2012 – Eureka Hotel, Geelong
27 April 2012 – Pelly Bar @ Pier Live, Frankston
28 April 2012 – Hi-Fi, Melbourne (Under 18s @ 2 pm)
28 April 2012 – Hi-Fi, Melbourne (18+ @ 8 pm)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kitty Clementine’s Got Soul

Australian expat Kitty Clementine is generating some serious buzz on the eve of the American release of her self-titled debut album.

While she’ll always call Australia home, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music graduate is now based in New Orleans. She arrived with little money and no plans beyond soaking up the country and using it as fuel for her first record. She hitchhiked through Alabama, North Carolina, Seattle, San Francisco, and finally Los Angeles where she laid down an album in just seven days.

Kitty’s music reminds me a bit of Duffy’s, but there’s even more of an edge which is so unique. “Blow My Horn” is the first single to come from the album, which hits American record stores tomorrow. Hopefully an Australian release isn’t too far off. It’d be a shame for America to enjoy all the fun of this homegrown act!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chet Faker Gives First Taste of “Thinking in Textures”

Enigmatic Melbourne musician Chet Faker is easing us into our working week with his soulful new single “Terms and Conditions.”

It’s a bit of a slow burner, but once it hooks you it just doesn’t let go. The song is our first taste of Chet’s debut EP Thinking in Textures, which will hit stores in late March.

Chet Faker honed his craft in Melbourne’s disco and house scene, but has developed his sound to include more acoustic elements and intimate lyrics. He hides behind a bushy beard and an alias, but those words reveal plenty about who Chet Faker is.

Thinking in Textures is slated for a March release in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With all those distribution deals, this unassuming musician might just be our next big global star.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The HIlliard Ensemble Tours with Australian Chamber Orchestra

Britain’s acclaimed classical vocal quartet The Hilliard Ensemble is teaming up with our own Australian Chamber Orchestra for a very special Aussie tour.

The Hilliard Ensemble have sold millions of albums around the world to fans attracted to their unique take on sacred tunes like Gregorian chants and medieval hymns. Helena Rathbone, the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s principal second violin, says the show takes the audience “into three wonderful sound worlds: the sublimely intimate a capella of four solo voices and the chamber music collaboration of voices and strings, beautifully bookended with some of the most gorgeously lush string music.” The show’s centrepiece is Raskatov’s “Obikhod,” a Russian orthodox chant written by the Russian-German composer especially for these performances.

It sounds like a real treat for classical music fans. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

10 March 2012 – Llewellyn Hall @ ANU, Canberra
11 March 2012 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
12 March 2012 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
13 March 2012 – Town Hall, Adelaide
17 March 2012 – City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney
18 & 19 March 2012 – Town Hall, Melbourne
20 & 21 March 2012 – City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney
22 March 2012 – Town Hall, Wollongong

Image source: Friedrun Reinhold/The Hilliard Ensemble website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Roots Manuva Announces Festival Sideshows

Over the last 12 years, Roots Manuva has established himself as one of the world’s true icons of urban music. He’ll return to Australia next month to play the Playground Weekender and Golden Plains Festivals, as well as a string of sideshows.

He’ll treat fans to tunes from his brand new album 4everevolution, as well as the classic numbers that made him such a legend. 4everevolution sees Roots Manuva exploring new genres like dubstep and funky. It’s something new from the reggae lover, but with full band in tow I expect fans will warm to this brand new sound. After so many years in the business, I suppose you’ve got to keep evolving to remain relevant!

Roots Manuva will play the following Australian shows next month.

4 March 2012 – Playground Weekender Festival, Wiseman’s Ferry
8 March 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Sydney
9 March 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
10 March 2012 – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne
11 March 2012 – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith

Image used with permission from Niche Productions

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Panama Makes “Magic”

“Magic” is a pretty appropriate title for the new single from Sydney-based electro act Panama.

The band is led by Jarrah McCleary, a classically-trained pianist from the Northern Territory. His training anchors the quartet’s sound, which pays tribute to the dance acts of the 80s. This song has a gorgeous tropical feel which conjures up the summer heat none of us have quite had this year. There’s a dance remix, but I prefer the song in its purest form.

Panama release “Magic” digitally on March 2.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charles Bradley’s Soulful Australian Shows

American soul singer Charles Bradley is looking to woo local music fans when he brings his unique gravelly rasp to our shores next month.

The man known as The Screaming Eagle of Soul put in the hard yards before releasing his debut album No Time for Dreamers last year. He spent decades working as a labourer in a string of seasonal jobs, making enough money to allow him to pursue his passion for song. No Time for Dreaming is the culmination of that passion; you can hear it in every note sung in his unmistakable raw timbre.

You can experience Charles’ distinctive brand of soul at the following shows next month.

10 March 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
12 March 2012 – The Powerhouse, Brisbane
16 March, 2012 – The Factory, Sydney
18 March 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Niche Productions

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zoophyte on the Comeback Trail

Melbourne’s indie darlings Zoophyte will kickstart their comeback tour with a hometown show tonight.

Zoophyte earned rave reviews and airplay for their 2007 album Another Point of View and its lead single “Better Days.” They built up a solid fan base in 2008, but took a hiatus the following year. 2010 saw them out of hibernation with a brand new lineup and resolve to record the follow-up to Another Point of View. We’ll hear tracks from that long awaited album at the following shows.

25 February 2012 – Zoo Twilight, Melbourne
10 March 2012 – Breath Of Life Festival, Launceston
17 March 2012 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
13 April 2012 – Prince Of Wales Bandroom, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steve Lane & Autocrats Tour “Far, Far Away” Single

It seems like Steve Lane & The Autocrats will jump on any excuse for the tour. The hardworking bluesy rock act will tour the country yet again this month and the next to support the release of their new single “Far, Far Away.”


Web music player

The song comes from the band’s debut album The Romance of Communication, which hit stores late last year. Like the other cuts from the album, this song sounds so seasoned that it’s amazing to think the band’s only just starting out. However with members coming from Augie March, Paul Kelly’s band, The Shedshakers, and other esteemed acts it’s easy to see why this outfit gels so well.

Steve Lane & The Autocrats are rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting live acts. See what all the fuss is about at the following shows.

26 Feb 2012 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 March 2012 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
10-11 March 2012 – Lake Mountain Music Festival, Marysville
12 March 2012 – Buxton Ridge Winery, Marysville
13 March 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
14 March 2012 – Great Northern Newcastle
15 March 2012 – Port Macquarie Hotel
16 March 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast
17 March 2012 – The Beetle Bar Brisbane
18 March 2012 – Peregian Origionals, Sunshine Coast
20 March 2012 – Gold Coast University, Gold Coast
20 March 2012 – Palmy Cafe, Palm Beach
22 March 2012 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
23 March 2012 – The Federal Hotel, Bellingen
24 March 2012 – The Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland
25 March 2012 – The Front Bar and Gallery, Canberra
30 March 2012 – The Golden Vine, Bendigo
31 March 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool