Posted on by Lauren Katulka

One Direction Announce Australian Shows

I’ve got a confession to make: I love One Direction. It’s always been a bit difficult for me to admit my adoration for boy bands. I remember being a passionate Human Nature fan back in the ’90s, and swearing up and down that they weren’t a boy band; they were a vocal group. Somehow that made my love so much better.

I still not sure One Direction have the vocal chops of my beloved Human Nature, but they take me back to my youth, a time when bands like New Kids on the Block, Take That, East 17, Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, Boyzone, Westlife, and yes, Human Nature were burning up the charts. Boy bands seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur, but I think there’s always a place for a bunch of cute boys singing on a beach with their shirts half unbuttoned.

We can expect the sort of mass hysteria we haven’t seen since Justin Bieber touched down when these cutie-pie Brits perform the following shows in April. I might just be screaming along with them. Tickets go on sale from Ticketek next Friday.

13 April 2012 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
16 April 2012 – Hisense Arena, Melbourne
18 April 2012 – Convention Centre, Brisbane

Image source: Fiona McKinlay @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Wild Love” for Gossling

Gossling is showing her sultry side with her new single “Wild Love,” our first taste of her third EP Intentional Living.

That disc won’t drop until April 20 but Gossling is looking to tide us over with a string of shows including support slots for Adam Cohen and a few headlining gigs.

The song is another accomplished cut from this local singer-songwriter. Although we shouldn’t be surprised as everything Gossling touches turns to gold, and Evermore’s Dan Hume also shares songwriting credits.

Here are all the places you can catch Gossling launching the single in the coming months.

1 March 2012 – The Bird, Northbridge
2 March 2012 – Nannup Festival @ Nannup Theatre, Nannup
3 March 2012 – Nannup Festival @ Town Hall, Nannup
6 March 2012 – Fly By Night, Perth (supporting Adam Cohen)
9 March 2012 – Regal Ballroom, Melbourne (supporting Adam Cohen)
11 March 2012 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
13 March 2012 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Adam Cohen)
14 March 2012 – The Basement, Sydney (supporting Adam Cohen)
26 April 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
27 April 2012 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
28 April 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
29 April 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
2 May 2012 – Little Creates Loft, Fremantle
3 May 2012 – The Bird, Northbridge
4 May 2012 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
5 May 2012 – Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Autumn Isles Lift my Mood

I’ve been having a bit of a blue week. My husband’s away on a business trip, and my cat and I don’t quite fill our house. I found the pick me up I was looking for in the music of The Autumn Isles, a five-piece rock pop act from Perth.

These guys have actually been kicking around the last six years, but it seems the east coast is a bit slow to catch on to their psychedelic charms. Their sound takes me back to Woodstock with its lush harmonies and big chords. It’s the sort of music my Dad would probably dig, yet it somehow feels fresh.

I’m particularly partial to “Sun Soaked Horizon” from their debut album Kaleidoscopes. It sounds like a pretty apt name for a disc from such a trippy band. Does it float your boat?

Image used with permission from The Autumn Isles

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elen Levon Releases New Dance Single

Elen Levon is following up her debut smash single “Naughty” with another slice of dance pop, “Like a Girl (In Love).”

While the single doesn’t hit iTunes until March 2 it’s already generating buzz with a film clip release and some airplay. It’s not going to change the world, but it can certainly go toe to toe with the Rihanna and Beyonce songs that burn up the charts. It’s also refreshing to hear this teen star singing something a little more age appropriate. But would it kill her to put on some pants for the film clip?

The release of “Like a Girl (In Love)” is well timed following Elen’s recent appearance at Beijing’s Gala World Music Festival last month. Could she be our next global superstar?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Go Set Tour Album Number 5

The Go Set hearkens back to the glory days of punk music, a time when this music was truly rebellious and infused with a social conscience. To celebrate the release of their fifth album next month, also titled The Go Set, the Victorian quintet are hitting the road.

The album features the new single “Drums of Chelsea,” a raucous number which is sure to explode on the stage. If you’ve never experienced a Go Set show before this is your chance, as they’re playing pretty much everywhere!

24 February 2012 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
25 February 2012 – National Hotel, Geelong
3 March 2012 – Boolarra Festival, La Trobe Valley
9 March 2012 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
10 March 2012 – St Mary’s Hotel, St Marys
11 March 2012 – Bridge Hotel, Forth
15 March 2012 – Clancys, Fremantle
16 March 2012 – Indi Bar, Perth
17 March 2012 – Nukara Festival, Geraldton
18 March 2012 – St Patricks Festival @ Hyde Park, Sydney
6 & 8 April 2012 – National Folk Festival, Canberra
11 April 2012 – Railway Hotel, Byron Bay
12 April 2012 – The Beergarden, Surfers Paradise
13 April 2012 – Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
14 April 2012 – Prince of Wales, Brisbane
20 April 2012 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
21 April 2012 – Sando, Sydney
4 May 2012 – The Espy, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wolf & Cub Tour Double A-Side Single

Indie darlings Wolf & Cub are back with a brand new double A-side single, which features the songs “See The Light” and “All Through the Night.”

The tracks showcase two different sides of this fledgling Australian outfit. “All Through the Night” is my favorite with is driving bass beat, ethereal falsetto vocals, and psychedelic guitars. In contrast “See The Light” is edgier with a bluesy bass line and dark hooks.

Wolf & Cub will take their sweet time travelling around the country and playing a few single launch shows this month and the next to support the release. See this exciting act at the following shows.

9 March 2012 – Arcade Lane, Adelaide
24 March 2012 – The Espy, Melbourne
5 April 2012 – GoodGod, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mayer Hawthorne Plays Australian Album Shows

Regular visitor Mayer Hawthorne is returning to Australia this month to promote his brand new album How Do You Do?

The disc is Mayer’s first release through Universal Music, but it retains the old world charm that folks first fell in love with. He wears his influences on his sleeve, but gives his favourite genres including doo-wop, blues, country, funk, and rock and roll a unique modern spin.

His previous Australian tours have received rave reviews, and I can’t imagine he’s let his standards slip any. He’ll play shows in the major capitals, including a very special concert with Erykah Badu and Fat Freddy’s Drop in Perth. Tickets are available from the venues for the following shows.

24 February 2012 – The Metro, Sydney
25 February 2012 – Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth (with Erykah Badu and Fat Freddy’s Drop)
29 February 2012 – The Corner, Melbourne
1 March 2012 – The HiFi, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Niche Productions

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Canada’s Madison Violet Tour Australia

Canadian folk-roots duo Madison Violet are returning to our shores. The twosome will play a string of shows along the east coast, culminating with an appearance at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Madison Violet are touring the country to support the recent release of their fourth studio album, The Good In Goodbye. The intimate disc feels a lot like a musical diary, with songs documenting Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac’s formative years, their time together on the road, and the friendship and music that ties them together. The songs are rooted in sweet melodies and angelic harmonies that call to mind Lucinda Williams and The Indigo Girls.

Their tour kicks off in Sydney this Wednesday and takes in some of the east coast’s best venues. Make sure you see this talent Canucks while you can!

22 February 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
23 February 2012 – Notes Live, Newtown
24 February 2012 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
25 February 2012 – The Vault, Windsor
29 February 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
1 March 2012 – Caravan Club, Oakleigh
3 March 2012 – Harvester Moon, Bellarine
4 March 2012 – Burke And Wills Winery, Mia Mia
8 March 2012 – Wesley Anne Hotel, Northcote
9-12 March 2012 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

San Cisco Tour “Rocket Ship” Single

San Cisco have followed up their playful breakout single “Awkward” with another upbeat pop gem “Rocket Ship.”

There’s just something about this band’s music that makes me smile. And how could a song about leaving your comfort zone to pursue your dreams be anything but uplifting?

The band are currently wrapping up their EP tour, but they’re not about to sit idly once that’s done. They’ve already announced a string of dates to support the release of “Rocket Ship.” The run includes appearances at the regional Groovin’ the Moo festivals and a few sideshows, including an all ages date in Adelaide. Tickets are on sale now for the following gigs.

27 April 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
2 May 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
3 May 2012 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (All Ages)
5 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Bendigo
6 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Townsville
9 May 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
10 May 2012 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
11 May 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
12 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Maitland
13 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Canberra
19 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Bunbury

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rocco’s Back with “Thunder”

I had a bit of a blast from the past this morning when I discovered the epic electro rock track “Thunder” by Rocco. That name might not mean a lot to most music fans, but if you were seeing pop acts in the early naughties you might remember Rocco as one half of Gemini.

I remember fondly seeing the duo supporting Human Nature long before the whole Motown thing. I’d figured they’d fallen far from the radar, but was thrilled to see Rocco’s still making music, now with the help of former Mantissa guitarist Chris Collins.

The release of this song about change and personal growth has been a long time coming. Rocco’s been working and reworking this song for the last few years waiting for the right producer, which he found in Matt O’Connor.

“Working with Matt brought another element to our sound and ‘Thunder’ matured from electro rock to an electro guitar-driven, melodic, euphoric pop song,” he explained.

“Thunder” will be officially released on February 27 ahead of its single launch on March 9 at Sydney’s The Supper Club.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment