Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Page Rejoins The Wiggles

I was thrilled to hear the news that Greg Page will be wiggling in his yellow skivvy once more. Greg left the children’s supergroup, The Wiggles, when he was diagnosed with orthostatic intolerance five years ago.

But it seems now he’s doing much better and he’ll be rejoining the group he founded some 20 years ago. He’ll tour Australia with his old bandmates in March, followed by strings of dates in the United Kingdom and United States later this year.

While I was happy to hear Greg’s back, I also wondered what would happen to Sam Moran, the young whippersnapper who stepped in when Greg departed the group. According to press releases he “graciously stepped aside” when he heard Greg was fit enough to return.

Media reports state Sam will pursue other musical projects, and he’s also been granted access to the Hot Potato Studios. I hope he’s managed to secure some lucrative Wiggles royalties in the deal too!

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elixir Ready For Rare National Tour

Katie Noonan has fronted so many outfits that it can be tough keeping track of her current project. These days she’s back with her jazz trio Elixir, who after 14 years together have finally released their second album First Seed Ripening.

The disc has been enthusiastically received by fans, who put it at the number one spot on the ARIA jazz charts for nine weeks, and critics who voted it the best jazz album at the 2011 ARIA awards.

After so long together it’s amazing that this year marks only their second national tour. If you’re a jazz fan make sure you get to one of these rare shows in the coming months!

2 February 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
3 February 2012 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
4 February 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
19 February 2012 – Spiegeltent “Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
24 February 2012 – The Famous Spiegeltent, Melbourne
29 February 2012 – Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie
1 March 2012 – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
2 March 2012 – Goulburn Workers Club, Goulburn
3 March 2012 – Roths Wine Bar, Mudgee
6 – 9 April 2012 – National Folk Festival, Exhibition Park, Canberra
19 April 2012 – Ravensthorpe Guesthouse & Restaurant, Wollongong
21 April 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
27 April 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
28 April 2012 – Civic Theatre, Townsville

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Catherine Traicos’ Gorgeous New Single


Catherine Traicos and the Starry Night have just released “Let You Go,” a gorgeous song about moving on from a failed relationship.

I love the gentle rasp in Catherine’s voice, which sits somewhere between Brandi Carlile and Lucinda Williams. The clever Motown like arrangement of this country-folk number is also gorgeous. Melbourne’s Gareth Skinner lends his cello skills to the track, which is the second release from Catherine Traicos and the Starry Nights’, Gloriosa.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Antiskeptic Are “Back in the Game”

Antiskeptic are back in action and ready to take music to the masses.

The band enjoyed chart success for a decade before deciding to call it quits three years ago. But you can’t keep a good band down, and with this latest tour Antiskeptic are declaring they’re “Back in the Game.”

You can expect to hear plenty of old favorites and some new material at the following shows. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

11 February 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
18 February 2012 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
25 February 2012 – The Lair @ Metro Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from Long Live PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Major Label Release Pear Shape Single

“Righteousness” from Sydney based pop act Pear Shape is the first release to come from General Pants Co’s Major Label this year.

Pear Shape have only been playing together for the last year but the outfit is made up of seasoned musicians from local acts Joysticks, Bridezilla & The Death Set, and Indigo Rising. Now with their latest incarnation it seems they’ve got the mix just right.

Lead singer Tom Riordan calls the new song “country-influenced pop, with honest diary style lyrics.” Head to the General Pants Co’s website and click on the Major Label tab to hear “Righteousness” now. If you dig it you can buy it through iTunes.

And remember if you’ve got a band you might be Major Label’s next signing. Simple submit your track via General Pants Co’s website or take your demo into your nearest General Pants Co store.

Image used with permission from AVM Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Farewell Jordie Lane & East Brunswick Club

There’ll be a few goodbyes on Jordie Lane’s upcoming blink-and-you’ll-miss it tour. We’ll bid a fond farewell to Jordie, who’s heading abroad to perform at South by Southwest and the Canadian Music Week and work on new material with Grammy Award-winning producer Tom Biller. And we’ll also say goodbye to the East Brunswick Club, which will be demolished to make way for an apartment block.

The East Brunswick Club is one of Victoria’s most enduring venues so it’s a real shame to see it go the way of the dinosaurs. Jordie’s show on February 10 will be one of the last held at the club, so it’s sure to be an emotionally charged night. Ben Salter and Luke Legs will support him on the night.

After that Jordie’s off to Oakleigh’s Caravan Club to play on the same stage as Sweet Jean and Luke Brennan. This gig on February 11 will be the last we’ll see of Jordie for some time, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Image used with permission from Riot House

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shakaya Reunion with The Last Kinection’s “Are We There Yet?”

It was a bit of a blast from the past for me on the weekend when I spotted the new video for The Last Kinection. The single “Are We There Yet?” sees band member Naomi Wenitong reunited with her Shakaya sister Simone Stacey, who handles the track’s chorus.

I remember marveling at the harmonies of these girls way back in 2002 when they shot up the charts with “Stop Calling Me.” I was upset to see them part ways, but thrilled to see they’ve lost nothing over the years. It might be for a short time, but I’m glad to see these girls working together again.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Ages Fun at Push Over

Melbourne’s longest running all ages festival Push Over will take over the city’s The Abbotsford Convent on the Labour Day holiday, March 12.

The event will see a killer lineup playing across four stages, including Eagle and the Worm, Parkway Drive, Tonight Alive, Yacht Club DJs, Mantra, Boris the Blade, and more. Nine of the hottest young acts will also battle it out in the FReeZA Push Start grand final.

The day is completely supervised and drug, alcohol, and smoke free to ensure everyone has a good time. Tickets are on sale now for $40 plus the booking fee from Ticketek, Oztix, and Moshtix.

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Let The Cat Out Roadtest Album in Western Australia

Funky Melbourne five-piece Let The Cat Out will give Western Australian audiences a sneak peak at their new album at some upcoming shows in the state.

The band will play tracks from their soon to be released sophomore album Swimming Upstream as well as some old favorites at the gigs. Let The Cat Out’s lead singer and rhythm guitarist Jane McArthur says the album showcases the band’s lush new sound.

“We’ve added in extra instrumentation where we’ve thought it would add to the message and the vibe of the song, whereas in the first album, we were very much trying to stick to the raw sound of the five of us, and be faithful to how we could recreate the songs live. It’s still Let The Cat Out,” she assured fans, “but it’s got a bit more added fire, and a bit more complexity.”

You can see the way the band’s developed at the following shows.

27 January 2012 – Mounties, Mount Helena
29 January 2012 – Redcliffe on the Murray, Pinjarra
31 January 2012 – Perth Blues Club, Perth
1 February 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
3 February 2012 – Whitestar Hotel, Albany
4 February 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 February 2012 – Quindanning Tavern, Quindanning

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment