Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Danielle Spencer and Steve Balbi Play Alone and Together

Ethereal singer songwriter Danielle Spencer and former Noiseworks bass player Steve Balbi seem like an unlikely match, but the talented twosome are teaming up for a string of intimate shows next month.

As the name of the tour suggests, the Alone & Together shows will see them performing solo and as a duo. Danielle is continuing to promote her brilliant sophomore album Calling All Magicians. She’ll also undoubtedly look back to stunning debut White Monkey. She recently reworked the disc in acoustic mode for a new album co-produced with none other than Steve Balbi. The pair seem to have enjoyed their time together in the studio recently, as they also laid down a cover of David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes.” You can download it for nix on Danielle Spencer’s Facebook page.

If you like what you hear you can catch the unusual but brilliant pair playing the following venues in October and November.

15 October 2011 – Lizotte’s Dee Why
22 October 2011 – Lizotte’s Central Coast
10 November 2011 – The Vanguard Sydney
27 November 2011 – The Toff In Town Melbourne

Image used with permission from Pod Artist Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LHA Release Impressive Hip Hop Debut

Sydney-based hip hoppers LHA have just released their debut album Split Decision. The disc was a real labour of love for the duo made up of Aussie MC Adikkal and Korean born producer LeeHahn. They wrote and produced the entire thing, so you know it’s got their stamp all over it.

The twosome takes their hip hop back to basics. They believe that a song should move your heart and your feet, and their sound has a real soulful bent that is so appealing. The new single “This Is Your Life,” the second to be lifted from the disc, gives you a great idea what LHA are all about. This is really polished and powerful stuff. Look for Split Decision in good music stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vasco Era & Papa vs Pretty Join Forces

To celebrate the October 14 release of their self-titled album, The Vasco Era are joining Sydney’s Papa vs Pretty for one big tour.

Papa vs Pretty are still riding high on the May release of their debut United in Isolation, so the time seems right for the joint venture. Special guests will join the bands at the following shows, so you’re getting plenty of musical value for your dollar. Tickets are on sale now.

26 October 2011 – ANU Bar, Canberra
27 October 2011 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
28 October 2011 – Manning Bar, Sydney
29 October 2011 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
30 October 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
10 November 2011 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
11 November 2011 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
12 November 2011 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
19 November 2011 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
23 November 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
24 November 2011 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
25 November 2011 – The Bended Elbow, Geelong
26 November 2011 – Adelaide Uni Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Riothouse Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ernest Ellis & The Panamas Release Sophomore Album

Ernest Ellis & The Panamas will release their second album, Kings Canyon, tomorrow.

Like all the best recordings this one was born out of the worst circumstances. Drummer and vocalist Mathew Gardner was struggling with the serious illness of his mother, and the band were butting heads with a record company that didn’t share their creative vision.

But out of troubling times often comes great music, and that’s definitely the case here. Ernest Ellis & The Panamas was committed to creating a complete album, rather than the handful of singles surrounded by fillers we so often get. The recording obviously means a lot to the band, but frontman Ernest Ellis is philosophical about its reception.

“We just hope you take something from this record that gives you that thing that only music can. We hope you dance naked to it, and forget the other shit for a little while,” he said.

Look out for Kings Canyon in good music stores tomorrow.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wollombi Music Festival @ Wollombi, 17 September 2011

I read a news report recently that said people are turning away from music festivals these days. They’re frustrated by high prices and out of control crowds, the folks more interested in indulging in drink and drugs than listening to the music. They commented that these days people seemed more concerned with being seen and appearing cool than enjoying the event. Clearly none of the people surveyed had been to the Wollombi Music Festival.

Rachael BradyI don’t blame them, because until the weekend neither had I. It’s not a festival that attracts big name international acts, or even the local household names. It doesn’t get effusive write-ups in the media. But it’s a great little event with a whole lot of heart.

Continue reading “Wollombi Music Festival @ Wollombi, 17 September 2011” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cleo Howman Out First on X Factor

Tonight’s first X Factor elimination saw Cleo Howman and Jacqui Newland battling it out, just as I predicted. To their credit the girls showed us just how different they are, with Cleo taking on Adele’s breakthrough hit “Chasing Pavements” and Jacqui returning to her rock roots with The Gossip’s “Heavy Cross.”

Both girls performed well, but for me Jacqui had the edge. There’s no one else quite like her in the competition right now, whereas while she’s got a beautiful voice I feel like I’ve seen musicians like Cleo before.

It seemed the judges agreed with me, because three to one they sent Ms Howman packing. Nat was always going to back her girl, but the remaining judges were all on Jacqui’s side. It’s sad in a way, because I don’t think she was the weakest performer last night or in the competition, but there’s always an element of popularity in these things.

Next week we get Party Songs, which I’m hoping sees a celebration of retro music rather than more of the naughties-centered music we saw this week!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Live Shows Kick Off

With this year’s X Factor live shows kicking off tonight I figured it time I started to blog about the reality singing quest. I’ve caught bits and pieces up until this point, but with the competition heating up I’m starting to get switched on to the action. Once the judges treated us to a medley of their own hits it was down to business.

Tonight’s theme was Judges Choice, which was a smart move in my books. Let’s face it, few of the acts really know anything about anything at this point, so it makes sense to have the more experienced judges pulling the strings for now.

Reece Mastin kicked things off with 30 Seconds to Mars’ “Closer to the Edge.” He was one of my early favourites, but I must admit I was a little disappointed by his performance. The opening verse was really shaky, and while the chorus started to soar I didn’t get the big stadium confidence from him that I think this song needs. I’m hopeful he can grow from here, as it must be tough to be the first performer out of the gates. The judges seemed to love it, so maybe it lost something in the translation to TV.

Ronan kicked off his groups with Three Wishez. Their take on Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” was a real performance, spectacular and well put together. The vocals were a bit shaky from Sophia in places, but I really appreciated the entertainment value. There’s definitely room for this band to grow into a very slick unit.

Andrew Wishart headed up Nat’s team with The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.” This performance gave me the connection I’ve been longing for all night. There’s something so authentic about this guy, so believable, and I love the little sweet spots in his voice. It wasn’t perfect, but I really liked what he did with this song.

Continue reading “The X Factor Live Shows Kick Off” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gotye Still on Top of Singles Charts

Gotye has done it again, taking the top spot on the ARIA Singles Charts for an amazing sixth consecutive week with “Somebody That I Used To Know.” That makes it the longest reigning local chart topper since Savage Garden racked up eight weeks with “Truly Madly Deeply in 1997. It’s also deservedly earned triple platinum status.

His album Making Mirrors isn’t doing too badly either, holding steady at number two. Pete Murray’s Blue Sky Blue has also stayed the course and remained at number six for a second week. Sadly Icehouse’s greatest hits compilation White Heat: 30 Hits slipped down to number eight, but I predict it’ll jump back up once that Hall & Oates tour kicks off.

Click below for this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Gotye Still on Top of Singles Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skipping Girl Vinegar Tours “Chase the Sun”

Skipping Girl Vinegar are celebrating the release of their summery new single “Chase the Sun” with an Aussie tour this October and November.

“Chase the Sun” is the second single from Keep Calm, Carry the Monkey, an irresistibly hooky song about winding the car windows down, cranking up the stereo, and leaving the big smoke behind.

“Chase the Sun” is officially released on October 14, the same day that Skipping Girl Vinegar’s tour kicks off in Melbourne.

14 October 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
21 October 2011 – The Vanguard, Sydney
3 November 2011  – The Basement @ Gold Coast Arts Centre, Gold Coast
4 November 2011  – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi
5 November 2011  – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
11 November 2011  – Fresh, Launceston
12 November 2011  – Republic Bar, Hobart

Image used with permission from AUM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Sons of Dan Tour East Coast

Gold Coast pop-rockers Nine Sons of Dan are hitting the road for the last time this year for their Shake or Shiver tour. The tour will see the band playing cities along the east coast this October and November.

“We have been working super hard this year on our live show and we want to give fans the best live performance this band has ever done,” explained drummer Morgan Blake.  “The whole band is amped on the Shake or Shiver tour … we have a big show in store for everyone!”

Once this tour wraps up the band will be heading back to the studio to record the follow-up to last year’s Landslide EP. The band are promising to play a few new tunes at the following shows, which should help lure the fans out.

14 October 2011 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast, (18+)
22 October 2011 – On The Pulse Festival, Fortitude Valley PCYC, Brisbane (All Ages)
5 November 2011 – The Lair @ Metro Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
13 November 2011 – Club Coffs, Coffs Harbour (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment