Posted on by Lauren Katulka

San Cisco One to Watch

From the fertile musical soils of Western Australia comes San Cisco, an indie act already making waves around the world.

Australia hasn’t cottoned on to these local lads yet, but they’ve just been invited to play the UK’s Great Escape festival in May. Not bad for some teenagers fresh out of high school, is it?

They’re certainly not letting youth hold them back. They’re already produced their first EP, Golden Revolver, which is currently enjoying rotation on Triple J and community radio stations.

The disc mixes indie pop, folk, and synth into a sound which has been compared to Vampire Weekend and Tame Impala. I don’t think the band would mind the comparisons much either, as they’ve actually covered Tame Impala’s “Solitude is Bliss” for the EP.

Expect to hear plenty more about this San Cisco in 2011.

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Urban Stars Unite for Supafest

Arguably the biggest urban line-up Australia has ever seen will travel around the country this April for Supafest.

It was already shaping up to be something special when Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Bow Wow, and Taio Cruz were announced first, but now that Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, T Pain, Ciara, and DJ Nino Brown have joined the bill it’s getting ridiculous. The best part is, the organizers aren’t done. Expect even more high-quality acts when they make their final announcement next month.

The show’s scheduled to last for nine hours, which is probably how long it’ll take for these acts to play everything people want to hear! Tickets are selling fast, so if you want to head along I wouldn’t wait to get yours!

9 April 2011 – ANZ Stadium, Sydney
10 April 2011 – Arena Joondalup, Perth
16 April 2011 – RNA Showground, Brisbane
17 April 2011 – Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Waifs Tempting Aussie Tour

It’s been four long years since The Waifs released their last album Sun Dirt Water, so I’m thrilled to hear some new material from this Western Australian folk act. Below I’ve posted “Angela” a stunning song from the band’s new album Temptation.

I am completely in love with this tune. It’s just so pretty and soulful and gorgeous, the kind of thing you want to play to all your friends. Thank goodness for this blog that allows me to do just that! If this is an indication of what we can expect from Temptation, the album’s going to be a stunner.

Temptation apparently sees The Waifs returning to their roots, with stripped back performances and songs contributed by all band members. The band laid it down while living together above Minneapolis’ Underwood Studios, playing, cooking, and reminiscing over a period of two weeks.

“You just went downstairs when it was your turn to do a take,” explained guitarist Josh Cunningham. “It was a great atmosphere to make an album in and I think you can hear that on the recordings.”

Temptation hits record stores on March 4, by which point The Waifs will already be winging their way around the country. You can see them live at the following venues around the country.

22 February 2011 – Moruya Memorial Hall, Moruya
23 February 2011 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
24th February 2011 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
26 February 2011 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
27 February 2011 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
1 March 2011 – The Northern, Byron Bay
2 March 2011 – Nambour Civic Centre, Nambour
3 March 2011 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
5 March 2011 – Old Broadwater Farm, Busselton
6 March 2011 – Castelli Estate, Denmark
8 March 2011 – Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
9 March 2011 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
10 March 2011 – Astor Theatre, Perth
12 & 13 March 2011 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
15 March 2011 – The Gov, Adelaide
16 March 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
17 March 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
19 & 20 March 2011 – Blue Mountains Folk Festival, Katoomba
21 March 2011 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
23 March 2011 – James Cook University Uni Club, Townsville
24 March 2011 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
26 March 2011 – Darwin Ski Club, Darwin
27 March 2011 – Mangrove Resort Hotel, Broome

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Silent Feature Era’s Greg Cathcart

With an “antiquated sensibility” and healthy sense of humour, it’s safe to say that Silent Feature Era aren’t like other bands. With their debut This Old Leather Heart ready for release on March 4 I caught up with the band’s Greg Cathcart to chat about the album, the band’s upcoming launch, and what the future holds.

You’re officially releasing your debut album This Old Leather Heart next month. What can you tell me about it?
It was a studio experiment really in the very beginning. It started to take more shape the more songs we wrote and recorded. There were recurring themes popping up lyrically and musically, and I guess that’s when we realized we were actually making a record, not only just experimenting with some songs.

I say officially launch, because the album has actually been available to listen to on your website for some time. Why did you decide to make it so accessible?
At this stage, the more people that hear it the better. I don’t think it does any harm to let people have a free listen.

I hear there are more than 20 musicians on the album. What’s it like to share that creative process with such a large group?
It was actually quite humbling that so many people took an interest it what we were doing. We certainly felt loved. I don’t think we ever recorded all 20 all at once though. Maybe we can hire some caterers and do that for the next record.

You’re going to launch the album in front of your Brisbane home crowd. Are you looking forward to getting out and playing for your local fans?
Yes. I think it’s going to be a great night. Everyone will get a free pony.

What can punters expect at the launch?
The plan is, a 44 gallon drum, a trash rack loaded with things that clang and smash, a small horn section, handsome Luke Sullivan, a chainsaw juggler and several clowns on unicycle … oh and a Rolls Royce.

Continue reading “Q & A with Silent Feature Era’s Greg Cathcart” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laneous and the Family Yah Announce Scissors EP Tour

Goodness those folks from Laneous and the Family Yah work hard! Barely five months have passed since the release of their second album Found Things, but they’re already preparing to release a new EP called Scissors tomorrow.

The EP is the first from the Found Things Collection, a kind of companion series to the Found Things album. Yes, we can expect to see Paper and Rock join it on record store shelves in the coming months. Scissors features a melodic soulful sound, while we can expect some quirky indie pop from Paper and a bit of afro punk and hip hop from Rock.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before all that the band will tour Scissors with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it East Coast tour. Here are the places you can catch this inventive Queensland act.

24 March 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
25 March 2011 – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
26 March 2011 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrizio Buanne Releases Special Aussie CD

Italian charmer Patrizio Buanne is preparing to release a new repackaged version of his self-titled album just for his Aussie fans. The disc will feature four new songs, including the forthcoming single “This Kiss Tonight.”

“The success of my first release in the UK in 2005 enabled me to follow my dream and travel the world” Patrizio said in a statement. “Australia was the first territory in the world where I achieved double-platinum sales, and the respect, support and friendship I have found in your country is very special to me.”

Awww, well we love you too handsome man! The Australian special edition of Patrizio hits stores on April 1.

Image source: Sry85 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Glenn Richards Plays Victoria

Watching Augie March signer Glenn Richards doing his thing live is always something special. Performances have been rare since he released his solo album Glimjack last year, but he’s treating us to a few next month.

Glenn Richards will be joined by a stellar band featuring Dan Luscombe and Mike Noga of the Drones, You Am I’s Steve Hesketh, Ben Bourke of Ned Collette, and Chris Richards of The Beautiful Few.

Victorians are the lucky ones though, as all the announced gigs are in Glenn’s home state. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he treats the rest of Australia to some of those shows. Until then, here are the dates!

17 March 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
18 March 2011 – Nortcote Social Club, Melbourne
19 March 2011 – Mossvale Music Festival, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evil Eddie Announces East Coast Tour

After wooing crowds at the Peats Ridge and Woodford festivals late last year, Evil Eddie figures it’s about time to head out on his own. The proud Queenslander will play a string of headliner dates along the East Coast this February and March.

The quickie tour sees Evil Eddie share the stage with an all-star band, which features members of his former band Butterfingers, Laneous and the Family Yah, and Spitfireliar. You can catch him at the following venues.

25 February 2011 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane
26 February 2011 – Gaelic Club, Sydney
4 March 2011 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

House of Pain Jump Around Australia

Old school hip hop outfit House of Pain have announced a string of sideshows in addition to their Groovin the Moo appearances. The dates are part of the band’s 20th anniversary world tour.

This tour is pretty exciting for fans, as it’s the first time they’ve played on Aussie soil since getting back together in 2010. I’m impressed that they’re heading our way so soon after that reunion.

Prepare to do plenty of jumping around at the following shows. Tickets go on sale from the venues on February 21.

29 April 2011 – Prince of Wales, Melbourne
2 May 2011 – The Hi-Fi Bar, Brisbane
6 May 2011 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Earl Cole and Chelsea J Gibson Do Disco Ahead of Earl’s Album Release

If you missed Earl Cole and Chelsea J Gibson shaking their groove things on New Years Eve, or you’re just keen for a second helping, make sure you get to Perth’s Bouchon Bistro on March 2.

The pair will perform the songs of Abba, Gloria Gaynor, The Village People at their fun Disco Inferno show. Tickets are a steal at $110 per person, as that price also includes a lavish three-course dinner. Earl and Chelsea always sell out venues, so make sure you reserve your table by calling the bistro on (08) 9387 3898.

March is going to be a busy month for Earl as he’ll also release his third studio album. When The Lights Are Low features some of Earl’s favorite songs, including “At Last,” “Orange Colored Sky” and “When I Fall in Love.” With classics like that, I predict those CDs will make great Mother’s Day gifts!

Image used with permission from Earl Cole