Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dash & Will Back with “Animal”

Dash & Will are back with a rip-snorting new single “Animal.” This track is the first cut from the Melbourne pop duo’s forthcoming sophomore album.

This is just the kind of tune that makes me want to hear more. My husband would describe it as “angry girl” music, which is a very good thing. It’s got delicious pop overtones which only slightly tempering the girls’ ballsy attitude.

There’s no release date for the album as yet, but this tune should help to satisfy your hunger until then. Right click on the link to download a copy of this gutsy new tune!
Image used with permission from Delinquents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Impresses with “Don’t You Think?”

Longtime readers will know that I’m always interested to see where our former Australian Idol contestants pop up. After making the top 30 in the second season of the reality TV contest, Barry Southgate seemed to disappear. But little did I know he’s been quietly working away, writing songs for South African Idol winner Sasha-Lee and German girl band Monrose to name a few, and performing with Christian acts Darlene Zschech and Israel & New Breed.

With his forthcoming seven-track Epitome, Barry is stepping back into the spotlight. The first taste is “Don’t You Think?” a tune which combines sweet vocals with a summery island vibe. It reminds me a lot of Bruno Mars, and we all know how he’s exploding on the charts right now. If everything is to this standard, something tells me Barry’s going to do the same.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Doves Cancel Aussie Shows

Doves have cancelled their forthcoming Australian shows, including their best of gigs and an appearance at Playground Weekender.

“We regret to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control we have been forced to cancel our forthcoming tour of Australia,” the band said in a statement. “This is a decision we have not taken lightly and our sincere apologies go out to anyone who has bought tickets for the shows and for any inconvenience caused.”

Apparently there was a personal matter within the band that needed attending to, but we don’t know any specifics.

Refunds for the headline shows will be available from the point of purchase, but anyone who bought Playground Weekender tickets with the hopes of seeing them will have to suck it up I’m afraid. At least there’s enough notice for organisers to find a replacement headliner, but that’s bound to be cold comfort for the fans.

Image source: Noel Markham @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sony’s Flood Relief Album In Stores Today

Sony Music Australia is the latest group to put its hand up to help out flood victims in Queensland and Victoria. Today it releases Flood Relief, a bumper three-CD set featuring just about every inspirational tune you could hope to find from the Sony back catalogue.

Songs like Bruce Springsteen’s “Human Touch,” David Campbell’s version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and Adam Brand’s “It’s Going to Be OK” have been carefully chosen to lift the spirits of a nation affected by this national disaster.

“The effect of this tragedy and its terrible toll on life, families, communities and property has touched many people both here and around the globe,” said Sony Music chairman and CEO Denis Handlin. “On behalf of Sony Music and the Sony Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and our immense gratitude goes to all the emergency service people and volunteers who have so generously given in this time of need.”

Sony has a proven track record with this kind of thing. In 2009 its Bushfire AID – Artists for the Bushfire Appeal raised $1.7 million. Let’s hope this new album can top that. All monies raised with benefit the Salvation Army Flood Appeal.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabby Young Announces Aussie Shows

The enchanting Gabby Young is making her first visit to Oz to play shows in Sydney and Melbourne.

With her debut album We’re All In This Together this British songstress offers up an exciting fusion of jazz, pop, cabaret, rock, and gypsy folk. Think a little Kate Bush, a dash of Regina Spektor, with a side order of Ani DiFranco. You know that dynamic blend is going to really come alive on stage.

These shows give Aussies a chance to see what the Brits have been raving about. Tickets are on sale now for the following gigs.

23 February 2011 – Raval, Sydney
24 February 2011 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

British India Announce Massive Aussie Tour

After traipsing around the UK in late 2010 you’d think British India would be tired of touring. But it seems nothing could be further from the truth. After spending the New Year holed up in a studio, the band is busting out on a three-month Aussie tour. The dates will promote the band’s forthcoming single “March into the Ocean.”

After playing the major capitals and 18 regional towns you’d think the band would have nothing left in their tanks, but they’ll barely draw breath before leaving for shows in New Zealand and the United States. Then it’s on to Europe in July, and Japan in August. Clearly world domination is on the cards!

It’s going to be some time before we see British India back on home soil, so if you’re a fan you’ll want to get to one or more of these shows.

24 March 2011 – The Saloon Bar, Traralgon
25 March 2011 – The Bended Elbow, Geelong
26 March 2011 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
30 March 2011 – CSU The Crow Bar, Wagga Wagga
31 March 2011 – The Area Hotel, Griffith
1 April 2011 – Goulburn Workers Club, Goulburn
2 April 2011 – The Maram, Canberra
8 April 2011 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
9 April 2011 – The Setts, Mildura
14 April 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
15 April 2011 – The Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
16 April 2011 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney
21 April 2011 – The Entrance Leagues Club, The Entrance
22 April 2011 – Port Macquarie Panthers, Port Macquarie
23 April 2011 – The Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour
24 April 2011 – The Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
25 April 2011 – Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
12 May 2011 – The Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
13 May 2011 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 May 2011 – Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
26 May 2011 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
27 May 2011 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
28 May 2011 – Rosemount Hotel, North Perth

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Bull and Owl Eyes Team Up for Tour

Sydney and Melbourne have a healthy rivalry, but Andy Bull and Owl Eyes are having none of it. The singer-songwriters who hail from the major capitals are putting those old state grudges aside for a double header tour next month.

Andy Bill burst onto the scene in 2009 with his impressive debut We’re Too Young. Last year he gave us the searingly intimate Phantom Pains EP, and we can no doubt expect more songs of personal reflection at these shows.

Meanwhile Owl Eyes is coming off much talked about appearances at Hot BBQ and Pyramid Rock Festival. She’ll treat us to tracks from her debut EP Faces, and a few unexpected tunes.

Here are all the shows where you can see these two incredible singer-songwriters in the flesh!

23 February 2011 – Otis Bar, Wollongong
24 February 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
25 February 2011 – UNSW Beergarden, Sydney
4 March 2011 – Pure Pop Records, St Kilda
5 March 2011 – Toff in Town, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Re:enactment Raise Funds for Flooded Queensland RSPCA

One thing that’s really troubled me as I’ve watched coverage of the Queensland floods over the past few weeks is the plight of our animal friends. I’ve seen images of horses and cows wading through the water, and kangaroos struggling to hop through the deluge. It’s heartbreaking.

If you care about animals as much as I do, you’ll be interested in Brisbane electro-dance punksters re:enactment, and their efforts to rebuild their home state’s flooded RSPCA headquarters.

Thankfully all the animals were evacuated from the premises, but the RSPCA desperately needs funds to rebuild their shelter so they can continue their vital good work. The RSPCA is ineligible for a share of the flood relief funds, so they rely on direct donations from you.

So point your browser to http://re-e.bandcamp.com/track/scraps and choose how much you want to donate. You’ll get a healthy dose of good karma, and a copy of re:enactment’s track “Scraps” to boot!

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan Announces Final Emporer’s Box Tour

Katie Noonan is preparing to tour the country with her Captains one last time before returning to her trio Elixir.

If you want to catch Katie playing the tracks from the highly acclaimed album Emperor’s Box, this tour is the time to do it. The venues are first class, so add in Katie’s soaring vocals and some incredible tunes and you’ve got a recipe for a great night out!

I can only hope that this doesn’t spell the end of The Captains. They’ve produced some amazing music, which has excited me more than any other Katie Noonan venture since George. I’ll cross my fingers that we haven’t seen the last of them.

Tickets are on sale from the venues for the following shows.

21 & 22 February 2011 – The Famous Speigeltent, Adelaide
25 February 2011 – Kings Park, Perth
26 & 27 February 2011 – The Famous Speigeltent at The Arts Centre, Melbourne
4 March 2011 – Judith Wright Centre Theatre, Brisbane
5 March 2011 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 March 2011 – Lizotte’s Dee Why
19 & 20 March 2011 – Blue Mountains Folk Festival

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Go/No-Go

Go/No-Go are a Sydney five-piece with a big future. After cutting their eye teeth performing with bands like Spod, Devoted Few, and 78 Saab these lads have found the right combination. I caught up with Tarek Darwish, Dan Arena, and Steve Claxton ahead of the launch of their new single “Lost in Berlin” to talk about the song, their recent time in the studio, and what the future holds for this exciting new band.

People outside of Sydney may be unaware of your music. For the uninitiated, how would you describe your sound?
Stirring, powerful, angular synth-rock. We play pop songs with an indie aesthetic, but we’ve got 2 drummers so it is a little more rhythmic and experimental than most bands perhaps.

You’re about to release your third single “Lost in Berlin.” What can you tell me about the song?
This one went through about a hundred different versions before we figured out how to make it work. It started off as this weird electronic thing with almost no live instrumentation. Now when we play it live, it’s a bit of a crazy jam. There’s a lot going on, lots of keyboards and samples.

You’re going to launch the single at the Sandringham Hotel, which is such a lovely little pub. What do you enjoy about playing those sorts of small, intimate shows?
The Sando’s in a really good spot, the refurbishment they did last year is a big improvement on the old stage. The new room is actually a pretty decent size; it’s just got a great vibe now.

What can music lovers expect if they come down and see you live?
We haven’t played many shows recently, so we’ve had the chance to change a few things around and tighten some of the songs up a bit.

We’re lucky to have a bit of flexibility on stage. Some songs have the double-drummer thing happening, other songs we’ve got three people playing keyboards; it’s a bit random at times.

Will fans in other states get to see you playing any time soon?

We’re always keen to play wherever we can, and I’d be surprised if we haven’t done a few Melbourne shows by the end of the year. Getting further afield is going to depend on everyone’s timetables lining up though.
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