Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meredith Announces Eclectic Lineup for 20th Year

You know festival season is afoot once those line-up announcements begin to roll in. Today Meredith unveiled an impressive collection of bands for its 20th anniversary.

This is really an eclectic bill with literally something for everybody. I don’t think you’re ever going to find Crowded House on the same bill as American gangsta rappers Clipse, British post punksters The Fall, and US soul outfit Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. And that’s before we mention Dirty Three, Little Red, Custard, Sally Seltmann, and C.W. Stoneking. And that’s just for starters.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Neil Finn of Crowded House performs on stage during their concert at Enmore Theatre on March 31, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)


It’s all happening at the Meredith Amphitheatre from December 10 to 12. Sign up for the ticket ballot on the Meredith website to have the best chance at scoring tickets.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Ryan Murphy

Melbourne based singer-songwriter Ryan Murphy is making waves in the music industry with his new outfit the Lion and Ryan. I caught up with Ryan ahead of the band’s upcoming residency at The Wesley-Anne to chat about his love for his adopted home, his new band, and his plans for the future.

You’re preparing to take up residency at The Wesley-Anne. How do you approach those kinds of shows to ensure they stay fresh, despite being in the same venue at the same time each week?
That’s the challenge I guess. The idea of a residency is that your following builds each week, but people aren’t going to keep coming back to the same gig week in week out. It will just be a case of playing new material every show, and making the performances unique. My live shows have a lot of improvisation, whether it be musically or just mucking around between songs, so hopefully people come back.

These shows are a bit of a warm-up to a full-scale tour later this year. Do you enjoy life on the road or do you prefer to stay in one place?
At this stage in my life I prefer life on the road. I’m a very uncommitted person so living day to day comes very natural to me. Someday when I decide to settle down a little I guess life on the road could take its toll, but for now I just want every day to be a new adventure!

You’re earning a real reputation as a must see live act. What do you think it is about your live shows that resonate with audiences?
Hmm, well I hope its because I’m reasonable at what I do [laughs]. People seem to enjoy how relaxed I am on stage. Making a room turn around and listen is something that comes over time, but years of performing in front of strangers, basically telling them my secrets every night, has given me the confidence to know that audiences want to see me be myself, which should be easy.

The Lion and Ryan is your latest band. What does it feel like as a singer-songwriter to start playing with a bunch of new guys?
It’s a great feeling sharing the stage with other musicians! Especially for me after so much time spent playing solo. Playing in different situations with different people is the best way to improve, plus it gives the songs more dynamics which makes them more effective.

Continue reading “Q & A with Ryan Murphy” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Bassingthwaighte Has a Baby Girl

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Singer and TV host Natalie Bassingthwaighte arrives at the 52nd TV Week Logie Awards at Crown Casino on May 2, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Congratulations to Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Rogue Traders drummer Cameron McGlinchey, who became first time parents yesterday. The engaged couple is celebrating the birth of their daughter Harper Rain Sinclair McGlinchey.

The little one was born at a private Melbourne hospital and tipped the scales at 3.22 kg.

“Natalie Bassingthwaighte is a mum,” her manager Mark Byrne confirmed last night. “Mum and daughter are both perfect.”

I’m not normally one to get clucky about such things, but I can’t wait to see whether the pair have passed on those musical genes!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greenthief Makes a “Plea for Sanctuary”

Brisbane alterna rockers Greenthief have been building a solid reputation as a live act, so it only makes sense that the film clip for their new single “Plea for Sanctuary” showcases that raw, performance energy. The emotive vocals and wailing guitars of this track have definitely suckered me in. It comes from Greenthief’s debut EP Anicca, which is available online through Greenthief’s e-store.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue King Brown Prepare to Release Epic Double Album “Worldwize Part 1: North & South”

We heard a taste of Blue King Brown’s new album with the single “Women’s Revolution,” and now Worldwize Part I: North & South is almost ready to drop.

The epic double record has taken the band from their Melbourne base to New York, Las Vegas, and Jamaica. Along the way they worked with some incredible producers including James ‘Bonzai’ Caruso (Gwen Stefani, Nas, Damien Marley, Madonna), Colin ‘Bulby’ York (Rihanna, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Franti, UB40), Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare. They also collaborated with some top performers including Queen Ifrica, Jah Mason, Voodoo Dred, and Elliott Martin.

Northside is a vibrant, energetic journey while Southside has more of an experimental, dub sound. It all adds up to a release which can only be described as epic, and that’s just the beginning.

Worldwize Part 1: North & South will hit record stores around the country on August 20 ahead of the release of Worldwize Part 2: East & West next year. Get in quickly to receive the CD with a bonus Blue King Brown flag, as seen on stage at the band’s live shows.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Recoil on the Road

Sydney metal heads Recoil have been pretty busy of late. They’ve just released their debut album The Will to Sin, the single “And a Hard Place” and its accompanying video, and they’re also getting out and doing it live.

“We wanted to focus on the playing and the music itself hence the white background,” said the band’s lead singer Wade of the video’s concept. “We wanted the main focus on us as a band, no distractions and just let people see who we are when we play live.”

The song captures the band’s signature raw heavy metal style. I’m not really into metal, so my reaction might be more extreme than fans of the genre, but it blew my head off. If you’re digging it though, you won’t be disappointed by the band’s live set.

“[Fans] can expect a loud in your face but very tight performance with plenty of energy,” Wade said.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, make sure you get along to one of the following gigs.

21 August 2010 – The Basement, Canberra, ACT
3 September 2010 – Club LED, Newcastle, NSW
2 October 2010 – SFX, Sydney, NSW
8 October 2010 – BAM Festrival, Ivory Rocks, Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)
22 October 2010 – The Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Headlines A Day On the Green Birthday Shows

A Day on the Green will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an Aussie music spectacular. Jimmy Barnes will headline the string of winery concerts this November, and he’ll take some very special friends along for the ride.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 05: Jimmy Barnes of Cold Chisel performs during a Cold Chisel concert at ANZ Stadium on December 5, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)


“I think that a day on the green has been like a breath of fresh air to the Australian music industry,” Jimmy said in a statement. “No longer do people have to settle for being crushed up the front of a suburban pub to be able to get a drink and see their favourite bands at the same time. They can now do it in style and sit back in some of the best locations. Eat, drink and listen to the best music in the world. What more could you want?”

Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins and The Dark Horses, and Dan Sultan will play at all shows, along with a rotating list of the very best local acts. If you love Aussie music, you’ll want to be at these shows. Tickets go on sale on Monday August 23.

7 November 2010 – Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Mark Seymour, Ian Moss, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, Richard Clapton, Dan Sultan, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
13 November 2010 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Mark Seymour, Richard Clapton, Diesel, Dan Sultan, Mahalia Barnes, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
14 November 2010 – Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Diesel, Mark Seymour, Richard Clapton, Dan Sultan, Mahalia Barnes, Michael Spiby, Swanee)
21 November 2010 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses, Diesel, Dan Sultan, Vika & Linda)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Scott Mellis

You might not have heard of ex-pat Scott Mellis, but this talented Aussie muso is making some serious waves overseas. I recently caught up with Scott to chat about his time abroad, his forthcoming album, and what it’s like to be back home.

You’re back in Australia after spending much of the year abroad. What’s it like to be back on home soil?
It’s great to be back for a little bit and catch up with my friends again. Coming back is always really good for gaining perspective on what’s going on because when you are travelling or overseas you can get caught up in the new surroundings and be distracted from your priorities.

Many locals may not be familiar with your music, so how would you describe it?
I am inspired by so many different things ranging from writers like Milan Kundera and George Orwell and artists like Etta James, Jeff Lynne, The Doors and Django Reinghart, personal experiences and the environment around me.

You topped the Triple J Unearthed charts in 2009. How important was that in opening doors for you?
Being voted at the top of that chart was proof that we had genuine underground support from our fans and that we did not have to rely on industry politics to make noise. However it did not open any doors within the industry. I think partly because the record at the time was a bootleg and was recorded live.

You’ve supported some massive acts overseas including Jason Mraz, Tom Morello, and Jeff Martin. What have you learnt being a part of their shows?
Playing with these guys at their L.A. shows I imagine would be different to doing it in Australia as Jason Mraz and Tom Morello both live in L.A. and it’s kinda like their hometown shows. I found them to be really genuine and humble people that love what they do and I think to be appreciative and grateful to do this is the most important thing.

Continue reading “Q & A with Scott Mellis” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Verses “Seasons” Album Launch @ The Vanguard, Newtown – 12 August, 2010

Last night I found myself rubbing shoulders with other media folks and record industry types at the launch for Seasons, the new album from The Verses. The throng at The Vanguard was buzzing before the band took the stage, and I don’t think it was all about those themed cocktails.

Never one for crowds, my husband and I retreated to a quieter spot in the upper level to settle in for the show. It turned out to be a smart move. As the folks downstairs struggled to look over heads, we could sit in relative comfort and enjoy the fantastic entertainment. Ella and Jess Hooper and their very capable band performed just six songs, but those numbers left a big impression.

The Verses is a joint venture for the Hooper siblings, but when they take the stage it’s easy to see who the star is. Jesse is content to fade into the background, quietly strumming his guitar and allowing Ella to shine in the spotlight. And shine she does, with the kind of charisma found in the very best performers. There was a stage full of musicians, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

I’d heard a handful of The Verses songs before, but watching them live brought a brand new dimension to these alt country tracks. I also found new songs to love, particularly Ella’s own favourite “Settle Down.” As this stunning ballad concluded my husband lent over to me and whispered that the band could have a number one on the American country charts with that song. Funnily enough, I’d only just been thinking that it could very well be a hit here.

Whether it is, or the album is, we’ll just have to wait and see. This kind of classic meeting of country, folk, and pop influences is a world away from the music of Katy Perry or Lady Gaga. It hearkens back to the days of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, a time when the song mattered more than the celebrity. I’m not sure whether Australians will embrace Seasons, but I really hope they will.

Seasons hits music stores around the country today.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Announces Intimate EP Shows

Matt Corby is refusing to sit still in the months leading up to the release of his EP Transition to Colour. He will head to London to record his debut album in September before returning home for two shows.

Following the EP’s release on October 8, Matt will play the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on October 13, followed by Melt Bar in Kings Cross on October 14. Matt plans to invite several  guests to share the stage with him, so the nights are promising to be something special. These gigs are somewhat of a teaser before Matt embarks on a full length EP tour.

Tickets are available from the venues and by clicking the links above for these intimate shows.

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment