Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Your Band Could Play On the Pulse

The line-up for Brisbane’s youth festival On The Pulse is starting to take shape, with just two slots left. And if you’re in a band, you could take one of them.

If you want to play on the same stage as Finabah, Flicks, Burning Brooklyn, and Words Versing Verses just head to the On the Pulse festival website to register your interest. All you need to do is to submit a MySpace page link, and the judges will check you out. Six bands will become finalists, and then the final two will be decided with a public vote.

Submissions close on Wednesday September 22 so don’t procrastinate; head to the website for a chance to take your music to the Brisbane masses on October 23!

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

This Is Not Art Festival Hits Newcastle

Despite giving Australia The Screaming Jets and Silverchair, Newcastle isn’t really known as much of a cultural capital. The annual This is Not Art Festival looks to change all that, with its annual line up of music, art, creative writing, and free thinking.

From September 30 to October 4, the festival will turn the Steel City into a cultural hub of activity, with The Crack Theatre Festival, National Young Writers Festival, Sound Summit, and WalkARTbout amongst the highlights.

Visit the This is Not Art Festival website regularly to learn all about what’s happening. Checking out the festivities sounds like a great way to spend your Labour Day weekend!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Juke Kartel’s “Levolution” Album

I hinted at it earlier this week, and now that the weekend is upon us it seemed the perfect time to announce that Juke Kartel competition. I have two copies of the band’s new album Levolution still wrapped in plastic and ready to find new homes with my Sounds of Oz readers.

Levolution is the latest album from the Melbourne rock act fronted by Toby Rand. It helps music lovers catch up on the band’s history and where they’re heading, with six tracks from the album Nowhere Left to Hide and six new songs. Each features strong hooks, lush instrumentation, and plenty of heart.

Winning a copy of Levolution couldn’t be simpler. Just leave a comment below to let me know why you want to add to the CD to your collection, and then cross your fingers! Entries close at 5 pm EST next Friday September 17, and I’ll announce the winners on Monday September 20. Make sure you leave your e-mail address (which won’t appear to other readers) so I can get back in touch with you if you’re one of the lucky winners!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lucky Wonders Spruik New Single “Anyway”

You might remember me gushing about The Lucky Wonders and their album Thirteen O’Clock earlier this year. Now the band is back with a brand new single “Anyway.”

After touring from April to July you’d figure the last thing they’d want to do is get back on stage or into the studio, but as they say there’s no rest for the wicked. Just weeks after the tour wrapped up the Lucky Wonders went back into the studio to record “Anyway” and this B-side “Thing About Leaving.”

And now they’re preparing to head out on the road again. This tour isn’t quite as expansive as the last at this stage, but more dates are to be announced. Here are the confirmed gigs!

25 September 2010 – Clancy’s, Fremantle (with Rachel and Henry Climb a Hill)
8 October 2010 – Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham (with Melanie Horsnell)
9 October 2010 – Wesley Anne, Northcote (with Hello Satellites)
10 October 2010 – Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood (with The Stillsons)
14 October 2010 – Republic Bar, North Hobart
15 October 2010 – Molly Malones, Devonport
16 October 2010 – Royal Oak, Launceston
17 October 2010 – Forth Pub, Forth (with Let the Cat Out)
28 Oct 2010 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
13 & 14 November 2010 – Feast Festival, Adelaide
18 November 2010 – The Rails, Byron Bay
25 November 2010 – Lizottes, Central Coast (with Halfway to Forth)

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thirsty Merc Release “Tommy and Krista” Video

“Tommy and Krista” is one of my favourite cuts from Thirsty Merc’s third album Mousetrap Heart. I was thrilled to see it reaching a wider audience as a single, and now I’m thrilled all over again to see the band has created a film clip to match the song’s charm. I love the retro feel of this official music video. What about you?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre – 7 September 2010

Yesterday was a day for real thought as Julia Gillard was officially announced as the prime minister of our first minority government in 70 years. I’m still not entirely sure of the ramifications of that, but I’m interested to see how it pans out. It seemed fitting that such a pivotal day should coincide with me making a trek to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre to catch two of the country’s most political acts, Blue King Brown and John Butler Trio.

All too often it seems that the support act is an afterthought, a new band that needs exposure or musos that are mates with the main act. Rarely do the artists fit together to create an evening that sends such a strong message. Both Blue King Brown and John Butler Trio create music with meaning. And the Newcastle crowd lapped it up.

Blue King Brown were first, led by the mesmerizing Natalie Pa’apa’a. I caught the band a few years ago when they supported Santana, and they’ve come a long way since that time. Long time fans may have been thrilled to hear old favourites, but the new material from their latest album Worldwize: North & South got me going. There seemed to be more emphasis on melody, more focus in the message and the crafting of the songs. Thankfully the set was made up of songs both old and new, which gave us all something to enjoy. While support acts too often suffer from chattering crowds keen for the main act to start, Blue King Brown seemed to captivate the audience. They listened intently to these songs and gave the band the respect they really do deserve.

While Blue King Brown impressed me, I was wowed by the John Butler Trio. I’d never seen the band before, so I was struck by John Butler’s incredible musical skills. The live arena is where they really come alive, and the key to that is the main man himself. It’s where John can play an epic, intricate instrumental guitar piece to a transfixed audience, and switch easily between electric and acoustic guitar, lap steel guitar, banjo, and even drums. His technical talent is incredible, and his energy on stage electric.

That energy is what makes these powerful songs work. Rather than appearing preachy, the potent messages contained in the tunes take us back to the musical revolution of the late 1960s. Hearing John Butler speak about the proposed development of the Kimberley region gave “Revolution” extra power. The band’s gentle acoustic cover of Kev Carmody’s “Thou Shalt Not Steal” was one of the show’s most poignant moments.

But this isn’t the late 1960s, and bands that really have something to say are becoming rarer and rarer. Music has always been a great catalyst for change. As I watched the crowds clap their hands in unison in response to this band that has so much to say, I began to feel hope that real change is possible. And what a powerful thing that is.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Brook Newton

Brook Newton is the latest country music hopeful to earn a place in the Telstra Road to Tamworth finals, after taking out the Adelaide heats last weekend. I caught up with Brook to chat about his time in the competition, his love of acoustic folk music, and why he’s got a lot to thank his best mate for.

Congratulations for winning the Adelaide heat of the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition. What was it like to be part of the competition?
To tell you the truth it was unbelievable! Its hard to explain, other than I had this goofy smile I couldn’t wipe off my face for the next 24 hours.

My close mate entered me in the Adelaide heat for more musical exposure, thinking I wouldn’t get in it, or else seeing as I live more than 400km from the city I could have gone in the digital heat. But as it turned out I did make it through. So we loaded up the car for the LONG 12 hour drive!

I must say, I tried to research you and could only come up with a lot of information about a blonde American model! So tell me, when did you get into music and what have you done before this competition?
Haha, nope definitely not me! My ‘manager’ has now created me a Facebook music page, so you can check that out.

Well I first picked up an axe at the age of 13 and from that moment I couldn’t put it down. I have recorded and created my own tunes but still in the process of learning how it all works. Currently play as part of a local band called ‘3 guys a girl and a band’ we have all been together for around four years, performing at pubs around the district and the occasional wedding or birthday bash.

During this year I entered many music competitions but haven’t got this far through. Firstly there was ‘Search for a Singer’ which is held in Port Lincoln over the January long weekend, I made it through to the top 6 for that, great experience. Another was my audition for The X Factor, where my friend and I flew over to Adelaide arriving 4 hours early and still where number 56 in line! That would have been the most nerve racking! Turned out I wasn’t what they were looking for. But all these were small stepping stones for where I am now.

You mentioned that you travelled for 12 hours to be part of the competition. What was it about Telstra Road to Tamworth that made you so determined to be a part of it?
Yes, a very long 12 hours! My Dad has always been a country music fan and has encouraged me every year to go to the festival and put my name forward. This year seemed like the right time to enter the competition and one thing has led to another.

I heard that you played some Ben Harper and Xavier Rudd, which is a bit different to the straight country music that the competition is known for. What is it you love about that laid back folk sound?
It’s just easy listening music that you can come home from a long day and relax to. Also my love for acoustic instruments has lead me into folk, country and music like Xavier Rudd and Ben Harper.

Can you see yourself making that kind of music in the future?
The music I will create and have created is influenced from these artists but has my own twist to it as well.

Continue reading “Q & A with Brook Newton” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Living End and Birds of Tokyo Headline Open Arms Festival

If you’re looking for an excuse for a road trip, the Open Arms Festival might be it. The show will hit the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds on Saturday November 20.

An eclectic lineup of Aussie talent will play on the festival’s two stages, including The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Grafton Primary, Hungary Kids of Hungary, and Behind Crimson Eyes.

Tickets are on sale now through the Open Arms Festival website, Oztix, and a range of local stores.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Avalon Drive Reunite for Hometown Show

Brisbane band Avalon Drive broke some hearts when they parted ways in November 2008, so fans will be thrilled to see they’re getting back together for one show next year.

The Hi-Fi Bar in Brisbane is the place to be on February 5, when the band takes us on a trip down memory lane with songs from their debut self-titled album and more recent discs.

It promises to be a pretty special night with a number of mystery guests set to appear!

Tickets are on sale from the venue now. While the show’s not for many months, I wouldn’t wait around if you’re keen to go. You know this one’s going to sell out!

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue King Brown Promise to “Never Fade Away”

The single keep coming from Blue King Brown. The band, who are currently touring the country with John Butler Trio, has just released a vibing new track called “Never Fade Away.”

“‘Never Fade Away’ speaks about finding strength from our families, the importance of family and also the importance of seeing all human beings as being connected and part of a global community,” the band said in a statement. “’Never Fade Away’, the music video, was all shot in our hometown of Melbourne, Australia. It features some of our region’s finest multicultural artists, dancers and musicians; it’s recognition and a celebration of the strong multicultural foundation that is modern Australia.”

The song is the third single from Blue King Brown’s new album Worldwize Part 1: North & South which is in stores now.