Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MM9 Tour New Single “Let It Take Over”

There’s no sleep for the wicked, or electro rockers MM9. Fresh from their recent tour Karnivool, the Sydney band are hitting the road to support their latest single “Let It Take Over.”

The track comes from The Air Between, the band’s debut album which achieved a credible top 10 AIR chart debut.

See MM9 play the single, and all the other tracks from the album, at the following shows. Tickets are selling fast, so I’d get yours quickly if I were you!

10 September 2010 – Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama
11 September 2010 – The Maram, Canberra
 17 September 2010 – The Gaelic Club, Sydney
18 September 2010 – Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne
22 September 2010 – Club Coffs, Coffs Harbour
23 September 2010 – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
24 September 2010 – The Step Inn, Brisbane
25 September 2010 – B&S Ball, Goondawindi
1 October 2010 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
2 October 2010 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day!

I’ll bet there are plenty of readers out there who consider this to be another of those Hallmark holidays, but I don’t mind a day that gives me an excuse to catch up with my Dad. We touch base regularly, but those days where the entire family gets together are a bit rarer.

I’m lucky to enjoy a really good relationship with my Dad. Music has always been a bit of an anchor to that. I remember spending many evenings with him while Mum was working night duty. He’d take out his collection of vinyl and I’d know to stay very still as the tracks played. He’d explain to me the history of the band and the meaning of the lyrics. If not for those special nights I might not be the rabid music fan I am today.

So I figured today was the perfect day to post a few Aussie music videos that remind me of my Dad. Hopefully you’ll enjoy them too!

My Dad loves a bit of Chisel. “Flame Trees” is his favourite Cold Chisel track, and quite rightly so. “Khe Sahn” might be the popular choice, but the lyrics of this song and Jimmy’s impassioned delivery are exceptional.

My Dad is also the reason I’m such a big Richard Clapton. It’s not the coolest thing to admit, but if you saw this guy live you’d get it. I’ve picked “Best Years of Our Lives” not because it’s the best Richard Clapton song (although that’s arguably the case), but because its message is something Dad’s always instilled in me.

I remember when “Holy Grail” was released and it wowed my Dad. He’s generally a bit slower to embrace brand new music, but he loved this Hunters & Collectors track. If it came on the radio, he’d turn it up loud and sing along.

An oldie now, but an important one to include. Country Radio were playing at Newcastle nightspot The Savoy on the night that my Dad met my mother. This song “Gypsy Queen” was their big hit, so perhaps if it didn’t exist and drag them both out that night, I wouldn’t be here!

And no post about the relationship between a father and daughter would be complete without Axiom’s “Little Ray of Sunshine.”

Happy Father’s Day Dad! I love you lots!!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

North Stradbroke Island Hosts Island Vibe Reggae and Roots Festival

If you’re looking for great music and a laidback atmosphere you’ll find it at Island Vibe, the leading reggae, roots, and cultural festival in the South Pacific. The event will take over North Stradbroke Island from October 29 to 31.

2009 was the event’s biggest year, but 2010 is promising to top it with new additions Kiwi hip hop master King Kapisis, festival favourite Mista Savona, Coloured Stone’s Bunna Lawrie, and our own Mr Percival joining already confirmed starters Ladi 6, Groundation, Paula Fuga, and Rhythm Collision Sound and plenty of other top musicians, cabaret artists, and burlesque performances.

There’s still plenty of accommodation available, but I wouldn’t wait too long before sorting it out. Camping spots are available at Amity Point and Dunwich, although Amity is filling up quickly. Regular bus services will take you from either site to the festival. Call Redlands City Council on 1300 551 253 to reserve your campsite, or if you want something a bit more luxurious check out the holiday homes, apartments, and other accommodation options on the Island Vibe website.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Juke Kartel Chat with Fans Online

I know there’s not a lot of notice on this one, but if you’re a Juke Kartel fan you’ll want to point your browsers to Ustream in a couple of hours.

From 11 am EST this morning (or 6 pm PST if you’re in the US) the band will host a live video chat with their fans. This is your chance to ask all those burning questions, or just touch base with the Juke Kartel.

I hope some of you can make it. And make sure you keep your eyes on Sounds of Oz as I’m about to announce a cool Juke Kartel giveaway, and I’d hate for you to miss it!

Image used with permission SGC New Media Marketing

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

From Australian Idol to Indie Artist: Meet Owl Eyes

I always had a lot of respect for Australian Idol as a way to give emerging artists a foot in the door, but appearing on the program was always a bit of a double-edged sword. For every Lisa Mitchell and Ricki Lee Coulter, there are the hundreds of finalists who struggle once their tenure on the talent show is up. You might not remember the name Brooke Addamo – she finished 11th when we all had our eyes on Wes Carr – but she’s hoping her new incarnation sticks. She’s reinvented herself as a singer-songwriter by the name of Owl Eyes, and she’s preparing to release her debut EP Faces.

The disc, which drops on September 10, features the single “1+1” which is already enjoying steady airplay on JJJ and community radio around the country. It’s a world away from the pop mould Idol tried to force her into, and that’s a very good thing.

Some EP launch shows are in the works, but before that Owl Eyes will be warming up the stage for a host of other bands around the country. Make sure you arrive early to catch her at the following shows.

10 September 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Custom Kings)
11 September 2010 – Revolver, Melbourne (with Metals)
18 September 2010 – Spectrum, Sydney (with Metals)
30 September 2010 – Bella Union, Carlton (with Nicolas Roy)

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Expats Gypsy & The Cat Come Home Again

After wowing crowds last month while supporting The Strokes and Foals and playing their own headline shows, Gypsy & The Cat are making another journey home for a few more gigs.

Their appearances at Parklife will be the big ones, but if you don’t have tickets to the festival dates you’ll have plenty of chance to catch them at their Time to Wander sideshows. Fans are in for a real treat, with the band showcasing songs from their soon to be released debut album Gilgamesh. Is that just the most fantastic album name or what?

Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

24 September 2010 – Globe Theatre, Brisbane
25 September 2010 – Parklife, Brisbane
29 September 2010 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
30 September 2010 – Grand Hotel, Wollongong
1 October 2010 – CBD Newcastle, Newcastle
2 October 2010 – Parklife, Melbourne
3 October 2010 – Parklife, Sydney
3 October 2010 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
4 October 2010 – Parklife, Adelaide
6 October 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 October 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 October 2010 – One Movement Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Behind Closed Doors” – Walking with Mirrors

It’s impossible to dislike Sydney outfit Walking with Mirrors. With their debut EP Behind Closed Doors they deliver five tracks that easily find their way under your skin. They’re not so revolutionary on the surface, but there’s just something about them.

We’ve all heard this kind of melodic rock before, with its big chords and sing-along choruses. But the conviction behind these songs elevates them above the pack. Lead singer Ryan Burke is a big part of the key to this band’s success. He gives the songs their heart, the gut-wrenching emotion that makes you believe the lyrics, no matter how clichéd some of them might be. I also give props to lead guitarist Jackson Holt, whose blistering hand speed kick so many of the tunes up a notch.

Not that everything hits the mark. While the title track “Behind Closed Doors” is undeniably catchy, when Ryan sings about the pressures of cameras in your face it doesn’t ring true. Perhaps the band simply ascribes to the “fake it until you make it” theory, but it sounds a bit insincere on a debut EP.

But Walking with Mirrors have a great energy, and a natural music sensibility. They rock hard, but they never forget about taking the audience along for the ride. The five tracks are a little samey, but they also appear to have come from a place of real heartache. There’s a lot to like here, and that helps Behind Closed Doors overcome any shortcomings.

Image source: Walking with Mirrors MySpace page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thirsty Merc Tour Tommy & Krista This Spring

Thirsty Merc are hitting the road again with a brand new tour to promote their brand new single “Tommy & Krista.”

The song is one of my favourite cuts from Mousetrap Heart with its piano pop hooks and fantastic lyrics. It’s clear that Australia agrees, with the song becoming the fifth most added on radio in its first week.

The tour will see the band play 24 shows all around the country this October and November, starting with dates in regional New South Wales. The lads are a well oiled machine at this point, having played some 300 dates together.
Tickets to the following shows go on sale from the venues today.


12 October 2010 – Soldiers Club, Leeton
13 October 2010 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
14 October 2010 – Mac’s Hotel, Melton
15 October 2010 – HQ, Adelaide
16 October 2010 – The Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne
20 October 2010 – RSL Club Resort, Dubbo
21 October 2010 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
22 October 2010 – Bowling Club, Yamba
23 October 2010 – Harrigans, Harrington Waters
24 October 2010 – Caves Beach Resort, Newcastle South
27 October 2010 – Players Bar, Mandurah
28 October 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
29 October 2010 – Astor Theatre, Perth
30 October 2010 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
3 November 2010 – Powerhouse, Toowoomba
4 November 2010 – Joes Waterhole, Eumundi
5 November 2010 – The Hi Fi, Brisbane
6 November 2010 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
12 November 2010 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
13 November 2010 – Saloon Bar, Launceston
17 November 2010 – ANU Bar, Canberra
18 November 2010 –Grand Hotel, Wollongong
19 November 2010 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
20 November 2010 – A Day In The Desert Festival, Kalgoorlie

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marcia Hines Does Carole King for 40th Anniversary

Marcia Hines is taking on the music of Carole King with her latest album, not so originally titled Marcia Sings Tapestry.

“Carole King’s Tapestry is an album that has been very integral in my life,” explained Marcia in a statement. “I love singing and these songs allow me to sing.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Australian singer Marcia Hines performs at the 70's Disco International party held at the Equilibrium Hotel on July 14, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. The event is the first in a series of 24 parties held in over 24 cities over a 6-month period, re-living the music, colours and fashion of the 70's era. (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)


Like Marcia, and a great many other girls out there, I also hold Tapestry really close to my heart. I only hope she can do those beautiful songs justice. I’m nervous, as I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone cover those songs just right, but I’ll withhold my judgement until I take a listen.

The release of the album coincides with the 40th anniversary of Marcia’s foray into show business. Goodness isn’t she looking good for it! To celebrate it all, Marcia will perform two intimate shows: one at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on November 20 and the other at Sydney’s State Theatre on December 4. The first half of the concerts will be dedicated to four decades of Marcia Hines hits, while the second will bring the songs of Tapestry to the stage.

“It’s going to be two very different moods and that’s a beautiful thing,” Marcia said. “I love them both.”

I could say that ending a show on the songs of someone else probably isn’t the best way to celebrate your own career, but I love Marcia too much to be catty about it. Tickets for both shows go on sale on September 15, and the album will hit stores on October 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Nikki Jenson

Nikki Jenson, or Nikki J as she’s known on stage,  is the latest young hopeful on the way to country music stardom with the help of the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition. I recently caught up with the Queensland girl who’s just taken out the Cairns heat to chat about the competition, her love of country music, and the dreams she has for her musical career.

You just won the Cairns heat of the Telstra Road to Tamworth. What was it like to be part of that competition?
It was a bit of a whirlwind on the day. The wet weather meant a last minute venue change from the lovely esplanade to a little hotel conference room, which made the process a lot more intimate and daunting. But it was such a great experience to see how much talent there is in North Queensland and see what Telstra are doing for the development of music in Australia. It ended up being a very fun day win or lose, and obviously I was incredibly stoked to win.

I hear that you were stunned to win the Cairns competition. Why was it such a surprise to you?
Well I am only very new to performing my own songs and the songwriting game. So as each person got up I became more nervous because they were just SO good, and I was just thinking the whole thing would at least be really good experience for me. I thought one of the others would win it for sure. So when they announced my name I was just genuinely shocked, but very very happy. This is one of the first serious steps I’ve taken with my own music and I was really excited to that I was successful.

I believe you’ve only just returned to performing and songwriting. What inspired you to get back to it?
All the time while I was at university I was singing on and off but all my other music fell away as I was busy pursuing my “real job.” All that time I felt a massive void and longing for music, so I promised myself that when I moved away for work that I would pick up a guitar and try to start writing. I moved into a gorgeous one-bedroom apartment right on the water at Clifton Beach, and I have to say that location combined with the big life change was very conducive to creativity.

After your break from music, what inspired you to get back out in front of people in this competition?
There is a guy named Terry Doyle who runs a singer/songwriter night at a place called Mondo’s here in Cairns. I had heard about him, so went along to watch and he made me play him one of my songs, and he immediately made me get up on stage and play. I have been going back every week since pretty much and and every time you learn something different, he is very good with feedback and encouraging, so I suppose that along with some pushing from friends helped me get in front of people.
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