Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Amity Affliction Take Album to Regional Australia

Brisbane’s The Amity Affliction have been tearing up capital cities all around the country on their Youngbloods launch tour, but they’re not done yet. As the tour comes to a close, the band are preparing to take the album to regional centres along the East Coast.

The Amity Affliction will barely have a month to rest before setting off on The Anchors tour this August. It’ll take in small towns in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and luckily for their many underage fans most shows will be all ages events.

The Amity Affliction are preparing to launch their attack on the United Kingdom and United States at the end of this year, so these shows might be the last ones we’ll get for a while!

Tickets go on sale for the following gigs tomorrow!

20 August 2010 – Anti @ Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully (18+)
21 August 2010 – Pier Live, Frankstown (18+)
22 August 2010 – The Castle, Dandenong (All Ages)
25 August 2010 – The Loft, Warrnambool (18+)
26 August 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (18+)
27 August 2010 – Centenary Hall, Wollongong (All Ages)
28 August 2010 – Masonic Hall, Blacktown (All Ages)
29 August 2010 – Oasis Youth Centre, Wyong (All Ages)
31 August 2010 – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
2 September 2010 – High School, Byron Bay (All Ages)
3 September 2010 – Albert Waterways, Gold Coast (All Ages)
4 September 2010 – PCYC, Gladstone (All Ages)
5 September 2010 – QRI Hall, Rockhampton (All Ages)
8 September 2010 – Fitzys Mbar, Loganholme (18+)

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Princess One Point Five’s Sarah-Jane Wentzki

Princess One Point Five are earning rave reviews for their fourth studio album What Doesn’t Kill You, and are preparing to take the songs to Australia on a national launch tour. Before hitting the road singer-songwriter Sarah-Jane Wentzki chatted to Sounds of Oz about the new release, life on the road, and that quirky band name.


Your band has a really interesting name. Where did that come from?
It’s actually kind of lame; Princess is a vague interpretation of my name (Sarah means princess, or lady in many cultures) and my height (1.5 metres). Over time it’s come to mean something different every time someone asks. A very drunk girl recently gave me the idea that it should mean “modern day princess.” God bless trashbags.

You’ve released four albums now, yet many music fans may not be aware of your music. How would you describe your sound?
Ethereal vocals, lush soundscapes juxtaposed with straight up rock and roll and catchy pop hooks.

You’ve just released album number four, What Doesn’t Kill You. What can you tell me about it?
Where do I start?! What… is like the sister album to The Truth (our second album).  Sort of like ten up but it’s actually only 5 years on. It’s a return to heart-on-your-sleeve honest songwriting and musically it’s a really collaborative effort.  It’s a sonically mature album; like we stopped caring what other people think and just went ahead and had fun with it, and it really benefits for that ethos. The songs themselves are a collection of conversations (some real some fictional) and stories: about us, about other people, about … stuff. It was a rough year while we were writing, so the title represents coming out the other side of it. It’s a joyous album, though, not at all maudlin like I’m making it out to be. I’m very proud of what we’ve made. If our last album was an awkward teenager, this one is the really decent person she grew into.

You’ve been playing a few warm-up shows ahead of your launch tour. How have the crowds responded to the new material?
The people who get the chance to see us live really love it, actually. We’ve been so chuffed about the response. I even have a brand new stalker. Yay me!
Continue reading “Q & A with Princess One Point Five’s Sarah-Jane Wentzki” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Take From the Rich” – Haba Dudes

When Take From the Rich, the fourth studio album from Haba Dudes, landed on my desk I knew it’d be my type of album. The back of the sleeve shows the band proudly holding their interesting array of instruments: the cello, violin, and a mountain of different drums amongst them. That sleeve is also made of 100% eco-friendly recyclable materials. A green band that embraces instruments beyond your standard guitars and keys? I was in.

Take From the Rich thankfully lived up to my already lofty expectations. It’s one of those discs that slips around you easily, drawing you in with its relaxed, natural notes. Nothing here feels forced. With three albums already under their belt, the players know their instruments and what they’ve got to do. Together they create a lush, organic sound that is impossible to resist.

The songs are an eclectic mix. When I saw Haba Dudes standing on the back of the cover, surrounded by their instruments and suitcases I felt like they might be a band of gypsies. Tunes like the title track “Take From the Rich” and “Understand You” have that quirky, playful travelling band feel. But that’s just part of the Haba Dudes story. Other songs like “Paint That Hole in Your Heart” and “Early Morning” wouldn’t feel out of place on a Josh Pyke album; there’s a similar easy, acoustic folk feel about them. “Story of Cake” is another standout which is every bit as comforting and delicious as its name suggests. The album’s made all the more impressive when you realise that the disc was recorded, mixed, and produced independently in lead singer Mark Boulle’s home.

One of the album’s later tracks “The Nice Lament” seems to sum up the Haba Dudes. The song reminds us that they play for love, not for commercial airplay, fame, or fortune. They’re not a band who will be delivered to you via the ARIA Charts or Video Hits. You’ll need to seek them out. But you’ll be very glad you did.

Take From the Rich will be officially launched at The Loft at Chevron Island, Queensland on July 31. It’s available now from CD Baby.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bateman’s Bay Great Southern Bluesfest Gets Big Names

It might not be as famous as Bluesfest in Byron Bay or Fremantle, but this year’s Great Southern Bluesfest in Bateman’s Bay is shaping up to be one impressive festival.

A third announcement has just seen Toni Childs, Mick Hart, Pink Martini, The Snowdroppers, and four more acts added to the bill. They join already confirmed starters like Todd Rundgren, Harry Manx, Dallas Frasca, Ben Kweller, and Lonnie Lee.

The Great Southern Bluesfest will take over Mackay Park from October 1 to 3. It sounds like an excellent excuse for a South Coast holiday to me!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Potbelleez Say “Hello” Again

Things have been a little quiet on The Potbelleez front since their tracks “Don’t Hold Back” and “Are You With Me” zoomed up the local charts in 2008, but the band hasn’t been sitting idly.

31255, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Wednesday May 27 2009. The Potbelleez at the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards Nominations at the APRA hHeadquarters in Sydney. REF: APRA270509. Video: PacificCoastNews.com


The Sydney act has been holed up in their Bondi Beach Wonderland studio writing and recording their sophomore album Destination Now. The follow-up to the self-titled debut has been co-produced by the legendary Paul Mac and Justin Shave.

We’ll have to wait until October 22 for the album to drop, but we’ll get an early taste with the release of the first single “Hello.” I’ve already had a listen to this electro-driven floor filler, and it has hit written all over it. Listen out for “Hello” when it hits radio on July 26.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Bloodpoets “Dance” Around Oz

Brisbane quintet The Bloodpoets will groove their way around the country to promote their brand new single “Dance.” The track is the first taste of the band’s sophomore album, which should hit shelves later this year.

The single, and its riff-driven electro beats, represents a change in musical direction for the band.

“‘Dance’ is characterised by these riffs, whereas previously we wrote a four-minute chord song, focusing on arrangements of instruments and vocal delivery” explained singer/songwriter Tom Murphy. “The writing process for Dance was different. It was born during a jam between the drummer and me on an electric drum kit. Because of the sounds on the kit, we decided to muck around on a cheesy riff until we realised if it was on big guitars and a real drum kit it would be enormous.

“Lyrically the song was based off how overwhelming it can be to see a good looking woman dance, so I tried to explore it in a smutty, yet a respectful way.”

The Dance tour will see The Bloodpoets perform tracks from their debut album Polarity along with some new tunes.

“We have had an extremely positive response to the new music and have heard people say that this is the type of music they thought The Bloodpoets would eventually reach in terms of style, but hopefully also in terms of potential,” Tom said.

Grab your dancing shoes and catch The Bloodpoets at the following venues.

28 July 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane (18+)
6 August 2010 – Neverland Bar, Gold Coast (18+)
12 August 2010 – King George Square, Brisbane (All Ages)
15 August 2010 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba (18+)
27 August 2010 – Brisbane Raws game @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (All Ages)
27 August 2010 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane (18+)
17 September 2010 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast (18+)
14 October 2010 – Toff In Town, Melbourne (18+)
15 October 2010 – The Hub, Launceston (18+)
16 October 2010 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Imbruglia Kicks Justin Bieber’s Ass!

I’m always quietly thrilled to hear that anyone’s kicked Justin Bieber’s ass, even if it’s only in a metaphorical sense. When an Aussie does it, so much the better. So Laura Imbruglia, we salute you!

In its first week on MySpace, Laura’s new film clip for “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” attracted more than 14, 000 views, which saw it hold the number one spot for the entire week. Take that Bieber!

If you still haven’t seen the clip, here it is for your viewing pleasure. And remember, if you like what you hear check out Laura playing at Surry Hills’ Excelsior Hotel every Wednesday in August!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Mission in Motion Finally Release Album, Support Senses Fail

Sydney quintet The Mission in Motion have just released their latest single “New Skin,” a teaser from their soon-to-be released album Somewhere Safe. Head to the band’s MySpace page to hear the track.

“New Skin is our weekend song,” explained the band’s front man Brett Islaub. “We wanted to write a song about letting everything go, having a few drinks and having a good time with your friends.”

The long play is the follow up to their 2008 EP A Curse, A Calling, but don’t think the band has been idle. They’ve been tearing up the live circuit with acts like Stealing O’Neal, Elora Danan, and Wherewolves, not to mention their own headlining shows and appearances at Soundwave and a youth festival in Singapore.

So clearly we can forgive the band for taking so long to churn out the album. To appease us, the disc will come packaged with B-sides and rarities for a limited time. Somewhere Safe will hit stores on July 30.

If you like what you hear make sure you catch The Mission in Motion supporting America’s Senses Fail at the following shows around the country.

12 August 2010 – Hi Fi, Brisbane (18+)
13 August 2010 – The Fort, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 August 2010 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
20 August  2010 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Daytime – Under 18s)
21 August  2010 – Hi Fi, Melbourne (Evening – 18+)

Image used with permission from HeapsaFlash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Verses Prepare to Release Debut Album “Seasons”

The Verses, the current guise of talented siblings Ella and Jesse Hooper, are preparing to release their debut album Seasons.

The disc has been four years in the making, but from listening to the album sampler it’s clear this was time well spent. There’s an assurity about the outfit; they’re comfortable with the songs and their instruments and it shows. That relaxed ease is perfect for the blend of folk rock and alt-country music they’re producing these days.

Of course an album sampler will always showcase the best tracks, and it’s difficult to judge an entire disc on four songs, but I’m digging this. There’s a real classic feel to it. I wasn’t surprised to hear Jackson Browne’s guitarist makes a cameo. But don’t dismiss it as daggy parent music; Ella’s voice gives it that contemporary edge that should endear it to modern audiences. Right now “Teeth” is the real stand out for me, an energetic number which is infectiously playful. I love what I’ve heard of Seasons, and can’t wait to hear more.

I’ll get my chance when Seasons is released on August 13.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian and Jordin Sparks Duet Live in Los Angeles (Video)

While touring America recently Guy Sebastian caught up with his duet partner and fellow Idol victor Jordin Sparks. The pair treated fans at Los Angeles’ Club Nokia to a special performance of their hit duet “Art of Love” last Friday night. Here’s the video for all you fans around Oz (and the rest of the world)!