Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live at the Chapel Gears Up for Big Eighth Season with Russian Standard Vodka

Live at the Chapel has teamed up with Russian Standard Vodka to present this year’s live concert series.

This year’s program will kick off with an exclusive performance at the Uniting Church in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. There’s no word yet on who’ll play, except that it’s a “superstar act.” Yes, I’m intrigued.

After all, in the past seven series we’ve seen international acts like the Foo Fighters, John Mayer, and Coldplay take the stage, as well as big name local talents like Delta Goodrem, Missy Higgins, and The John Butler Trio.

There’s also no word yet on when it’ll all start, so we’ll all have to keep an eye on the newly revamped Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel website and Facebook page. Both sites are worth bookmarking if you want to win your way into the shows and suggest the artists you want to see.

Image source: Live at the Chapel Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Declaration of Independence” – The Earth Republic

This morning I’ve been listening to Declaration of Independence, the solid debut EP from Sydney rockers The Earth Republic.

It’s a fitting name for the EP, which the band wrote and co-produced. This real independence allows the band to play around with their sound to deliver something that is eclectic, yet instantly accessible.

The opening track “Breaking It Again” is emotive and deeply powerful, if a little mournful after a couple of spins. I enjoyed it, but was thrilled to see the band switch gears for “Stop.” This song has one of the best bass lines I’ve ever heard, and that infectious groove makes this track one of the EP’s stand-outs for me. I also love “Vain,” a delightfully schitzophrenic song that swings wildly between rip-snorting riffs and more relaxed, jaunty rhythms. The closing track “Ready to Go,” really kicks along; I instantly thought it might be what Golden Earring would do if they were to write a sequel to “Radar Love.” Even if it is a bit derivative, it’s bags of fun.

The Earth Republic have generously posted all of the EP’s tracks online so you can hear them for yourself. Personally I’m impressed. The band hints at something really special here, and I have a feeling it’d be fully realised in the live arena. When a record makes you want to get out there and see the band on the stage, I think it’s done its job.

Image source: The Earth Republic website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aston Passes Magic Million Views, Announces Tour Dates

Way to go Aston! The Sydney-based classical pop act has just notched up more than a million views on their YouTube channel. This number was no doubt boosted by the recent release of the new single “Bulletproof.”

To celebrate the milestone the band has announced a handful of New South Wales dates this September. Hopefully we’ll see them venturing out of their home state really soon! Until then, you can catch the band at the following shows, and on The Matty Johns Show every Thursday night.

14 September 2010 – Raval, Sydney
17 September 2010 – Orange Conservatorium, Orange
18 September 2010 – Mitchell Conservatorium, Bathurst
19 September 2010 –  Mitchell Conservatorium, Lithgow

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Demon Parade Announce EP Launch Tour

Melbourne indie rockers Demon Parade are heading out on the road to support the release of their debut EP, God Said It’s Legal.

The band’s sound is like a meeting of 90s Britpop with 70s psychedelic rock, with its swirling guitars and lush harmonies. The EP was clearly a labour of love for the band; singer-songwriter and guitarist Michael Badger recorded and mixed the album at his own Jaya Jaya studios. Being so close to the project allowed Michael to bring out Demon Parade’s dense, ethereal sound. Take a listen to the first single “Do You Believe In Hell” here.

The band will play shows along the East Coast this August and September. While the music speaks for itself, it’s only going to sound better in the flesh. You can catch Demon Parade at the following shows.

7 August 2010 – Rats, Melbourne (with Wolf & Cub)
13 August 2010 – Missing Link Instore, Melbourne
13 August 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy (with Guests Slight Of Build and Buried Feather) 14 August 2010 – The National Hotel, Geelong (with The Frowning Clouds)
19 August 2010 – Melt Bar, Sydney
20 August 2010 – The Grand Hotel, Wollongong  (with Royal Chant Doors)
28 August 2010 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Fearless Vampire Killers)
3 September 2010 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne (with The Checks)
10 September 2010 – Neverland, Gold Coast (with Villains of Wilhelm)
15 September 2010 – The Filth @ Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (with Cabins)
17 September 2010 – The Filth @ The Ivanhoe, Manly
17 September 2010 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney (late show)
18 September 2010 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney (with The Salvagers)
25 September 2010 – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Heaps a Flash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio Start a “Revolution”

After the upbeat energy of “One Way Road” and “Close To You,” it’s great to see John Butler Trio switching gears on their latest single “Revolution.”

The track is the third to come from JBT’s amazing album April Uprising. The song is perhaps one of the band’s most powerful, and its black and white film clip is just as striking. The video, which depicts the diversity of contemporary society, was shot while the band was on tour in Los Angeles.

Now you could just appreciate the song and video for what it is, but I thought I’d also share with you John Butler’s own words about the track’s inspiration. It’s a long quote, much longer than the ones I tend to use on here, but I thought it was just so cool it needed to be here in its entirety.

“Revolution is such an overused impotent word nowadays, I just wanted to explore the subject and find out what it meant to me. We live in some pretty extreme times .I think a lot of people are considering living in a drastically different way on this planet and with each other. They have to. But the old ideas of reform and revolution are not applicable nor have many “revolutions” really ever brought about meaningful change before they turn into what they were fighting. My idea of revolution is basically taking the R off the word. It’s evolution. It’s not gonna be some fanciful day that comes where everything is going honky dory utopia. That’s bullshit and a practise in futility. You can’t stop evolution. It’s sometimes painfully slow and other times brutally quick but never the less it is on-going.  You can rev it up however; accelerate it from time to time by being engaged in your community, by being compassionate. I see that around me. That’s what I concentrate on when I’m being bombarded by the intense images and news of these times. Stay engaged but not inundated. By knowing that the revolution is underway and not some fantasy about to come I’m able to have the energy and optimism to keep being part of this eternal, unstoppable REVOLUTION.”

Hell yeah. If you’re digging on “Revolution” and the rest of “April Uprising,” remember it’s not too late to nab tickets to the John Butler Trio shows next month. They’re selling fast though, so be quick! The band are headed back overseas after these gigs, so we probably won’t see them for some time afterwards!

27 August 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
29 August 2010 – The Amphitheater, Darwin
31 August 2010 – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide
2 September 2010 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
3 September 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
5 September 2010 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
7 September 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
8 September 2010 – C.ex, Coffs Harbour
11 September 2010 – Reggaetown Festival @ Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Cairns
12 September 2010 – Union of Soul @ Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville
15 September 2010 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
17 September 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – Schweppes Centre, Bendigo
19 September 2010 – Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
21 September 2010 – Entertainment Convention Centre, Mackay
22 September 2010 – The Great Western, Rockhampton
23 September 2010 – The Riverstage, Brisbane
24 September 2010 – The Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
27 September 2010 – The Mangrove Resort Hotel, Broome

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Skies Announce Another Aussie Tour

If you haven’t caught local experimental metal workhorses Sienna Skies live yet, the Sydney act is giving you another chance. They’ve been touring solidly since releasing their debut album Truest of Colors last December, and will play a bunch more shows this August and September.

It’s great to see that most of these gigs are all ages events, as all too often mini metal heads are neglected. Great stuff lads! Tickets for the following shows are available from the venues.

1 August 2010 – Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt (All Ages)
13 August 2010 – Music Man Megastore, Bendigo (All Ages)
14 August 2010 – Bridge 54, Picton (All Ages)
15 August 2010 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (All Ages)
20 August 2010 – The Fort, Brisbane (All Ages)
21 August 2010 – Expressive Grounds, Gold Coast (All Ages)
22 August 2010 – Price Street Hall, Nambour (All Ages)
27 August 2010 – The Cavern Club, Adelaide (All Ages)
28 August 2010 – Old Gaol, Mount Gambier (All Ages)
3 September 2010 – POW! @ Mynt Lounge, Werribee (18+)
4 September 2010 – Music Man Megastore, Bendigo (All Ages)
5 September 2010 – The National Hotel, Geelong (All Ages)
10 September 2010 – Expressive Grounds, Gold Coast (All Ages)
12 September 2010 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages – 1pm)
12 September 2010 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (18+)
16 September 2010 – Hot Damn, Spectrum, Sydney (18+)
17 September 2010 – Campbelltown PCYC, Campbelltown (All Ages)
18 September 2010 – Bridge 54, Picton (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Julia Stone Goes Solo with New Album

Julia Stone is rarely seen without her brother Angus in tow, so I was pleasantly surprised to hear she’s recorded a solo album.

The disc is currently being mixed and will be available for purchase at Angus & Julia Stone’s upcoming Australian concerts. There’s no word yet on an official release for record stores, but hopefully it won’t be too far behind.

In an interview with TMN, Julia says she hasn’t settled on a name for the album as she’s still tossing up between The Memory Machine and Winter on the Weekend.

If you want to get your hands on Julia Stone’s album before anyone else, whatever it’s called, make sure you get yourself to one of the following shows.

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Angus & Julia Stone perform on stage during Day 5 of Bluesfest 2010 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm on April 5, 2010 in Byron Bay, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)


18 August 2010 – Moncreif Theatre, Bundaberg
19 August 2010 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
20 August 2010 – Andergrove Tavern, Mackay
21 August 2010 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
22 August 2010 – Botanic Gardens, Cairns
25 August 2010 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
26 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
27 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
28 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
1 September 2010 – Llewellyn Hall ANU, Canberra
2 September 2010 – University Hall, Wollongong
3 September 2010 – Grandstand Hall @ Showgrounds, Hobart
4 September 2010 – The Saloon, Launceston
8 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
9 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
10 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2010 – Town Hall, Meeniyan (SOLD OUT)
12 September 2010 – Town Hall, Meeniyan (SOLD OUT)
17 September 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
18 September 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth (SOLD OUT)
19 September 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
24 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
26 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crowded House Bring “Intriguer” Tour to Oz

Aussie music legends Crowded House will circle the country this November in support of their latest studio album Intriguer.

Just quietly, it’s about time. Critics have been heaping praise on the lads after shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, and United States. Perhaps they were just perfecting things before they hit home soil?

At any rate, Crowded House are promising a two hour show featuring plenty of old favourites alongside new tracks. It sounds like it’ll be a whole lot of fun. Tickets for the following shows go on sale through Ticketek on August 10.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Neil Finn of Crowded House performs during day 3 of the Hard Rock Calling festival held in Hyde Park on June 27, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)


5 November 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
6 November 2010 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
9 November 2010 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
14 November 2010 – Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley
16 November 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lion and Ryan Announce Wesley-Anne Residency

Victorian based musician Ryan Murphy and his band The Lion and Ryan will share their soulful blues-pop tunes with Melbourne this September when they take up residency at The Wesley-Anne this September.

Ryan’s clearly enjoying sharing his songs with his newly adopted home of Melbourne. Since moving to the big smoke late last year, he says his band’s music has only become stronger.

“Its opened me up to a lot of different ways of life. I grew up in a small town and always lived in tiny communities so as you can imagine experiencing living in the city is really exciting,” he explained.

“I still get a shock when I see forty or fifty people in a bar at 11pm on a weekday enjoying live music. Melbourne has a great appreciation for artists so it’s a good feeling to be a part of that community”.

See The Lion and Ryan play The Wesley-Anne at the following shows. Tickets cost just $6, so there are really no excuses!

2 Sept 2010 – with Matt Collyer and Johnny Hawkin
16 Sept 2010 – with Husky and The Bon Scotts
23 Sept 2010 – with Matt Collyer and Paul O’Rouke
30 Sept 2010 – with Matt Collyer and Tim Woods

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Telstra Road to Tamworth Paves Way for Country Music’s Next Stars

The inaugural Telstra Road to Tamworth is winding its way around Australia, and there’s still time to get involved. This exciting initiative helped to launch the careers of Kirsty Lee Akers, Luke Webb, and even Jessica Mauboy. This year’s competition has just kicked off in the Northern Territory, and will make stops in all other states and territories before the year is out.

The competition is open to undiscovered country singers and songwriters around the country who are Telstra customers, or who have family that are. The lucky winners will get some great opportunities, including the chance to rub shoulders with a veritable who’s who of the country music industry, perform here in Oz and abroad, and get into a studio to lay their tracks down.

These sort of competitions provide such great exposure and experience. If you’ve always thought about entering, why not make this your year? Head to the Telstra website to learn what’s required and get involved!