Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cut Copy Complete Third Album in Melbourne

Cut Copy are teasing us with news that they’ve just completed album number three, but we’ll need to wait until next year to hear it.

Cut Copy announced the news on their MySpace page commenting “as we imagine what hell freezing over feels like and winter descends on our makeshift warehouse studio on the outskirts of Melbourne, we’re pleased to announce that the recording for Cut//Copy album three is now complete! We’ll be mixing it with Ben Allen as soon as we finish the shows below.”

The Melbourne act will release the yet-to-be-named disc in January 2011. Those aforementioned shows will see Cut Copy play in Asia, Europe, and the United States before heading home for Parklife. Here are all the dates!

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Dan Whitford of the band Cut Copy performs on stage during the Big Day Out 2009 at the Claremont Showgrounds on February 1, 2009 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)


10 July 2010 – Bengkel Club, Jakarta
16 July 2010 – Super Bock Super Rock, Lisbon
17 July 2010 – Benicassium Festival,  Valencia
18 July 2010 – Lovebox festival, London
20 July 2010 – Button Factory, Dublin
22 July 2010 – Paradiso, Amsterdam (with French Horn Rebellion)
24 July 2010 – Orange PrePay Party @ H20 Beach, Mamaia (with Mika)
25 July 2010 – Palladium, Warsaw (with French Horn Rebellion)
27 July 2010 – Tavastia, Helsinki (with French Horn Rebellion)
29 July 2010 – Emmabodafestivalen, Emmaboda
30 July 2010 – Train, Arrhus
21 July 2010 – Rockafeller, Oslo
7 August 2010 – Lollapalooza, Chicago
25 September 2010 – Parklife @ Gold Coast Parklands, Gold Coast
26 September 2010 – Parklife @ Wellington Square, Perth
2 October 2010 – Parklife @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
3 October 2010 – Parklife @ Kippax Lake/Moore Park, Sydney
4 October 2010 – Parklife @ Botanic Park, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Mousetrap Heart” – Thirsty Merc

When Thirsty Merc burst onto the scene in 2003, I thought they were one of the most original local acts I’d heard in some time. But when they followed up their debut EP and self titled LP with a lackluster sophomore effort, Slideshows, I began to wonder whether we’d already seen their best.

It’s been three years since the release of Slideshows, and as I listened to their newie Mousetrap Heart today it seems the time away from the spotlight was a smart decision.

From the opening title track, this disc feels like the fresh Thirsty Merc of old. It’s got deep grooves and the quirky lyrics that endeared them to me all those years ago. This first single is a standout, but thankfully it’s not the only one. “Tommy and Krista” is a classic story song, with beautifully painted characters and a smile-inducing melody. “Bettie Page,” a nod to the vintage pinup model sees the boys rock out. It’s a welcome change of pace in this album of radio-friendly pop rock.

As any Thirsty Merc fan knows, the accessible nature of their music isn’t a criticism. Here Thirsty Merc have built on the promise they showed all those years ago; that originality is still there but it’s been given a bit of spit and polish by Los Angeles-based producer Matt Wallace. It’s not surprising to know he worked on Maroon 5’s Songs About Jane, as many of these songs would have sat nicely on that recording. There are a few missteps; “All My Life” is musically brilliant but contains lyrics so generic it’s hard to believe Thirsty Merc penned them, and the final two tracks seem sleepy and aimless. But no album is perfect. Thankfully though, with Mousetrap Heart, Thirsty Merc has come awfully close.

Mousetrap Heart hits all Aussie music stores today.

Image source: Thirsty Merc website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Paynter Teams Up With The Veronicas for “Love The Fall”

Here’s one for all the Michael Paynter fans out there. The Aussie singer-songwriter has just released his new single “Love The Fall’ and he’s roped his old pals The Veronicas in.

The music video is suitably brooding and mysterious, but as always with Michael Paynter I’m most impressed by the song and his awesome vocals. It starts out as pretty standard pop-rock fare before building into something truly epic. The Veronicas star power might just be what Michael needs to break into the mainstream consciousness. I’m crossing my fingers.

“Love The Fall” is the title track from Michael Paynter’s new EP, which can be pre-ordered now ahead of its July 9 release.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Announces Aussie Promo Tour for “Aphrodite”

With Danni Minogue about ready to pop with baby number one, it’s no great surprise that her sister Kylie will be back on home soil soon to play aunty. With her album Aphrodite hitting stores on July 2, it’s also no surprise to hear Miss Minogue will hit the promotional trail while she’s in Oz.

Kylie will launch her five-day media blitz on July 21. There’s no word yet on what that will entail, or whether fans will have the chance to get up close and personal, but I promise to bring you all the details when they come to hand.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Justice Records Showcases Artists in Sydney

While most record companies try to keep the public riff raff out of their industry functions, New Justice Records are inviting fans to attend their Sydney Showcase weekend next month.

New Justice Records will bring their roster of artists to the music industry, media, and fans over two big nights at the Agincourt Hotel. On July 2 Resists the Thought, As Silence Breaks, and Recoil will take the stage at the hotel’s Blink Nightclub. The following night it’s time for Sienna Skies, The Bride, Town Hall Steps, and Envy Parade to do their thing at Trash. As the shows are held in licensed venues, remember that they’re only for music fans aged 18 and older.

Tickets cost $12 on the door, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you drop the name of New Justice Records or one of the bands playing you’ll get in for only eight bucks. The first 100 paying punters through the door each night will also take home a New Justice Records label sampler CD.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Star Filled New Music Video from The Bedroom Philosopher

The Bedroom Philosopher, aka Justin Heazlewood, has just released the video for his new single “Northcote (So Hungover).” The film clip’s lots of fun, with some great cameos from Tim Rogers, Angie Hart, Kram, Hannah Fox, and Josh Earl. You’ll want to watch it a second time, as the first you’ll be too busy star-spotting! “Northcote (So Hungover) comes from The Bedroom Philosopher’s recently released third album Songs from the 86 Tram.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yusuf Islam’s Son Joins Him For Aussie Tour with Noxshi

Yusuf Islam’s Australian tour is turning into a bit of a family affair. Yusuf’s son Yoriyos Adamos is the lead singer of his support act, Noxshi.

Understandably Yoriyos grew up around music, and that deep understanding translates into his own music. He formed Noxshi in 2008, a rock band which references the classic sounds of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Pink Floyd.

Noxshi have just released their debut album The Way They Lush, which will reportedly hit our stores in September 2010. Along with the Yusuf Islam gigs, they’ll also play a handful of sideshows during their Aussie stay. Catch them at the following venues.

16 June 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (with Yusuf Islam)
17 June 2010 – The Colonial Hotel, Melbourne
18 June 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (with Yusuf Islam)
19 June 2010 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
21 June 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney (with Yusuf Islam)
23 June 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney (with Yusuf Islam)
24 June 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
24 June 2010 – The Darlinghurst, Sydney
26 June 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (with Yusuf Islam)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trinity Scores Role in Jason Derulo Music Video

The girls from Melbourne group Trinity seem to be doing everything right. They’ve just headed to Los Angeles where they will appear in Jason Derulo’s next music video.

Apparently the opportunity arose while the girls were recording their debut album in Los Angeles. There they worked with superstar choreographer Mo’at, who introduced Yianna, Sammy, and Stephanie to the R’n’B singer.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding these girls, who also recently recorded a song “Ever ‘n Ever” with legendary crooner Englebert Humperdinck. It might be a little early to start calling them our answer to the Pussycat Dolls, but they’re definitely making all the right connections.

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: “I Promise” by Casey Barnes

Casey Barnes didn’t quite find his feet during his stint on the last series of Australian Idol, but there was something incredibly likable about this guy. So I was thrilled to see Casey pop up on Video Hits yesterday with the film clip for his new single “I Promise.” While I found him a bit imitative on his show, here he’s found his own voice. This is just the sort of mellow guitar driven music that I love, and I can’t wait to hear more of it. The track comes from Casey’s EP Red Lion Motel, which is available now through iTunes and Casey Barnes’ website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jonesez Announces “Be That Guy” Shows Ahead of Album Release

A couple of months ago I introduced you to Jonesez, the new solo venture of ex-Horsell Common member Mark Stewart. If you liked what you heard then, you’ll be thrilled to know his debut album Betty’s Soup isn’t too far away.

Our first taste is “Be That Guy,” the first single and the second of Jonesez’ “Basement Videos.” is Look out for Tahlia Shaw of Fuzz Phantoms making a guest appearance on drums!

Betty’s Soup won’t hit stores until August 6, but you can get a sneak peek at the new material when Jonesez performs the following shows.

16 June 2010 – Bar 32 (Gangbusters), Canberra
18 June 2010 – The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
25 June 2010 – The Birmingham, Fitzroy