Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Jez Mead

Last week I was blown away by Jez Mead’s latest album Beard of Bees. Recently I had the pleasure of catching up with the band himself to chat about the disc, his unique sound, and life on the road.

You’ve got such a unique sound. What influences your music?
I do a lot of writing on the road while I’m driving so it seems to suit being listened to in that way. I like all sorts of music but don’t tend to listen to that much blues rootsy stuff even though I get put into that department. I’ve only got a tape player in my van so it’s anything I can get from the op shop on tape, lots of 70’s stuff. But I like bands like Talking Heads, English 80s stuff like the Cocteau Twins and Talk Talk and also heavier bands like Tool. The Drones and Dirty Projectors are my latest favourite things.

Beard of Bees has such a beautiful, spontaneous feel to it. What was it like to make?
I love being in the studio and I don’t really know what I’m going to do ’til I get in there. The only thing with this album is I wanted to make it a bit more raw and to try and capture more of what I sound like live.

One of the tracks on the album, “Devil,” sees you duetting with the lovely Julia Stone. What was she like to work with?
On one of the tours I did with those guys, we were singing that song in their set and it worked well so I was keen to record it again as a duet. We’ve been mates for quite a while so it was just hanging out really; there was no work involved.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: “All Four Seasons” by Mark Sholtez

Mark Sholtez has done it again with his new single “All Four Seasons.” Just as his last single quickly won my heart, this track and its accompanying video leave me feeling positively giddy.

“I often hint in my lyrics at the idea that women are complicated and confusing creatures,” Mark explained. “I wanted this song to be celebration of that complexity and unpredictability.”

He’s definitely achieved that; the song has some of the most perceptive lyrics I’ve ever heard, and the clip has some of the cutest animals. It’s a winner on all fronts!

“All Four Seasons” comes from Mark’s album The Distance Between Two Truths, which will hit stores on July 9.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cola Wars To Tour Invader Album

Cola Wars told us that we’d see them on the road really soon, and now they’re making good on that promise. The band, which is made up of former members of Bodyjar and For Amusement Only, has announced a string of dates to support the release of their debut album Invader.

“We’ve had such a great response from people who have heard the single [“Giving It Up”] we can’t wait to get the whole LP out and play the tracks live,” enthused guitarist and vocalist Cam Baines.

The tour kicks off on June 18, which just happens to be the same date the album drops. Punters attending the Northcote gig won’t have to buy the album though, as it’s included in their ticket price! Tickets for all gigs are available from the venues for the following shows.

18 June 2010 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
8 July 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
9 July 2010 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
10 July 2010 – Thriller @ Rosies Tavern, Brisbane
16 July 2010 – TBC, Melbourne
17 July 2010 – Bang @ Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne
7 August 2010 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Image source: Cola Wars website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Fiction Offer Free Download Ahead of Album Release

Brisbane band My Fiction are preparing to release their debut album FireRomanceFire, and can’t wait for you to hear it. The indie rockers are so eager to share their music that they’re offering the track “Gravel Rash and Football Stars” as a free download. Just click here to enjoy the song!

Produced by ARIA Award winner Magoo, FireRomanceFire features the single “Every June,” which is already enjoying some airplay and rave reviews on Triple J.

FireRomanceFire is due out in July. To celebrate its release, the band will play a special show for their hometown at The Zoo on June 16. Tickets are currently available from the venue, and it pays to get them early. All presold tickets will come bundled with a copy of the album; not bad for 20 bucks!

Interstate fans shouldn’t feel too neglected, as My Fiction promises to announce shows around the country soon.

Image source: My Fiction MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Raging New Release

Jimmy Barnes is following up his massive 2009 album The Rhythm and the Blues with an album of originals entitled Rage and Ruin.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 05: Jimmy Barnes of Cold Chisel performs during a Cold Chisel concert at ANZ Stadium on December 5, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)


Barnesy recorded the disc in Los Angeles earlier this year with producer Don Gehman. Jimmy tragics will note that this is the same producer who worked on Two Fires, Heat, Soul Deep, and Flesh and Wood. These are amongst my favourite Barnesy CDs, so I’m hopeful that the newie will be just as exciting.

Jimmy will give us a taste of what’s to come when he performs the first single “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” at Wednesdauy night’s State of Origin game. This is Jimmy’s kind of crowd, so he’s sure to go down a treat.

Rage and Ruin will hit stores on August 13.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Earth Worker Gives Away Single, Supports Ash Grunwald

Dean Carroll, or Earth Worker as he’s known to music buffs, is giving away his new single “Who’s Coming Along” as a free digital download. Just click here to get your hands on the track, which comes from Dean’s debut album Seeds of Light.

The album has been a labour of love for Dean, who independently recorded and produced it along with writing all the songs. We should see that disc in stores this summer.

Earth Worker will play a string of shows to support the single release, including an appearance at the Winter Magic Festival and the support slot on Ash Grunwald’s Katoomba concert. If you want to see Earth Worker live check out the following gigs. More dates will be announced closer to the release of Seeds of Light.
19 June 2010 – Winter Magic Festival, Katoomba
30 June 2010 – Baroque Bar, Katoomba
1 July 2010 – Steel Mantra Body Mod and Piercing, Windsor
2 July 2010 – Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
15 July 2010 – Happy Yess, Darwin
14 July 2010 – Happy Yess, Darwin

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus & Julia Stone Outsell the Rest with “Down the Way”

We all knew Angus & Julia Stone’s latest album Down the Way was selling truckloads, but what you might not realise is that the album is this year’s highest selling local release.

The disc has notched up platinum sales since it debuted at number one in March, a position it held for two consecutive weeks. Several months after its release, it’s just reentered the top ten.

With the duo such hot property at the moment, it’s no wonder that extra shows have been added to their upcoming tour. Here’s the revised schedule; if you still haven’t organized your tickets I suggest doing so ASAP!

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 (NEW SHOW)
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 (NEW SHOW)
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
24 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (NEW SHOW)
25 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
26 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Original Matters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Queen Ifrica Joins Blue King Brown for “Women’s Revolution”

Blue King Brown are back with their new single “Women’s Revolution,” a collaboration with respected Jamaican chart topper Queen Ifrica. Reflecting the heritage of both acts, its dynamic film clip was shot in Kingston and Melbourne.

“The song draws inspiration from the day-to-day female leaders in our world,” explained lead singer Natalie Pa’apa’a. “It also identifies and reinforces the philosophy that the best way to effect change in communities of developing nations is to educate, support and encourage the young female population, as they are most commonly the ones who grow up to be the anchors and teachers within their families and extended community. Queen Ifrica is one of Jamaica’s most gifted female artists and it has been incredible to have her collaborate with Blue King Brown. Feel it!”

“Women’s Revolution” will be available as a digital download from June 11. The song and video will be bundled together on iTunes for the special price of $1.69. “Women’s Revolution” comes from Blue King Brown’s sophomore album Worldwize, which will be in stores on August 20. The album’s release coincides with the band’s support slot on John Butler Trio’s April Uprising tour.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gurrumul Gets an American Release, Announces US Tour

In 2008 all of Australia fell under the spell of Gurrumul. This blind indigenous singer sang in a language most of us didn’t understand, but his warmth and passion spoke to us in way that went beyond words.

His self-titled album went platinum twice and won ARIA Awards for best independent release and best world album. Now American audiences are set to hear it, with the album scoring a US release through Dramatico Records on June 15.

Gurrumul will support the release with the following shows in North America and Europe, where he has also built a strong following. If you’re living abroad, you don’t want to miss these shows.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu performs live on stage during the Indigenous Music Awards 2009 at the Gardens Amphitheatre on August 21, 2009 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Peter Eve/Getty Images)


15 June 2010 – Joe’s Pub , New York City
20 June 2010 – World Cafe Live, Philadelphia
22 June 2010 – Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Centre, Washington
24 June 2010 – Enwave Theatre @ Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
30 June 2010 – Old Town School of Folk Music , Chicago
6 July 2010 – Triple Door , Seattle
8 July 2010 – Troubadour, Los Angeles
15 July 2010 – Muffathalle, Munich
16 July 2010 – Sunset Festival, Zurich
19 July 2010 – Nice Jazz Festival, Nice
20 July 2010 – Paleo Festival, Nyon
22 July 2010 – Stuttgart Jazz Open @ Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart
23 July 2010 – WOMAD Festival, Malmesbury
24 July 2010 – Barbican Centre, London

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aeons To Give Away New Beyond the Satellites EP

Sydney electro-pop duo Aeons are preparing to release their debut EP Beyond the Satellites this month, and they want you to enjoy it for free.

I’ve heard the first track from this five-song release, “Where The Sky Meets the Sea,” and I’ve got to say I’m impressed. I’m not typically a fan of electronic music, but this isn’t the kind of thing you need to hear in a club to appreciate. The track is well crafted, the vocals superb, and the sound very slick. Click here to give it a listen!

I shouldn’t be surprised though, as Aeons enlisted the help of Diamond Cut, the producer behind remixes for Cassette Kids, Amy Meredith, Delta Goodrem, and loads more. The lads themselves are no slouches, having performed at Parklife and remixed the likes of Lisa Mitchell and Deep Sea Arcade.

Beyond the Satellites will be released on June 18 through Aeons’ Bandcamp and MySpace pages.

Image used with permission from Aeons