Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flicks Sign Record Deal Ahead of Queensland Tour

The lads from Flicks have signed a deal with Difrnt Music/Spitfire Music ahead of this week’s Queensland tour. The label is home to such massive Aussie artists as COG and The Angels.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be looking forward to presenting Flicks’ music to you,” says Spitfire Music.

The record deal should see Flicks delivering even more energetic sets as their travel around their home state on their Hayley single tour. Here are details of all the shows, including the new date and venue for the Brisbane gig.

2 June 2010 – Charters Towers PCYC, Charters Towers (All Ages)
3 June 2010 – CWA Hall, Cairns (All Ages)
4 June 2010 – Townsville PCYC, Townsville (All Ages)
5 June 2010 – Andergrove Community Hall, Mackay (All Ages)
6 June 2010 – Emerald PCYC, Emerald (All Ages)
11 June 2010 – Walter Reid Centre, Rockhampton (All Ages)
12 June 2010 – Gladstone PCYC, Gladstone (All Ages)
13 June 2010 – Bundaberg PCYC, Bundaberg (All Ages)
17 June 2010 – The Powerhouse, Maryborough (All Ages)
18 June 2010 – Club Envy, Sunshine Coast (18+)
19 June 2010 – Civic Centre, Gympie (All Ages)
20 June 2010 – Blackbox Theatre, Nambour (All Ages)
27 June 2010 – Fort, Brisbane (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chelsea J Gibson and Earl Cole Join Forces for Natalie and Nat King Cole Tribute Show

Studio Portrait Of Nat 'King' Cole

Following their sell out Moulin Rouge show in April, Chelsea J Gibson and Earl Cole are reuniting for a tribute to the music of Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie.

Nat King Cole is one of the world’s most enduring jazz and swing figures. Despite leaving us in 1965, his musical legacy lives on. Earl has performed his Nat King Cole tribute overseas, and now Perth is lucky enough to see it. His set will draw on Nat’s early music from his trio days right through to the end of his career.

Meanwhile Chelsea will touch on Natalie Cole’s early soul career and her more recent jazz and pop tunes. We can also expect to enjoy a number of duets, including the number one hit “Unforgettable.”

Chelsea J Gibson and Earl Cole will play Perth’s Bouchon Bistro on June 30. Tickets cost $110 and include a gourmet three-course dinner. Group discounts are available for tables of six or more. Seating is strictly limited, so call (08) 9387 3898 to reserve your place.

EDIT: This show sold out in just 24 hours! To meet the demand Earl and Chelsea have announced one more “Unforgettable” tribute show for July 1. There’s not likely to be a third, so make sure you get your tickets quickly!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Beard of Bees” – Jez Mead

Nursing a post-Eurovision hangover, I needed just the right music to survive my Monday morning. I found it in Beard of Bees, the fantastic fourth album from Jez Mead.

It’s amazing that this guy has been releasing albums for so many years, yet he hasn’t crossed my radar until now. It’s a case of better late than never though. This record is accessible yet rich, just like Jez’s voice. His bluesy rasp brings a depth to the stripped back songs. The raw delivery is perfect for creating an air of honesty and spontaneity; I imagine these songs wouldn’t sound very different if you saw them performed in your local pub. There’s that same electricity that you feel while listening to a live set, that impalpable feeling that anything could happen.

The tunes are an eclectic mix, yet the pieces fit together beautifully. The title track is a rollicking acoustic alt-country number. “Town’s Too Small” feels as if it could have been plucked straight from the Deep South, with its hand-clapping rhythm and swampy feel. As with anything that Julia Stone touches, the duet “Devil” is delicate and gorgeous. The tender closer “Crooked” is blessedly understated and lovely.

Beard of Bees is a lush, complex album that has quite simply cast a spell over me. If like me you’d never heard of Jez Mead, this should be the record to change all that. Beard of Bees will be released on June 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Mancell Releases Shiny New Single

Sydney dance pop star Damien Mancell is following up his international digital smash hit “Be with You Tonight” with the release of his new single, “Shine.”

“Shine” has already become a firm club favourite, and is expected to do big things on its official release. The single features the standard version and remixes by DJ Mark Loasby, Robot Diaries and T-Shirt Death to keep the clubbers happy.

If you want to hear “Shine,” register on Damien’s website and you’ll receive a special remix for free. If you like what you hear make sure you purchase the track at any of the major digital retailers; you could even win a Samsung K3 MP3 player for your trouble!

Image used with permission from AKA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Announces First Aussie Tour

You might remember Matt Corby as the reluctant sex symbol of Australia Idol Season 5. Losing out on the main prize seemed to be a blessing for Matt, who’s spent time away from the spotlight to hone his craft and create some incredible songs.

One such track is “Lighthome,” a live version of which is currently available as a free download at Matt’s website. If you like what you hear make sure you check out Matt on his first national tour this June and July.

Following those shows, Matt will join Mumford and Sons as support on their sold out Sydney shows. I’ve got myself some tickets to the Tuesday night gig, and am thrilled at Matt’s inclusion on the bill.

Here are all the places you can catch Mr Matt Corby in the coming months.

30 June 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
1 July 2010 – Raval, Sydney
2 July 2010 – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
3 July 2010 – Northern Star Hotel, Newcastle
8 July 2010 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
9 July 2010 – National Hotel, Geelong
10 July 2010 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh
15 July 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane
16 July 2010 – Bon Amici Cafe, Toowoomba
17 July 2010 – Hard Rock Café, Surfers Paradise
22 July 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 July 2010 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
24 July 2010 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
3 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (supporting Mumford and Sons)
4 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (supporting Mumford and Sons)

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Princess One Point Five Preview Album at The Builder’s Arms

After a small hiatus, Princess One Point Five (P1.5) are preparing for the release of their highly anticipated fourth album What Doesn’t Kill You.

It won’t hit stores until June 11, but fans in their hometown of Melbourne can enjoy a sneak peek of the new material, and some old favourites, with the band’s Thursday night residency at The Builder’s Arms Hotel in Fitzroy.

Catch the P1.5, and their rotating cast of super support acts, at the following Builder’s Arms shows. Tickets are $8 at the door.

3 June 2010 – with Sophie Koh and Tash Parker
10 June 2010 – with Flying Scribble and Patinka Cha Cha
17 June 2010 – with Georgia Fields and Ben Montero
24 June 2010 – with Cuba is Japan and Lehmann B. Smith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Butterfly Effect and Calling All Cars Team Up for Regional Tour

Melbourne lads Calling All Cars are becoming a go-to support act for some of the country’s best rock acts. After touring with AC/DC and Grinspoon earlier in the year, they’ll now join The Butterfly Effect for 24 mid-year shows.

Refreshingly this tour is barely touching the major capitals, instead focusing on the country’s regional centers and oft forgotten locations. Almost as if to prove a point, the double-header tour will wrap up in Darwin!

Get ready to rock with The Butterfly Effect and Calling all Cars at the following shows.

25 June 2010 – The Bridgeway Hotel, Adelaide
26 June 2010 – The Sandbar, Mildura
27 June 2010 – The Roi Bar, Albury
30 June 2010 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
1 July 2010 – Geelong, Bended Elbow
2 July 2010 – Inferno Nightclub, Traralgon
3 July 2010 – Pier Live, Frankston
4 July 2010 – The Commercial Hotel, South Morang
7 July 2010 – Station Resort, Jindabyne
8 July 2010 – Hellenic Club, Canberra
9 July 2010 – Panthers, Bathurst
10 July 2010 – Panthers, Newcastle
11 July 2010 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
14 July 2010 – Campbelltown RSL, Campbelltown
15 July 2010 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
16 July 2010 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
17 July 2010 – West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
22 July 2010 – Villa Noosa Hotel, Noosaville
23 July 2010 – Surfers Paradise Beergarden, Surfers Paradise
24 July 2010 – Alexandra Hills Hotel, Alexandra Hills
25 July 2010 – Kallangur Tavern, Kallangur
30 July 2010 – Sheraton Breakwater Casino, Townsville
31 July 2010 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
6 August 2010 – Darwin Ski Club, Darwin (All Ages)

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

British India Announce Aussie Avalanche Shows

British India are taking their top 10 charting new album Avalanche to the masses with a run of dates, including appearances at the Come Together and Splendour in the Grass festivals.

The album features the singles “Beneath the Satellites,” “Vanilla,” and the title track “Avalanche.” Its top 10 debut was no mean feat, competing as it was with the Mothers Day rush on Susan Boyle and David Campbell CDs!

Tickets for the following shows are available from the venues now.

4 June 2010 – Charles Sturt University, Bathurst
11 June 2010 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
12 June 2010 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
13 June 2010 – Come Together Festival, Sydney
18 June 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
19 June 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
25 June 2010 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
26 June 2010 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
9 July 2010 – The Gaelic Club, Sydney
30 July 2010 – Splendour in the Grass, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Amity Affliction Tour New Youngbloods Album

The Amity Affliction have recently been holed up in New York studio recording their second album Youngbloods, but they’re wasting no time in getting back in front of local audiences.

The band has announced a swag of over 18s and all ages gigs all around the country. We’ll have a little time to get acquainted with the new material with Youngbloods hitting stores on June 18. You needn’t wait that long to get a taste though, as The Amity Affliction are giving away the first single “I Hate Hartley” for free. Visit the The Amity Affliction website to get the track.

Tickets for the following shows are available from the venues now.

2 July 2010 – Fowlers, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
3 July 2010 – The Hi-Fi (Under 18s, Day Show)
3 July 2010 – The Hi-Fi (18+, Night Show)
5 July 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (All Ages)
6 July 2010 – Kangaroo Flats Leisure Centre, Bendigo (All Ages)
8 July 2010 – Woden Basketball Stadium, Canberra (All Ages)
9 July 2010 – UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
10 July 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane (18+)
11 July 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane (Under 18s)
17 July 2010 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns (All Ages)
18 July 2010 – Townsville PCYC, Townsville (All Ages)
22 July 2010 – Oh Snap @ Black Betty’s, Perth (18+)
23 July 2010 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages)
24 July 2010 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (18+)
25 July 2010 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment