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.

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)

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

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.

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

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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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.

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

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

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.