Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Cat Empire Announce New Album and Tour

Melbourne band The Cat Empire have just signed a brand new deal with EMI, and announced the release of their new album to celebrate.

Cinema will hit stores on June 25, but we’ll get a sneak peek with the digital release of the first single “Feeling’s Gone” on May 14.

The Cat Empire’s material has always sounded best in the live arena, so fans will be happy to hear the band will embark on a national tour. Currently only ten dates have been confirmed, but they promise there’s more where that came from. Sit tight fans in Broome, Townsville, Alice Springs, and Darwin; your cities are amongst the ones yet to be announced. As for everyone else, here are the shows to add to your concert calendar.

Days Like This Festival


19 August 2010 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
21 August 2010 – The Station, Perisher
22 August 2010 – ANU Bar, Canberra
26 August 2010 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
27 August 2010 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
28 August 2010 – Riverstage, Brisbane
29 August 2010 – Hordern Pavillion, Sydney
1 September 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
2 September 2010 – Astor Theatre, Perth
10 September 2010 – Reggaetown Festival, Cairns

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Girl Group Trinity Record Album in United States

You might not have heard of Australian girl group Trinity yet, but something tells me that’s going to change pretty quickly.

Yianna, Sammy, and Stephanie are heading to Los Angeles to record their debut album, which will be released through PLW Entertainment later in the year. The disc will include the song “Ever ‘n Ever,” a song featuring the legendary crooner Engelbert Humperdinck. It’s an interesting pairing for the Aussie girls, but one that might just see them getting some global cred.

The girls will also hone their dancing skills while stateside through workshops with Mo’at, who’s choreographed for the likes of Usher and Britney Spears.

Could Trinity be the next Pussycat Dolls? I guess we’ll see soon enough!

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stan Walker Releases Great New Song, “Unbroken”

I didn’t really care for Stan Walker’s debut single “Black Box,” but his follow up “Unbroken” is great stuff.

Although once you look at the songwriting credits, it’s no surprise. Ryan Tedder knows how to craft a hit, from his work with Leona Lewis, Beyonce, and Jordin Sparks to material for his own band One Republic.

The track tells the story of strength and survival, something Stan knows about all too well. While his personal struggles were documented during his Australian Idol journey, he also came face to face with human tragedy on a recent visit to Haiti.

“Unbroken” will feature on Stan Walker’s first album of original material, due for release later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Resist the Thought’s Tim

Sydney metal band Resist the Thought are set to take Australia by storm with the release of their debut album Damnation. I recently caught up with the band’s guitarist Tim to chat about the album, their upcoming tour, and what lies ahead.


Many of my readers will be unfamiliar with your music. How would you describe your sound?
We meld bone crushing breakdowns with fast, technical riffs to create a new brand of modern metal!

I’ve heard you say you try to push the boundaries of the metal genre. What sets you apart from the other metal acts out there?
It’s nothing new for a band to fuse breakdowns with riffs. We try and push past the typical metal riffs and the unoriginal breakdowns and do something that is both technically challenging but effective as well. We write music that we enjoy to play and write, regardless of scenes and trends which is the main reason for our original sound.

You’re just about to release your debut album Damnation. What can you tell me about it?
As a band we really pushed ourselves to create this record. We took an entire new approach to the writing process. We actually bought a mic and a laptop and recorded everything that we wrote, and only kept the riffs that we were all happy with. After we were finished in the studio and heard the final product, we were all stoked with it!! Our new record Damnation, will be available in stores May 7, through New Justice Records.

Your album addresses a lot of dark themes like greed and corruption. What inspires your songwriting?
We wanted to give the record a theme that had real meaning rather than something superficial. We intended for each song on the record to represent a fault in humanity, ultimately resulting in the damnation of humankind. Themes such as greed and corruption are mostly predominant in the track “Misery’s Miscreation,” but we also touch on ideas such as war, vanity and selfishness throughout the album.

You’ve been playing together since 2007. Why did it take so long to get around to recording an album?
When we first started playing in 2007 we were pretty young, about 16 years old. We spend a lot of 2007 playing local shows, trying to get tight and write good music. We released an EP late 2008, which gave us the opportunity to play around Australia in 2009 including QLD, VIC, SA, WA and NSW shows. So we have been pretty busy the past few years! Now we are all 18 and 19 years old, we feel we are at the top of our game and we are really stoked with the new CD!

You took six months away from the road to write and record this album. Are you itching to get back out on the stage?
Definitely! Playing live is by far our favourite thing about being in a band. We cannot wait to get back on the road with our brand new set!

I’ve heard that playing live is your favourite part of the music process. What is it about being on stage that you love so much?
Nothing beats the feeling of playing to a crowd that’s enjoying something that you have created! It’s the most fulfilling feeling, it’s what keeps us going!

You’re spending virtually all of next month on the road. What’s life like on the Resist the Thought Tour bus?
Touring is amazing! We usually just hire a van, bring a tent and a few friends and go! There is nothing better than travelling thousands of kilometres with your mates to play shows to people that really like your music.

You’re playing several shows at youth-friendly venues. How important is you to make sure young people can come and see you play?
The majority of our fanbase is in the under 18 crowd. We try and keep as many shows all ages as possible, purely because we don’t want anyone missing out on catching a show just because of their age. Although a lot of the all ages venues are average set ups, the crowd responses make up for it!

After this tour, what’s next for Resist the Thought?
We have a lot of plans on the horizon. We are currently in talks with a few international promoters who are eager to bring us over to tour a few countries and we have another Australian tour in the works now!

Damnation hits stores on May 7. You can catch Resist the Thought at the following shows.

6 May 2010 – NEXT, Melbourne
7 May 2010 – MusicMan, Bendigo
8 May 2010 – Urban Youth Café, Ringwood
9 May 2010 – Youth Arts Centre, Geelong
13 May 2010 – SNITCH, Brisbane
14 May 2010 – Southern Cross Tavern, Gold Coast
15 May 2010 – Price Street Hall, Nambour
16 May 2010 – Epic Skate Centre, Tweed Heads
22 May 2010 – Civic Hotel, Perth
23 May 2010 – YMCA HQ, Perth
29 May 2010 – Masonic Hall, Blacktown
4 June 2010 – Club Blink, Sydney
5 June 2010 – The Loft, Newcastle

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Police Cancel Justin Bieber’s Aussie Concert

Justin Bieber Arrives In Sydney


Police have put a stop to Justin Bieber’s only public Australian appearance this morning following fears for the safety of his female fans.

Justin’s concert at the Overseas Passenger Terminal was scrapped in favour of a more controlled show at Sunrise Headquarters. His set was also downsized from three songs to one. Thousands had travelled from around Australia to attend the gig, and plenty camped out overnight in anticipation.

Undeterred, much of the throng moved from Circular Quay to Martin Place in attempts to catch a glimpse of the singer. The sound of their squeals was present throughout the Sunrise broadcast, even when there was nothing Bieber-related going on! I have much sympathy for the poor police officers in charge of controlling the crowd!

Honestly, I haven’t seen scenes like this since Hanson’s heyday. I can’t say that I see Justin Bieber’s appeal, but clearly the kid’s got something!

Police have put a stop to Justin Bieber’s only public Australian appearance this morning following fears for the safety of his female fans.
Justin’s concert at the Overseas Passenger Terminal was scrapped in favour of a more controlled show at Sunrise Headquarters. His set was also downsized from three songs to one. Thousands had travelled from around Australia to attend the gig, and plenty camped out overnight in anticipation.
Undeterred, much of the throng moved from Circular Quay to Martin Place in attempts to catch a glimpse of the singer. The sound of their squeals was present throughout the Sunrise broadcast, even when there was nothing Bieber-related going on! I have much sympathy for the poor police officers in charge of controlling the crowd!
Honestly, I haven’t seen scenes like this since Hanson’s heyday. I can’t say that I see the appeal, but clearly the kid’s got something!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet @ Sydney Entertainment Centre, 23 April 2010

On Friday night I stepped back to the 80s for the Tears for Fears/Spandau Ballet show at Sydney’s Entertainment Centre. Thankfully despite the years that had passed since these monster acts last graced our shores, nothing much has changed. From the enthusiastic crowd reactions to the high quality of the bands, it was as if we’d all never left the decade that fashion forgot.

Jack Jones opened the show with a low-key, yet utterly compelling set. It’s no secret that I love acoustic music, and hearing the songs he made famous with Southern Sons in this raw way was just beautiful. With his long scraggy mo and similarly unkempt hair Jack is a far cry from the man I swooned over all those years ago, but his voice has lost nothing over the years. It’s still as pure and strong as it ever was, and hits like “Hold Me In Your Arms” and “You Were There” really showed off his pipes. It’s a shame there were so many empty seats. 7 pm is an early start time for a weekday show, but I have a feeling the people who missed him might kick themselves.

Tears for Fears followed Jack with an energetic, hit-packed set. Within the first four songs we’d already heard “Mad World,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Sowing The Seeds of Love,” so I was beginning to wonder what else was left! But they played much longer, and while I wasn’t as familiar with most of the latter half of the set it was all brilliant stuff. Their modern take on “Woman in Chains,” complete with a freakishly feminine sounding male back-up singer in Oleta Adams’ place, was particularly incredible, as was the big closer, “Shout.” I wasn’t a massive Tears for Fears fan in the 80s, but these guys have converted me. The voices of Roland Orzabel and Curt Smith have lost nothing over the years, and they’re performing with as much energy and musical prowess as I’d expect from performers many years their junior.

Continue reading “Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet @ Sydney Entertainment Centre, 23 April 2010” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flicks Confess Paramore Crush with New Single “Hayley”

Brisbane pop-punk act Flicks are back with their new single “Hayley.”

The fun track is an ode to Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams. It imagines what the Flicks lads would do if they ever scored a date with their dream woman. And apparently it has the seal of approval from Hayley Williams’ real life squeeze, Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory!

“It was funny, because we met her boyfriend backstage at their recent Brisbane show and he didn’t want to kill us for writing a song about his girlfriend!!” they said. No death is always a good thing!

The rocking tune was produced by Todd Morse (The Offspring, Juliette and the Licks) and mixed by Grant Wallis of Aneiki (anyone out there remember “Pleased to Meet You?”).

The band will play shows around Queensland in June to support the release of “Hayley.” The Brisbane quartet says we can expect an energetic set.

“We just love jumping around and getting in the crowd’s face. We spend along time practising making sure everything is perfect. We also enjoy terrible jokes.”

Check out Flicks at the following shows.

2 June 2010 – Charters Towers PCYC, Charters Towers (All Ages)
3 June 2010 – TBC, 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)
26 June 2010 – The Princess Theatre, Brisbane (All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Major Label Releases More Singles

Major Label, General Pants Co’s “singles only” record label, is going from strength to strength. Following the signing of three acts in March, Major Label has announced it will release three new singles next month.

Again, there’s a lovely eclectic mix of talent. The singles are “Love Me” from Sydney indie folk act Underlights, “Pairs” from Sydney progressive punksters Made in Japan, and “Hot Trash” from Brisbane indie-dance act Tin Can Radio.

These singles will be available to stream on the General Pants Co website and to purchase through selected online retailers, including iTunes, Amazon, Emusic, and Nokia.

Major Label’s first three acts – Guineafowl, Circle Pit, and High Highs – have all achieved significant support from radio and media following their signings. It’s great to see Major Label creating a buzz for these hot up and comers.

Remember, if you want to be considered for a Major Label release contact Henry Roberts of Peer Group Media or take your demo to any General Pants store.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gyroscope Slams Warner Over Greatest Hits Release

The lads from Gyroscope have lashed out at former record label Warner Music for releasing a greatest hits record without their consent or knowledge.

2008 ARIA Awards - Arrivals


The band only became aware of the release when fans alerted them through Facebook. They say the album does not represent value for money.

“The song selection, artwork and everything about this release has been done without consultation with the band,” they said. “Gyroscope are a band who have always put our fans first. In our opinion, the release of this album without consultation with the band, and without including any material from our new album Cohesion, does not represent good value for our fans.”

I’ve got to say I side with Gyroscope on this one. Material from a mere three albums does not a greatest hits make, particularly when the first two didn’t exactly set the world alight. Compare that to the latest disc which debuted at number 3 on the ARIA charts and you quickly realise this is no “best of” at all.

I think anyone who doesn’t already own all four discs would be better off filling the gaps in their collection than buying this greatest hits CD, but if you do want The Best Of Gyroscope you’ll find it in stores next week.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: “We Could Get Lost” by Mark Sholtez

When I first encountered Mark Sholtez some years ago he was supporting Human Nature. He was the sort of jazz artist I might expect to see in Las Vegas; I could tell he was good but he was also incredibly cheesy. Still, he must have been doing something right because I remember his name all those years later. And now he seems to have reinvented himself as a mellow singer-songwriter type. I must say, the makeover’s working for him. “We Could Get Lost” is the first taste of Mark’s upcoming album The Distance Between Two Truths. Mark penned the track with Iain Archer of Snow Patrol. I think this is gorgeous, and I can’t wait to hear more!