Sounds of Oz

Posted on 15/03/201016/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Danimals Release “Fox” From The Lab Recording Sessions

I’ve been waiting with bated breath to see what would come of Danimals’ dream recording sessions in New York courtesy of The Lab, and now I can hear for myself.

“Fox” is the result of a week spent writing in the Dap Kings’ Dunham Studios in Brooklyn and another week recording at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. Mark Ronson and TV On The Radio’s Dave Sitek added the finishing touches on the tune. If you want to learn more about the process, check out the behind-the-scenes videos at TEDthelab.com.

You can have a listen to the track below and if you love it, download it. If you’re one of the first 5000 to download the song, you’ll go in the draw to win one of 20 Numark PT01 Portable Turntables and an autographed 7 inch Danimals single. Free music and the chance to win some great prizes sounds like awesome incentive to me!

Fox by TEDTheLab.com

Image source: TED The Lab

Posted on 15/03/201015/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Oh! Hark! It’s a New Lisa Mitchell Video!

After my musings about whether Lisa Mitchell and other female singer-songwriters sang like little girls, many readers might have thought I was being a bit mean. I’m determined to make amends, so I wanted to share with you Lisa’s latest film clip.

“Oh! Hark!” was one of my favourite cuts from Wonder. It felt like it had stepped out of a vintage album with its jangling instrumentation and rollicking chorus. This music video doesn’t exactly fit the song’s retro vibe, but I’ve learned by now that Lisa is never predictable. Case in point; here we get to see Lisa bust a move! This is a lot kookier than any choreographed routine I’ve seen of late, which is exactly why I love it!

Posted on 14/03/201014/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Do Our Singer Songwriters Sound Like Little Girls?

On reading my review of Angus & Julia Stone’s latest disc Down the Way a friend asked me whether I could write an article on the phenomenon of young Australian women who sing like little girls.

My immediate response was to come to the defence of the women he mentioned. They’ve created some of my favourite albums in recent years. But the more I thought about it, the more I had to admit that he was on to something.

There are definite similarities between the voices of many of our local female singer-songwriters, Julia Stone, Lisa Mitchell, Sarah Blasko et al. There’s a certain breathiness about their delivery, an almost squeakiness about their sound. I think it’s more flattering to compare them to classic artists like Melanie Safka than little girls, but the fact remains that we have a lot of women who seem to sound the same.

I wonder, do record companies see they’re onto a good thing and decide to strike while the iron’s hot, signing up as many sound-alikes as they can? Does it come from local artists influencing others in their niche? Or is it all simply a coincidence?

Image source: Dazza17 @ Flickr

Posted on 14/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

John Williamson Recruits Stars for Greatest Hits Album

Kasey Chambers, Shannon Noll, and Russell Crowe are amongst the stars who’ve lent their voices to Absolute Greatest – 40 Years True Blue, a John Williamson greatest hits album set to hit stores next weekend.

The first disc features John’s most iconic songs including his first chart topper “Old Man Emu,” “Rip Rip Woodchip,” and “Home Among the Gumtrees.” Disc two sees other notable Aussies reinterpreting John Williamson classics, including James Reyne taking on “Chandelier of Stars,” Wendy Matthews singing “Flower on the Water,” and John’s daughter Ami playing “Truckie’s Wife.”

“Organising all those people was a bit like trying to get the horses lined up at the barrier,” John told The Sunday Telegraph.

I think it’s probably worth the effort though. Greatest hits collections are never much of a drawcard for enthusiasts who’ve probably got all the big tracks at home already. The covers should attract those country diehards, while those who’ve never bought a John Williamson album can now get all the hits in one place.

Posted on 13/03/201012/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Julian Casablancas Takes World Tour to Australia

Julian Casablancas is preparing to make his first solo journey Down Under. The lead singer of The Strokes will visit Oz for an East Coast tour this May.

The tour comes on the back of Julian’s acclaimed solo album Phrazes for the Young. He’s taken this album tour to England, Europe, North America, and Japan, so we should expect a pretty polished show!

You can expect these tickets to sell like proverbial hotcakes, so make sure you get yours from Ticketek early. Frontier Touring Members can get theirs at noon AEDT on March 17 ahead of the general sale at 9 am on March 23.

Julian Casablancas performs at Le Bataclan club, Paris

6 May 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
7 May 2010 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
9 May 2010 – Metro Theatre, Sydney

Posted on 12/03/201013/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Would You Raise Your Hands for the Rogue Traders?

“Would You Raise Your Hands?”, the new single from the new look Rogue Traders hit radio this morning. The glam-inspired electro tune is the second track the band has released with new lead singer Mindi Jackson.

I must admit, I wasn’t sure how the Rogue Traders would replace Natalie Bassingthwaighte. But after watching the band perform on breakfast TV recently I’ve changed my tune. Mindi put her own stamp on the band’s back catalogue, performing with plenty of energy and flair. She’s more than simply a great performer though, as she co-wrote many of the tracks on the band’s upcoming release Night of the Living Drums. The album will hit record stores this June.

To celebrate the new single the Rogue Trader’s will play a very special one-off launch show at Star City’s Lyric Theatre on April 10. You can expect to get a sneak peek of the album, plus hear all your old favourites. Tickets are available for the all-ages show through Ticketmaster now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on 11/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone

One of the best things about writing this blog is the music I have access to. Angus & Julia Stone’s sophomore effort Down the Way hits stores tomorrow, but I’ve already had a week or so to let this beautiful music wash over me.

Beautiful is the word that I keep coming back to with this album. It truly is a thing of beauty, whether the tracks are delicate and unadorned or lush tapestries of sound. Down the Way has both kinds of songs and they help to support one another, taking us on a journey that’s been two years in the making.

It’s an easy journey, relaxed and comforting. The songs are gentle but passionate, obviously crafted with love. They sneak up on you too, easing underneath your skin with every listen. There are no obvious singles, although the gorgeous “And The Boys” has been selected as the album’s first. That’s a strength though; rather than an album mixed with show ponies and fillers we have a record that’s a truly cohesive body of work. That’s surprising considering songs were recorded everywhere from Cornwall to Coolangatta, but it’s a credit to the band.

“For You” is my favourite song at the moment, although with an album like this that’s always subject to change. Right now though, the understated piano and deeply emotive lyrics are striking a chord. “Black Crow” feels like it could have been written thirty years earlier, with Angus’ easy folk voice and its mellow grooves. “Draw Your Swords” is an epic number, and I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion than the gorgeous “The Devil’s Tears.”

Down The Way is the ideal soundtrack for lazy Sundays and quiet nights in. It will hit Australian record stores tomorrow ahead of the UK and European release on March 15 and the North American release on March 30.

Posted on 11/03/2010 by Lauren Katulka

DJ El Devine Joins Bacardi Express Off the Rails Tour

DJ El Devine will join Art vs Science on the upcoming Bacardi Express Off the Rails sideshow tour. El Devine, aka Elliot Devine, was handpicked from hundreds of entries received through inthemix.com.au.

“I’d like to throw a massive thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me in the Bacardi Express competition,” said El Devine. “It’s a great opportunity and I promise I’ll make the most out of it. I can’t wait to warm-up the crowds for Art vs Science, and expect that the shows in Perth, Adelaide and Albury will be completely off the hook.”

El Devine went the extra mile with shameless promotions and this clever campaign video, leaving the other 20 finalists in his wake. The Bacardi Express Off the Rails show will hit the following venues with great music and exclusive Bacardi mojitos. Listen out to Nova in Perth and Adelaide and Star FM in Albury to win your way into the shows!

11 March 2010 – Paddington Ale House, Perth
12 March – Live, Adelaide
13 March – Paddy’s, Albury

Image source: inthemix.com.au

Posted on 10/03/201020/05/2016 by Lauren Katulka

Discover The Delta Riggs

You may not have heard of The Delta Riggs yet, but you need to. With their frills free, back to basics approach to music, they’re like a breath of fresh air on the contemporary landscape.

The Blue Mountains based rockers are about release their debut EP, simply titled The Delta Riggs EP, and a companion 7 inch single “Soul Train.” Oh how refreshing to find an act releasing a 7 inch! To save dusting off your record player though, you can actually get “Soul Train” for free in modern MP3 format by right-clicking this link.

Trust me, you want to click this link. The intro reminded me of The Spencer Davis Group, the vocals are like Gavin Degraw with stacks more grit, but no comparisons really do these guys justice. You just need to hear them! And if you like what you hear, you need to see them live. Catch The Delta Riggs at the following shows.

11 March 2010 – Old Manly Boat Shed, Sydney
13 March 2010 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
14 March 2010 – Secret Garden Festival, Camden
20 March 2010 – Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
1 April 2010 – Hotel Gearin, Blue Mountains (Residency)
3 April 2010 – Park Hotel, Bathurst
15 April 2010 – Hotel Gearin, Blue Mountains (Residency)
16 April 2010 – World Bar, Sydney
22 April 2010 – Hotel Gearin, Blue Mountains (Residency)
29 April 2010 – Hotel Gearin, Blue Mountains (Residency)

Both The Delta Riggs EP and “Soul Train” 7” vinyl will be released on March 26. The EP will be available through iTunes and independent record stores, with the vinyl is available through the Delta Riggs website. Both EP and vinyl will be sold at the shows too, which is even more incentive to catch the gigs!

Image used with permission from Andy Kent & Associates