Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Pyke @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 27 February 2010

This weekend was busier than most for me; I saw George Michael live on Friday and on Saturday I caught Josh Pyke wrapping up his acoustic tour. While George Michael is at home entertaining the masses in a stadium, Josh Pyke seems made for intimate gigs like that I witnessed at Lizotte’s in Kincumber.

Before Josh even graced the stage I was in a good mood. While the busy restaurants at Sydney’s Fox Studios saw me grabbing a lukewarm pie at the football stadium on Friday, Lizotte’s treated us to a feast. Good wine was paired with delicious dishes like prawn and lobster tail ravioli and chicken breast supreme. I was already grinning from ear to ear when support act Russell Crawford began his set. I liked him instantly, a quirky singer songwriter delivering tunes on keyboards. Think Ben Folds without the angst. His music wasn’t especially challenging, but it was easy on the ear.

But Josh Pyke was the real attraction. When he stepped up the quiet chatter stopped and the room was transfixed. It’s always a treat to see a performer at Lizotte’s, a venue which holds no more than 100 lucky music fans. It takes intimacy to a new level, feeling more like a jam session amongst friends than a concert. Seeing Josh Pyke live makes you realise just how many hits he’s had. While he was still spruiking his latest disc Chimney’s Afire, his set also drew heavily from his breakthrough debut LP Memories & Dust. There were a couple of new tracks too, a hint at what’s next to come. He chatted easily with the crowd, joking with the girls singing along enthusiastically down the front and explaining the inspiration behind many of his songs.

I could not have asked to attend more different concerts this weekend; one a superstar performing on a grand scale, the other a more modest show in a stunning location. Just as I was glad to see George doing his thing on Friday, I am thrilled to have experienced Josh Pyke up close and acoustic at my favourite venue.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

General Pants Champions Singles with Major Label

General Pants has branched out into the world of music with its new singles only record label, Major Label.

The clothing retailer has celebrated the launch with the release of three tracks handpicked by the street-savvy chain’s staff. The singles are a real mixed bag. There’s the sweet folk-pop stylings of “Phone Call” from High Highs, the grittier garage sounds of “Another Trick” from Circle Pit, and the trippy electronic tune “In Our Circles” by Guineafowl.

The songs are available to stream through the General Pants website and to purchase at selected online retailers. But this is just the beginning, with the brand putting out its feelers to release plenty more exciting indie tracks. If you want to become a Major Label artist, contact Henry Roberts of Peer Group Media or take your demo to any General Pants store.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

George Michael @ Sydney Football Stadium, 26 February 2010

Australia has seen its fair share of disappointing comeback tours of late. There was lip-synching, lacklustre Britney. There was Whitney, who probably should have used a backing track. But on Friday night, George Michael bucked the trend to deliver one of the most entertaining concerts I’ve seen.

This was the concert I’ve waited my entire life for. He promised us early that he’d try to make up for lost time, and his greatest hits set was the perfect way to make amends for a 22-year absence. This wasn’t lip service; George Michael is a man who embraces both his past and present. He doesn’t shy away from Wham classics, performed in their original campy pop glory, or those early hits from the Faith album. As an 80s tragic I was on my feet to the energetic rendition of “I’m Your Man” and breathless at some of my favourite ballads, “A Different Corner,” “One More Try,” and “Father Figure.” I didn’t expect that they’d all make the set, let alone the first half of the show, and couldn’t wait to see what came after intermission.

The second half was generally more upbeat than the first, a celebration that seemed almost like a warm-up to Mardi Gras. George showed us that he’s got all the energy of a much younger man as he strutted the catwalk in cheeky police garb during “Outside.” “Amazing,” his dance tribute to partner Kenny Goss, was another highlight, as was the amped up version of “Spinning the Wheel.”

The encores were the perfect way to cap off an incredible night. Hearing him perform “Careless Whisper,” with its familiar saxophone riff and the lyrics I’ve sung into a hairbrush a thousand times, was one of the coolest moments of my life. “Freedom ’90” was a fitting closer, a number that saw us all singing loudly and waving our arms in the air in appreciation.

In comparison to other big name acts like Madonna and U2, George Michael’s show was remarkably low-key. There were no back-up dancers or pyrotechnics. The images projected onto big screens were simple. But the fact is, George doesn’t need any of that flash. His voice is still sublime. He oozes charm. And his back catalogue is incredibly strong. Sydney’s Football Stadium is a massive venue, but George managed to entertain every person inside it. George promised us early that he’d try to make up for lost time, and he did just that.

Image source: Yves Lorson @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with MM9’s Ben Ellingworth

MM9 are one of Australia’s most exciting new electronic rock outfits. To coincide with the release of their debut album The Air Between, the Sydney lads are about to embark on a national tour. I recently caught up with the band’s drummer and sample guru Ben Ellingworth to chat about the album, life on the road, and why he loves being on stage.


While you’ve got a loyal following, many Aussies may not be familiar with your music. How would you describe your sound?
Energetic, hard electro rock.

You’re about to release your debut LP The Air Between. What can you tell me about the album?
It’s a real progression in sound and style for us, and hopefully its the kind of record that reminds people why they went mental at the last MM9 show. It’s different from the previous releases but it’s not a complete departure.

The album was mixed by Mike Barbiero, who’s worked with some massive names like Guns N’ Roses and Metallica. What did he bring to your sound?
His attention and passion for what he does makes you realize why he has such an extensive discography including Anthrax, John Lennon, Thrice, Cypress Hill, Madonna; the list is ridiculous. The perfect blend of clarity and depth yet still keeping the energy of the raw live feel was amazing for us, he really captured an MM9 live show on record.

You’ve recorded a couple of EPs before this. How did that process prepare you for putting together the full-length album?
The first two EPs were both recorded quite differently, and I think we were very much still discovering what we really wanted to achieve. Every band has to spend a fair bit of time discovering their strengths, and with us it’s within the live show so with the full length album we really wanted to capture as much of the live energy of the band as possible.

As well as getting a lot better at pulling sounds, we all individually had a clear idea of what was needed to get the sounds from our amps, drums etc. Dan (who co-produced along with all his other duties) has gained so much experience over the past few years with all his remix/production work as well as mixing previous MM9 Releases had such a clear vision for sounds. There was very little in the way of editing with this album and I think that helped maintain the live element.

Originally there was the option to go over to the States and be there for the mix, but a sudden shift in the Aussie dollar changed things quite a bit. Files had to be sent back and forth with all of us receiving e-mails up to five times a day with different versions, and everything had to be orchestrated in order for the changes to be made correctly. That was a whole new experience for us. It really helped us learn how to articulate what we wanted from our music.
Continue reading “Q & A with MM9’s Ben Ellingworth” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I’m Back!

Due to circumstances beyond my control, my former blog Oz Music Scene was shut down. And so I’m starting anew here at Sounds of Oz. It’s a little scary navigating the tech side of things now, but I’m getting there.

While the name might have changed, the philosophy remains the same. I simply want to celebrate the fantastic music of Australia in all its forms. That willingness to embrace all genres and sounds is rare in the blogosphere. Personally I think you’ll find just as many gems on commercial radio as underground internet stations. I hope to keep you updated on the artists that matter to you, and to introduce you to some new favourites along the way.

If you were an Oz Music Scene reader, I’m glad you found me again. Your support means a great deal, and I hope you enjoy my new home here. If you’re a first time reader, I hope you like what you see and visit often. To everyone, settle in and enjoy the ride!

Image source: Loserlady @ stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Retro House Act Black Box Announce Quickie Aussie Tour

2010 may go down in history as the year of nostalgia tours. Following announcements that Spandau Ballet, Tears for Fears, Huey Lewis and the News, Backstreet Boys, and Whitney Houston are heading our way comes word that Black Box will join them.

I haven’t heard a lot about Black Box in recent years. In fact, I haven’t even given them a passing thought. But promoters are hoping that fans will remember their cover of “Fantasy” and the smash hit “Ride on Time.” If you don’t, here’s the video to refresh your memory.

The venues are small, so this might just be a sell out!

7 March 2010 – Market Hotel, Melbourne
13 March 2010 – Function and Convention Centre, Sydney
14 March 2010 – Workers Club, Revesby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassie Davis Don't Wanna Dance Live in Canberra

I must admit, I’m suffering from my mid-week slump a little early this week. Mondays always make it hard to get moving, and it seems Tuesday hasn’t been much better. What I need is a little music to lift my spirits!

The high-energy sounds of Cassie Davis have hit the spot. She recorded this track, ironically titled “Don’t Wanna Dance” as it makes me want to do just that, in front of Parliament House on Australia Day. Word is that this rocking tune may be Cassie’s next single, although it hasn’t been confirmed as yet. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas @ Hope Estate, 13 February 2010

I have been a Rob Thomas fan for almost half my life. I have never missed a tour, so you can bet that when he announced he was bringing his Cradlesong shows Down Under I was first in the queue to get tickets.

But as the day approached I began to get a little nervous. The unsettled weather we’d experienced in the past week filled me with dread, as did the grey skies I saw as we made the drive out to Hope Estate.

But I was determined not to let anything dampen my good mood. I was seeing Rob Thomas after all. But before that, it was time for Ryan Meeking and the Few to take the stage. I was so excited to see this band after falling in love with their EP Night Owls. What a shame that after just a handful of songs those heavens opened up, putting an abrupt end to their set.

And didn’t it rain. I had never truly been soaked to the skin before, but now I know what that phrase means. The water was everywhere, in our bags, all through our clothes. Boy I felt for those poor folks in general admission who were told they couldn’t bring in chairs! But as they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. An experience like that sees you chatting to perfect strangers and funnily enough, still smiling.
Continue reading “Rob Thomas @ Hope Estate, 13 February 2010” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Valentine's Day!

It’s February 14th, and you know what that means. Love is in the air! Or at least, that’s what Hallmark and Cadbury would like you to believe. Personally, I believe you should show the ones you love how much you care every day, but I don’t mind a day that’s all about extra kisses and some cheesy love songs. This one by our own John Paul Young is one of the cheesiest. I really wish I could have tracked down that tragic music video released around the time Strictly Ballroom came out for full effect, but it was not to be. So here’s the original clip with JPY and much hair.

Enjoy, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Unrequited" – Bec Plath

Sometimes the best things come in the simplest packages. I must admit, the rather amateurish cover of Bec Plath’s EP Unrequited didn’t grab me when it arrived on my desk. But then I put it in my stereo, and instantly I was hooked.

Just like the cover, this music isn’t polished by a studio, which is exactly why it’s so compelling. As an independent artist, Bec Plath can express herself freely, wearing her heart on her sleeve and writing songs that are intensely raw. The result is an eclectic mix, and one that leaves me wanting more.

“Polka Dots” has a playful jazz piano feel which calls to mind Regina Spektor or Tori Amos. The title track which follows is much angrier, a big tune that wouldn’t sound out of place on Pat Benatar or Heart album. Those influences are there, but it never sounds like Bec is trying to be anyone else. Instead she easily inhabits the space vacated by strong female singers that came before.

Unrequited hit me in a deeply personal way. It’s that sort of rare CD which you don’t just happily sing along to, you feel. Bec Plath has a very beautiful gift, and I’m thrilled she shared it with me.

Image source: iTunes