Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Galvatrons Studio Diary Dishes Dirt on "Laser Graffiti"

Retro rock fans everywhere are getting excited about the release of Laser Graffiti, the debut album from The Galvatrons next month. Today I received the band’s studio diary from Warner Music and was told I could share it with you all. It’s definitely whetted my appetite for the long-play!

Studio Diary for the making of Laser Graffiti Or When Keyboards try to be Guitars
Chapter 1 – Pre- Production, or how the bloody hell are we gonna do this?
The first week of December 2008 we spent doing pre‐ production for the album at Deluxe Studios in South Melbourne. During this time we met with great anticipation and trepidation our producer, Scott Horscroft. Scott previously worked with The Presets, The Panics, and silverchair, and we were keen to see what would come of our collaboration with this eccentric man (which for all descriptions he is …)

Scott flew down from Sydney for the week to get a vibe for what we wanted to do for the record, telling us his vibe, just a lot of vibing really in South Melbourne, which really has no vibe at all. Most of what we worked at was re‐ jigging structures for the songs, and where the extra bits would come into it. It was a fairly relaxed week, jamming in the studio live and getting the structure right for tracking. Notable was the writing of “Molotov Cocktail” during this time (the albums “party” track … maybe the chorus lyrics have something to do with that … moving on …)

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wes Carr's "Fearless" Film Clip Released

Wes Carr has finally released his hotly anticipated new video clip for third single “Fearless.” A Wes Carr song is always cause for celebration, but when it’s backed up by such a star-studded clip it’s worth another look. Watch out for Underbelly tough guys Matthew Newton and Vince Colosimo, Pia Miranda, Tim-O-Matic, and Wes’ girlfriend Charlotte Grieg in starring roles.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Sundancer" – The Fumes

sundancercover

The Fumes are back with their sophomore album Sundancer. I must admit, before Sundancer crossed my desk, I hadn’t heard of the incredible Aussie rock duo. But this might just be the album to open up the ears of the Australian public and get them the recognition they so richly deserve.

Tunes like “Who Do You Love” and “Python for a Pillow” are straight down-the-line Aussie rock, with thumping chords, growling vocals, and a much bigger sound than you’d expect from a two-piece. These songs have such great energy on the playback, I can only imagine how they’d go off live.

But it’s when The Fumes take a step away from the mainstream sounds that their music really takes off. That’s when they show they’re much more than another pub rock outfit, derivative of Rose Tattoo or AC/DC. They find their own voice in the bluesier, more soulful numbers. “Slay the Liar” and “Cuddle up the Devil” possess the kind of cock-sure defiance I haven’t heard since The Cruel Sea. Quieter songs like “High City Lights” and “Sundancer” are so striking in their sparseness, giving us time to take a breath and revel in their beauty. And “Psychedelic Warlord” is just as much fun as the name suggests.

Sundancer is the kind of disc that hooks you from the first spin and grows richer with every listen. What a rare find.

Image source: own scan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Reality TV Show in the Pipeline

The Veronicas are on the verge of signing up for their own MTV reality TV series. The documentary-style show will be a behind-the-scenes look at the Aussie twins’ international rise.

“I can’t say too much about it but if we do it we’d have to make it our way,” Lisa Origliasso told The Daily Telegraph. “We are not interested in doing some crappy staged thing just to get ourselves on TV. We have to be into it and it has to be a genuine reflection of our lives and who we are.”

The timing couldn’t be more perfect, with the girls kicking off the American leg of their Revenge is Sweeter tour in New York tomorrow.

But the United States isn’t the only nation in love with our dynamic duo. They nabbed the number 8 spot on the UK pop charts with “Untouched” this week.

Image source: Zuma Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rogue Traders Get a New Singer

Almost a year since Natalie Bassingthwaighte left the band, the Rogue Traders have found a new front person. James Ash updated fans with the news on an online blog last week, but said it was too early to name names.

“We kind of wanted to find someone ourselves; someone who didn’t come looking for us; someone who didn’t expect to be found,” he explained. “We looked everywhere – where you would expect, and where you certainly wouldn’t. It took a very long time. Naturally, once we found the right person, we knew instantly.”

James has spent the last year writing new songs, so it shouldn’t be too long before we hear some new Rogue Traders material.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Download Matt Walters' Folk Song for Free


I always get such a kick out of discovering new Aussie talent. The latest lad to cross my path and excite my ears is Matt Walters, a laidback folkster from southwest Victoria.

“Echo On” is the title track from Matt’s debut EP, which is set to drop in July. It’s indicative of this talented gent’s amazing sound, unadorned, acoustic, free of studio trickery, and utterly beautiful.

You can grab a free download of this stunning song by pointing your browser here. If you like what you hear, and you’re lucky enough to live in Melbourne or Sydney, make sure you catch Matt live at the following shows next month.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June 2009 – Birmingham Hotel, Melbourne
7, 14, 21, 28 June 2009 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q&A with Jeremy Wright of The Sundance Kids

The Sundance Kids are a band on the brink, earning rave reviews for their shows with End of Fashion and Evermore and preparing to release their debut album Fall Into Place in August. Bass guitarist Jeremy Wright took some time out from the tour to chat to me about the band’s wild ride.

You’re on the road with End of Fashion and Evermore at the moment. Are you excited about the shows?
Yeah, definitely. These are two amazing bands and we’re excited to share the stage with them every night! We’ve been cooped up in the rehearsal studio for months so we’re excited to be getting out and on the road!

What can music fans expect from your set?
We put a lot of ourselves into our performance. It’s pretty dynamic. Our main aim is to connect with people. And a little bit of crowd participation.

How do you win over people who may have come to your shows to see the other bands on the bill?
We like to hang out after shows and meet as many people as we can. So make sure you come and say hi!

This tour is massive. Where are you looking forward to visiting?
This week we’re looking forward to visiting the Big Pineapple. Actually, we’re keen to be anywhere that’s not flooded! The last two days of driving have been hectic, dodging flooded roads, missing bridges and fallen trees. But that just shows our dedication to the rock and roll cause!

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Releases EP in United States

Guy Sebastian has released his first music in the United States, a digitally-downloadable EP.

The three-track recording including new songs “All To Myself” and “Like It Like That” from Guy’s forthcoming album, also called Like It Like That, as well as his cover of “Take Me To The River” from the Memphis Album.

Like It Like That will be Guy’s first full-length album released in the United States. It is scheduled to hit stores in January 2010.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lily Allen to Appear on Neighbours

Massive Neighbours fan Lily Allen is heading to Ramsey Street. The British popette will film a guest role on the soapie while on tour in Australia next month.

Lily will make a cameo appearance as herself in a scene with Matt Werkmeister, who plays Zeke.

“I’m freaking out. I’ll be starstruck for sure but will try my hardest to stay professional!” said Matt. “I definitely want her autograph but will probably be too scared, so I’ll ask someone to get it for me.”

If Lily’s such a fan of the show, maybe they could just do a trade?

Image source: INF

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Whispering Jack is Back

As I’m sure you’ve all heard, Jack’s back. Mr Whispering Jack himself, John Farnham is “tired of being retired” so he’s hitting the road again.

Farnsy insists this isn’t a “comeback,” but said getting back on stage feels right now.

“I want to do this, I want to be on those stages because I really have missed it. Everything about it feels right just now,” he said.

This time around he’s getting up close and personal with his loyal fans, playing intimate venues and lots of them. Expect plenty of sing-along hits and a really good time. Tickets for the Live by Demand shows go on sale Monday June 15.

3-5, 7-9 September 2009 – Lyric Theatre @ Star City, Sydney
19 September 2009 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
24 September 2009 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
28-30 September 2009 – Lyric Theatre @ QPAC, Brisbane
8-10 October 2009 – Burswood Theatre, Perth
17 October 2009 – Barossa Under The Stars, Barossa Valley
19, 20, 22-24 October 2009 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne