1 August 2014
Here’s something you probably already know but I am going to tell you anyway – Vance Joy has given his fans some great news by announcing details of his debut album. Titled Dream Your Life Away, the album is due to hit stores September 5.
1 August 2014
2 Tone ska revival band The Selecter will mark their 35th anniversary with a tour of our fine country. The original line-up only lasted a short time. Their second run lasted a lot longer, from 1991 to 2006.
1 August 2014
Last year saw Sydneysider Jonathan Boulet ship off to Germany. The move worked for him, as he returns with album number three in Gubba. According to the presser: “Gubba is entirely self-produced and bludgeons like a doom record sped up to garage-punk tempos. Gubba is faster, heavier and more direct than its predecessors. Gubba is pop music with a scummy outer later.” NSC – August 15.
31 July 2014
Her father, Horacio Molina, is a successful Tango singer and composer; her mother an actress and music lover, so it is little surprise that Juana followed in the creative footsteps of her parents. Juana was a comedic television actress in Argentina before devoting her time to music. She has released six albums, including her latest, 2013’s Wed 21. Her music covers everything from electro to folk to jazz. Thornbury Theatre – September 26.
31 July 2014
If you had the pleasure of catching the exceptionally talented and beautiful Melody Pool and her perfectly paired partner-in-crime, NZ’s Marlon Williams, at Geelong’s Beav’s Bar last week, then you’ll know their chemistry on stage is quite unique and rather enchanting. The coming together of two such musically in tune artists seems like kismet. Melody and Marlon possess the ability to harmonise and complement each other, while at the same time never overshadowing one another.
31 July 2014
Australia receiving US content within hours of its US screening is something fans of the hotly anticipated Gotham series will be pinning their hopes on. Created by Bruno Heller (The Mentalist) and based on characters appearing in DC Comics, Gotham is making people very, very excited. Well, it looks as though its US debut is Monday, September 22, sharing its premiere with the second series of Sleepy Hollow.
30 July 2014
It would seem there is a lot of love (perhaps like) for Josh Thomas and his series Please Like Me. As you may well know, the second series is due to begin August 12 (9.30 p.m. on ABC2). It has also been commissioned for a third series, which is not bad at all for a show that received mixed reviews upon its debut. Please Like Me also received a screening at the Series Mania Television Festival in Paris.
30 July 2014
Seen You Before, the debut release for now Melbourne songstress Ree Nay, has some blissful pop melodies that are orchestrated through the glittery piano on the title track. From there, the sweeping tremolo of the electric guitar and full band take shape on the rest of these songs. The result of many years on the road travelling around performing extensively throughout the UK, Seen You Before has many delicate and sparse sounds to it.
30 July 2014
Deadline has reported that Alec Baldwin is set to appear in the fifth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Sometimes overshadowed by his personal problems, Baldwin will apparently play the head of the CIA and the man in charge of seeing Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) IMF operations. Baldwin is also set to appear in an untitled football drama starring Will Smith.
29 July 2014
It can feel pretty good to be number one. It looks as though Aussies are going to be the first (or at least among the first) to hear some new tunes from the partnership of Detroit-based Guilty Simpson and Sydney-bred Katalyst. The two have previously worked together on the Quakers EP, but a very hush-hush full-length album has been in the works. That one is due next year. Laundry Bar – August 8.
29 July 2014
Step aside The Voice, as another music competition has rejoined the ranks and are about to splash around some great prizes. The Melbourne Music Bank is back for another year, thanks to the folks at the Bank of Melbourne. If you’re a Victorian songwriter or musician, all you have to do is submit an original piece of music inspired by Melbourne before September 7.
29 July 2014
There are so many amazing sights and activities in the world, obviously – from the best places to enjoy a macaroon in Paris (Angelina near the Louvre is amazing, and although there are always queues to eat in, you can buy pieces from the side store!) to hiring a convertible mustang to drive the route 66 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles ($50 per person for one day hire).
29 July 2014
Not only has Sydney band Gangs of Youth secured a support gig with Foster the People on their Splendour sideshows, but they have also announced a mini headline tour. The tour supports the release of the video for ‘Poison Drum’, the latest single from the lads which is doing all sorts of good on triple j. Talk about a tough job, with the band taking to L.A. to shoot the video. NSC – August 14.
29 July 2014
If you have a look at the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society webpage or newsletter, you will find an entry describing their “Eternal Patron”, Dutch Tilders. Many organisations have a patron, but this is the only example I have ever come across of an Eternal Patron. Immediately, you think that this must be something special.
29 July 2014
Despite blockbusters around us, there remain other films causing just as much talk. One such being the Michel Keaton project Birdman. Described as a “meta dark comedy”, Birdman stars Keaton as a washed-up actor who once played the iconic superhero of the film’s title. Variety has reported that the film is set to open the Venice Film Festival. A clip is available online if you are curious.
28 July 2014
After almost 50 years in the music business, Russell Morris is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance, with his last two albums reaching numbers six and four on the ARIA charts respectively. It’s all thanks to throwing a bit of caution to the wind and getting back to his roots, says the 65-year-old Victorian.
28 July 2014
In what will be their first headlining run since 2010, British metalcore outfit Architects have lined up a handful of dates that kick off at the end of next month. Dubbed the Let the Ocean Take Me tour, the run of shows will cast an eye on their recent album, Lost Forever // Lost Together. The album is the band’s sixth studio release since their formation in 2004. Not a bad effort at all. Festival Hall – August 31 & The Corner – September 1.
28 July 2014
The word ‘Freedom’ means different things to different people. It can be somewhat ambiguous and open to interpretation, but always elicits an emotional response. With that in mind, it seems the perfect choice of title for Geelong’s very own interstellar libertarians’ sophomore album. “Everybody has the opportunity, especially in this country, to be free – to live free and to have free thoughts,” affirmed The Space Keys’ TJ Richardson (vox and bass).
26 July 2014
When it comes time for you to make the jump from beginner status to intermediate, the first thing you’re probably going to consider is buying an acoustic piano. When you come back down to Earth and realize how expensive and space-consuming that is, you’ll be in the market for an affordable 88-key digital keyboard. The only problem with these is that they can be expensive too, which is why we’re taking a look at one of the more affordable 88-key digital piano options in this Yamaha P35 review.
26 July 2014
Fractures’ debut release is one of those collections of songs that feel like you should be experiencing a life-affirming moment alongside it. Mark Zito’s soothing vocals harmonise perfectly with the airy and atmospheric guitar that’s scattered throughout the eight songs. ‘Embers’ encompasses the perfect build and sets up the debut EP in a way that not many achieve. Zito’s vocals are perfectly balanced with the steady drumbeat and guitar.
26 July 2014
The global eruption of Australian-bred pop-rock outfit 5 Seconds of Summer has been a long time coming. Splinters was first introduced to the compelling four-piece at the beginning of 2013 as they supported boyband One Direction during their UK tour. What was most interesting about this gig was that the Aussie quartet proved to deliver so much quality entertainment that they virtually eclipsed One Direction’s own show with their bravado, talent and charm.
25 July 2014
Having toured with the likes of James Vincent McMorrow, Big Scary and First Aid Kit, before indulging in The Sleeper, the sophomore release for Caitlin Park, I was already impressed. Released in May, this album has been kicking around for a few months and was featured quite heavily on many media outlets. ‘Wake Up in a Whirr’ features thundering drum percussion and silky smooth vocal harmonies that to my ear draws comparisons to Thelma Plum in her vocal melodies and song arrangement.
25 July 2014
In less than a month one of the most exciting Australian heavy metal releases in years will hit the shelves – and I’m not talking about a new AC/DC album. The documentary Metal Down Under: A History of Australian Heavy Metal will be released on DVD – and it looks like it’ll be amazing. Metal fan and filmmaker Nick Calpakdjian took two years to travel this wide land to interview more than 40 people in the know including metal musicians, fans and metal media.
25 July 2014
Pretty City is bringing the balls back to Australian rock ’n’ roll. Most recently, the band has just released their latest single ‘Roll On’. With blues-influenced psychedelic riffs, it is a positive sign of what is to come from the group on their debut album which is set to be released by the end of the year. When we sat down to chat with Hugh Matthews, he was getting amped for their support set for Stonefield at the Gasometer that night.
