Author: Lauren Katulka

Sydney’s Sienna Skies rock hard. I’ve just taken a listen to the track “Heartquake” from their debut album Truest of Colours, and I think it may have blown my head off. Of course, I have delicate pop-rock loving tastes! If you’re made of stronger stuff, click here to download the track for nix.

I’m sure Australian hardcore lovers are going to adore this local six-piece. They may have already seen them supporting acts like Haste the Day, Blessed by a Broken Heart, Behind Crimson Eyes, and The Getaway Plan.
Truest of Colours hits stores this Saturday, December 5. If you like Heartquake, make sure you check out the long play, or catch the band at one of the following live shows.

4 December 2009 – Bizzos, Carringbah
11 & 12 December 2009 – The Evelyn, Melbourne, VIC
19 December 2009 – Masonic Centre, Blacktown
31 December 2009 – Hot Damn @ Spectrum, Sydney

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Tomorrow night The Whitlams will take to the Sydney Opera House stage to perform the first of three very special shows. The iconic Australian band, backed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, will play its breakthrough album Eternal Nightcap in its entirety. These are The Whitlams’ only Sydney performances for the year, and considering Tim’s embarking on a solo career it could be the last time we’ll see them for quite a while.

I have one double pass to Saturday night’s final show at the Sydney Opera House to give away to an Oz Music Scene reader. To win, just leave a comment on this post and a valid e-mail address so I can contact you back. Since the show’s in a couple of days, I’ll be giving away the pass to the first commenter! Transport is the winner’s own responsibility, so please make sure you can get to the Sydney Opera House on December 5 before entering!

If you’re located in other states, you don’t have to miss out on the show. The Telstra BigPond Music website will stream the entire December 4 concert from 8 pm for music fans at home.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

It’s been a while since Sony has signed up not just the Australian Idol winner, but the runner-up. But Aussie music giant just couldn’t let Hayley Warner get away.

The 17-year-old rock chick has just signed on the dotted line with the local label. She’ll release her first single, the infectious rock anthem “Good Day,” on December 11.

“I am really stoked to be signing to Sony Music and to be able to make a record with these guys. Sony Music have the coolest acts ever!” Hayley said.

Once the single’s done and dusted she’ll start work on her debut album, which will hit stores early next year. They’re certainly not wasting any time with this one!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Brit electro-pop sensation La Roux will headline next year’s Bacardi Express. I wondered how they’d top last year’s headliners Groove Armada, and I guess I’ve got my answer!

”My band and I can’t wait to jump aboard the Bacardi Express.” La Roux enthused. “Four other Australian bands joining us on a train for 48 hours – it’s going to be a journey to remember!”

The tour will see 97 fans, and the bands and crew crammed into fifteen carriages for 48 hours of fun. On board entertainment caters for serious musos in the jam carriage, while budding guitar heroes can rock out in the gaming lounge. The Made to Mix carriage is a new addition this time around, where Bacardi Express artists will spin tunes as bartenders serve up Bacardi cocktails.

The travelling music festival is taking a different route this time around, winding its way for a series of free concerts from Brisbane to Sydney. The train will make stops in Coffs Harbour and Newcastle along the way.

Head to the Bacardi Express website to see how you can get on board with La Roux. While tickets are free, over 18s will need to win their place on this rocking tour. Registration opens on January 10 for the following shows.

25 March 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 March 2010 – venue TBC, Coffs Harbour – Venue TBC
27 March 2010 – Panthers, Newcastle
27 March 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

It seems like quirky French rockers Phoenix were only just here, but they’ve announced they’ll make a return visit in 2010.

The band will play four shows in support of their critically acclaimed album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Miami Horror will offer support on all dates. You can snap up your tickets for the following shows on December 10.

1 March 2010 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
2 March 2010 – Hordern Pavillion, Sydney
5 March 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
6 March 2010 – Belvoir Ampitheatre, Perth

Image source: ZUMA Press

The cover art for Stan Walker’s debut album, Introducing … Stan Walker, has been revealed. I really like it! There’s definitely a vintage vibe to it. It seems Sony are trying to style Stan along the lines of classic soul stars like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Only time will tell whether that approach buys him the cred he needs to survive in a post-Idol world, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed. That kid has so much raw talent, something tells me we still haven’t seen anywhere near his best.

Introducing … Stan Walker hits stores on December 11.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Those Short Stack boys continue to take Australia by storm. After three sell-out tours, including next month’s sold-out run, Short Stack have announced even more dates for next year.

The Stack is the New Black 2010 tour includes a very special show at the Sydney Opera House. What a way to close this tour!

“We want to give a large majority of Australia a chance to have to see us live by the end of 2010,” drummer and keyboardist Bradie Webb said. “If you haven’t seen our show yet, you can expect loud music, energetic fun and most importantly, the band of the future.”

The band is set to play all their hits from their number one album Stack is the New Black, including their latest single “Sweet December.”

Tickets go on sale on December 2. You know the drill. These shows will no doubt sell out like the last lot, so make sure you get in quick!

26 March 2010 – Challenge Stadium, Perth
27 March 2010 – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide
9 April 2010 – Tivoli, Brisbane
10 April 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
16 April 2010 – University of Canberra
17 April 2010 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
23 April 2010 – Panthers, Newcastle
24 April 2010 – Opera House, Sydney

Image source: Moved Accounts. @ Flickr