Author: Lauren Katulka

One of my favourite concerts this year was Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, and The Frames performance at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Sydney Festival. So I’m thrilled to see the artists known as The Swell Season are heading back to our shores.

Propelled to super-stardom thanks to the Oscar-winning success of their indie film Once, the artists have remained fiercely independent and utterly compelling. Seeing them live is a profoundly moving experience.

Their latest Australian visit coincides with the release of their new album, Strict Joy, which is in stores now. The band will play the Byron Bay Bluesfest and intimate sideshows in the following capital cities.

25 March 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
31 March 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
5 April 2010 – Opera House, Sydney

Image source: Newscom

As part of its efforts to support Australian musicians, Tooheys Extra dry has revealed its latest and greatest competition. Called The Lab, the comp will see one up-and-coming Aussie fly to New York to collaborate with Mark Ronson, Santigold, Nick Hodgson of Kaiser Chiefs, Sean Lennon, John Taylor of Duran Duran and members of The Dap-Kings.

“We’re going to get some very talented people,” said Mark Ronson. “Then, add the wealth of experience of the artists we’re collaborating with, plus me producing it, it almost seems like it’s scientifically engineered to create the best song possible.”

That song will become the soundtrack for next year’s Tooheys Extra Dry: The Lab advertising campaign. The winner’s journey will also be filmed for a fly-on-the-wall documentary, which will be released next March. With all that promotion, the winner is bound to become a household name.

If you want that lucky musician to be you, head to the Tooheys Extra Dry: The Lab website for all the details. But don’t delay. Bands and solo artists need to register their interest before November 18.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Tin Alley have hit the ARIA Charts with the release of their new single “Out of Control.” The song’s sitting at number 43 on the ARIA singles charts and number 7 on the ARIA Australian singles charts in its debut week. The song’s also topped the Top 40 and Rock Singles charts at BigPond Music.

“Out of Control” marks a comeback of sorts for the band, who hit the airwaves with “In Your Hands” in 2007. It was recorded earlier this year with acclaimed music producer Stuart Stuart (The Veronicas, Small Mercies). It’s just a taste of what’s to come, with the band preparing to release a five-track EP, Crossing Paths, in December. In the EP, the band draws on their experiences dealing with drummer Peter Hofbauer’s motorcycle accident. He was admitted to intensive care with internal bleeding, head damage, and a broken clavicle. It sounds like a hairy experience which should make for some pretty intense tunes.

Ahead of the EP release, Tin Alley will play the following pub shows around their home state of Victoria.

12 November 2009 – The Espy, Melbourne
13 November 2009 – The Yahoo Bar, Shepparton
14 November 2009 – Newmarket Hotel, Bendigo
22 November 2009 – Cusion Lounge, Melbourne

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Aussie ex-pats Pendulum are returning home for a handful of club dates and festival appearances over the Christmas period.

The concert dates will give local music fans the first taste of Pendulum’s latest album, the follow-up to the chart smash In Silico. The as yet untitled CD is slated for a summer 2010 release.

The original trio – Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, and Paul “El Hornet” Harding will play seven dates with MC Verse. The shows include appearances at BBQ Beats, Summadayze, and a special New Years Eve show at Sydney’s Luna Park.

It’s the Perth band’s first trip home since their massive sets at this year’s Big Day Out tour. Considering the enthusiastic reaction then, you’ll want to snap up tickets to these shows quick smart.

18 December 2009 – Brown Alley, Melbourne
19 December 2009 – Halo, Hobart
26 December 2009 – Metro City, Perth
30 December 2009 – Phat, Nelson
31 December 2009 – Luna Park, Sydney
1 January 2010 – Summadayze, Adelaide
1 January 2010 – BBQ Beats, Brisbane

Image source: Newscom

Starlight Theatre’s debut EP True Love Stories Never Have Endings is one addictive recording. I listened to it four times straight this morning and still didn’t get my fill. Of course, part of that is its brief length. With the four tracks clocking in at around the four-minute mark, it really is over before you know it. But once the silence set in, I was ready to go again.

If I had any criticism of the EP, it’s that the songs are a little samey. Yet when each tune is this much fun, I don’t really mind the lack of variety. I’d hope to see more light and shade in an album, but the formula works fine for a quickie EP. The melodic rock tunes compel you to punch your fists in the air, while the synthesizers add just a dash of retro flair. The energy levels are turned up to eleven, making me wonder just how hard these guys would rock in the live arena.

True Love Stories Never Have Endings is seriously compelling, and like all good EPs, it leaves me wanting more.

Image source: Starlight Theatre MySpace page

Ahead of an official announcement, Carole King told members of her mailing list that she’ll team up with long-time friend James Taylor for a world tour next year. The good news for Australian fans is that the music icons plan to start the tour Down Under.

The pair has been considering the double act since playing together at the Troubadour reunion shows in 2007. Their historic Troubadour Reunion tour will kick off in Australia next March before reaching the United States in May.

Dates are yet to be finalised, but we can expect the official announcement sometime soon. I can’t wait. I saw Carole King on her Living Room tour a few years ago and was floored. Add James Taylor to the bill and you’ve got the recipe for one amazing night of music.

Image source: Newscom

Last year’s uncharTED winners Here Come the Birds are back with their brand new single, “Cigarettes.”

The track, which was recorded under the guidance of hot new producer Adrian Karvinen, features an infectious bass line, catchy guitar licks, and a groove which makes you want to move! The track is the first taste of the band’s sophomore release, which is due for an early 2010 release.

To celebrate the release, the lads will play The Cambridge Hotel in their hometown of Newcastle on November 20, and Sydney’s Club 77 on November 27. Fans in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide should keep an eye on the band’s MySpace page as dates there are soon to be announced.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Queensland will host a brand new music festival featuring some killer local and international acts next March. The impressive bill for The Lost Weekend already includes Dinosaur Jr, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Little Birdy, Tumbleweed, Whitley, and The Drones, and we can expect more announcements to come!

You’ll find the festival less than an hour out of Brisbane in stunning natural forests and parklands. The natural beauty of the area promises to be the perfect backdrop for this brilliant festival.

To help you enjoy the festivities a little better, all tickets include complimentary camping passes. The grounds are named at some of Brisbane’s most beloved music acts. Stay in Regurgitatorville or Custard Central! Both sites have six amenities blocks with flushing toilets and showers, a welcome relief for those girly music fans like myself! Powered sites are also available for those who want to camp in luxury.

The Lost Weekend takes place from Friday March 5 to Sunday March 7. Two-day and three-day passes are available now through the Lost Weekend website, Moshtix, Rocking Horse Records, Butter Beats, Kill The Music, and The Music Shop.

Image source: Sanja Gjenero @ Stock.xchng

Retro indie rockers Pavement and Dinosaur Jr will headline next year’s fourth annual Golden Plains festival.

Australia will be one of the first places in the world treated to a performance from the newly reformed Pavement, who called it quits in 1999. Expect a similarly enthusiastic response to the return of Dinosaur Jr, who haven’t visited our shores since 2007, two years after their own reformation.

The iconic bands will join a host of top local and international acts including Midnight Juggernauts, Tam Impala, The Cruel Sea, Dirty Projectors, and The Big Pink on the bill.

Golden Plains will hit Victoria’s Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre on March 6, 7, and 8 next year. Head to the Golden Plains website to sign up for the ticket ballot.

Image source: Newscom