Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Xavier Rudd Receives Ocean Conservation Award

Australian blues and roots artist Xavier Rudd is the recipient of this year’s Rock the Boat Award. The title is awarded to a musician who supports the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in their efforts to defend and protect marine wildlife.

Xavier has been an ardent supporter of the cause for years. He has flown the sea Shepherd Jolly Roger flag on stage to raise awareness, and encouraged fans to support the cause. In his most recent North American tour, he partnered with Sea Shepherd to place outreach tables at each location around the country. The song “Better People” from his album White Moth acknowledges the group’s work. Its music video also utilises Sea Shepherd footage.

The award was first presented to the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2007. Xavier is the second recipient of the award.

Image source: Miho @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brendan Gallagher back with Second Solo Effort

Karma County’s frontman Brendan Gallagher is back with his brand new solo album, Tooraloo & Tender.

His second solo release features 11 new songs and a cover of Van Morrison’s “One Irish Rover.” Amongst the new classics sits the album’s first single “Try, Try Again,” which is featured in the upcoming Australian film Subdivision.

There’s a self-assured ease that comes from listening to the music of a performer who’s notched up more than 30 years in the biz. Brendan Gallagher knows how to craft a beautifully intimate song, and he does it time and time again on this release.

Tooraloo and Tender will be released on September 12 through Inertia Music. If you can’t wait that long, you can snag the digital download through iTunes on August 22. If you like what you hear, make sure you catch Brendan doing his thing in the flesh on his Tooraloo & Tender tour.

1 Oct 2009 – Vanguard, Sydney (with His Tender Chaps & Steph Cherote)
8 Oct 2009 – Old Bar, Melbourne (solo with Abbie Cardwell)
17 Oct 2009 – Royal Exchange, Newcastle (solo with Steph Cherote)
22 Oct 2009 – Gold Coast Arts Centre, Surfers Paradise (solo with Paul Greene)
24 Oct 2009 – Cock’n’Bull Hotel, Lismore (solo)

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luke Steele Records with Jay-Z

Empire of the Sun are destined for big things in the US thanks to rapper Jay-Z. The band’s singer Luke Steele has recorded vocals for “What We Talkin’ About,” a track from Jay-Z’s forthcoming album Blueprint 3.

The rapper apparently sought out the Australian vocalist after hearing the band’s latest single, “Standing On the Shore,” on the hit program Entourage. He loved the song, and got his people to talk to talk to Empire of the Sun’s people.

Luke is one of many guest vocalists on the recording, which also includes appearances from Rihanna, Kanye West, and MGMT. It sounds like an album that people are going to pay attention to, which can only be good news for this Aussie success story.

Image source: Stusev @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fleetwood Mac Australian Dates Leaked

Fleetwood Mac fans may want to keep the following dates free in their social calendar. While no official Australian tour announcement has been made, the dates below showed up on the band’s MySpace page.

It’s believed that Fleetwood Mac will tour Australia after their European tour leg. From there the legendary rock outfit will travel to New Zealand.

Here are the all important dates and venues!

1 & 2 December 2009 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
5 December 2009 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
7 & 8 December 2009 – Acer Arena, Sydney
11 & 12 December 2009 – Members Equity, Perth
15 & 16 December 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image source: Weatherman90 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack Impress MySpace Fans

Central Coast teens Short Stack have been voted the most popular band by New South Wales MySpace users. The Aussie trio beat out international sensations Taylor Swift (2), Lily Allen (5), Beyonce (6) and Lady Gaga (7) for the title.

Other local acts making waves in the poll include Perth hard rockers Karnivool, folk chanteuse Lisa Mitchell, and hip-hop outfit Bliss n Eso.

While Taylor Swift took the top spot in Queensland and Victoria, all states showed a strong preference for homegrown talent, with Australian artists making up more than a quarter of the favourites.

Image source: Haylie Jaed @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll's a Dirty Rocking Scoundrel

Shannon Noll is living up to his tag as one of the hardest-working men on the Aussie music scene. He hasn’t even wrapped up his current tour, and he’s already making plans for another.

He’ll barely have time to get his suitcase unpacked before kicking off the Dirty Rocking Scoundrels tour. The shows, which sees Shannon join forces with veteran rockers The Screaming Jets, take in New South Wales, the ACT, and Melbourne’s suburbs.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now from the venues

7 October 2009 – Penrith RSL
8 October 2009 – Campbelltown RSL
9 October 2009 – Panthers, Newcastle
10 October 2009 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
11 October 2009 – Vikings Erindale, Canberra
14 October 2009 – Hallam Hotel
15 October 2009 – Ferntree Gully Hotel
16 October 2009 – Westend Nightclub, Sunshine
17 October 2009 – Chelsea Heights Hotel
18 October 2009 – Hotel Shoppingtown, Doncaster

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Faith No More Headline Soundwave 2010

Metal funk heroes Faith No More will headline next year’s Soundwave festival.

They’ll share the bill with Jane’s Addiction, who will make good on their promise to return to Oz after cancelling their Splendour slot due to illness. These perennial favourites will join a jam-packed line-up which includes My Chemical Romance, Paramore, AFI, Eagles of Death Metal, Reel Big Fish, A Wilhelm Scream, and heaps more.

Soundwave will kick off in Brisbane before travelling to capital cities around the country. Information on early bird tickets for Soundwave 2010 will be released shortly, so keep an eye on the Soundwave website for details as they come to hand.

20 February 2010 – RNA Showground, Brisbane
21 February 2010 – Eastern Creek Raceway, Sydney
26 February 2010 – Showgrounds, Melbourne
27 February 2010 – Bonython Park, Adelaide
1 March 2010 – Steel Blue Oval, Perth

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Remember Damien Leith?

It’s been a little quiet on the Damien Leith front of late, but that’s all about to change with the upcoming release of his new album Remember June.

After a listening party last week the media is already buzzing about this “stand out album.”

“It’s also a wakeup call for the music industry to take Leith more seriously,” added The Sun Herald’s Chris Sams.

It’s always hard to shake the Idol tag, but Damien seems to be trying his best. There are no cover songs, for starters. His sensitive crooning has also been replaced with a little pop-rock edge.

“This is the proudest I’ve been musically since winning Idol,” Damien said. “For me, this album has all the highs and the lows that I would hope for in an album and I can’t wait to get on stage and belt out the songs!”

He’ll be doing that at two special shows coinciding with Remember June’s October 16 release. Damien will play Sydney’s State Theatre on October 16 and Melbourne’s Thornbury Theatre on October 17.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Moby and Yeah Yeah Yeahs for Falls

What a line-up the folks from the Falls Festival have put together this year!

Music lovers in Tasmania’s Marion Bay and Lorne in Victoria will be entertained by international superstars Moby and Yeah Yeah Yeahs and local heroes Sarah Blasko, Lisa Mitchell, Hiltop Hoods, Temper Trap, Little Birdy, Xavier Rudd, and heaps more.

The Falls Festival is a great way to ring in the New Year, but you’ll have to be lucky to score tickets. They’re available only via a special ballot on the website. The ballot closes on Monday August 24. Successful entrants will be notified on September 1.

Image source: Uncensored Interview @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Health Scare for Jet Singer

Jet frontman Nic Cester is recovering in a London hospital after collapsing at the Hard Rock Cafe yesterday.

Nic had been feeling unwell prior to the show, but decided to persevere. He passed out after just two songs, but returned to the stage, joking that he was suffering from swine flu. He collapsed again minutes later and was taken to University College Hospital.

He was treated for symptoms of gastroenteritis, acute vomiting, and dehydration, and kept overnight for observation. He was also tested for swine flu, but was given the all-clear.

The band played on for several songs after Nic’s departure. Bass player Mark Wilson told The Daily Telegraph that the show must go on.

“You’ve got to do it, you can’t just cancel stuff,” he explained said. “It’s disappointing for people who come to see you and, unless you can’t sing, there’s no real reason to cancel something, I think, you know.”

Jet is currently in the UK to promote their third album, Shaka Rock.

Image source: Newscom