Author: Lauren Katulka

It’s still more than three months away, but it seems British electro-pop star La Roux just can’t wait to board the Bacardi Express.

She visited Australia only six months ago, but says the local crowds inspired her to make a return visit.

“Everyone at our Parklife shows were amazing,” she said. “We were completely overwhelmed by the response we got at both Parklife and our sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne.”

The Bacardi Express is equipped with a gaming room and jamming carriage, but La Roux says she’ll probably spend most of her time in the dining carriage and the chill out lounge.

“I wouldn’t say I’m that much of a jamming person. I like to play piano when nobody’s watching … but who knows?”

She’s a little confused about Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana, but can’t wait to see Australia’s Newcastle. As the English version is “very cold and rainy,” La Roux hopes the one Down Under is “a bit sunnier.”

If you missed La Roux’s live show last time around, she says you can look forward to “flying monkeys and unicycling.”

To see whether she’s pulling your leg, make sure you head to the Bacardi Express website for a chance to win tickets. The Bacardi Express travels from Brisbane to Sydney via Coffs Harbour and Newcastle from March 25 to 27.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Many musicians play a token gig in Perth or Fremantle, but few take the time to launch a full-scale tour of Western Australia. So I take my hat off to bluesman Jez Mead, who’ll spend his summer travelling through the Aussie state.

Jez found fame with the catchy track “Sucker” from the independently released EP of the same name. He’ll follow up that release with his debut album Beard of Bees early next year. Music fans can expect to hear tracks from both discs at the following shows.

18 December 2009 – Caves House, Yallingup
19 December 2009 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury
20 December 2009 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
23 December 2009 – Mojos, North Fremantle
24 & 27 December 2009 – The Premier Hotel, Albany
1 January 2010 – Dunsborough Tavern
3 January 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
10 January 2010 – J.B O’Reileys, Perth
15 January 2010 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
23 January 2010 – Indifest, Indi Bar, Scarborough
24 January 2010 – Redcliffe on the Murray, Pinjarra

Image used with permission from Original Matters

Kylie Minogue is preparing to release a new digital live disc, just in time for Christmas. Kylie Live in New York features audio recorded during the last days of Kylie’s sold-out American tour.

The set from New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom includes 25 hits, from “The Locomotion” to “The One.” We may not get to see all the amazing costumes and back up dancers, but we can feel the energy of these electric performances.

“I’ve always wanted to tour in America and couldn’t believe it was actually happening,” said Kylie. “I know it took a while to get there but I think it was worth the twenty years; the shows were all absolutely amazing. The fans in North America had such an amazing energy.”

Kylie Live in New York will be available online from December 18. It’s worth doing your shopping through iTunes as you’ll receive three bonus tracks. Click below to see the track list!
Continue reading “Kylie Releases Live Show from New York” →

Bliss n Eso fans have the chance to get up close and personal with the urban outfit this Sunday. They’ll be appearing at The RecordStore in Darlinghurst from midday to celebrate the upcoming vinyl release of Flying Colours Live.

This is the first chance for fans to get their hands on one of only 500 copies of the limited edition record, and see a sneak peek of the new Flying Colours summer clothing range. Bliss, Eso, and DJ Izm will be on hand to sign copies of the album. Watch DJ Izm spin a couple of tracks while you enjoy a barbeque lunch.

Bliss n Eso fans outside Sydney won’t miss out though, with the band holding back a limited number of the records for online sale. Look for them at www.flyingcoloursclothing.com from December 21.

Image source: Bliss n Eso press kit

Guvera, a free legal download service will launch locally on Tuesday with the support of EMI Music and IODA.
The site’s is funded by advertisers, thereby offering music fans a home a free alternative to illegal downloading.

With two labels already on board, here’s hoping the other labels take the opportunity to sign up and give their artists this wider listening audience.

“Brands increasingly recognize how powerful our artists’ music can be in creating strong, emotional connections with consumers. We believe Guvera’s approach can offer a compelling experience for fans and new revenue opportunities for our artists,” said Mark Piibe, Global Head of Digital Business Development for EMI Music.

“We are impressed by Guvera’s unique approach to the concept of brand channels. By tailoring music to brands instead of just placing ads around music, Guvera creates a new way to meet the goals of all parties involved,” commented Kevin Arnold, founder and CEO of IODA. “Guvera’s experience provides an alternative for consumers looking to legally download music. We look forward to bringing this opportunity to our clients as Guvera’s first digital distributors.”

Browsers complete profiles, which help the site offer channels tailored to their listening preferences. Advertisers can create targeted channels and music labels can directly target their artists’ core fanbases.

Guvera has big plans, with an America launch slated for February. Before its official launch you can preregister online for access on the big day.

Image source: Camila Schnaibel @ Stock.xchng

Sony is spreading a little Christmas cheer with its brand new release Stars of Christmas.

The stars in questions are a slew of Australian Idol contestants (Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll, Anthony Callea, Damien Leith, Wes Carr and Jess Mauboy), young popettes (Amy Pearson, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Cassie Davis), and the artists your mum likes (David Campbell, Human Nature, John Farmham). Even Sam Moran of The Wiggles gets a go. The Sony stars take on a mix of traditional carols and modern Christmas tunes in this soundtrack for decorating the tree and wrapping pressies.

Stars of Christmas is in stores now.

Image source: Auspop

After a successful maiden visit earlier this year, Nashville’s Old Crow Medicine Show are heading back Down Under next year.

Old Crow Medicine Show goes beyond their “Americana” tag, delivering bluegrass-styled tunes with attitude. They’ll make stops at the blues and roots festivals on each side of the country, and also play some very special theatre shows. If you didn’t catch them on their first visit, make sure you don’t make the same mistake this time around!

Tickets for the following shows are available online from Love Police.

27 March 2010 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
28 March 2010 – West Coast Blues And Roots Festival, Fremantle
31 March 2010 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
1 April 2010 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
2 April 2010 – Mossvale Park, South Gippsland
3 April 2010 – East Coast Blues And Roots Festival, Byron Bay

Image source: Ron Baker & Craig Williams @ Wikimedia Commons

After the buzz surrounding his inclusion on next year’s Laneway festival bill, enigmatic American singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston has announced two very special side shows.

The tour will support the album Is and Always Was, Daniel’s first release in eight years.

Daniel is known for selecting existing outfits to serve as his backing bands, and his Australian jaunt is no exception. Old Man River will join Daniel on stage for both the Laneways gigs and the headliner side shows.

It’s taken Daniel more than 30 years to visit Australia, so we shouldn’t expect a return visit any time soon. Make sure you see him at the following shows while you have the chance. Tickets to the shows went on sale today.

3 February 2010 – The Prince of Wales, Melbourne
4 February 2010 – Metro Theatre, Sydney

Image source: Timsnell @ Flickr

After enjoying plenty of airplay on Triple J, Angus and Julia Stone have officially released their brand new single “And the Boys.”

“And The Boys” is the first taste of Angus and Julia Stone’s sophomore album Down The Way. The track comes bundled with two bonus songs, “Take You Away” and “Change” when purchased through the iTunes online store.

To celebrate the release of And the Boys, Angus and Julia Stone have announced they’ll tour around the country in March and April. The tour will coincide with the release of Down The Way. Tickets for all shows are available now.

16 March 2010 – ANU Bar, Canberra
17 March 2010 – Wollongong University
18 March 2010 – Newcastle University
19 March 2010 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns
20 March 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
21 March 2010 – Lake Kawana Arts and Community Centre, Sunshine Coast
24 March 2010 – Hellenic Hall, Hobart
25 March 2010 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
26 March 2010 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
28 March 2010 – West Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Fremantle
31 March 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
1 April 2010 – Astor Theatre, Perth
2 April 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
5 April 2010 – Byron Bay Bluesfest

Image used with permission from Original Matters