Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunset Sounds Bringing Free Summer Gigs to Melbourne

At this time of year, many of us are feeling the pinch. The organisers of Sunset Sounds understands this, so they’re brightening your summer with a series of hot free gigs across Melbourne.

The three free gigs will see the likes of Saskwatch, The Bamboos, and Jazz Party playing for local music lovers. Some of Melbourne’s most popular food trucks will also attend to keep everyone well fed.

“Stonnington has some of the most sensational parks and gardens, and it brings me great joy to see residents and visitors enjoying them” Mayor Stefanopoulos said. “Pack a picnic basket, and your dancing shoes, and head down for a summers afternoon with some of Australia’s finest talent.”

Sunset Sounds 2018 kicks off on January 7 and runs every Sunday for three weeks.

7 January 2018 – Saskwatch & Alexander Biggs, Victoria Gardens @ Prahran
14 January 2018 – The Bamboos & Jazz Party, Central Park @ Malvern East
21 January 2018 – Hot Potato Band & 30/70, Malvern Gardens @ Malvern

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thundamentals and More Play Frankston’s Pier Street Party

A who’s who of the Aussie music industry are heading to Frankston for the annual Pier Street Party. Thundamentals, Art vs Science, Gyroscope, The Getaway Plan, Rackett, and Jesswar will all take the Pier Street Party stage. There’ll also be food trucks and pop-up bars to keep the crowd well fed and hydrated.

“Frankston City is ready to rock as the Pier Street Party prepares for its second year,” said Frankston’s mayor Colin Hampton. “Council is delighted that our city will be hosting world class acts at this fantastic event for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

The Pier Street Party will take over the area outside the Pelly Bar & Pier Bandroom in Frankston on February 24. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix. Note that even though it’s held outside, it’s still an adults-only event.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths, Amy Shark, Paul Kelly Big Winners at ARIAs

Often I spend the ARIA Awards feeling a little out of step with the industry voters, because the acts I feel passionate about aren’t often the ones who come home with the trophies. Not last night though, where Gang of Youths, Amy Shark, and Paul Kelly took home some of the top prizes. I was also thrilled to see Jimmy Barnes taking out the Best Children’s Album category (who would have thought he could beat out The Wiggles?) and Kasey Chambers recognised for her wonderful album Dragonfly. 2017 has been such a great year for local music and last night’s event was a fitting celebration of that.

Sure, it wasn’t a perfect awards night. Without a host, the night seemed to lack a little direction. Some of the banter felt forced, like the section with the stars of Pitch Perfect 3 and Joel Creasey’s awkward conversation with Jillian Michaels. The sound also left a lot to be desired, at least on the television broadcast. I hope it sounded better in the room. But the performances were all outstanding. It seems wrong to single anyone out, but Jimmy Barnes’ rendition of “High Voltage” was such a fitting tribute to Malcolm and George Young. If you weren’t excited by new Hall of Fame inductee Darryl Braithwaite teaming up with Vera Blue and Guy Sebastian for “The Horses” you’re probably not Australian. I thought Paul Kelly’s new take on “Dumb Things” with A.B. Original and Dan Sultan was inspired. Gang of Youth’s performance showed just why they were so dominant this year.

If you didn’t catch the ceremony, at least make sure you look up some of the performances on YouTube. Here’s one to get you started.

And here are all the winners!

Album Of The Year: Gang Of Youths – Go Farther In Lightness
Best Male Artist: Paul Kelly – Life Is Fine
Best Female Artist: Sia – “The Greatest feat. Kendrick Lamar”
Best Dance Release: Pnau – “Chameleon”
Best Group: Gang Of Youths – Go Farther In Lightness
Breakthrough Artist: Amy Shark – Night Thinker
Best Pop Release: Amy Shark – Night Thinker
Best Urban Album: A.B. Original – Reclaim Australia
Best Independent Release: A.B. Original – Reclaim Australia
Best Rock Album: Gang Of Youths – Go Farther In Lightness
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Paul Kelly – Life Is Fine
Best Country Album: Kasey Chambers – Dragonfly
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: Northlane – Mesmer
Best Blues & Roots Album: All Our Exes Live In Texas – When We Fall
Best Children’s Album: Jimmy Barnes – Och Aye the G’Nu!
Best Video: Bliss N Eso – “Moments” (feat. Gavin James)
Best Australian Live Act: Illy
Song Of The Year: Peking Duk – “Stranger” (feat. Elliphant)
Best International Artist: Harry Styles

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

National Live Music Awards Hits Venues Around the Country Next Month

The Australian music industry was built on live music, on the bands that slogged it out in pubs with sticky floors night after night. Today too many live music venues seem to close their doors, yet the cream of Australian talent continues to find stages and bring their music to the people. The efforts of these tireless musicians and the venues, events, and industry members who support them will be recognised with National Live Music Awards events throughout the country next month.

The nominees are in, with Gang of Youths leading the charge with six nods across national and state categories including Live Act of the Year and Live Voice of the Year (for frontman David Le’aupepe). Julia Jacklin, Camp Cope, and Amy Shark are nipping at their heels with five nominations a piece, while All Our Exes Live in Texas, Stella Donnelly, and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival have all garnered four nominations.

“Over the last couple of months, our group of almost 100 judges have been tasked with crafting a list of nominees who are as diverse as they are eclectic,” National Live Music Awards director Larry Heath declared. “While I’m sure some will debate the absent nominees who were just as deserving, I don’t think the judges could have done a better job at creating a more exciting, nor a more deserving and representative list of nominees. These are the artists, venues, events and industry professionals who make Australia one of the live music capitals of the world.”

Unlike so many awards, the National Live Music Awards aren’t about the critics. They’re about the ordinary Aussies who support our live scene every weekend when they walk through the doors of venues throughout the country. So it’s only fitting that the award ceremonies are, by and large, open to the public. With the exception of the invite-only gala in Melbourne, National Live Music Awards events are free for music fans to attend. Also unlike so many “national events,” no state or territory is forgotten. National Live Music Awards events will happen at the following venues on December 7.

Melbourne, VIC: Grace Darling
Sydney, NSW: Leadbelly
Brisbane, QLD: Lefty’s
Fremantle, WA: Mojos
Adelaide, SA: Grace Emily
Launceston, TAS: Club 54
Alice Springs, NT: Epilogue Rooftop
Canberra, ACT: Smith’s Alternative

You can RSVP to the event via National Live Music Awards’ official ticketing partner Oztix. Entertainment for each venue is under wraps, but considering the calibre of artists nominated you can expect some top talent at all these events. If you miss out on the Oztix allocation, don’t worry. A limited number of tickets will be available on the night in exchange for a $5 donation to Support Act, a charity supporting the mental health of Australian musicians. $5 from the sale of every ticket to the Melbourne gala will also go to Support Act. A great night for a great cause; what’s not to love?

Image source: Krists Luhaers @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Local Musos and DJs Turning Out for Taste of Melbourne

You probably know Taste of Melbourne is a celebration of amazing food, but you might not realise it also showcases some awesome music.

On November 30, DJ Miss Goldie will spin tunes as part of Taste’s 10th Birthday Bash. Then on December 1 and 2, funky duo GL and hometown hero Fraser A. Gorman will entertain the crowds at the first After Dark Party. Enjoy the music as you sample your welcome cocktail from Archie Rose as well as an array of top wines and beers.

While the evening’s entertainment is top notch, crowds at Taste will also enjoy some great tunes from local DJs Mike Gurrea, Sammy The Bullet, Horne Dogg, and popular PBS Radio hosts Vince Peach, Rick Howe and Richie 1250.

“Melbourne is as famous for its great gigs and DJs as much as its cutting-edge restaurants and chefs. I’m so excited to have some of the city’s best live acts on board to keep the tunes pumping well after the exclusive daily masterclasses and gourmet picnics wrap up,” explained Taste Festival Australia director Kristy Austin.

Taste of Melbourne runs from November 30 to December 3 at Yarra Park. Taste of Melbourne and After Dark Party tickets are on sale now. You can get your Birthday Bash tickets from October 26.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Byron Bay International Film Festival Has a Musical Flavour

The big film festivals in the capital cities tend to steal all the headlines, but Australia has several great smaller film festivals dedicated to bringing cinema goers a selection of some of the most exciting new films. The Byron Bay International Film Festival is celebrating its 11th season this year with a strong lineup of films including many to tempt music lovers.

An American in Texas tells the story of Surgeon General’s Warning, a punk band looking to bust out of their Texan small town in 1990. Then there’s Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy, about Djalu Gurruwiwi, a proud Yolngu warrior fighting to preserve his culture with the help of Gotye. Aussie music lovers will also leap at the chance to see The Go-Betweens: Right Here, a doco about the Australian indie rock pioneers.

RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World will close out the festival. It tells the story of Native American music makers who helps shape the soundtrack of our lives, which is ground I haven’t really seen covered in music docos before. It features interviews and appearances by a who’s who of influences including Jimi Hendrix, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Robbie Robertson, Buddy Guy, Steven Van Zandt, Taj Mahal, Steve Tyler, Jackson Browne, and heaps more.

The Byron Bay International Film Festival takes place from October 6 to 15. Tickets are on sale now from the festival’s website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Johnny Rock Covers Beatles for Marriage Equality

I’ve been a passionate supporter of marriage equality for years before we were debating plebiscites and postal surveys. I remember vividly when America granted marriage equality so quickly and decisively thinking perhaps the tide was turning and we wouldn’t be kept waiting too much longer. But here we are, in the middle of a period of Australian history that has unearthed so much hate and bigotry.

The sunny spot though has been the heartfelt messages of support for the Yes campaign, the way that people from all walks of life have banded together and been so vocal in solidarity for this cause. Johnny Rock of Pretty City added his voice and a whole lot of glitter to the Yes campaign recently with his cover of The Beatles “Real Love.” Because spreading a little love when there’s so much hate and anger can only be a good thing.

Johnny hopes to start a movement and encourage other musicians to record their own love song covers to help balance the hateful rhetoric. If you do, make sure to use the hashtag #lovesongsforequality. And if you’re not musical, why not lip sync something?

“I’ve have many friends who have become really upset about the negativity out there. I’ve had friends deactivate their social media accounts because it was all getting too much,” he explained. “You can support your mates with likes and hearts all you want but there’s a point where even the strongest people start to break down. So as a muso I thought I could do something else to not only support marriage equality but maybe ease some of the pain out there.”

So however you can, get involved. It’s a dark time in Australia, but your efforts can make it a little brighter.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spend Your NYE With Frenzal Rhomb and The Bennies

Countdowns to Christmas have already started, which means New Year’s isn’t far behind. How will you be ringing in the New Year? I’ll be lucky enough to be somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a glass of bubbles from my beverage package in hand. If you don’t have such extravagant plans though, you’ll want to get yourself to Max Watts in Melbourne. Because Frenzal Rhomb and The Bennies are joining forces for what they’re calling The Best New Years Eve Party That Ever Existed … Extreme.”

Both bands have had a bumper year. Frenzal Rhomb released Hi Vis High Tea and toured Canada and all over this country, while The Bennies kept company with The Living End in Oz and The Smith Street Band in Europe. So they’re ready to celebrate!

Make sure you come early, because Hightime, Antonia & The Lazy Susans, Cosmic Kahuna, and DJ Snesmega will also take the stage. Tickets are on sale now from Poolhouse Records.

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leopold’s Treat Playing Hometown Show at Tally Valley Hall

Tallebudgera Valley’s own Leopold’s Treat are giving back to their local community with a very special show on October 7.

Music lovers can expect an evening of acoustic tunes in a family-friendly atmosphere. There’ll be a meditation session at sunset, fabulous food, and plenty of good vibes. Another local talent, Felicity Lawless, will also play a set. Money raised will also benefit animal and environmental charities. What a great opportunity to come together with your neighbours and hear some great music from your backyard? This video gives you a little indication of the kind of fun you’re in for!

If you live in the area, make sure you get along to Tallebudgera Valley Community Hall on October 7. It all kicks off at 4 pm, and with tickets costing $30 for adults and $10 for kids, it’s a pretty affordable night out. Get yours now from Yapsody.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oxford Art Factory Turns 10

With so many live music venues closing their doors of late, Oxford Art Factory’s 10th birthday is something to be celebrated.

What a wild ride this Sydney space has had since opening its doors in 2007. The venue hosted Lady Gaga’s very first Australian show and recently it was the venue of choice for Dave Grohl’s cover band Chevy Metal. On the home front, OAF has nurtured the likes of The Rubens, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, The Preatures, and Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), booking them before they became household names.

OAF will mark its milestone birthday with an eclectic selection of local and interstate favourites including Gum, Palms, ORB, Green Buzzard, Party Dozen, and heaps more on October 14. Tickets are free but you’ll need to RSVP to confirm your attendance at Moshtix. Get on it!

Image source: James Dennes @ Flickr.com