Bacardi Express @ Newcastle Panthers, 27 March 2010

Long time readers of my blog would have some idea of the music I embrace and the concerts I tend to frequent. None of these readers would expect to find me at a Bacardi Express show, yet when a couple of complimentary passes were thrown my way I figured “Why not broaden my horizons?”

I felt like a bit of a fish out of water as I queued with all the young things at Newcastle Panthers. I haven’t been into a nightclub for more than a decade, and I didn’t quite know what to expect. I certainly didn’t expect to have such a good time.

After DJ Sampology warmed up the crowds, the Cassette Kids took to the stage. After interviewing them earlier in the month I developed a soft spot for these talented young Aussies, and they didn’t let me down. Lead singer Katrina is such a compelling performer; I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She thanked the growing crowd for arriving early, and they responded to the big hits “Spin” and “Nothing on TV.” They might have been the first act on the bill, but for me they were the best.

I was also impressed with Miami Horror, although I admit I couldn’t place them until they performed “Sometimes.” I hadn’t heard any of their other material before, but their retro pop influences made the tunes feel familiar nonetheless. As a child of the 80s, I really enjoyed their synth driven sound and happily danced along with the growing throng.

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Cassette Kids Treat Fans to Tour, Free Download

Sydney’s Cassette Kids have just finished their debut album, so they’re ready to blow off some steam. And what better way to do it than to team up with their mates Grafton Primary for one massive tour.

The much-anticipated debut album was produced by the super-talented team of Richard Wilkinson (Hot Chip, Adele, Magic Numbers, Carl Cox) and Michael Di Francesco aka Mikey from Van She (Ladyhawke). We’ll have to wait until early next year to see it in stores, but this tour will give fans a taste of what’s to come.

To celebrate the tour and the completion of the album, Cassette Kids are offering fans a free download of a brand new song “Freaky Sweetie.” To get it just head to the Cassette Kids website! Here are all the dates for the double-header shows!

22 August 2009 – Uni of Tasmania, Hobart (with Grafton Primary)
29 August 2009 – Capitol, Perth (with Grafton Primary)
30 August 2009 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle WA (Headline show)
2 September 2009 – Uni of New England, Armidale (with Grafton Primary)
3 September 2009 – Uni of Wollongong, Wollongong (with Grafton Primary)
4 September 2009 – Metro, Sydney (with Grafton Primary) (All ages)
5 September 2009 – The Zoo, Fortitude Valley (with Grafton Primary)
11 September 2009 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide (with Grafton Primary) (All ages)
12 September 2009 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide (Headline show)
17 September 2009 – Uni of Newcastle, Newcastle (with Grafton Primary)
18 September 2009 – Macquarie Uni, Sydney (Conception Day)
25 October 2009 – Fat As Butter Festival @ Wickham Park, Newcastle (with Hilltop Hoods, Grinspoon)
21 November 2009 – Track Side Festival @ Canberra Racecourse (with Hilltop Hoods, Midnight Juggernauts)
29 November 2009 – Open Arms Festival @ Coffs Harbour Showground (with Hilltop Hoods, Children Collide)

The Cassette Kids Play Concert for a Cause

After making a splash in Los Angeles and Paris, Billabong’s Design for Humanity is coming to The Forum. The event, which hits Sydney on February 18, brings the worlds of music, fashion, and art together for a great cause.

Local sensations The Cassette Kids, Ashleigh Mannix and DJs The Bag Raiders will provide entertainment on the night. The event will also offer a sneak peek of Billabong’s 2009 summer fashions.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Surfaid International, a charity committed to easing human suffering through community health programs. The organization is currently providing health education, disease prevention programs, and emergency preparedness support in the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra and Nias Island in North Sumatra.

If you’d like to support their efforts and enjoy a great show you can pick up a ticket for just $30 (plus booking fee) by clicking the picture in this post. Too easy!

Buckle Up For the Cassette Kids Tour Bus

Those crazy Cassette Kids are loading up their seven-seater for the Tour Bus tour! The 15-date, five-state journey will celebrate the October 18 release of the band’s new mini-album We Are.

This Sydney outfit is famous for combining crunchy indie guitars with pumping dance rhythms. They’ve supported some of today’s hottest bands including The Ting Tings, Van She, and The Presets, and now they’re stepping into the spotlight for their own headline tour.

Ever wondered what really goes on when rock stars get on the road? Wonder no more! The Cassette Kids will broadcast live from their sticker-covered bus every day of their tour. Make sure you tune into their MySpace page between 4:30 and 5:30 pm to see all their adventures. But that’s not all. The band will post blogs and vlogs at all hours of the day and night, so you can see exactly how this band rocks Oz!

If you want to join in the fun, make sure you check out the Cassette Kids Tour Bus when it rolls into your town! Here are all the dates!
24 October 2008 – Mona Vale Hotel
25 October 2008 – Village Fair, Bathurst
30 October 2008 – Alhambra, Brisbane
31 Oct 2008 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
7 November 2008 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
14 November 2008 – Libertine Ranch, Wollongong
19 November 2008 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
20 November 2008 – Transit Bar, Canberra
21 November 2008 – Newcastle Uni T2R
22 November 2008 – Ding Dong, Melbourne
23 November 2008 – Club4Play, Geelong
27 November 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
28 November 2008 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
29 November 2008 – Stereosonic Festival, Melbourne
5 December 2008 – The Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia