Tag: competition

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED Competition Closes Next Week!

Are you a great band or solo artist looking for your big break? The Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED competition should be just what you’re looking for.

This year marks an exciting shift in the competition, as it expands to include solo artists for the first time. Winners will score a slot at this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival and a band development package worth $25, 000.

“I’m very excited about this year’s competition, and I’m looking forward to seeing what talent is out there,” said Splendour In the Grass Co-promoter, Jessica Ducrou. UncharTED is for aspiring artists, giving them the exposure and assistance to move forward in the industry. Previous winners have been of a high calibre, and we expect to come across more great music this time around.”

But be quick about it! Online registration closes next Friday, March 13!

Image source: Sony BMG Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Own Josh Pyke’s Guitar Boat!

From the first moment I saw it, I fell in love with the guitar boat Josh Pyke sails around Sydney Harbour in his “Make You Happy” video. Now it seems I have a chance of owning it.

This awesome boat, created by Maton Guitars, will be auctioned for charity. Josh will donate all funds raised by the auction to the Indigenous Literacy Project.

“Seeing the guitar boat clip spread around the world has been one of the highlights of releasing this album so far,” said Josh. “I love the idea that its charm will now go towards helping something I’m passionate about. Later this year I’ll be launching an event called ‘Busking for Change’ in conjunction with the Indigenous Literacy Project, and the sale of the guitar boat will help to fund this.”

The auction will start on eBay from February 9 and end on February 12. Somehow I don’t think that’s going to give me enough time to raise the cash for this awesome vessel!

Sydneysiders can see the boat at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour until a lucky owner is found!

Image source: Josh Pyke press gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win "Rising" by The Go Set

I must admit, I haven’t had a lot of time for punk music lately. In the glory days bands like The Clash and The Pogues created tunes that were musically complex and lyrically revolutionary. But somewhere along the way it became all about three-chord wonders who think a few tattoos and piercings make you edgy. If you’re as tired of these homogenised punk outfits as I am, you’re going to love The Go Set.

This Melbourne band serves up classic punk music with a side order of traditional celtic and folk sounds. It’s a unique take, but when you consider that the founding members grew up with Irish/Australian parents it all makes perfect sense. I haven’t heard punk music played with a mandolin or set of bagpipes since The Dropkick Murphys!

Rising is The Go Set’s fourth album in as many years. That it features 10 solid original songs, plus an outstanding cover of Radio Birdman’s “New Race” is a testimony to their prolific talent. The CD sees a return to their punk rock origins and an exploration of some new ground. By dabbling in reggae and ska, The Go Set has created an eclectic collection of tunes.

The original blend of sounds on Rising makes it a lot more accessible than many punk recordings. It also makes The Go Set stand out in a world where I struggle to tell my Simple Plan from my Good Charlotte. If you’ve always dismissed punk music as being too simplistic and discordant, this might just be the album to change your mind.

I have three copies of Rising to give away to my loyal readers.

If you want to win one, just leave a comment to this entry telling me why you want to win! Too easy! Make sure you leave your e-mail address (this won’t be posted publicly) so I can get in touch with you if you win.

Entries close at 5 pm AEST on November 19, and I’ll announce the winners on Thursday November 20.

Image source: The Go Set MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Switch 3’s Album "Calm Before"

In these days of rising petrol prices and scary economic predictions, it’s not often that you get something for nothing. But you can on Oz Music Scene! I have three copies of Switch 3’s rocking debut album Calm Before to give to three loyal readers!

How do you get your hands on a copy? Just leave a comment to this entry telling me what rocks your world! Make sure you leave your e-mail address (this won’t be posted publicly) so I can get in touch with you if you win.

Entries close at 5 pm AEST on November 10, and I’ll announce the winners on Tuesday November 11.

Good luck!

Image source: Switch 3 MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Gyroscope’s "Breed Obsession"

Gyroscope’s latest album Breed Obsession recently topped the Aussie charts, and after giving it a spin it’s not hard to see why.

Breed Obsession is instantly accessible with lighter moments balancing the darker tracks. It opens with the big first single “Snakeskin,” before launching into another slice of Aussie rock, “All In On One.” The intense guitar riffs and driving drum beats of the opening songs perfectly capture the energy of one of this Western Australian quartet.

But this album’s about so much more than just rocking out. “Australia” is a touching ballad that is set to become a local crowd favourite. The lads dabble with jazz in the breezy “Polyphones & Multidors.” And the acoustic love song “The River Between” is beautiful for its rawness.

It’s all so eclectic, yet somehow this diverse mix seems to work. The tracks are richly layered and complex, with powerful vocals from Daniel Sanders and stellar instrumental support from the rest of the band.

The result is an album that is truly world-class. AC/DC did it. INXS did it. Gyroscope may just be the next Aussie rock band to take the world by storm.

I have five copies of Breed Obsession to give away to my loyal Oz Music Scene readers. All you’ve got to do to get your hands on a copy is leave a comment telling me what your obsession is. Too easy! Make sure you leave your e-mail address in the comments so I can get in touch with you if you win. Entries close at 5 pm AEST on April 22, and I’ll announce the winners on Wednesday April 23. Good luck!

Image source: Gyroscope MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kezin’s an Oz Music Scene Winner!

Congratulations to Kezin, the lucky winner of the Guy Sebastian giveaway! Kezin has won a copy of Guy’s latest CD, The Memphis Album.

Kezin, who is from Singapore, said “I want this album for my best friend … she’s CRAZY about him. We pop in any and every CD store we pass so that she can ask about the album. We’ve got no clue as to when The Memphis Album is arriving which means this endless loophole will continue until she gets her hands on one!”

It looks like your friend can stop searching Kezin!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and keep watching Oz Music Scene for more great competitions!

Image source: Kriss Szkurlatowski @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Guy Sebastian’s "The Memphis Album"

Guy Sebastian’s latest release, The Memphis Album, has been the former Australian Idol winner’s most successful album to date. Listening to this nostalgia-filled tribute to the past, it’s not hard to see why.

Guy’s reverence for these original Stax recordings is obvious. Not only did Guy make a pilgrimage to Memphis to create the record. He also enlisted the likes of Steve Cropper and Donald “Duck” Dunn to ensure these cover versions had all the life of the originals. And they do. There’s a real energy to this recording that makes it easy to forget these songs are around forty years old.

While Motown produced sweet soul music, Stax’s songs were always a little edgier. Guy’s voice is a natural fit for these sexy tracks. “Hold On I’m Coming,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “In The Midnight Hour” are real standouts.

I believe the secret to this album’s success is its broad appeal. Mums and Dads can happily listen to these beloved songs which never stray too far from the originals. And with Guy Sebastian in fine voice, his teenage fans will lap it up too. It’s just good music, and good fun.

I have one copy of Guy Sebastian’s The Memphis Album to give away to a lucky Oz Music Scene reader. To be in with a chance to win it, simply leave me a comment and tell me why you love Guy Sebastian. Please remember to include your e-mail address when you comment so I can contact you if you win. The competition will close at 5 pm (AEST) next Tuesday 26 February, and I’ll announce the winner the following day. Good luck!

Image source: Bigpond Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win "Every Turn" by Tin Alley

Tin Alley are a rare band on the modern music landscape. Their debut album Every Turn lacks the studio polish of many, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it gives this Melbourne outfit a gritty honesty that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Listening to Every Turn took me back to the early 90s rock scene, when local bands like You Am I and The Cruel Sea ruled the airwaves. Like them, Tin Alley are a tight outfit delivering melodic rock that pulls no punches. The title track, “Act Without Thought,” sets the scene, an infectious fusion of rock and pop.

But don’t think Tin Alley are just another middle of the road rock-pop act. They show so much more diversity, with the blues inspired “In a Knot” and psychedelic “Polar Bear” among the album’s highlights.

I have one copy of Every Turn to give away to one lucky Oz Music Scene reader. Just leave a comment saying why you’d love the CD before noon January 29 (AEST). I’ll announce the winner next Wednesday!

Image source: Tin Alley MySpace