Faker Give Away “Get Loved” Album

Faker are getting into the Christmas spirit, announcing that they’ll give their new album Get Loved to fans for free.

In an open letter the band’s frontman Nathan Hudson said that “The point and excitement in writing and releasing Get Loved is in danger of being missed.” He continued that the band recorded the album a year ago expecting to unleash it straight away. However changes in management and lineup combined with a bunch of red tape to see that release date pushed back time and time again.

In the meantime their most recent tour was “less than well-attended” and the band realised music lovers were “unsure or who or what the band is.” And so Faker rejected the latest January 2012 release date and, with the help of EMI, moved things forward on their terms.

“For those of you that have been incredibly patient and have made the effort to discover and listen to our new music, we thank you and want you to know that we’re doing this for you,” he wrote. “If we hold this record back any longer, it’ll just feel like we’re taking the piss.”

And so Get Loved will be available to download for free from midday tomorrow through Faker’s website. It sees the band close this chapter as they head into the studio to get started on their next album, and the next phase of their career. Hopefully it won’t take so long for the next disc to drop!

Image source: Safetypinheart @ Flickr

Faker Show Oz Touring Love

Faker fans have been waiting three long years, but the band is finally ready to head back on the road for a headlining tour. They’ll travel around the country through October and November, introducing fans to some new music and treating them to a swag of hits.

This is the first time fans will meet Faker’s new line up, which features newbies Chris Stabback and Liam O’Brien alongside founding members Nathan Hudson and Nichols Munnings.

You can get yourself in a Faker frame of mind by heading to the band’s website and grabbing a free download of their new track “Back When Solvents.” The tune comes from the band’s forthcoming EP How Did We Not Get Loved?, a five-tracker which acts as a prequel to the new album Get Loved. The EP hits stores on October 7, while the album is slated for a January 27 release.

If you’re intending on attending one of the following the shows it’s also worth stopping by the Faker website, as you can order your tickets complete with the EP.

20 October 2011 – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
21 October 2011 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
22 October 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
23 October 2011 – Joe’s Waterhole, Sunshine Coast
26 October 2011 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
27 October 2011 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
28 October 2011 – The Amplifier, Perth
29 October 2011 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
2 November 2011 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
3 November 2011 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
4 November 2011 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
5 November 2011 – Patch, Wollongong
10 November 2011 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
11 November 2011 – The Standard, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Aussie Artists Play Clipsal 500

The Clipsal 500 isn’t just about the cars. It’s also a great opportunity to indulge in some home-grown music. The line-up for this year’s Jim Beam TrackSounds On-Circuit Concert has just been announced, and it’s one of the best yet.

The March 20 show will include The Presets, Pete Murray, Faker, Operator Please, and local five-piece Delamare.

“Delamare is a great group and given that the Clipsal 500 Adelaide is not only South Australia’s largest annual sporting event, but also one of our biggest music festivals, it’s great to present emerging local talent to such a large audience,” said Jason Allen, Clipsal 500 Adelaide’s chief executive.

Tickets for the massive show are currently available through Ticketek.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Stonefest Celebrate the Big 4-0

Few music festivals survive a few years, let alone decades. So Stonefest’s 40th anniversary this year is cause for celebration. The Canberra music fest is pulling out the big guns this year, with a massive bill headlined by American indie gods The Dandy Warhols.

They’ll be ably supported by some massive local talent including Grinspoon, Faker, The Grates, Regurgitator, The Drones, Blue King Brown, and stacks more.

Any festival that can last four decades clearly knows how to entertain. This one might be worth a road trip for any interstate music lovers. It all happens at the University of Canberra on 31 October and 1 November. Tickets are available now through Ticketek. But sorry kids, it’s a strictly adults-only event.

Image source: JHT Photography @ Flickr

Gabriella Cilmi Tops Singles Charts

It seems Australia’s sweet on Gabriella Cilmi. The teen sensation has topped the ARIA charts this week with her catchy tune “Sweet About Me,” knocking Flo Rida’s “Low” from the number one possie.

The bluesy pop number, which the talented 16-year-old co-wrote, is the debut single from her soon to be released first album Lessons to be Learned. If “Sweet About Me” is any indication, this album’s going to be massive.

Faker’s “This Heart Attack” has had another lease of life, jumping from number 18 back into the top 10. It’s sitting pretty at number 9.

Canadian crooner k.d. lang’s earned her first number one for Watershed. What I’ve heard of this album is breathtaking, so it’s really well deserved.

Cut Copy are the only Australian band to make an appearance in the top ten. Their former chart topper In Ghost Colours is hanging onto the tenth position.

Here’s all this week’s chart action.

Top 10 Australian Singles

  1. “Sweet About Me” – Gabriella Cilmi
  2. “Low” – Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
  3. “4 Minutes” – Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake
  4. “Bubbly” – Colbie Caillat
  5. “With You” – Chris Brown
  6. “Tattoo” – Jordin Sparks
  7. “Don’t Stop the Music” – Rihanna
  8. “Work” – Kelly Rowland
  9. “This Heart Attack” – Faker
  10. “Dream Catch Me” – Newton Faulkner

Top 10 Australian Albums

  1. Watershed – k.d. lang
  2. The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies – Andre Rieu
  3. Step Up 2: The Streets – Soundtrack
  4. Dreaming Out Loud – One Republic
  5. Sleep Through the Static – Jack Johnson
  6. Exclusive – Chris Brown
  7. Pretty. Odd. – Panic at the Disco
  8. Hand Built By Robots – Newton Faulkner
  9. Good Girl Gone Bad – Rihanna
  10. In Ghost Colours – Cut Copy

Image source: Lee Jordan @ Wikimedia Commons

Faker’s Nathan Hudson Reveals He’s Gay

Faker lead singer Nathan Hudson set the record straight about his sexuality in this weekend’s Sunday Magazine. Nathan told the magazine he hopes his admission will make young gay teens feel comfortable with their sexuality.

“My association with being gay was that it was bad and dark and not good for you. I had trouble finding people to look up to,” he said.

“I’m happy to talk about being gay for that kid in the suburbs who’s 15 and scared.”

It’s refreshing to hear someone speak so openly and candidly, especially from the macho world of alternative rock. I hope Nathan’s right and his words can inspire young people struggling with their own sexuality.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons