New Music: The Jezabels

The Jezabels have been locked away in Jim Moginie’s Oceanic Studios in Sydney, with producer Lachlan Mitchell, putting the finishing touches to the final collection of songs that will make the third and final instalment of their ambitious EP trilogy release project.

The EP, titled ‘Dark Storm’, is due for release on October 1st, 2010.

It follows ‘The Man Is Dead’ and ‘She’s So Hard’, both released independently through MGM last year with the latter spawning two singles, ‘Hurt Me’ & ‘Easy To Love’ that received high rotation radio airplay on alternative radio nationally, and television love from Channel V, MTV, Video Hits and Rage.

This week the Jezabels also received two AIR Award nominations for Break Through Artist and Best Single/ EP.

“If you thought The Jezabels sounded good on their CD, wait until you see them live.”
THE MUSIC NETWORK

“…judging by the crowd at the sold-out Oxford Art Factory – there’s a lot of eagerness to see them take their next crucial step.” THE VINE

“It’s nearly impossible not to be struck by the band’s energy, imagination and emotional rawness when they take the stage” THE DRUM MEDIA SYDNEY

Check them out next Wednesday night when they play as part of the Big Sound Live showcase.

New Music: You Am I

YOU AM I TAKE COMPLETE CONTROL

YOU AM I clear a new path that see’s them turn The Clash’s dream of Complete Control into a reality.  Taking control of it’s destiny, with a new record in hand YOU AM I have rethought how it releases records in a music industry that is endlessly evolving.

With a careers worth of experience in hand YOU AM I can see how a combination of indie upstart, direct to fan and experienced consultant will provide them with the best connection to their fans, because that’s what this is all about right.

The much-loved four piece have written and recorded their most sonically adventurous album to date.

“Although we’ve had a strong, affectionate, intelligent relationship with EMI for our past two LP’s, the making of this record has been such a unique, bewildering, exciting experience that the band has decided to formalize a release with a hand picked crew that we’ve spent more than a few early hours pontificating about what we love about being in this band, and creating music. After almost 20 years of making records, we found ourselves bursting at the seams with energy, and the people at our new team understand our need to dive in headfirst and get fruity.” – Tim Rogers

YOU AM I are the flagship signing for fast rising Sydney indie Other Tongues and through that, find distribution with the artist friendly team at MGM.

“It’s a thrill to be working directly with one of this country’s finest-ever bands, and one of my personal faves, and at a time of such profuse creative growth for them” – Nick Pontikos, Other Tongues

The new album is a riveting address to the nation. Produced by ARIA Award-winning engineer Greg Wales and mixed by James Cadsky, the album was recorded over various sessions, studios, and combinations to create the band’s most well-woven and expressive record yet.

The band has assembled a crack team for the project, enlisting Footstomp Music’s Graham Ashton as a consultant. Publicity is spearheaded by Other Tongues’ Kym-Louise Barton, together with long time press officer Jo Wilson and The Right Profile’s John Zucco.

The bands self-titled record ‘YOU AM I’ will be released Oct 8.

Fingers crossed that the band will follow with a comprehensive headline tour!

Ben Kweller, the Texan charmer.

Interview: Sarah McLeod on “Double R”

Sophie Hart was lucky enough to take a few moments out of Sarah McLeod‘s day recently to sit down and have a chat about her new release, “Double R”, what she’s been up to, and where music has taken her since her days as singer vocals in the Superjesus.

Hey Sarah, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us today. Your new single “Double R” is a huge change in direction from your previous work. Tell me about the evolution you have gone through?
I listen to lots of different music these days and my tastes have just changed. I learned how to produce and programme my own music on my lap top and this made a huge impact on my new direction, I find the change really inspiring.

Could you tell us about the music you have been listening to, and song writing you have been doing since we last saw you fronting the Superjesus?
When I was in London I was a total sucker for religiously following shows from DJS like Annie Mac and Zane Lowe. Now that I am in Australia I stream it on the net because I love it, I love Annie Mac’s show. I also subscribe to lots of music blogs like RCRDLBL.com.

One thing that is mentioned a lot on your web site is the path it has taken you to find your musical freedom. Can you explain what you mean by this and what constraints you feel as a woman in the Australian music industry?
I feel zero constraints as a woman, I am merely constrained by my broad love for music. I like too many different styles and I can write in so many different styles, this makes my job harder.

What do you believe are the biggest limitations of the Australian music industry for an artist changing direction?
I think people like to judge you on your past and sometimes I think that if I was an unknown artist I would have more freedom. It’s difficult to break perceptions sometimes. I don’t know why people like to put artists in boxes.

What is it about the electronica sound that has inspired you to make this move? Is it something you have been planing for some time?
I learned how to produce and programme through working with different producers around the world, now I find writing on guitar boring and limited. I love working with technology, it has opened up so many doors for me creativly.

I noticed on your web site you have been keeping a blog. How important is this open communication with your fans?
I should communicate so much more, it’s really important these days, I always think that what I’m doing is so boring and no one would care so I don’t write as often as I should. My daily blogs would just consist of what I was writing, given that writing songs is pretty much all I do every single day of my life!

Tell us about your personal achievements of the past few years?
I have overcome a lot of personal doubt and that’s been the biggest thing for me. I’m not so worried about what people think of me anymore, being an Aquarian that happens naturally, you always want people to like you. These days it’s important that I respect myself first and then go from there.

What else does the future hold for you after the release of this new album “Madness” due out later this year?
Madness is one part of a musical trilogy bonanza. The second instalment is called ‘LOVE’.

Island Vibe first announcement released!

Rudekat Records and Scene Magazine present

Island Vibe 2010

3 Days: Friday 29th, Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st October

Home Beach, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

www.islandvibe.com.au

Introducing the mammoth first line-up announcement, featuring:

Ladi 6 (NZ)

Groundation (US)

Paula Fuga (Hawaii)

Opiuo

+ Darky Roots, Kooii, Rhythm Hunters, Impossible Odds, Paua, Djambouki, 20,000 Leagues, Rhythm Collision Sound, De La Haye, DJ Mustaphaa, Andy Dub and Landsoaken

With many, many, many more tba ….

The first big line-up announcement for Island Vibe 2010 is here, and brings a massive set of bands from Australia and around the world to the sun-soaked shores of North Straddie.

Ladi6

New Zealand’s premier female MC Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati) is set to bring her energetic live performances, sublime soulful vocals and conscious lyrics to Island Vibe 2010. The landmark success of her debut solo album Time Is Not Much on both sides of the Tasman saw Ladi6 gracing the stage of the Big Day Out and touring with De La Soul, 50 Cent and The Roots. Her vocals have been sought out to feature on tracks by Fat Freddys Drop, Shapeshifter, Scribe and 50Hz, as well top German hip hop artist Sepalot. This will be Ladi6’s first visit to Island Vibe and is set to be a massive headline act.

Groundation

Hailing from North California, Groundation have been pioneering the new reggae sound for over 12 years – in that time releasing 8 studio albums. Featuring an elastic line-up that can see up to 9 people on stage at a time, their Virgin Island fusion of trumpet, saxophone, trombone, timbales, congas, and authentic organs has seen them become one of the most influential acts on the US reggae scene. Renowned as much for their social consciousness as their musical pedigree, they have a deep association with Jamaican culture and Rastafari, and their commitment to the environment  is a great complement for the Island Vibe ethos.

Paula Fuga

With a list of collaborations that includes Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley, Paula Fuga stands towards the pinnacle of the Hawaiian Reggae scene. Possessing a distinct rich soulful voice similar to the likes of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, her R&B sound has a strong wide appeal and is set to shine against the breezy Island Vibe backdrop.

Opiou

Melbourne breakbeat producer Opiuo has taken the national scene by storm – his new album Slurp and Giggle has gone gangbusters, named Sunset Album Of The Week on FBi, Tipsheeted on PBS and racking up airplay Aus-wide. A self confessed music addict with a light hearted approach to life and art, Opiuo is at his best whilst hiding from the world, creating fun fuelled music. Influences coming from everything, from life changing experiences, to mere cups of tea. Incorporating sounds as varied as jazz, reggae, funk, rock, psychedelia, and downright chunky goodness.

PLUS

Darky Roots, Kooii, Rhythm Hunters, Impossible Odds, Paua, Djambouki, 20,000 Leagues, Rhythm Collision Sound, De La Haye, DJ Mustaphaa, Andy Dub and Landsoaken

Now into its fifth big year, Island Vibe has solidified its reputation as the leading Reggae, Roots and Cultural festival in the South Pacific. The three day festival held in late October annually on the pristine North Stradbroke Island is the ideal home of great tunes and good vibes, with thousands of people from around Australia making the annual pilgrimage to enjoy the festival.

2009 marked the biggest year yet for the event with Chali 2na, Natiruts and Sunshine Sound System rocking the line-up, and the festival enjoying an almost virtual sell-out. The build-up for this year’s Island Vibe has already kicked in to overdrive, as early bird  and second-round tickets sold out in record time. Still, there is plenty of tickets and accommodation available, but get in quick to lock away your place amongst the music, sun, surf and sand.

Cloud Control: Big times ahead

Cloud Control are really on the up-and-up. Having just spent a great run of dates touring the UK, including playing the Secret Garden Party festival, they have been signed to Infectious Records (who also look after the Temper Trap and Local Natives).

Not to say that Australia isn’t still feeling the love for Cloud Control. Having just been nominated for a J Award for Album of the year, they are certainly doing great things on home soil. With a new single release, There’s nothing in the water we can’t fight, and an exciting national tour ahead, no doubt Cloud Control will be making themselves a comfortable place in our hearts for a long time to come.

If you haven’t seen them already, make sure to head along to the Zoo on Friday October 22 to check them out – and if you have seen them already, no doubt you’re already going to see them again.

Tickets are available from www.oztix.com.au.

Photo courtesy of Cloud Control.

Festival Season 2010-11: Craze Ensues.

So, it seems that 2010 is the year of amazing festival line-ups. Never in my days have I come across such a feat as Splendour in the Grass. Thinking this was a one-off, never-to-be-see-again kind of event, I decided that I HAD to go and went about spending my hard earned dollars on this once-in-a-lifetime ordeal.

Then I saw the Parklife line-up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a dance music freak by any stretch of the imagination, but any festival with a Dandy Warhols, Groove Armada and Kele headliner has my vote. Fluoro-wearing, techno-dancers, I’ll be seeing you there.

Last week, the line-up for Soundwave festival 2011 was released, and my golly I was amazed to find that it was even remotely possible to get such huge-name acts together in one place: QOTSA, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Primus, Slash, 30 Seconds to Mars? In one day? Yep. There goes some more of this year’s savings.

And then, this morning I awoke to find the announcement of Sunset Sounds 2011. With just the first few big acts announced, I’m already sold on this one (as if I couldn’t be!). The National, Interpol, Klaxons, Joan Jett, and Cold War Kids just to name a few, not to mention a very solid-looking local line-up. Yep, I’m officially broke before I even start, but in saying this, I cannot wait for the fun to begin!

Bring on the rest of festival season for 2010-11! I’m looking forward to see how far into the negatives my bank account can get.

Upcoming tour: Eels are coming!

I’m so very excited to announce (if you’ve been living under a rock and didn’t already know!) that Eels will be heading back our way very, very shortly. Hitting the Tivoli on August 13, it’s easy to acknowledge that you couldn’t possibly know what kind of show you’re in for.

Much like their back-catalogue, Eels’ new album End Times’ is “his most revealing, autobiographical work to date. With its stark arrangements and glimpses of social disintegration, ”End Times is easily one of Eels’ finest achievements.” – Alternative Press

We are very, very pumped to see what E will have in store for us this time around!!

Grab your tickets here (hint: rumour has it there aren’t many left!!) and see you at the Tivoli August 13!

New Music: Blue King Brown’s Women’s Revolution

It’s great to see that one of Lismore’s great artistic exports, Blue King Brown are still being true to not only themselves and the music, but their loyal followers too.

This is a band that has achieved one hell of a lot as an independent act – having toured with the likes of Santana and Lauren Hill, they are very slowly-but-surely making their mark on audiences globally.

The song is exactly what you expect from this amazing act – smooth, swift reggae beats, darling vocals from Queen Ifrica (a Jamaican special guest on the track), and a whole lot of swingin’ rhythms and melodies to relax on a summer’s day down beside the beach.

The track itself (and on what better day to review it!) reflects upon all the female leaders in the world, as well as discussing important ideals and values of education and support, especially of female youths.

Such a great track from such a great band!

I’m looking forward to catching them on the national John Butler Trio tour in September.

Boy and Bear blow away the Troubadour

Friday June 11

Words and pictures: Kate Scantleton

I was not at all surprised to find out that Boy and Bear playing at the Troubadour tonight had sold out. For a fairly new band onto the (national) scene, it seems they are making their way quickly and easily. And for good reason.

Tonight, there was a perfect array of support acts to back this beautiful band. Starting first with the Chemist, the audience witnessed his unusual take on music, sound, and stage presence.

Following close behind was Oh Ye Denver Birds, who have been making their mark on Brisbane for quite some time now. With a mixture of light-hearted rock and pop, this sweet little outfit is sure to begin melting hearts over the countryside.

And for the finale, we welcomed to the stage the charming gents of Boy and Bear. After a whirlwind of radio airplay, music video airplay, Splendour line-up announcement, Laura Marling supports, and now their own sold-out headliner, the last few months have been absolutely crazy for these boys. But it’s easy to see why they’re making so many waves.

Belting out a number of folky, pop-ridden, easy-listening tunes, and speckled with delightfully sweet harmonies, Boy and Bear’s set was something that could whisk you away for a strange foreign land, perhaps the one portrayed in their precious video for Rabbit Song (which of course, was the crowd’s favourite on the night).

Following such trends in recent local music history in terms of fantastic musical ability, sweet, precious melodies to get the heart racing, gorgeous stage presence, old fashioned manners, and general humbleness, Boy and Bear are destined to go much, much further.

I’m looking forward to their return to a Brisbane venue sometime very, very soon.

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