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Kid Confucius to release new single: ‘Good Luck'

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:25:33 GMT

Kid Confucius have driven their soulmobile into the garage, they’re getting their hands dirty and rebuilding their sound into a roaring rock-soul hybrid. Fuelled by an ever-expanding pool of inspiration and the addition of new guitarist James Manson, Kid Confucius brazenly rattle their own foundations with the unveiling of ‘Good Luck’, the first single which will be available digitally on 26^th July from the band’s forthcoming album.

The new Kid Confucius album, the band’s third in as many years, signifies a radical and electrifying shift in style and sound. While touring and playing big festivals late 2007 the Kid Confucius boys came to the realisation that they were in fact a rock band, and before they could think twice about it, a stack of new, heart-thumping songs had been written and a new lead guitarist had joined the ranks.

"This new album marks such a dramatic shift for Kid Confucius, and so it’s important that the first single completely embodies that difference. This song should really grab people, shake them around and smack them in the face. There’s no time to ease people into what we’ve become!” – Andrew Guirguis, Rhythm Guitarist Kid Confucius.

While the first two albums (‘Kid Confucius’ and ‘Stripes’) demonstrated the band’s dexterity at jumping between genres, switching effortlessly between hip-hop, soul, pop and rock, Kid Confucius is at last being true to itself and staking claim to an honest, bare-bones sound that is the band’s own. Call it Garage Soul, call it Dance-floor Rock, call it Soul Pop-Rock, call it what you will. Whatever it is, it’s Kid Confucius finally letting it all hang out…..

“The only reference I can come up with is Kings of Leon meets Otis Redding. But that’s not even the half of it. This new direction is the result of boiling Kid Confucius down to its core – and at the core we are a rock band that plays soul music. We learnt this important truth about ourselves while touring extensively last year and we look forward to touring again this August, because the new songs and new sound are custom-made for being bashed out on stage," said Guirguis.

The single ‘Good Luck’, will be released digitally 26^th July through Brighton Boulevard Records / Inertia. Be amongst the first to catch Kid Confucius’ brand new material in an electrifying live performance at one of their ‘Sneak Peek’ shows taking place at a venue near you throughout August.

www.kidconfucius.com or www.myspace.com/kidconfucius

Aussie Chart History - 1956 to 2005

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:09:03 GMT

There's another Jim Barnes out there, and he's been a very busy man. For all you music trivia buffs, industry gurus and music lovers, Jim has written a book -called The Book which researches the Top 40 Charts in Australia from the Years 1956 to 2005. The book was co-authored by Steve Scanes, who convinced Jim to computerise his book, rather than using hand written manuscripts -makes sense to me!!

The book is in it's seventh edition and can be cross referenced by Chronological Chart Entry in Alpha sort by Artist or by name of Song.

This seventh edition boasts much more biographical information than ever before with almost all artists having information listed about them - real names, band personnel, famous relationships.

Like the editions before the 7th, once again all information from previous editions is incorporated with the last three years of charts, meaning that every vital piece of chart information is at your fingertips in ONE volume only, not fractured across several books, making the 7th Edition once again great value for money.

The book is $79, which includes postage and handling anywhere in the Land of OZ.

What a cool pressie for anyone interested in Australian Music.

Buy it off the site, it's easy, Click here

Modular Presents ‘CLUB MOD’

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:25:58 GMT

Already infamous for their distinctive sound, enviable culture and grand parties alike – Modular are poised to set the night alight in a city near you, with the launch of their new tour concept Club Mod starting this August.

Club Mod brings together an amalgamated lineup up of the next rising stars from the class of 2008 - everyone’s favourite Kiwi vintage vixen Ladyhawke, guilt-free-pop pioneers Van She and Modular’s newest darlings of hypno-groove Tame Impala. Club Mod is a sure fire way to exceed from reality into some sort of party dimension where Bez is hosting, Nick Nolte is serving drinks and Jim Morrison is passed out in the toilets.

Ladyhawke makes her return to the native homeland from her current London residence, bringing her live show down under for the first time. With new single ‘Paris Is Burning’ all over the airwaves and her debut LP immanent for arrival Sep 13, Ladyhawke is perched to soar into the hearts and minds with her majestic live show this August.

Sydney 4-piece Van She has emerged from the studios of London with their debut LP in hand. The party seasoned vets will have their live show in fine form after just finishing off their national Party Tour & Splendour appearance. Club Mod will act as a launch event for their debut album ‘V’ available Aug 9.

And bringing in a new era of interspaced exploration, Tame Impala are set to stake a claim on your cerebellum with their very own brand of harmony-laden, melody-soaked psych rock. With a debut EP set to drop in Oct, the Club Mod shows will act as Tame Impala’s baptism of fire after just signing to the label.

Joining these artists on the bill will be Doom & Hoodrat from The Bang Gang in Sydney + Ooh Ee! from the The Bumblebeez & Andee Frost who all can play a party throwdown better than any, ensuring for a long-as-holmes, sweaty-as-britney kind of night. So match your best dancing shoes with your tie-dye shirt, and let loose with us at Club Mod this August.

Ladyhawke Has Landed

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:19:52 GMT

Ladyhawke aka Pip Brown is returning to the homeland this August, bringing with her a debut album and new live show in tow. With a series of trans-Tasman shows planned, this will be the public’s first opportunity to experience Ladyhawke in her element, live.

It would seem Ladyhawke's rise from underground idol to a household name on the lips of people everywhere was somewhat meteoritic, however, this worldwide vagrant has had a musical voyage like no other.

Originally a Kiwi native from Wellington, she was a record-obsessed child and grew up under the wing of two very musical parents (step-father a drummer, mother a singer) and ate up everything they regurgitated to her from Stevie Nicks then Joan Jett to Nirvana and Hole with lashings of Van Halen and Deep Purple for good measure she became a human encyclopedia of credible pop.

After leaving the land of the long white cloud and spending time in Sydney in and out of various bands, Pip formed into the pseudo that is Ladyhawke. On her debut effort, she has worked with some of the biggest names in music today like Peaches, as well as touring recently in Europe with The Presets, Soulwax & taking to the stage on 3 separate occasions at Glastonbury.

With new single ‘Paris Is Burning’ all over the airwaves and her debut LP set for arrival Sep 13, Ladyhawke with her blissful pop is destined to be the next biggest thing in 2008. Come and familiarize yourself this August.

LADYHAWKE – DEBUT ALBUM OUT SEP 13

From The Gnome: The Screaming Jets

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:15:13 GMT

The Screaming Jets
Revesby Workers
Friday, July 11, 2008

Quiet Crowd, Great Gig

Why don’t people get out there and see live music? Is it just Sydney with pathetically small audiences? People talk about the hey days back in the 70s and 80s when you could go see great bands every weekend. Well, you know what? THERE ARE GREAT BANDS PLAYING EVERY WEEKEND! You people are just too lazy to go home from work, eat your dinner, and then go out into the cold night to rock. You’re too old.

F*ck that. I went out.

The Screaming Jets are a great rock band. Every song starts with grunt and melody. Intros get your heart pumping. Paul and Mickl, on bass and drums respectively, are the heart of the band. Duelling guitarists, Izzy and Scotty, are the muscles, making the sound big, full, and dynamic. With two guitarists they have more sonic power; nothing in the rhythm gets lost during the solos - everything keeps pumping. And, while I’m using anatomy to describe this band, I might as well say that Dave is the skin. He holds it all together, makes you watch him, and embodies the character of the band.

The Wrath of Gleeson

What do John Howard, George Bush, The Pope, Amy Winehouse, The Balmain Tigers, and Dennis Ferguson have in common? They can’t escape the wrath of Gleeson. Dave can’t help but stir up emotions with his between-song banter. He challenges bureaucracy, power, religion, and anything else that enters his mind. With a mic in his hand he ruthlessly berates people who aren’t there to defend themselves. Dave doesn’t care. He has a pulpit and he uses it. Without apology he throws out foul sentiments. He isn’t afraid to put his foot in his mouth. Last night, he asked this western Sydney audience if they follow AFL. The silence was deafening. Then he followed with a firm stance on his sexual preferences, “Just because I’ve moved to Adelaide, I haven’t gone all soft and gay.”

As I watched and listened to him, I couldn’t help but wonder what the Americans or Europeans will think. Will he endear himself to them with his honesty? Or will he make them angry? How will the Screaming Jets make it big? Will the Aussie pride (justifiable) and opinionated rants (showing true character) get in the way of the music?

I’ve read the old forum and I’ve seen past articles. The Screaming Jets have been saying that a new album is coming for YEARS. We got a taste of what better be the first single last night (I’ve heard it a few times now, and I think it’s a winner). Do Ya? Do Ya? Do Ya? Do Ya? Was written by Izzy and suits the band perfectly. The lyrics scream Dave. The guitar riff is awesome. It’s a rock song with a Jets edge. It’s got radio written all over it. I can’t wait for it to be the opening song of a set, with every punter knowing the words and shouting along, rather than hidden away in the middle.

Encores Suck

Don’t get me started on the encores again. Oops, too late. Last night, the band should have walked off stage and into the dressing room and stayed there. Not because their show didn’t deserve an encore, but because the punters were quiet. No chanting, no clapping, no swell of emotion to GIVE US MORE. Nope, the lights didn’t come up, and so they expected to get the encore. They stood there and waited. You could hear general chatter for Christ’s sake!

F*ck that. Here’s my advice to bands. Play everything. Give ‘em everything you’ve got. Then walk off stage and kiss ‘em good-bye. If they won’t let you leave the building without one more, play your favourite song again. But only after the house lights have come on and the decibel metre goes off the scale.

GET OUT THERE, Australia. I’m sick of seeing great bands play to half filled rooms. Find a designated driver, drink a few beers, and rock hard. You only get one life.

~The Metro Gnome

P.S. The Screaming Jets (http://www.screamingjets.com.au/) are playing tonight (Saturday, July 12) at Rooty Hill RSL, Friday, July 18 at Souths Juniors, and Saturday, July 19 at The Hunter Brewrey in Maitland.

Bullet For My Valentine - Scream Aim Fire

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:52:36 GMT

Bullet’s chaotic guitar riffs are one of the many consistent elements maintained throughout both studio albums (The Poison, 2005 and new release Scream Aim Fire). Although there are no drastic changes in the band’s music between the two, changes in Matt Tuck’s voice are noticeably different due to the vocalist’s throat infection and temporary loss of voice in 2006.

The first track of the album, also named Scream Aim Fire is a good example of the new edge in Tuck’s vocals, which gives the record an overall rough sound that mixes in well with the original sharp, clear vocals, as well as the notably metallic sounding guitars and thrashing drums. The new album is quoted by Tuck as being inspired by the devastation he experienced when faced with the possibility that his singing career might have come to an end.

Having to struggle just to get back to square one again, many of us were getting nervous about the anticipated follow up to their debut album The Poison. Also noticed though, are the more seemingly politically charged lyrics in Scream Aim Fire which could be a reference to the war in Iraq (“kill your enemies..”) or possibly just a metaphor for something more personal. Either way this is not the only song that proves the Valentine boys have still got it.

Hearts Burst into Fire sounds like it could be a new anthem to the teenage youth of today but is better noted for the different style and stronger vocals that articulate a different and more upbeat attitude that comes out in the music a progression of the vocals from the verse into the chorus. Waking the Demon recaptures the old school-style heavy metal BFMV with the trademark “OH!” signalling a premature breakdown in the song.

The screaming is traditionally deep and transitionally sharp, mixing in with the same busy and climatic guitar riffs, maintaining their smooth transition. Deliver Us From Evil is a more rock n’ roll venture, dictating a different/experimental technique. This track definitely doesn’t sound like it was sung by someone who came close to giving up on their singing career altogether. Each song featured on the album contrasts between different tempos and paces set for the tracks, i.e. Forever and Always differs in mood to Waking the Demon as it’s almost in like of a love song (something different to The Poison) rather than getting revenge upon a bully. Say Goodbye, however, is more reminiscent of tracks like Curses.

The album Scream Aim Fire closes with No Easy Way Out, a track that starts off with that same heavy, intensely angry collision of instruments reinforcing the message that it wasn’t lacking in inspiration. Throughout the album, Matt’s voice goes from emphasising the rough vocals to sounding sharper and clearer like his previous work, making up for lost time. This ranging of vocals, instruments and experimentation makes for an intensely enjoyable album.

The Drones New Single – The Minotaur

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:16:02 GMT

The Drones are more than pleased to announce the release of the first single, The Minotaur, will be available as a digital single from July 29th.

The Minotaur will be the first single off the anticipated fourth studio album, Havilah, in store September 20th 2008, through ATP Recordings and MGM Distribution.

Recorded in a mud brick house somewhere in the mountains outside of Myrtleford, Victoria, The Minotaur is a lusty and brutal blitz, that over

three and a half minutes, manages to draw the historical line between ancient Greek mythology and current-day time-wasting. A half-salute

to modern-day sloth, and the painful decisions our future leaders face, between holding the destiny of the world in their hands, or holding another X-Box controller....

Havilah is the follow up to their AMP Award nominated Gala Mill (2006) and AMP Award winning LP Wait Long By The River And The Bodies Of Your

Enemies Will Float By (2005). Produced by The Drones and Burke Reid (The Mess Hall, Gerling), who also engineered the affair.

The Drones will be touring nationally in October 2008, to support the release of the record, dates to be announced.

The Minotaur will be available as a digital only single from July 29th 2008 through ATP Recordings and MGM Distribution.

Havilah will be in store September 20th 2008 , through ATP Recordings and MGM Distribution.

www.thedrones.com.au www.myspace.com/thedronesthedrones

Tame Impala Sign With Modular

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:02:07 GMT

Modular is over the moon to ring in a new era of interspaced exploration and swinging, free-jamming delight with their freshest signing - Tame Impala.

Tame Impala are Kevin Parker [Guitar & Vocals], Dominic Simper & Jay Watson [Drums & Vocals] the Perth-based 3 piece hypno-groove wet dream who deliver music that makes other bands look like a bad acid flashback, think Cream meets Can on an ether-tinged desert ride with Dr. Gonzo. With fuzzed guitars, tumbling drums and howling vocals a plenty, the band evokes dreamy images of a place where music belongs to all five senses and rhythm aligns with the pulse of the space-time continuum.

The trio came together in 2007 after floating around various Perth outfits in one bastard form or another and hit upon their current steez as Tame Impala over a shared appreciation of drum beats, Leaf Hound and the challenging confines of living off $5 a week. Citing Kyuss and QOTSA frontman Josh Homme, John Lennon and Selda as heroes, Tame Impala went about creating their buzzing, meandering headtrip of harmonyladen and melody-soaked psych rock. Don!t let the influences fool you though, this band isn!t about re-creating the past, it!s all here and now.

With a handful of Perth shows and just a couple of trips east under their belt, Tame Impala are set to stake a claim on your cerebellum with the release of a debut EP on Modular in the spring. Not to rest on their laurels, the band will also be floating around the country at various stops in the coming few months supporting the Mess Hall, Rocket Science & Shihad as well as a few surprise gigs to be announced.

Media dates & official EP release info to be announced shortly. Stay tuned.

Global Battle of the Bands

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:21:42 GMT

What is GBOB?

An international band competition involving at least 34 countries, with US$100,000 cash First Prize!!

GBOB has very quickly gained a reputation for helping to break new bands. From 16 countries in 2004 to 34 countries this year, GBOB – the world's biggest live talent competition for bands of all genres.

The competition is open to bands who are experienced in playing to audiences, who play original music and who have a fanbase.

The Rules

There are just two rules: no cover versions and no backing tapes.

Every year local qualifying Heats, Regional Finals and National Finals take place all over Australasia (and simultaneously in each of the other 34 countries), with the eventual winners then getting flown all-expenses-paid to London in December to represent their territory in the GBOB World Final!

Clare and Denny Burgess from A Red Letter Day are responsible for running the heats in Australia and New Zealand. The finals are held in November in Sydney, with the winners being flown to London in December. The World Final will be held over a 3 day period in Camden Town, one of the great locations for London's live music scene.

More Information and to enter

Contact:

Clare Burgess, General Manager
A Red Letter Day (Event Management)
P: 02 9519 3978

F: 02 9516 4960

M: 0412 609 109

E: redletter@bigpond.com

www.myspace.com/gbobaustralia

www.gbob.com

www.aredletterday.com.au

Mat McHugh & The Black Bird

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:30:46 GMT

Mat McHugh is best known as the front man and creative force behind The Beautiful Girls, September sees him releasing his
debut solo album under the guise Mat Mchugh & The Black Bird. Seperatista! will be out September 20^th, 2008….and yes, The Beautiful Girls
are still alive and well, just having a short break.

The first single, Darling This Scene Must End, sees McHugh return to his acoustic best. Referring to both his past musical style and his past love, it
presents a darker side to McHugh that to date has been well hidden, giving great voice to his innate sense of melody and unique vocal style.

After years of steering The Beautiful Girls towards an electric-centric three piece, there seemed a need for an alternate outlet for the masses of
songs this songwriter had penned that didn’t suit the new sounding format of The Beautiful Girls.

Mat McHugh and The Black Bird will be a creative collective of artists, enabling the sounds and the feel the freedom to move and mutate spontaneously.
The Black Bird will give wings to McHugh’s songs, bringing them to life.

McHugh was joined in the studio by Ian Pritchett - bass, percussion, piano; Paul Derricott – drums; Hugh Barrett - piano, keyboards; Simon Ferenci -
trumpet, trombone; Matt Keegan - saxophone Caddie Brain – cello.

Seperatista! was recorded and mixed by Ian Pritchett @ Noisegate Studios, Sydney, Australia, produced by Mat McHugh and Ian Pritchett and
mastered by Don Bartley @ Benchmark. Art by debaser, cover photo by Kaelen Ohm.

Darling, This Scene Must End, is available from July 19^th as download only through iTunes and www.matmchugh.com. Seperatista! is available
through die!boredom and MGM Distribution from September 20^th, 2008.

www.mattmchugh.com www.myspace.com/matmchugh