This was the first of the twilight series I had been to at the Melbourne Zoo. The Twilight series has been running throughout summer and is not only an opportunity to visit the Zoo but to experience a band in a magnificent setting. It’s a very family orientated affair, where you can bring your own picnic amongst the occasional peacock and ducklings.

This time last year we divulged our top twelve Australian artists and top five international artists to watch over the following twelve months. So we figured now was as good a time as any to have a look back and see how they all fared...

The Peats Ridge Sustainable Arts & Music Festival has released its second line up for the 2012/2013 festival! Check out the additions to the line up and get to planning your schedule!

Luke Slater (UK)
Gaudi (Italy/UK)
Theo Parrish (US)
Young Magic
Winter People
Hey Geronimo
All The Colours
The Griswolds
Tijuana Cartel
Wild Marmalade
Electric Empire

In this issue: The Living End announce huge list of special guests, The Rubens sells out Sydney with more regional shows, Regina Spektor brings third and final show, and many more!

<Distinctive Bands and DJs Supporting The Living End!

Diafrix (not Die-af-rix don't let them hear you say that) have just been added onto the bill at the Queenscliff Music Festival. The Melbourne based and African born dancehall and hip hop duo who are famous for their high energy performances will be adding their swag to the already insane line-up.

This years BIGSOUND was bigger and better than ever. They boasted 120 bands over 12 stages. They did not fail to deliver. With all new venues including Magic City, Mustang Bar, and Press Club, the whirlwind Live program just that, a whirlwind. 30 minute sets, 20 minute turnarounds. With five sets per venue per night, there was absolutely no way to get to everything, but oh my, did I try make the most of sensational two night live music event.

Fat Freddy's Drop were only recently in Australia, touring with Erykah Badu, but if you weren't able to catch them then, you're in luck, as they've announced a headline tour of their own! Fat Freddy's Drop will be making one last trip to Australia in November for a run of shows before they head back to NZ to finish recording their next album.

Electric Empire are set to take the east coast in support of their new EP Changin’ on October 26. After a sell-out tour of Japan, the band celebrates a mature new sound for the four piece in the brand new EP, with each member, including newest recruit, Simon, adding vocals to the fusion.

What do you think of the new music video from Australian soul band Electric Empire for their latest single "Yes I Will"?

"Yes I Will", which may be the first single off their upcoming album, sees the boys take a new direction. A departure from the distinct Stevie Wonder, circa the mid 70's sound that defined their debut album, this track has a much more radio friendly, upbeat, soul-pop feel to it.

Michigan born and raised singer and poster boy for blue eyed soul, Mayer Hawthorne is currently touring Australia on his How Do You Do? Tour. On Friday night I had the opportunity to check out the part geek, part hipster soul singer at The Metro in Sydney.

Jumping on the bandwagon, here, in no particular order, are twelve Australian bands we're looking out for in 2012... five bands from overseas we're predicting big things for here in Australia... AND a couple of Australian bands the rest of the world should have their eye on! Madness! Read on...

Electric Empire are one of the pioneers of the soul music revival in Australia and 2011 saw them take big strides, including touring the UK and performing at the iconic Glastonbury Festival. This past Thursday they were back in Sydney to give us a show complete with a few surprises before they head off to the UK again.

Aloe Blacc performing at Good Vibrations, Gold Coast, Feb 2011. Photo courtesy Andrew Wade

American crooner and soul sensation Aloe Blacc will be back in Australia in early 2012, playing Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide following what is sure to be a cracker performance at Falls Festival.