This week’s album news features Andrew Stockdale’s debut solo album announcement, since his split with Wolfmother. It also includes the return of rock veterans Baby Animals, release dates from Noah And The Whale and Rudimental, plus much more!

They say that two wrongs don’t make a right, but after experiencing the legendary Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples on Wednesday night at the Enmore Theatre, as part of the Bluesfest sideshows, I can say without doubt that opposites do attract. The two singers whose roots are firmly planted in blues, rhythm and blues and rock showed how the balance of two contrasting yet skilful performing styles really was the key to a great show; with Staples powerful growl of a voice and presence perfectly balanced with Raitt's distinctive and raspy, yet dulcet vocal styling and performance.

And just like that we'd once again come to the end of the Byron Bay Bluesfest. As the event's fifth day, it's fair to say that by now we were both exhausted and used to the exciting lifestyle that the festival offers. It's never an easy event to say goodbye to, especially after a year that housed one of its best lineups ever, and was without a doubt the best Bluesfest we've ever attended. Although my sore, sore feet beg to differ.

Day Four of Bluesfest, on Easter Sunday, kicked off with a bang with an explosive performance by Mason Rock Band as they delivered raucous Aussie blues rock. Featuring an intense mix of percussion, double bass, guitars and boisterous vocals, the band played to a packed out tent filled with enthusiastic listeners. Bringing out a whole lot of cheek, these guys put on a stomping, all Aussie show.

In this issue: Paramore announce their only headlining show in Australia, Django Django announce three falls sideshows, Bluesfest announce their first line up of sideshows around Australia, and more!

Paramore announce only headline show in Australia

Paramore are no strangers to touring Australia. Whenever they announce a show here, it sells out almost instantly. This time will be no different.

The second artist announcement for the 2012 Byron Bay Bluesfest has been released and it's all about the blues and roots! Joining the already confirmed superstars in Ben Harper, Iggy Pop and Santana are the following artists:

Jimmy Cliff
Joan Armatrading
Rodriguez
Robert Cray
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
The Blind Boys of Alabama
Mavis Staples
Allen Toussaint
Wanda Jackson

The second day of our time at the festival was full of new discoveries – and where better than New Orleans to discover something outside of your usual musical experiences? And today as Jazz Fest went live on YouTube, we hope a fair few of you were able to enjoy the festival and discover a few new artists along the way, too!

I’ve never felt uncomfortable being an atheist, but tonight sure drew me close. Both support act Mavis Staples and headliners The Blind Boys of Alabama are deeply religious gospel artists that might have been disappointed with the presumably largely secular crowd.

Revered living legends of gospel and blues The Blind Boys of Alabama join rhythm and blues and soul icon Aaron Neville with Mavis Staples and her band to complete a power-house line-up for a unique performance for one night only in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on 25 April.