In 2011 The Rubens were playing in a small Wollongong café/pub. Fast forward a mere two years, and the 4-piece sold out the original venue of Unibar to upgrade to the University of Wollongong’s hall to play to adoring fans. No easy feat! After a whirlwind 2012, which saw hit single "My Gun" be blasted on everything from radio stations, to football matches and make it into the top ten for the Triple J’s hottest 100, The Rubens brought their ‘Never Be The Same’ tour back to Wollongong, supported by spunky rockers Bloods and the ever energetic and impressive Walk The Moon.

This week we say farewell to a legend, breathe life into the forgotten stomping grounds of St Kilda, and celebrate the birthday of an industry icon. Here is this week’s news.

I arrived at HQ as Ohio's Walk the Moon were busting out tunes with extremely high energy. Decked out with face paint, they had the audience ready and rearing for the rest of the night and although they’re virtually unheard of in Adelaide everyone seemed to joyously bounce along to their tunes exposing a whole lot of people to their infectious indie-pop songs and securing a whole lot of new fans. “Tightrope” and “Quesadilla” shone as crowd favorites.

Another sold out show for The Rubens, this time in Radelaide on Thursday night. The boys sure know how to turn a tune! They bought Ali Barter and Walk the Moon with them to get the crowd warmed up. John Goodridge was there to capture the night.

Sydney's The Rubens bring their latest tour to The Forum in Melbourne with the help of support act Walk The Moon. Perri Cassie was there and brings you photos from the massive show!

It's been a busy past week or so for one of the country's best known performers. Bernard Fanning, having announced a new solo album, an appearance at Splendour in the Grass and the release of his new single "Battleships", has now announced that he'll be touring the country through July and August with his new record. Across 18 dates, Fanning will be visiting both metro and regional centres, giving fans the first taste of his new material to be featured on Departures.

Part 3 of our The Aussie BBQ at SXSW photo coverage continues with Blackchords, Jack Carty, The Rubens, Jackson Firebird (pictured) and Georgia Fair.

Photos by Johnny Au

Australia's exporting one of it's best festivals to North America - yay for Laneway! Also, Flume tickets are selling like hotcakes, Shock Records appoints a new General Manager, so many bands are being snapped up by labels, and be prepared to dust off your record player because Record Store Day is just around the corner. Plus, plenty more goss and tid bits below the cut!

Flume Sells Out

From March 12-17, the city of Austin, Texas will be throwing open its doors to tens of thousands of music fans, industry officials and musicians for the annual SXSW music festival and conference. Amongst that number are over thirty Australian artists. Over the course of the next couple of weeks we'll be profiling these artists, offering a brief introduction to what they’re about and what they have to offer.

This broadcast will not be broadcasted! What?! Take off your headphones, Radio is in trouble. Also, if you haven’t seen him on the festival rounds, Flume, is touring the nation. Rita Ora, Rita who now? Well you should learn the name. And wait there’s more.