Irish actor and DJ Kristian Nairn, who is best known for his role as Hodor on Game of Thrones, has been touring quite a lot lately. He was recently down in Australia for Rave of Thrones, a GoT dress-up party slash rave, and has since been taking his love of uplifting house music around the world. It seems like a year off of filming HBO's groundbreaking fantasy series has also allowed him time to work on his first official single.

Even though for a lot of us it probably only feels like a short time ago that we were basking in all the free cans of Millers beer and Tito's vodka we could get our mitts on during SXSW, the cogs have already begun turning in the organisation and promotion of SXSW 2016. Applications are beginning to open, initial details about the Interactive, Film and Music programs are beginning to be revealed and for Australians, there are a run of events set up for the east coast to provide more information for first-timers and those still on the fence as to whether or not making the journey out to Austin for the event is something they'd be keen on doing. For the first time, Adelaide has been included in the group, with a special meet and greet session being confirmed for August 3rd.

Following their 20th anniversary as a duo, The Chemical Brothers have released the fourth single from their forthcoming Born In The Echoes LP. Demonstrating the progressive, pounding electronica that have kept the acclaimed group at the forefront of electronica for two decades, "EML Ritual" is an impressive, club-focused explosion of rave and drugged-out refrains courtesy of English vocalist Ali Love.

In This Issue: We look at the newly-established Australian Music Week, a new regional touring opportunity for young artists, the now-open artist applications for EMCPlay, plus the latest signings and the ARIA charts.

The details for the 11th Australian Music Prize (AMP) have been revealed today as the new panel of judges have entered the process of listening to the wide array of albums already submitted for the competition. With a history of recognising and promoting creative excellence within Australian music, The AMP is once again offering all eligible artists the chance to submit their 2015 released album for the opportunity to walk away with the $30,000 cash prize, courtesy of the PPCA.

Hip hop phenomenon Eminem has released his second single from the soundtrack for forthcoming film Southpaw, and this time he has hooked up with the divine Gwen Stefani who provides the calming hook. The song follows the disappointing "Phenomenal", and thankfully feels much more inspired with Slim Shady twisting rhymes about the ups and downs of fame with his signature idiosyncratic, rapid-fire flow. Listen to it below:

Crystal Castles will continue without long-time vocalist Alice Glass, with producer-songwriter Ethan Kath dedicated to continuing the popular project by enlisting a new vocalist. The new other-half of the experimental dance duo is a woman named Edith, as mysterious as the ethereal vocals she showcased on "Frail" earlier this year. Our second taste of the new Crystal Castles comes in the form of "Deicide", a pounding rave anthem in-line with what we've come to expect, and love, from the Ethan's music.

Some more speakers have been announced to be taking part in Little BIGSOUND for its fifth year, from all different corners of the music industry. The youth music forum is going down at the Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane on July 27th, aimed particularly at high school and university students and already, the line up this year is looking particularly sweet. Programmed and facilitated by a group of young people who've been mentored brilliantly by Q Music, Little BIGSOUND offers the opportunity for attendees to gain some excellent insights into our growing industry and some invaluable tips to take into burgeoning careers.

After a five year hiatus, the weekly live music night The Filth has returned to Sydney and it's about to enter its second week after a successful launch with Asta, Grand Pavilion and Filthy DJs. The event is set to be held every Thursday at the The Imperial Hotel Erskineville and Friday at The Beach Rd Hotel in Bondi and this week will see B Wise and Citizen Kay bust open their round two events.

Following his stirring BET Awards performances, Kendrick Lamar has finally released the long anticipated music video for single "Alright", taking the form a a 7-minute short film by Colin Tilley.

The rise of Courtney Barnett to internationally recognised and acclaimed songwriter and performer over the past few years has truly fascinating to watch. While we've known of her talents on the local front for some time now, being able to watch her completely entrance and hook international audiences in in recent times had us (and no doubt any other Australian in the crowd) feel pangs of pride. Over the last few days, publications have been rolling out their 2015 Best Of (so far) lists - stay tuned for the AU's - and according to Rolling Stone in the US, Barnett's "Pedestrian At Best" tune taken from her debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit, has taken the #1 position as the best song of 2015.

Katherine based electronic/indie artist Broadwing has been awarded the 2015 NT Song of the Year Award for 'Overall Best Song' over the weekend for his track "Pockets". Described by the judges as being 'vocally strong, compelling and musically dynamic', the single was just one of many great original compositions that were recognised at the industry event held on Saturday night at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT.

Popular pub rock talk show PRESENTATION NIGHT comes back to the Corner in August with a great coupling of Dave Graney and Dennis Cometti set to discuss all things footy, music and their careers. Hosted by legendary music and sports broadcaster Francis Leach, Presentation Night will see the guests exchange stories as a footballing type who is also an avid music lover and a musician who also loves his football. The event is in its third season and follows successful sessions that featured Bob Murphy in conversation with Paul Kelly and Cameron Ling in conversation with Paul Dempsey, just to name a few.

In This Issue: we look at the new showcase for Australian songwriters at Gasometer, Red Bull Music Academy’s Australian representatives for 2015, and a free conference for dance and electronic artists, plus the latest signings and the ARIA charts.