We continue out interview with Hiatus Kaiyote, talking about the release date of their upcoming album Choose Your Weapon – May 4th. Despite the date’s significance in pop culture by referring to ‘may the force,’ the band insists it was unintentionally placed there, exclaiming: “Nai has never seen Star Wars!” They all briefly discuss what Star Wars characters they would be, before moving on to touring news.
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the AU review caught up with Canadian bluesy garage rockers July Talk at SXSW in Austin to chat about writing songs for their second album, playing new material at SXSW and what they love about Australia’s music scene – all while holding our two balloons in the shape of an ‘A’ and ‘U’. We should frame that…
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Pictured: The Triffid, Brisbane
Ah live music, our temperamental friend! The past few years have seen Australia hit some serious highs and disastrous lows in our music scene, ranging from the growing number of niche festivals popping up to the unfortunate closer of some beloved pubs and clubs. But as much as we love festivals, not many people have the time, money or stamina to make this a regular outing. The good news is the AU review have found some of the best local venues for you to get your weekly fix from, without having to pay big dollars for big ticket events.
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the AU review’s Larry Heath caught up with Hiatus Kaiyote while at Austin’s SXSW festival. In amidst the chaos, band members Nai Palm, Paul Bender, Perrin Moss and Simon Mavin were able to take time out to chat about what it’s like playing SXSW again. “It’s almost just like there’s a bunch of industry people there to see if you can hack just trying to deal with the horrible bullshit,” Bender said. “But it’s not always bad!” Separating the boys from the men, as the old saying goes.
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Sydney post-rock band sleepmakeswaves have announced more dates for their extensive ‘Great Northern’ tour, which stretches across Australia, New Zealand and 20 other countries this March to June.
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London artist PILLARS has released her second beautifully haunting single, “Woman Without Her Love.” The single sits comfortably between a dark brooding number and the lightness of a dream-pop one, something true to the singer’s aesthetic. PILLARS combines the best of ethereal electronic sounds and sultry layered vocals, as samples of her voice are mixed into different hypnotic arrangements. Woman Without Her Love comes as a strong follow up to her first release “Attacker,” which caught the eyes of BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and various Hype Machine blogs.
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Last month, Danish group Mew played their first US shows in six years at SXSW in anticipation of the release of their long awaited sixth full length record +- (Plus Minus). Larry Heath had the opportunity at the festival to sit down with Johan Wohlert and Jonah Bjerre of the group to talk about getting the band back together – with bassist Johan returning to the band for the first time since departing in 2006. We talk about working with American Producer Michael Beinhorn again – the pair having previously worked with him on the acclaimed And the Glass Handed Kites (2005). We talk about working with Kimbra and Russell from Bloc Party. But perhaps the most important question of all was: when will the band finally be coming to Australia?
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2015 will no doubt be George Maple’s year. The Future Classic star first won fans nationally in 2014 with her debut EP Vacant Space and had everyone singing along to lead single ‘Talk Talk’. Now the singer-songwriter is making waves overseas, grabbing the attention of music heavyweights in Los Angeles, San Diego and New York City.
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Scottish four piece Twin Atlantic were recently in Australia touring with Soundwave Festival and managed to stop by backstage and play a friendly game of beer pong in the AU review tournament. After the competition ended, members Sam McTrusty and Ross McNae stayed to talk about finding inspiration in Australia, what it’s like playing home grown shows and future tour plans. Check it out below!
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Famous for their mouth-watering delicacies carefully crafted by top chefs around the world, dim sum chain Tim Ho Wan are set to open their first Australian outlet on Saturday March 28.
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Ian Hultquist is at SXSW promoting the horror film The Diabolical, for which he composed the musical score. He is also a founding member of synth pop band Passion Pit, although in October 2014 he announced his departure from the band. In this interview, Hultquist chats about the nature of composing for film, his inspirations, and his reasons for leaving Passion Pit.
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There’s really no stopping this girl. Known for her bluesy sound and witty, realist approach to songwriting, Courtney Barnett has conquered Australia and is now moving on to bigger things. The songstress made an appearance on US talk show The Ellen Show today with host Ellen DeGeneres introducing her as “one of my favourite new artists, I love her so much!” Barnett won hearts of many Americans with her stunning performance of “Depreston,” before DeGeneres gave everyone in the audience a copy of her new album Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit.
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Three of Australia’s most respected acts will come together at The Corner Hotel this April for a benefit for John Hedigan. Fellow bandmates and friends Something for Kate, Clare Bowditch and Darren Middleton will join forces for what will be a very special and memorable night, as they recognise Hedigan’s achievements to date and celebrate all he has done for them.
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In celebration of the new season and a new menu designed to showcase the best of autumn produce, Q Station’s Boilerhouse Harbourside Restaurant has announced dates and details for their inaugural Autumn Harvest Dinner.
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It’s dark, dynamic and infectiously catchy. Alternative rock band Nantes are back with another addictive EP that’s sure to be on repeat for the rest of the week. Produced in Sydney, mixed in Glasgow and mastered by Frank Arkwright of the famed Abbey Road in London, Limbo is the exceptional product of tireless work.
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Hidden away in the beautiful Yarra Valley is Victoria’s latest gem – Spa de Marrakech. The all new Moroccan Spa and Roman Bathhouse retreat has recently opened its doors and aims to provide an authentic Moroccan beauty experience that is as nourishing as it is opulent.
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Next weekend will see Sydney host the biggest Agave conference in the Southern Hemisphere. The two day conference aims to be a networking event between growers, producers, bartenders, spirit professionals, regulatory councils and, of course, enthusiasts alike.
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Autumn racing has never been so glamorous, with the Australian Turf Club launching their Sydney Racing program for 2015. The eight week program will see world-class racing and social activities from Saturday February 28 to Saturday April 18, including two premier racing events the Golden Slipper Carnival and The Championships.
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Alt-rock band NANTES are back with a bang, announcing exciting tour news, a new single and a new EP! The 7 Tour will see the outfit play seven shows on the East Coast in support of their new single “7.” NANTES are hitting up a variety of specialty locations including Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel, Rad in Wollongong and Newtown Social Club, among other shows in Melbourne and Brisbane.
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With 44 albums under their belts, over 100 million albums sold worldwide and decades of record breaking tours, it goes without saying KISS need no introduction. The legendary rock’n’roll band will be returning to Australia this October as part of their current world tour. KISS will be celebrating their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014 as well as their 40th anniversary as a band.
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Just when you thought it was near impossible for South by Southwest to get any bigger, Pandora drop their Discovery Den lineup. This will mark the fourth annual event the leading internet radio service has produced with 2015 seeing 37 diverse artists from eight countries performing.
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One of Ireland’s biggest festivals have just dropped their 2015 lineup and it is full of stellar acts! The annual Electric Picnic Festival is a three day event held in Stradbally, Ireland. The greatly anticipated lineup was only released less than 24 hours ago and sees ethereal act Florence + The Machine and electronic duo Underworld as headliners.
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Whether you love them or hate them, Terror Universal is a very memorable band! Decked out in various horror masks, the four-piece recently took the stage at Soundwave Festival but not before stopping for a quick chat. In this interview, Terror Universal talk about their new release and why they believe their music has caught on so fast: “We feel our songs are really easy to get into live, we have some catchy choruses and some just groovy stuff as well as some really brutal stuff. So I mean, people just seem to grab onto it immediately.”
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American metalcore outfit Of Mice & Men have recently been in Australia debuting their latest album Restoring Force at Soundwave Festival and sideshows all around the country. the AU review’s Larry Heath caught up with the five-piece in Brisbane and spoke about the reception they’ve had so far: “I’m getting to play these new songs literally all over the world… It’s such a rewarding experience to be able to come up here and play [the new album] at night and see the crowd singing the new songs louder than our old ones.”
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The official trailer for Love & Mercy has just been released and it’s sure to pull some heartstrings! Set against The Beach Boys’ iconic catalogue of music, the story follows the life of singer, songwriter and music legend Brian Wilson from successful highs in the band to devastating lows in his personal life.
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As if they weren’t already busy enough, South African rap-rave group Die Antwoord have managed to squeeze time in between touring Europe and preparing for Future Music Festival to make an appearance in Sony’s upcoming release Chappie.
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Things are about to get loud with Portland legends Red Fang bringing their heavy metal, three albums and countless world tour experience to Australia and New Zealand this May. This will be the band’s first headline tour of Australia and New Zealand (ever!) and marks two years since they first played in Oz as part of Soundwave Festival 2013.
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After debuting at BIGSOUND 2014, experimental pop artist Lia Mice is coming back to Australia for her first Australian tour since, this April. Fresh off the release of her second LP I Love You last November and supporting tours in France, Japan and USA, the artist will be visiting three locations: Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
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Brisbane trio Columbus are rising through the ranks, quickly making a name for themselves as one of Australia’s most exciting punk-rock outfits. Between recently dropping their Home Remedy EP and securing a spot at the Queensland Soundwave Festival, the boys are definitely ones to watch this year.
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Synth-pop visionary Andy Bull is embarking on a nationwide tour this April/May in support of his latest single and 2014 album Sea of Approval. The ‘Talk Too Much’ tour will see ten performances across the country, including regional stops Wollongong and Newcastle.
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