Interviews

the AU interview: Ben Lee (Sydney) talks about the star-studded record for charity "A Mixtape From Ben Lee"

Larry Heath from the AU review sits down with Ben Lee while in Canada to discuss his brand new, star-studded Mixtape, aptly titled A Mixtape From Ben Lee, and in the works for more than a decade. On the project’s origins, Lee says: “The project started when I was 20, that’s almost seventeen years ago……

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Stumbled Upon #052 – Zebra Hunt (Seattle, USA)

In our 52nd installment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Seattle’s Zebra Hunt, and chat about their upcoming Spanish tour, putting the fun back into being in a band and learn about the music that inspired them. Band Name: Zebra Hunt Website / Social Media: Facebook / Bandcamp Genre: Rock Members & their roles: Robert Mercer…

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Stumbled Upon #051 – The Grand (Wakefield, United Kingdom)

In our 51st instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet West Yorkshire lads The Grand, and chat about their debut album and dark and twisted romances. Band Name: The Grand Website / Social Media: Facebook / Bandcamp Genre: Alternative. Pop. Members & their roles: Russ Smith- Vocals/Bass Tom Peel- Gtr/Backing Vocals Andy Jennings- Drums/Backing Vocals What…

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the AU interview: Yngwie Malmsteen on surviving in the music industry, his upcoming Australian tour & more!

Hailed as the undisputed king of neo-classical shred guitar and named by Time as one of the ten greatest electric guitarists of all time, Yngwie J. Malmsteen is no stranger to accolades and critical acclaim. The Swedish born musician has mesmerised fans the world over with his technical ability and astonishing speed since his first…

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Stumbled Upon #050 – Black Limousine (Brisbane)

In our 50th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Brisbane’s Black Limousine, and chat about their upcoming self-titled EP and performing dirty blues pop through to retro alt. country and classic blues. Band Name: Black Limousine Website / Social Media: Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Blues Members & their roles: Alex De Marco: drums/percussion/vibes/vocals Mark Smith:…

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Stumbled Upon #049 – Love Like Hate (Brisbane)

In our 49th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Brisbane duo Love Like Hate , and chat about their upcoming English summer tour and get a sneak peak at their latest track Unnoticed. Band Name: Love Like Hate Website / Social Media: www.lovelikehate.com.au Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Alternative / Indie / Rock Members & their…

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Stumbled Upon #048 – Sam Wright (Townsville)

In our 48th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet the charming Sam Wright from Townsville and chat about his friends influencing his songs and his latest single, “Make It So”. Musician: Sam Wright Website / Social Media: Facebook / Soundcloud / Bandcamp Genre: Indie pop Members & their roles: Matt Elwin – Electric Guitar Justin…

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Stumbled Upon #047 – Meadowlark (Bristol, United Kingdom)

In our 47th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Bristol’s Meadowlark and chat about experimenting with their sound and their second EP, Dual, which is out now. Band Name: Meadowlark. Website / Social Media: meadowlarkofficial.com Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Alternative. Members & their roles: Kate McGill (keys, vocals) & Daniel Broadley (guitar, vocals). What music…

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the AU Interview: Patrizio Buanne (Italy) on Australia, languages, fans and 2015

Italian singer Patrizio Buanne is currently in Australia promoting his new album Viva La Dolce Vita featuring songs in his native-Italian, Spanish and English including the Tom Jones classic “Help Yourself”. I spoke to Patrizio about languages, Australia, fans and what is next for 2015 …

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Stumbled Upon #046 – Great Cynics (London, United Kingdom)

In our 46th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet London’s punk rockers Great Cynics, and chat about their upcoming UK tour and brand new record, I Feel Weird out this month. Musician/Band Name: Great Cynics Website / Social Media: Facebook / You Tube Genre: Punk Members & their roles: Giles – guitar Bob – drums…

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the AU interview: Jasmine Rae (VIC) on zombies, cake, duets and ‘Heartbeat’.

Three time ARIA nominated, CMA International Award winner and two time CMC Music Award winner Jasmine Rae is set to release her 4th album titled Heartbeat on May 15th. The single, of the same name, has already reached number #1 on the Australian country music charts. I sat down with Jasmine to chat about zombies,…

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the AU interview: Scotty Barnhart (USA) talks the Count Basie Orchestra 80th Anniversary Tour!

Once upon a time, American popular music was dominated by big bands, criss-crossing their way across the country doing battle in music halls; vying for the love of baying audiences wanting to dance. Larger than life characters, with aristocratic monikers like Duke and Count headed up these bands, and helped define and soundtrack the era….

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the AU interview: Kill The Waves (Glasgow) talk debut album, inspirations and more

The sheer amount of good music and great new bands coming out of Scotland right now is ridiculous. In recent years bands like Honeyblood, Chvrches and Young Fathers have made their presence heard not just in Scotland and the UK, but around the world too. Now Glasgow’s purveyors of electro indie pop Kill The Waves…

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Stumbled Upon #044 – Raised By Eagles (Melbourne)

In our 44th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Melbourne’s alt country rockers Raised By Eagles, and chat about their second album, Diamonds In The Bloodstream, and have a listen to their track, ‘Jackie’. Band Name: Raised By Eagles Website / Social Media: raisedbyeagles.com Facebook / Bandcamp / Instagram / Twitter Genre: Alt Country Members…

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Stumbled Upon #043 – Glacier (Brisbane)

In our 43rd installment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Brisbane’s latest electronic offering Glacier, and chat about their latest single, ‘Suspend’, released today! Band Name: Glacier Website / Social Media: glaciersounds.com Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Electronic Members & their roles: Andrew Threlfo (synths/electronics) Zanna Blackburn (vocals and guitar) Michael Smallman (electronics and guitar) What music…

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hound

Chris Cox of Hound (Brisbane) talks about new LP, sound influences and music journey

With an 80s post-punk influence and other sub-genres, Hound brings to mind the likes of bands such as The Cure and Sonic Youth. It’s been a whirlwind for the Brisbane-based band with the recent release of their debut album, Dying In The Sun and also having done a couple of shows around Australia last month. Through it all, it’s been a constant…

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the AU interview: Thomas Youngblood of Kamelot (Florida) on New Album “Haven” and Plans to Return to Australia

Twenty years since releasing their first record, symphonic metal icons Kamelot are back with Haven, their 11th studio album and second featuring Swedish frontman Tommy Karevik. Infused with post-apocalyptic sentiment and cinematic ambiance, Haven is classic Kamelot, showcasing powerful melodies and the haunting and beautiful lyrics the band are renowned for. Founder and guitarist Thomas…

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san fermin

Ellis Ludwig-Leone of San Fermin (Brooklyn) talks about new LP, Nico Muhly and dream music collabs

Described as having a “Baroque Pop” sound, San Fermin are a band fueled by orchestral chemistry, approaching classical instruments with a modern-day edge. With the release of their sophomore album, Jackrabbit, we see a band that takes pride in their music. Alongside their SXSW shenanigans, this band are destined to have many opportunities coming their way… We speak to Ellis Ludwig-Leone who’s…

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the AU Interview: Brooke McClymont of The McClymonts (NSW) on songwriting, family and being on the road

Brooke McClymont is one third of the award-winning country trio, The McClymonts along with her two sisters Sam and Mollie. Currently on their Forever Begins Tonight tour and promoting their fourth studio album Here’s To You & I, Brooke speaks to us about song writing, keeping it in the family and being on the road.

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the AU interview at SXSW: The Bros. Landreth (Canada) on 'Let it Lie' & bringing the LP to Australia!

From the Canadian Blast BBQ at SXSW, Johnny has a chat with Canadian band The Bros. Landreth and the chaos that is SXSW Music, releasing their debut album Let It Lie and potentially making their way down to Australia. With some of the members already having visited Australia in the past, the band is keen…

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Stumbled Upon #042 – NARLA (Sydney)

In our 42nd installment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Sydney prog rockers NARLA, and chat about their self-titled EP, find out who inspired them, how they get the band together and much more! Band Name: NARLA Website / Social Media: Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Prog Rock Members & their roles: Jack Millar – Guitar/Vox Nick…

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the AU interview: Michael Shuman of Mini Mansions talks the new LP, working at Vox Studios & personal songwriting.

Photo: Neil Krug After branching out from his work as Queens Of The Stone Age bassist, Michael Shuman has gone on to perform with his band Mini Mansions around the world. They are now about to play Austin Psych Fest and a few gigs with Tame Impala. Having just released their second album The Great…

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the AU interview at SXSW: Jeff Innes of Yukon Blonde (Canada) on the follow up to 'Tiger Talk' & returning to Australia!

After their set at the Canadian Blast BBQ at SXSW, Sose sat down with Yukon Blonde vocalist Jeff Innes for a chat about touring, preparing new material for the follow up to 2012’s Tiger Talk record and more. Although it’s been a little while in between new records, Innes is stoked with the final result…

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Getting to know AU Sessions performer Ben Wright Smith

Before his performance at this month’s AU session taking place April 28th, the AU review caught up with Ben Wright Smith – the emerging singer-songwriter who talks about how he got started playing music and how he fell into his style. We find out what we can expect from his live show and what his…

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Stumbled Upon #041 – Rob Heyes (Melbourne)

In our 41st instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet the Melbourne ‘s Rob Heyes , and chat about his debut album, Pales with Grace, we find out how he got started, who inspired him and more! Musician: Rob Heyes Website / Social Media: www.robheyesmusician.com Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Folk-rock Members & their roles: Rob Heyes,…

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the AU interview: Babaganouj (Brisbane) talk touring, new single and locking down in the studio

Brisbane band Babaganouj stopped by the AU review HQ for a chat about their tour for new single “Can’t Stop”, how their sound varies from live shows to recording and to have a bit of fun. Of their new “more poppy” single, they said, “I think there’s something fun about repetitive songs, because once you…

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the AU interview at SXSW: Leah Capelle (Illinois) talks new self-titled EP and hopes for the future.

In Austin for SXSW’s Captiva/SpringBreakATX Showcases at The Rooftop on Sixth with her live band The What, Leah Capelle stopped by the AU review pop-up venue for a quick chat about her latest, self-titled EP and her hopes for the future: “I’m hoping to tour this summer… I’d like to be on the road a…

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the AU interview: Frank Turner (UK) talks Bluesfest, SXSW, Publishing a Best Selling Book and his sixth album

The AU review’s Johnny Au chats to folk rocker Frank Turner about Bluesfest, SXSW, authoring a bestselling book and his sixth album. Despite having suffered from severe jetlag throughout, Frank said of Bluesfest, “Bluesfest was a blast… It’s a fantastic festival to be a part of,” but for his experience of SXSW he said: “I…

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east india youth

William Doyle of East India Youth (England) talks about SXSW, Culture of Volume, touring and more

Behind the futuristic sound of East India Youth, electronic musician William Doyle has been a very busy man with a tight schedule. Having just finished a round of shows for SXSW and releasing his new album, Culture of Volume this month, he talks to us about the new record’s reception, what he enjoys about tour life and his plans for the rest…

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the AU interview at SXSW: Parlour Tricks (New York) talk upcoming album, their live show and Nashville!

the AU review chatted with New York band Parlour Tricks before they recorded a session for us. The New York pop sextuplet are preparing to launch their debut album this June. The album, largely made up of new songs, was recorded in Nashville over the span of about a year. Of the sound of the…

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