Music

The Knocks kick off the Neiman Marcus "Make Some Noise" Activation at SXSW

Highlighting influential women may be the focus of Neiman Marcus’ “Make Some Noise” activation at SXSW this week, but it was New York duo The Knocks who had the privilege of helping kick the three day event off in style yesterday. The duo were joined, however, by Liz Nisitico, who fronts the ever-growing-in-popularity electro-pop duo…

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Photo Gallery: Billy Idol + Cheap Trick – Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney (19.03.15)

Rock icon Billy Idol and Illinois band Cheap Trick brought the house down at Qantas Credit Union Arena in Sydney last night. Pete Dovgan brings you this full photo gallery for the AU.

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Stumbled Upon #031 – Steve Grady (Brisbane)

In the 31st installment of ‘Stumbled Upon’, we meet Brisbane ‘s Steve Grady, and chat about his upcoming EP, A Year’s Gone By and his latest track, ‘Go Away & Miss Me’. Musician: Steve Grady Website / Social Media: www.stevegradymusic.com Facebook / Soundcloud / Bandcamp Genre: Singer/Songwriter Members & their roles: Steve Grady – Guitar…

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you me at six

Max Helyer of You Me At Six (UK) talks Cavalier Youth, band’s sound progression and Kanye West

Providing a sense of hope and inspiration with their 2014 release, Cavalier Youth, English alternative rock band, You Me At Six have achieved world-renowned success with stellar tracks such as “Lived A Lie”, “Cold Night” and “Room To Breathe”. Good news for Australian fans as the band are coming back to our shores in April/May to do Groovin’ The…

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mayday parade

Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade (USA) reflects on band’s journey, tour life and more

Teaming up with Yellowcard in July, Mayday Parade are coming back to Australia to do a leg of shows whilst showcasing their tug-on-your-heartstrings kind of songs that have made fans fall in love with the band around the world. The alternative rock band from Tallahassee, Florida have gone through challenge after challenge but it’s safe to say that they’ve…

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Getting to Know AU Sessions Performer Rowen

Anticipating her performance at this month’s AU session taking place March 31, the AU review caught up with Rowen who is hot on the heels of a new EP. We talk about learning instruments, musical influences and the future. Further information about the performance below. How old were you when you started writing your own…

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Live Review: Imagine Dragons – The Star Event Centre, Sydney (17.03.15)

With the release of their second album Smoke + Mirrors, the gents from Imagine Dragons returned to our shores for a very brief visit to give us a taste of their new songs live at an exclusive predominantly fan populated event at The Star Event Centre.

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sleeping with sirens madness album art

Album Review: Sleeping with Sirens – Madness (2015 LP)

Sleeping with Sirens have explored their pop rock dimensions on another level with their newest album Madness. Since their last release, the band have further explored something different from their usual scope of music and this will surely have old and new fans divided. It’s hard to move past the heavy sounding, in-your-face back catalogue offered in…

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TV on the Radio, Ludacris and Z-Trip bring SXSW Interactive to an end for 2015 at Stubb's BBQ.

After five days of talks, events and parties (…lots of parties), the Interactive portion of SXSW came to an end tonight with a massive party at Austin’s iconic Stubb’s BBQ outdoor amphitheater, presented by Media Temple. The drinks and BBQ flowed as Z-Trip, Ludacris and TV on the Radio performed in front of some two…

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the AU interview at SXSW: Ian Hultquist on reasons for departing Passion Pit, composing for film and more

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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The Corner Hotel presents ‘Something for John,’ a benefit for John Hedigan

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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Courtney Barnett plays new single ‘Depreston’ on The Ellen Show

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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The 15 Best Venues and Parties at SXSW 2015 (Part One)

For those who’ve never made the trip to Austin for SXSW, our best advice is to go with the flow; follow the crowds, take chances, give yourselves the ability to stumble across bands you’ve never heard of, in locations you don’t expect. It’s the best way to discover something new. But it doesn’t hurt to…

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The 15 Best Venues and Parties at SXSW 2015 (Part Two)

For those who’ve never made the trip to Austin for SXSW, our best advice is to go with the flow. Follow the crowds, take chances, give yourselves the ability to stumble across bands you’ve never heard of, in locations you don’t expect. It’s the best way to discover something new. But it doesn’t hurt to…

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Mavis Staples performs at SXSW and talks about seeing her documentary "Mavis!" for the first time.

This morning at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, a packed out Paramount Theatre enjoyed the World Premiere of the new music documentary Mavis!, telling the story of the legendary Mavis Staples. Making her feature length documentary debut with the film was Director Jessica Edwards, who joined Mavis and other members of the crew…

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Brisbane's Conrad Sewell helps open Spotify House at SXSW

The annual celebration that is Spotify House returned to SXSW today, for the start of no less SIX days of live music, free food, free drinks and something called “SoulCycle”, which seems to include live music and a bunch of exercise bikes… you may have to head along to find out for yourself, should you…

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Photo Gallery: Lady A – QANTAS Credit Union Arena (15.03.15)

Country rock superstars Lady A took Sydney’s Qantas Credit Union Arena and dominated the stage on the weekend. Gwendolyn Lee was on hand and brings you this gallery.

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Stumbled Upon #030 – In Capital (Melbourne)

In the 30th instalment of ‘Stumbled Upon’, we meet Melbourne’s In Capital, and get an exclusive preview of their second single Fighting for the Light. Band Name: In Capital Website / Social Media: Facebook / Soundcloud / Bandcamp / Twitter Genre: Electronic, EDM Members & their roles: Nick Jenkin – Engineer, Producer, Guitar, Bass, Synth,…

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Album Stream: Nantes "Limbo" (2015 EP)

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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switchfoot

Tim Foreman of Switchfoot(USA) talks Fading West, Soundwave and the band’s journey

Famously known for acclaimed tracks such as “Dare You To Move” and “Meant To Live”, Switchfoot are coming back to Australia in a few weeks to touch the hearts and souls of many with their empowering rock music. The band have explored many avenues that have helped their music connect with many people around the world,…

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Listen to Luca Brasi's Tyler Richardson 5 Favourite Songs

This week, we’re excited to present a special playlist from bassist and vocalist Tyler Richardson of Tasmanian rockers Luca Brasi, who are currently on tour around Australia celebrating the release of their Loose Threads 7″ EP. He has chosen five of his favourite songs for the special show, plus one of his band’s own. The…

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Photo Gallery: London Grammar + Wet + Until The Ribbon Breaks – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (12.03.15)

Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion has seen some stellar line ups over the years, and they can certainly add this incredible concert to the top of the list. Highly sought after UK trio London Grammar brought along with them two very rapidly rising acts in Wet and Until The Ribbon Breaks, delivering an incredible concert to attendees….

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Stumbled Upon #029 – HYLA (Perth)

In the 29th installment of ‘Stumbled Upon’, we meet Perth’s HYLA and chat about their second EP and working towards a full length album. Band Name: HYLA Website / Social Media: Facebook / Soundcloud Genre: Garage, shoegaze, dream noise pop Members & their roles: Rob -bass, Mike -guitar, Darren-drums, Alex -guitar/vocals What music or artists…

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cedar boulevard ep art

Album Review: Cedar Boulevard – Cedar Boulevard (2015 EP)

The world of pop punk music is a competitive one and the smartest strategy you can ever have is to fuse it with something else. Cedar Boulevard are no ordinary happy-go-lucky band; they are a band that acquaints post-hardcore elements into their music as well. Balance is always key and it’s safe to say they have achieved…

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sleeping with sirens

Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens (USA) talks new LP, career progression and more

Being the new addition to Epitaph Records, post-hardcore five-piece band, Sleeping With Sirens, have really challenged themselves to be the band they want to be. With Madness due for release shortly, Kellin Quinn reflects his journey with the band and how this record has taught him many things about responsibility, and has provided him with a sense of awakening as…

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KISS is bringing their 40th Anniversary World Tour down under!

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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NANTES announce new single, new mini-album and 'The 7 Tour'

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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the AU interview: Leo Sayer (UK) on touring, DJs, and the importance of powerful songwriting

Leo Sayer has a career that has spanned over four decades. He’s written for artists such as Roger Daltrey, Dolly Parton and Tina Turner, and had numerous classic hits such as the Grammy Award winning “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, “When I Need You” and “More Than I Can Say”. With the new tour…

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the AU interview: Lindsey Stirling (Arizona) talks tours, new album and life on the road

the AU review chats to American violinist, dancer, performance artist, and composer Lindsey Stirling about coming back to Australia to promote her album Shatter Me, “I’ve been touring non stop since releasing it” she says. Lindsey also offers her thoughts on the life of a musician “There’s so many other things that go along with…

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the AU interview: Luke Escombe (Sydney) talks vintage records, diverse tastes and kids' shows!

Luke Escombe‘s latest album Creeper Vine is a vintage-sounding homage to artists like Chuck Berry, Freddie King, and Elvis Presley while traversing the themes of modern-day life. This splice of eras is fresh and unique, emphasizing the singer-songwriter’s innate sense of fun. Touring Australia during March and April, Escombe is ready to rock n roll….

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