Music

“A culturally ambitious nation” is the phrase that the Australia Council for the Arts are using to encapsulate the biggest changes to the way the Council issues grants in some 40 years. From structural changes to a new skill based board, the Council went through the finer details of their plans at a special panel…

As it seemed most of Melbourne were dressing as cats and making their way to the Katy Perry concert (#katycats), an nonetheless impressive contingent of the city’s less under-16 female crowd filled up the Corner Hotel for the second of two just-about-sold-out performances from Manchester Orchestra, supported by Ballarat’s Apes and Brooklyn based Kevin Devine….

The 7th Australasian Worldwide Music Expo – featuring 58 groups performing over 4 days alongside a two day conference – kicked off with an opening party early on Thursday evening with Pete Murray, Benny Walker and a Welcome to Country ceremony. Benny Walker impressed at the opening night event, performing solo on the guitar –…

In our new series “Stumbled Upon”, we get to know a new Australian band we’ve stumbled across. In the second installment, we meet Brisbane’s soulful Astrid, who talks about her love of great female singer/songwriters and gives us a taste of some new music… Musician: Astrid Website / Social Media: www.astridjmusic.com Genre: Soul Members &…

While they were in Australia, we talked Hope and Cope with two parts of Manchester Orchestra, plus reflected on touring the UK with Kevin Devine and Bad Books, their Australian experiences and more. Filmed backstage at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel before their second show at the venue.

We’re excited to bring you the exclusive world premiere tonight of Canadian violin wielding artist Jaron Freeman-Fox new single and music video, “Auctioneering Everything”. Check it out below: Visit Jaron Freeman-Fox‘s official website: http://www.theoppositeofeverything.com/

Hypnotic and ethereal are the first words that comes to mind when you hear AlithiA‘s new single “Here I Am”, which we’re excited to premiere today on the AU review. Taken from their 2014 album To The Edge of Time the Melbourne five piece are joined on the track by Hungarian violinist Flora Matisz, while…

Sean Paul was joined by Mya, Lazy J and the Young Men Society at the Big Top Luna Park on Thursday night. Gwendolyn Lee was there in the pit and brings us these photos from the show:

Larry interviews Perth electro act KUČKA during the WAM Festival in Perth to talk about picking up three WA Music Awards, performing at WAM, being an ‘experimental artist’ and their experiences with the ‘Unconditional’ single and tour. KUČKA also talks about plans for their new EP.

Ahead of his shows with Manchester Orchestra, which kick off tonight in Brisbane, I caught up with Kevin Devine to talk about how Adelaide label Hobbledehoy Record Co. helped get his latest records out in Australia and we reflect on his Bad Books shows in the UK, ultimately asking the question: “Will we hear some…

Larry interviews Perth band Our Man in Berlin during the WAM Festival in Perth to talk about their performances at the festival, their EP is it right?, the eclectic Perth music scene, overseas interest and future plans… is it right? is available now.

Tori Amos was accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performed in the Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House last night! A wonderful show, Pete Dovgan brings you the photos.

In our new series “Stumbled Upon”, we get to know a new Australian band we’ve stumbled across. In the first installment, we meet Brisbane quintet Sacred Shines, who are putting out some pretty sweet psych rock… Name: Sacred Shrines Website: http://www.sacredshrines.net Genre: Psychedelic garage rock ‘n’ roll Members: Ziggy: Bass, Chester: Guitars, Dorian: Guitars and…

Ever since the Foo Fighters released Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, Dave Grohl and the group have explored new ways to inspire themselves creatively after it started to seem that the road towards stadium rock was littered with overproduction and fairly uninspired music. Even the band agree that their 2007 record was far from their…

Kevin Devine is primed to kick off an impressive run of Australian tour dates, both solo and with the magnificent Manchester Orchestra and while still at home in New York, he chatted with Larry in length about the highs and challenges of being a touring musician in today’s music climate, new music and more! What’s…

Pictured: Tired Lion The WA music scene is without question among the finest in this country. I dare say it gives Melbourne a run for its money, winning out with its vast and eclectic nature. From experimental electronic to psychedelic rock, pop grooves and indie beats, there is something to be found for everyone here….

Thursday night saw the legendary singer-songwriter Rodriguez play the first of three sold-out shows in Perth’s picturesque Kings Park, and his first show in Perth since 1981. Joining Rodriguez on the bill was a host of Australian talent, including Archie Roach, Little May and Perth’s own Fox Cat Rabbit. Local band Fox Cat Rabbit kicked…

Canadian punk rockers, Billy Talent, have been known for their electrifying riffs and dark choruses amongst their songs. With their Hits album being released, this record will include highly acclaimed tracks such as “Surrender” and “Fallen Leaves” as well as two brand new tracks which are an exclusive feature in celebration of the successful record releases the band…

Showcasing a rock and roll side to their style of music, Twin Atlantic are back with their third studio album, Great Divide. It can be acknowledged that the boys have nurtured their songwriting skills and have aimed for a sentimental direction into their songs and with that, they have experimented with both creating slow and fast-paced songs in…

The WAM Festival kicks off in Perth today with a great Opening Night party schedule to go off at The Bakery! Ahead of the antics, get to know one of the band’s set to perform, Tired Lion! We get the lowdown on what’s been happening with band from the lovely Sophie Hopes since the AU…

While he was at home in between their weekend shows promoting the release of Sonic Highways – their highly anticipated new album out November 10th – I caught up with Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins to talk about the epic record, their upcoming return to Australia, that time they played Goat Island, the state of…

Adding vibrancy to the palette, indie-pop band Echosmith exceed the expectations of most bands. With their catchy and bright-eyed music, it’s hard to not keep up the energies resonating from their debut LP, Talking Dreams, which has finally received an Australian release. Formerly gaining their music recognition from YouTube, it’s safe to say that the Los Angeles band…

With his new album Lost in Light available now, we caught up with Canadian Troubadour Tim Chaisson to talk about working with Band of Horses’ Bill Reynolds on the release, we look ahead to his upcoming Australian shows and touch on the all too important topic of pizza. We’ll kick off talking about the new…

Hailing from Melbourne, Ne Obliviscaris‘ drummer, Dan Presland, is busy getting ready for a massive tour to celebrate their brand new album Citadel, out on Friday. Plus they’re playing Soundwave in the New Year! But he kindly caught up with the AU to deliver his top 5 albums right now. Counting down from 5… 5….

Taken from his debut solo album Heartsong (read our review HERE), today we’re proud to present the exclusive premiere of British artist Ruu Campbell‘s brand new single “Mathereal”. The stunning vocalist – who garners comparisons to the likes of Nick Drake and John Martyn – has had a pretty amazing career already, working with Leftfield,…

Ahead of the anticipated Stranded Festival on South Stradbroke Island on November 14th, we’re catching up with a few of the artists who are helping us get prepped for the event. Next up, we get Generik to pass along his top 5 weekend destinations. Counting down from number five… 5. Portsea (Victoria) One of my…

This Thursday night the WAM Festival kicks off in Perth for 2014, showcasing the best music of WA – as well as a few guests from Singapore! We’re going to take some time to get to know a few of the WA Music Awards nominees and performers! We kick things off with Methyl Ethel, playing…

We asked the bands playing WAM Festival in Perth – which kicks off today – to share with us the bands they would recommend. Here are the eight artists: Methyl Ethel’s Picks: You’d be hard pressed to find any act that didn’t blow ya socks off during the WAM festival, I love so many bands…

This Thursday night the WAM Festival kicks off in Perth for 2014, showcasing the best music of WA – as well as a few guests from Singapore and Shanghai! We’re going to take some time to get to know a few of the WA Music Awards nominees and performers! Next up we have Pat Chow,…

Last week four of Australia’s best female singers, performers and songwriters, Katie Noonan, Melody Pool, Sam Buckingham and Angie Hart, helped close this years ARTBAR season with their show, Songs That Made Me, a celebration of the songs that helped to inspire them as musicians and people. Songs That Made Me, the live show, is…