As we fly back to Australia from our sixth annual week of coverage at SXSW in Austin, Texas, we’ve spent some time reflecting on our experiences and now present to you the second annual AU review SXSW Music Awards – acknowledging the bands who made the biggest impressions on us at the event. These awards…
With SXSW at an end, the music world is looking ahead to the rest of the major festivals to take over America this year. Following the announcement of Outside Lands in San Francisco earlier this week (see that lineup HERE), it’s now Lollapalooza’s turn – the iconic Chicago festival set to take place from July…
the AU review presents Hong Kong band Noughts and Exes performing their track “Seasons” for the AU sessions. The track is taken from their album And So It Goes…. The band is made up of members from around the world: Joshua Wong, Guitar/Vocals (Australia), Gideon So, Keyboard (Canada), Alex Bedwell, Drums (UK) and Alix Farquhar,…
Falling In Reverse have just released their most recent LP Just Like You. Since their controversial single, “Alone”, Ronnie Radke and his fellow band mates have gotten quite a following with their stylish direction in the post-hardcore scene and have been turning heads since their early days with “The Drug in Me is You”. Unfortunately, the band’s image has…
Coming to Australia next month, Canadian electronic artist, Peaches, will be heading our way for Groovin’ The Moo festival to dazzle audiences with her delightful presence on stage. After putting her heart and soul into writing lyrics for her new album, she takes a bit of a breather in Berlin, mentally preparing herself for the upcoming busy schedule…
The week that is SXSW in Austin; Texas always brings with it its fair share of opportunities to discover new artists. Here were my five discoveries at the festival, all of whom seem destined for greatness. Some may be names you already know, others will probably be ones you’ve never heard of before. But they’re…
The third annual Grulke Prize has been awarded in three categories to some of the showcasing artists taking part in SXSW this year. The special accolade, created in honour of the late Brent Grulke, who was the Creative Director of the SXSW Music Festival, recognises artists from both the US and abroad who have shown…
Our friends at Willow Wood put on a special showcase last night to help bring SXSW to an end, taking over Bethell Hall at St David’s Church with a group of artists who took full advantage of the venue to deliver an evening full of special performances. First up was Howard, a self described “folktronica”…
For the 8th consecutive year, Rachael Ray’s Feedback Party took over Stubb’s BBQ for the final afternoon of SXSW, seeing a mix of bands from around the world play across three stages, while four Rachael Ray recipes (which you can see HERE), were enjoyed by the masses (you have to try the tacos!) – some…
We had the privilege of capturing Canadian artist Frog Eyes (Carey Mercer) performing a brand new track “Rejoinders in a Storm” as part of our SXSW AU Sessions series last week. Filmed in Austin, Texas at the Buffalo Nickel on 19th March 2015, you can watch the video exclusively here: Find out more about this…
In the 32nd installment of ‘Stumbled Upon’, we meet Chicago’s Chicago Loud 9, and get a sneak peak at their latest release Punk Soul. Band Name: Chicago Loud 9 Website: www.chicagoloud9.com Facebook / Bandcamp Genre: Windy City Roots, Hip Hop Rock n Roll, Funk n Soul Members & their roles: Dhan D. – Emcee Aya…
The Aussie BBQ returned to Brush Park on Friday, taking over the East and West sides of the venue to bring a day full of incredible Australian acts. Sosefina already brought you the full live review, but now here are some photo highlights from the day. First up, we start with the BBQ itself, supplied…
For the last four days, the Pandora Discovery Den at SXSW has been taking audiences through the world of music, starting with Electronic, moving through Hip Hop, Americana and closing the week out with a day dedicated to Rock. Performing through the final day were artists like Big Data – who earlier in the day…
Nestled in what we can only assume was the ground level of a car park on the west side of Austin’s downtown, UK electronic outfit Hot Chip tonight played the third and final night of the Samsung Milk Music Lounge as part of the 2015 SXSW Music Festival, following on from sets by Australia’s Iggy…
Following on from the venue’s opening day with an electronic curation, Thursday marked the day Pandora dedicated their SXSW venue to hip hop, with iconic artist Wyclef Jean closing out the stage. As part of his epic 90 minute set, Wyclef took the audience on a musical (and somewhat educational) trip down memory lane, not…
Damien Leith first came onto our radar taking out the title of Australian Idol back in 2006. It’s been almost a decade since – and this ARIA-winner sure has been busy recording a total of 7 studio albums and publishing 2 novels. This month saw Damien release his 8th studio album Songs From Ireland –…
Image captured at Austin City Limits 2013 by Larry Heath As SXSW approaches – taking over Austin, Texas for some 10 days with music, film, interactive and video game components – we wanted to take a moment to address the fact that this isn’t the only festival that brings droves of people to Texas. And…
Wednesday at SXSW marked the first of four days of the Pandora Discovery Den, an annual party held at The Gatsby on 6th Street – featuring a mix of well established and up-and-coming artists from around the world. Australia’s own Peking Duk helped kick off the celebration with a day focused on electronic music. Closing…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
