Music

Though our last two articles looked at some of the lesser known acts at Jazz Fest, let’s face it – it’s the headliners that get us through the door at these events. It’s their incredible and anticipated sets that we spend the day holding our breath for, while we enjoy weeks of anticipation in the…

2014 marks the 45th Year of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, one of the world’s longest running music events; and for yours truly, it marked my second visit to the iconic event. Every year, over seven days spread across two weekends, the musical world descends on New Orleans for some of the world’s…

Music is honestly the best gift in the entire world and if I had the choice of losing my hearing or eyesight forever, I’d choose my eyesight because without my hearing, music would cease to exist in my life and the thought of that makes me want to cry. If you’re looking for a quick…

Another year and another Jazz Fest has come and gone in New Orleans. With performances from the likes of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, John Fogerty, Robert Plant, Santana, Arcade Fire, Eric Clapton and a never-ending list of some of the world’s finest talents, all who attended the seven day event will have…

the AU review meets Chromeo in Austin, Texas, to talk about their music, their next record White Women (out in Australia May 9th), their South by Southwest (SXSW) experiences and more…

From taking a one way flight to Melbourne eight years ago to touring internationally with headline shows, the Kiwi lads from Bonjah have put a lot of hard work into their sound which is clearly evident in their third studio release, Beautiful Wild. Every track exudes that bluesy rock fuelled confidence, with frontman Glen Mossop’s…

This weekend, the AU returns to New Orleans to cover Jazz Fest for the event’s second weekend of 2014, and our second time covering the event (look back on our coverage two years ago). The first weekend’s three days has already seen acts like Eric Clapton, Robert Plant and Phish come through the festival’s massive…

The sun is beginning to set and the excitable predominantly young female crowd is getting antsy. Before the performance begins we get a super brief glimpse of the man of the night arriving onto our floating barge via a super cool speedboat and that sets off the crowd even more.

In anticipation of the release of their brilliant new record Gold Fever, I caught up with one half of US duo Little Hurricane, Anthony “Tone” Catalano, to talk about the release, their recent SXSW adventures, that time they preceded a big hurricane in New York City, we learn about their musical connections with Australia, the…

New York City quartet Skaters capture their hometown with charm as they maintain their electric, punk roots. Headed our way later in the year to play Splendour in the Grass, vocalist Michael Ian Cummings takes some time out for a casual chat with Larry about the band’s relentless touring schedule, Carson Dailey, and the art…

As he was waking up and we at the AU were closing up shop for the night, I had the opportunity earlier this month to chat to Rodrigo Sanchez, one half of the infamous guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. By now, you probably know their story – a couple of musicians from Mexico get discovered…

the AU review sits down with Hit Fitz and Cara backstage at Bluesfest in Byron Bay to talk about the festival over the years (this was Hat’s 22nd time!), their music and much more…

the AU review presents Sydney’s Little Bastard performing the track “Crosses on the Highway” at AU HQ as part of the AU’s session series. The band are touring the country in June and the dates are after the jump! TOUR DATES: Thursday 12th June | Rad (Yours & Owls), Wollongong NSW Friday 13th June |…

It’s not often that you come across an artist so unique and different that it’s almost impossible to categorise them. In this intimate setting at one of Sydney’s finest jazz clubs, we’re treated to just that from two intriguing and wonderful performers. One of whom is quite well known to Australian audiences in a different…

As they release their catchy, brand new single “Questions” (watch the premiere of the music video HERE), Geelong quintet The Evening Cast are set to hit the road with a run of six shows along the East Coast and into Adelaide through June and July. The single follows on from the success of their EP…

Geelong quintet The Evening Cast have released their catchy single “Questions” onto the world, and now they have a stunning music video to go along with it. The clip has been directed and shot by The Ayvee Space and you can buy the track over on iTunes HERE. But before you go to there, watch…

the AU review sits down with Warren Haynes backstage at Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia – April 2014 – to talk about the festival, his return to the country with Gov’t Mule, performing on stage with the Dave Matthews Band at the festival, plans for the year ahead and much more…

While Sose brought you the daily coverage of the 25th annual Bluesfest in Byron Bay, I was mainly out the back doing a series of interviews. You can see them posted periodically on the website, or you can check them all out HERE on our YouTube channel (there are THIRTY videos up for your enjoyment!)….

the AU review is proud to present the exclusive premiere of the new album from Brisbane trio Pharaoh’s Playground, 3 Days in the Belly of a Whale, in advance of it’s official release this Friday. Listen to the full record below!

Larry sits down with Michael Franti backstage at Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia – on his birthday, 21st April 2014 – to talk about his time at the festival over the years, his latest music, and much more…

the AU is proud to premiere the new music video from Sydney based rockers Bonez. The track, “Foxy Lady”, is a cover of legendary rock n roller Jimi Hendrix classic track and is taken from Bonez debut EP On The Pig’s Back Vol. 1 – the first in a series of three EPs planned for…

It’s slowly becoming the norm – or has it always been the norm? – for Australian artists to head overseas to get more exposure or relish opportunities for themselves, but Indiana Avent’s solo project Ma Petite took the slightly different path away from either the UK or US. Indiana found herself in Canada and developed…

One of our favourite US Festivals without question is Austin City Limits – a festival put on by C3 Events (the guys behind Lollapalooza in Chicago, and also co-presenters of Big Day Out here in Australia) over two weekends in Austin every October. It’s hard to believe we’re talking about it already, but today marked…

In this very special chat, we sat down with the legendary Texan musician Joe Ely to talk about his involvement in the film Road to Austin (reviewed on The Iris HERE), that time be played with Bruce Springsteen at SXSW, his years in the music industry, Australian experiences and much more…

Larry Heath sits down with director Beth Harrington to talk about her documentary film The Winding Stream, which premiered at SXSW Film Festival last month. She tells us about how and why she got interested in telling the story of “the Carters, the Cashes and the Course of Country Music”. Find out more about the…

Larry interviews Jake Bugg backstage at Bluesfest in Byron Bay to talk about his record store day live EP release, his upcoming EP Messed Up Kids (out May 12th), what might be in store for his next full length, they reflect on the last two years and much more…

As Splendour in the Grass’ permanent home in Byron Bay introduces thousands more to its capacity – along with some expected changes to the layout to accommodate (hopefully similar to what we saw at Falls) – 2014 is bringing with it a mammoth lineup to justify the upgrade. We already knew about headliners OutKast, who…

Yet another British singer-songwriter whose popularity seems to be growing exponentially, the sold out Enmore Theatre crowd consisted of about 90% British attendees. That would probably explain why this show was sold out, as I don’t think Jake Bugg is as well-known amongst Australian fans that would warrant such a packed room. Regardless those in the crowd…

We caught up with pro surfer Stephanie Gilmore to find out what she’s been up to, what she’s up to next and get a taste of her favourite music… presenting Stephanie’s playlist! After a brief chat to the girl herself… What was a highlight for you in 2013? Meeting and chatting with Rodney Mullen, he’s…

Popular indie-folk duo Wye Oak are fresh off successful performances at Coachella and are about to head off on a U.S tour in support of their latest album Shriek. Vocalist Jenn Wasner takes some time to have a chat with Larry about Coachella, the new album, and the upcoming tour. Check out our transcript below:…