Tag Archives: australia

BIG DAY OUT 2009 – Official First Announcement

BIG DAY OUT 2009
THE OFFICIAL FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT


Photo: Tony Mott

With the global economy on the brink of collapse, what better time to ask people to hand over their hard earned money to escape the world for a day.

And who better to prove to you that investing in music is safer and returns much more than banks any day: the man who has seen it all, Neil Young.

This is a proud moment for BDO. After 17 years of producing the most dynamic, entertaining and challenging event we possibly can, this year’s shows promise to stand out from all others.

From the dynamic sounds of Arctic Monkeys or the lush depth of TV on the Radio to the wealth of great local talent or the welcome return of the Prodigy, the world’s biggest travellin’ circus will be once again back on the road next January.

We are also working on making sure the Melbourne site is green, has shade and offers the level of enjoyment you deserve. Drought or no drought.

So come and join us for just one day. We hope the first announcement will satisfy your musical needs, but for those who need more, there will be a second announcement in November…

 

BIG DAY OUT is honoured to announce the arrival of one of those rare modern musicians for whom the term “legend” is more under than over-statement: NEIL YOUNG. At a prolific phase of his 40-year-plus career, YOUNG is leading his band through eclectic set lists, picking from 2008’s Chrome Dreams II, delving into classics like Hey Hey, My My, and venting his activist’s spleen on Let’s Impeach the President. Witness the many faces of a true rock icon, NEIL YOUNG at BIG DAY OUT 2009. All shows

  Continue reading BIG DAY OUT 2009 – Official First Announcement →

Concert, event, Festival, Music

Yves Klein Blue and The Holidays – The Immaculate Confection Tour – Oct 2008

Take two of Australia’s finest new band’s shake n rotate and you have The Immaculate Confection tour.
ybk
Brisbane’s tasty effervescent Yves Klein Blue and Sydney’s sweet astutely pop The Holidays will be touring the nation throughout October.

Yves Klein Blue’s clashy blend of classic pop, old punk, polka inspired ditties and indie rock have been gracing the airwaves and live audiences throughout 2008 with the EP “YVES KLEIN BLUE DRAW ATTENTION TO THEMSELVES” released through Dew Process. They recently played SxSW and Splendour In The Grass and have supported international bands such as The Fratellis (UK) and Tokyo Police Club (Canada) as well as a heap of others. This will be their last tour before they release their much anticipated debut album next year.

The Holidays athemic pop singles “Holiday” and “Telephone” picked up international play from self-titled EP released early 2008 through Liberation and saw them touring throughout the year with international bands such as The Wombats (UK) and Light Speed Champion (US) and festival appearances at Playground Weekender and Come Together Festival. The Holidays will be releasing new EP in October.

This double headline tour will see both bands rotating with a local opening support in each city. Something this delicious can’t be missed.
Cupcakes and other baked goods may be making appearances at each venue for early bird gig lovers!

Continue reading Yves Klein Blue and The Holidays – The Immaculate Confection Tour – Oct 2008 →

Brisbane, Concert, event, Music

Byron Bay Arts & Music Festival, Belongil Fields, 7-8 Jan 2009

Now “Sunset Sounds” in Brisbane on the 7th and 8th of January 2009… Click HERE for details.

***** The Byron Bay Arts and Music Festival Resurrection Delayed *****

It is with great disappointment that the Byron Bay Arts Crew announces The Byron Bay Arts and Music Festival will not happen this summer. 

The festival, which originally ran from ’94 to ’96 and was organised by a collective of local arts & music enthusiasts, was due to be resurrected next January but hit regulatory hurdles. Despite securing a fantastic line-up; overwhelming support amongst the Byron Bay

community; and positive early indications from the local council, the organiser’s self-imposed deadline for obtaining final approvals for the venue expired last week. Whilst it is common for major events in Byron Bay to proceed without final approvals until only weeks before the event, organisers were uncomfortable with the level of risk given the significance of the line-up and organisation going in to the event.

With tickets due to go on sale later this month, organiser’s felt that cancelling the event was intensely regrettable yet the most responsible decision. The Byron Arts Crew are hopeful of resurrecting the festival in the future as it provides an important showcase opportunity for local music and arts as well as much needed entertainment to a vastly expanded Byron Bay population over summer. Organiser’s also wish to extend a sincere thank you and apology to the many people who have been part of the event as well as those who eagerly anticipated its return.

Music lovers need not despair as it has been confirmed that the majority of the bands will be coming together at a new Brisbane show presented by The Falls Festival – Sunset Sounds – More details announced shortly!

———- Original Announcement Below ————-
In sweet anticipation of longer days and soulfully warm nights comes a mid-Summer feast for the senses as we announce a bounty of wondrous acts from the local, domestic and international stages alike, to share in all the glory of the return of the great Byron Bay Arts & Music Festival, 2009.

The Byron Bay Arts & Music Festival will be served on the 7 & 8 of January 09, at Belongil Fields.

FRANZ FERDINAND (UK) / THE HIVES (Sweden) / THE CAT EMPIRE / THE KOOKS (UK) / THE GRATES / GOMEZ (UK)
FAKER / TEGAN AND SARA (Canada) / DONAVON FRANKENREITER (USA) / SOKO (France) / JIMMY WILLING AND THE REAL GONE HICK-UPS / DUBSHACK / GHOST MOUNTAIN / TIJUANA CARTEL / SARA TINDLEY

Concert, event, Festival, Jazz, Music, Rock

Bio: Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam

Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam
Blues/Rock (UK)

Davy Knowles   Every so often a truly explosive, blues-steeped star comes slamming down the pike. The ’60s were filled with acts – from Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page – but each generation has since added to the legacy. Think of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, Susan Tedeschi, Warren Haynes and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Now think of Davy Knowles. Think long and hard and toast a bright future. Fronting his band Back Door Slam, the 22-year-old British phenomenon with an encyclopaedic grasp of blues-rock draws on influences from Robert Johnson to

Rory Gallagher and gives it a fresh Celtic feel along the way.
Continue reading Bio: Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam →

Artist, Bio, Music

SUPERGRASS – Australian Tour 2008

SYDNEY SELLS OUT, SECOND SHOW ADDED
They are a band that make joyous, galloping punk-pop music and after announcing their return to Australia next month, the Diamond Hoo Ha Men’s SYDNEY show at the FORUM on FRIDAY OCTOBER 3RD has SOLD OUT!

The good news for Sydney fans is that an extra night has been added to their Australian run. SUPERGRASS will now play a second Sydney date at the FORUM on SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER. Tickets to this second and final Sydney show go on sale 9.00 am, THURSDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER.

While tickets to their Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth shows are still available, they are selling fast, so if you haven’t got your tickets yet, better giddy-up as no more shows for this tour will be announced. Don’t miss your opportunity to see one of the most highly regarded and accomplished live bands to come out of the UK.

Listen out for their new single Rebel In You pumping on your stereo and stay tuned for support info in coming weeks.

SUPERGRASS TOUR DATES
Thursday 2 October – The Tivoli, Brisbane (over 18) – tix still available
Proudly presented by Video Hits, FasterLouder.com.au and Rave
Tickets from Ticketek outlets: Ph 132 849 or >www.ticketek.com.au; Rocking Horse Records, Ph 07 3329 5360,

Brisbane, Concert, event, Music, Rock

September 3 – On This Day In Music

1934, Born on this day, blues guitarist Freddie King. Eric Clapton covered his ‘Have You Ever Loved A Woman’ on the ‘Layla’ album. Died on 28th December 1976 of heart trouble and Ulcers aged 42
1955, Born on ths day, Stephen Phillip Jones in Shepherds Bush, London. rock guitarist, singer, guitarist for punk rock band Sex Pistols.
1964, during a US tour The Beatles played two shows at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. They were paid $85,000 for the shows, tickets cost $4.00.
1966, Donovan hits #1 with “Sunshine Superman”
1970, Bill Halley and Comets reject $30,000 for 15 date tour of Australia
1972, ‘Mama Weer All Crazee Now’ by English glam rock band Slade hit number 1 on the UK top ten singles.

Music

Taikoz – The Gathering @ Brisbane Powerhouse, 28-30 October 2008

Taikoz – The Gathering @ Brisbane Powerhouse, 28-30 October 2008
Brisbane Powerhouse presents The Gathering – TaikOz

Described by The Sydney Morning Herald as ‘bold and original’, TaikOz is Australia’s most energetic and exciting taiko drumming group. From 28 – 30 October 2008, Brisbane audiences will have the chance to experience their compelling performances when TaikOz tours The Gathering to Brisbane Powerhouse.


The Gathering is an unforgettable concert experience. The powerful and thundering sound of taiko drumming is counter-balanced with the beautiful, ethereal tones of the shakuhachi bamboo flute. Featuring performances by shakuhachi Grand Master Riley Lee and guest percussionist Timothy Constable, the result is a synthesis of east and west, old and new.

Since its formation in 1997, TaikOz has become Australia’s most exciting and energetic taiko drumming ensemble, attracting devoted audiences across the country and around the world. While observing ancient practices, the Japanese art form of taiko is given a uniquely Australian interpretation with muscular choreography, hypnotic compositions and delicate musicality. Continue reading Taikoz – The Gathering @ Brisbane Powerhouse, 28-30 October 2008 →

Brisbane, Concert, event, Music

Faker – Are You Magnetic? National Headline Tour

Presented by: Video Hits, Nova and Aloha Music

“[Are You Magnetic? is] the perfect choice to follow-up the single This Heart Attack, the song that made Faker the commander of the airwaves for the past six months. It has an immediate retro feel reminiscent of the Australian pop rock scene of the ’80s; in other words, it’s so hot right now.”  Kathy McCabe, Daily Telegraph

The Top 10 single ‘This Heart Attack’ has certainly taken breakout Sydney band Faker to a whole new legion of fans, and with new single ‘Are You Magnetic?’ under their belts the band are taking to the road in September on a national headline tour.

Starting in WA the ‘Are You Magnetic?’ tour will see Faker travel to all capital cities over more than two weeks. 

Tickets are on sale from July 7 and Sparkadia will support Faker on all dates which are as follows:

‘Are You Magnetic?’ Tour
Thursday 4th September – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, WA
Venue: (08) 9721 2016 www.heatseeker.com.au
Friday 5th September – Metro City, Perth, WA
Star Surf + Skate (Perth) – (08) 93216230 Mills Records (Fremantle) – (08) 9335 1945
Planet Video (Mt Lawley) – (08) 9328 7464 www.heatseeker.com.au
Saturday 6th September – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River WA
Beach Life (Margaret River) – (08) 9757 2888 Blue 62 (Busselton) – (08) 9752 3522
www.heatseeker.com.au
Friday 12th September – Forum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Box Office: (03) 9299 9800 Ticketek: 132 849  www.ticketek.com.au
Saturday 13th September – Wrestpoint Showroom, Hobart, TAS
Wrestpoint Service Centre: 1300 795 257 www.wrestpoint.com.au 
Sunday 14th September – HQ, Adelaide, SA
Venuetix: (08) 8225 8888 www.venuetix.com.au
Friday 19th September – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast, QLD
Oztix: 1300 762 545 www.oztix.com.au www.thecoolyhotel.com.au
Saturday 20th September – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW (licensed and all ages)
Box Office: (02) 9550 3666 www.enmoretheatre.com.au
Ticketek: 132 849  www.ticketek.com.au

The new single ‘Are You Magnetic?’ is currently available as a digital multi-track package to include a Paul Mac remix of ‘Are You Magnetic?’ and album track ‘Sleepwalking’ remix by the Hong Kong Blondes. ‘Are You Magnetic’ follows the huge success of ‘This Heart Attack’ which is still in the Top 40 after 35 weeks.

Links: www.musichead.com.au / www.faker.com.au
www.myspace.com/fakertheband / www.alohamusic.com.au

Brisbane, Concert, Music, Rock

Black Francis Tour 2008

It’s rare for a musician to hold an influence in the music world for over twenty years. It’s rare for a musician to excel as frontman in one of the most respected bands of all time, and solo artist in their own right. But Black Francis has, which is why it gives The Frontier Touring Company great pleasure to confirm that Black Francis will headline shows in Fremantle, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne this September/October – his first in over a decade. 

This tour will see Black Francis perform in support of his two most recent releases; 2007’s Bluefinger (out now through Shock) and 2008’s mini-album Svn Fngrs (out now through Shock). Boisterous and meticulous, Bluefinger and Svn Fngrs have announced to the world that Black Francis’ songwriting and performance skills are as potent as ever.

Bluefinger – speculated to be the material originally ear-marked for the Pixies’ new record – sees Black Francis at the top of his game. Dutch artist Herman Brood – the man widely considered to be the epitome of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll – is heavily referenced through the album, continuing Black Francis’ penchant for expressing his unique take on the world.

Of the album, the NME gushed: “The unlikely, ghoulish inspiration of a dead Dutch pop star has forced Pixies’ frontman Frank Black into making his finest album since the demise of his influential ’90s alt.rockers.”

Mojo expressed similar sentiments: “Bluefinger marks an artistic rebirth for the king of quiet/loud.” And Rolling Stone concurred: “On Bluefinger, it sounds like the Pixies’ fantastic reunion shows have allowed Black to finally shed his ambivalence about rocking out. So he does.”

Even the notoriously fierce Pitchfork couldn’t maintain their usual veneer of nonchalance: “Bluefinger is the best overall solo record Black has released in a long time…”

It’s been over a decade since Black Francis last played headline shows in Australia. Tickets to see Black Francis play as part of the Pixies in 2007 sold out in a frenzy. You don’t need svn fngrs to figure out what the equation will be in 2008. 

Tickets are on sale Wednesday 30 July.

Pre-sale tickets will be available from noon AEST Monday 28 July

Sunday 28 September             Metropolis, Fremantle
Moshtix 1300 438 849 or www.moshtix.com.au

Monday 29 September             HQ Complex, Adelaide
Venue*Tix (08) 8225 8888 or www.venutix.com.au

Wednesday 1 October             Arena, Brisbane
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au;
Arena Online 1300 762 545 or www.arenaonline.com.au

Thursday 2 October                 Forum Theatre, Melbourne
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Brisbane, Concert, Music

Giants Of Jazz – QPAC – 16-17 August 2008

Jazz
QPAC is getting all jazzed up to host some of Australia’s biggest names in jazz.

For an entire weekend in August, jazz fans will be treated to two days of non-stop music by some of the country’s finest performers and bands.  Jazz music will weave its way through QPAC with known and local artists performing across two venues from midday to 11pm on Saturday, 16 August and midday to 6pm on Sunday, 17 August.

The exceptional line up includes one of Australia’s leading international artists, Bob Barnard (pictured, left), who will perform with his all-star band; the highly regarded composer, performer and educator Bob Sedergreen and Australia’s top rated traditional/ mainstream jazz group, The Syncopators.

Featuring all styles of jazz, Giants of Jazz also features: Geoff Bull’s Olympia Jazz Band, George Washingmachine, Julie O’Hara, Peter Baylor, Laique, The Jazz Factory, Clare Hansson, Harry Lynn Quartet, Queensland Conservatorium Big Band, Jazz String.

QPAC’s Artistic Director John Kotzas said Giants of Jazz was a great opportunity for lovers of jazz to indulge in a smorgasboard of entertainment.

“It’s rare to get this number of artists of this calibre together under one roof for an entire weekend,” Mr Kotzas said.

“It’s also rare for jazz to be performed in these intimate surrounds, enabling fans an up-close and personal experience.

“Giants of Jazz builds on QPAC’s incredibly successful Jazz Fridays, which has seen local jazz artists performing in Cascade Court regularly since February,” Mr Kotzas said.

Patrons can purchase a full-day pass for either Saturday or Sunday or a full weekend pass.

Ticket Information:
Dates:            Saturday 16, August and Sunday, 17 August
Venues:           Cremorne Theatre & Studio 1, QPAC
Tickets:          Single Day Pass $105; 2 Day Weekend Pass $198
Bookings:         qtix.com.au or 136 246

Brisbane, Concert, Jazz, Music

Tim Minchin

Tim Minchin is an Australian musician, actor, comedian and writer.

Originally from Perth, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre at the University of Western Australia in 1995, then an Advanced Diploma in Contemporary Music at the Conservatorium of WA – part of the WA Academy of Performing Arts – in 1998.

In 2002, he moved to Melbourne, where he began to develop the solo comedy shows which have gained him public and critical acclaim in the last three years. He developed his unique style during an 18-month period when he played regularly in the famous 40-seat cabaret room of The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, before

    tim-by-dan-dion
[Photo: Dan Dion]

Continue reading Tim Minchin →

Artist, Bio, Comedy

The Church

As their 25th anniversary approaches art-rock band The Church, having recently returned from international touring, are continuing to push the boundaries of what a rock band should be.
 
the church   the church
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Artist, Bio, Music

Lee Rocker

leerocker
Since the release of his Alligator Records debut Racin’ The Devil, bassist/vocalist/songwriter (and Stray Cats co-founder) Lee Rocker’s solo career has been skyrocketing. Publications from USA Today to Billboard and The New York Times raved about the undeniable power and foot-stomping fun of Rocker’s Americana-based roots rock. OffBeat declared, “What’s most satisfying about Lee Rocker is his ability to graft classic Sun licks and shuffles onto Americana. He bridges the gap between Bruce Springsteen and Hank Williams, Sr.” Bass Player magazine simply said, “He absolutely kills.” Lee’s live shows, fueled by his barnstorming, rocking band, grow wilder each night out. And now, on the heels of the national Stray Cats 2007 summer reunion tour, Lee Rocker is back with his second Alligator album, Black Cat Bone.

The Chicago Tribune describes Rocker’s playing as “muscular and passionate.” The Washington Post says his music consists of “impressive, catchy, driving original songs, frantic romps, finger-snapping swing and brooding slow blues.” Rolling Stone declares, “Lee Rocker’s singing naturally captures the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. His catchy, well-written songs are very difficult to get out of your head.”


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Artist, Bio, Music

Slim Jim Phantom

Slim Jim Phantom has secured his place as a true rock n roll icon.

As the legendary drummer for the Stray Cats Phantom, alongside band mates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker, spearheaded the neo-rockabilly movement of the early 80s. With a love for 50s rock n roll the Stray Cats took inspiration from the bygone era and mixed with their youthful energy and aggression produced the updated hard-edged rockabilly sound that saw them conquer London, Europe and later the US, gaining fans among the likes of Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Robert Plant along the way. slim-jim-phantom-sml

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Artist, Bio, Music

Chris Isaak Bio

Chris Isaak

chris_isaak_lrg

From crooning pop to retro-cool rock, multi-platinum seller Chris Isaak is a man of many personas – a gifted musician and vocalist, host of his own TV show, acclaimed actor, a consummate showman and charismatic all-round great guy!

Isaak is also a platinum-selling artist with nine extraordinary albums, twelve singles and two Grammy nominations under his belt.


His legendary shows with long-time band Silvertone have entertained legions of loyal fans for more than two decades. Known for his wonderfully-entertaining stage presence, the charismatic performer and his band of 20 years is recognised by such classics such as ‘Wicked Game’, ‘Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing’, ‘Somebody’s Crying’ and ‘Blue Hotel.’

Continue reading Chris Isaak Bio →

Artist, Bio, Music