Check below for your chance to win a double pass to the Apollo Pathway ‘Dress For Success’ gig @ The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney – 15 July 2011*

Launching their highly anticipated EP ‘Dress For Success’ and new single of the same name, Melbourne’s Apollo Pathway will be touring the east coast through July. Apollo Pathway’s forthcoming EP, recorded with Shihad’s Tom Larkin on production, and featuring previous radio favourite single, ‘Never Ending Story’, released on iTunes, July 1st.

Generating a solid foundation of play across community and commercial radio, ‘Dress For Success’ has been added to the RED FM Network, WA FM Network, Radar Radio, Power FM Murray Bridge, 979FM, Eagle FM, Snow FM, Max FM and the Flow FM Network, whilst the video is this week’s SYN TV 1700’s ‘Clip Of The Week’.

Sign up to the Apollo Pathway mailing list to receive your free download of the ‘Dress For Success’ single, and get set for a healthy dose of good Aussie rock as Apollo Pathway head to a venue near you…

Fri 15th July @ The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
w/ Sex in Columbia

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For your chance to win a double pass to the Apollo Pathway ‘Dress For Success’ gig @ The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney – 15 July 2011*
1. Follow us on Twitter and/or Like us on Facebook
2. Fill in the form below.
3. (Optional) For an extra chance to win, Tweet this messsage: I entered for a chance to win tickets to @ApolloPathway at The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney http://tinyurl.com/5tnu7or @LifeMusicMedia

Note: Winners will be notified by email on the Thursday the 14th July 2011.

Good Luck!
Continue reading Double Pass Giveaway: Apollo Pathway – ‘Dress For Success’ @ The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney – 15 July 2011 →

Backsliders – New Album and Tour Dates

Australia’s favourite blues group bring their ‘delta blues wall of sound’ to East Coast venues and festivals with new album: Starvation Box

Named by Doug Mulray in 2003 as “the best acoustic blues band in the country”, and with an abundance of career awards including ‘Band of the Year’ (Rolling Stone), ‘Best Live Australian Blues Act’ (Blues on Air Magazine) and ‘Blues Album of the Year’ (Rhythms Magazine), Backsliders are leaders and virtual pioneers in their own genre: the ‘delta-blues wall of sound’.
Continue reading Backsliders – New Album and Tour Dates →

Sydney based instrumental rockers SLEEPMAKESWAVES are set to release their debut album ‘…and so we destroyed everything’ in July 21st 2011. The first single from the release is a driving melodic anthem titled ‘(HELLO) CLOUD MOUNTAIN.’ The track is a dramatic showcase for the band, focusing on a glittering melodic hook that is embossed by Dax Liniere’s lush production and the band’s heaving

musicianship. With a memorable climax and unique arrangement, (hello) cloud mountain signals the band’s continued desire to push into new musical territory.
Continue reading SLEEPMAKESWAVES Album Launch @ TONE, Surry Hills NSW – 21 July 2011 | Gig News →

Rockstar Productions, in conjunction and association with Metal Massacre Online, Blasphemy, Metal Obsession, and Riot Entertainment proudly presents ‘Blind Guardian – At The Edge of Time Australia Tour 2011’. Performing to an all age show in Sydney for the very first time ever on Friday 30th September 2011 and then heading to Melbourne for their last show in Australia on the 2nd of October.

The band’s latest release, ‘At The Edge of Time’ leaves absolutely no doubt that BLIND GUARDIAN still prevails as a leading protagonist in the Melodic/Prog genre. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Germany’s BLIND GUARDIAN conquered the hearts of the worldwide metal community with their releases “Battalions Of Fear” (1988), “Follow The Blind” (1989), “Tales From The Twilight World” (1990), and “Somewhere Far Beyond” (1992). On their first tour of Japan they played to a captivated 4,000-member Japanese audience. To commemorate this amazing experience, BLIND GUARDIAN recorded “Tokyo Tales Live” (1993). Not only did the releases “Imaginations From The Other Side” (1995), “The Forgotten Tales” (1996) and “Nightfall In Middle-Earth” (1998) go on to receive great support from fans and critics despite harsher conditions in the music industry; even more triumph was waiting. While they attained ‘mega-star’ status in South America, they also became regular guests and headliners at esteemed festivals such as Bloodstock in the U.K. and Bang Your Head! & Wacken:Open:Air in Germany.

The concept album “Nightfall In Middle-Earth” (1998) – based on the book “The Silmarillion” by fantasy icon J.R.R. Tolkien (“Lord Of The Rings”) – reached #7 in Germany and stayed in the upper single-digit ranks for two months. 2002’s “A Night At The Opera” and 2006’s “A Twist In The Myth” (which showcased the talents of new drummer Frederik Ehmke) were both in the Top 5 and secured BLIND GUARDIAN’s reputation.

Four years in the making, “At The Edge Of Time” is the title of the new BLIND GUARDIAN master work. Once again, the focus is on the bright sound of their signature orchestral compositions which do not need any synthetic enhancements. “At The Edge Of Time” combines song writing excellence, distinct character, and high-class musicianship into one.

“With every release, we want to define ourselves on a new level”, states main man Hansi Kürsch. After all the worlds BLIND GUARDIAN has taken us to since 1988, few would believe there are still new lands to discover in their music. “At The Edge Of Time” frees us all from the concept of “terra firma” and carries us into the dimension of time, where imagination knows no limits, where all worlds exist at once, and where all existence is drenched in song for all time.

Performing tracks off their recent smashing chart topping album and with the assurances of the band playing the fan favourites stemming back from 1988 until now, there is no other live show like BLIND GUARDIAN. Supported by Australia’s premiere power metal band, ‘Black Majesty’ along with Australia’s premiere Power/Prog act, ‘Eyefear’, coincidentally marking that acts new album release, this will not be another live show where band members stand around a stage, this will be an experience that will be etched into your memories forever and a day.

If you missed them last time around, DO NOT miss them this time; you may just miss your last opportunity to see BLIND GUARDIAN in Australia!

BARDS WE ARE! BARDS WE WILL BE!

www.blind-guardian.com

TOUR DATES:

Fri 30 Sep 2011 – Factory Theatre NSW
Sun 2 Oct 2011 – Billboard The Venue, VIC – BUY TICKETS HERE
Mon 3 Oct 2011 – Billboard The Venue, VIC – BUY TICKETS HERE

Yes! more excitement! here is the second blog from Peter Jackson through the making of The Hobbit.

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* THE HOBBIT Start of Production Video #2 (blog 2) [HQ] | [YouTube Video]
* THE HOBBIT Start of Production [YouTube Video]
* Search for all THE HOBBIT videos…

Review: Billy Geary

Reforming bands after a long time away from playing can be tricky business. There’s a plethora of questions that need to be asked – Will the band’s new material stand up to their back catalogue? Does the band have the same passion for music they once did? Will the band’s original fan base still exist after so long out? More often than not, it is these things that result the failure of any attempted come back by most bands – think the increasing irrelevance of The Smashing Pumpkins or the disaster that was Guns and Roses’ Chinese Democracy. Sometimes, it just isn’t meant to be.

Continue reading Bhagavad Guitars – ‘Unfamiliar Places’ | Album Review →

The Snowdroppers

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The Snowdroppers at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2011

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Love it, like it, it’s ok or it’s just not for you… Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

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LifeMusicMediaTV Project Group – LMMtv.

LMMtv group [at Vimeo] is a place for bands/artists/film makers to submit videos.
Continue reading The Snowdroppers – ‘RUN YOU DOWN’ | Video Clip →

Review: Billy Geary

Stone Parade – Stratosphere Decent, straightforward rock music is becoming increasingly hard to find in Australia of late. With the recent break up of Silverchair and Powderfinger, arguably the country’s biggest rock bands, there is a huge void to be filled. Since the release of their sophomore album, Stone Parade have shown that they have the potential to fill that void. Chock full of outstanding instrumentation and hard hitting hooks; Stratosphere should by all rights shove them right into the spotlight.

Coming across as the devil child of The Killers and Incubus, Stone Parade have mastered the art of infusing subtle experimentation in to short, sharp and catchy alt rock. Opener and lead single ‘Paranoia’ is a testament to this, with Greg Byrne’s slick vocals cutting through the chunky guitars and percussion. Its off kilter sound is somewhat misleading when compared to the rest of the album, which is by no means a bad thing. In fact when the band venture into more straightforward territory they excel also. ‘Children of the Lost Empire’ and ‘Desert Rain’ are perfect examples of this.

Elsewhere, ‘Mr Spaceman’ could have been taken straight off The Killers debut, complete with a smattering of keyboards and one of the more infectious choruses on the album. ‘Black Dove White Heart’ follows the same trend, coming across as the bastard child of Muse and Incubus.

The title track features one of the better choruses on the album, with vocalist Greg Byrne seemingly channelling Brandon Boyd, which is by no means a bad thing. In fact, one of Stone Parade’s biggest assets, particularly on Stratosphere are Byrne’s vocals. This is particularly prevalent on tracks such as ‘Paranoia’ and epic 7 minute closer ‘August Tide.’ Complete with strings and an array of other instruments, the more experimental closer is one of the best songs on the album, if just for the fact that it shows they can branch out their sound and still remain interesting.

Where Stratosphere’s true strength lies is in the fact that while it is made up of what seems like straightforward rock songs, under the surface there is quite a bit of experimentation. What this does is ensure Stone Parade stands out from the crowd, particularly on tracks such as ‘Paranoia’ with it’s off kilter melodies and the very impressive ‘Indian Wolves’ where the band make use of a didgeridoo to outstanding effect. It is in these songs that the five-piece show their true talents, maintaining an errant catchiness and remaining ever interesting to listen to.

With the quality to be found on Stratosphere, Stone Parade definitely have the potential to become one of the bigger rock bands in Australia. Writing a few more songs like ‘Paranoia’ is going to see them get there pretty damn quickly. Stratosphere truly announces Stone Parade as the kings of Australia’s young breed of rock, showing bands like Birds of Tokyo and Gyroscope that they’ve got some competition coming at them pretty damn fast. Stratosphere is an outstanding record from one of Australia’s most promising up and comers.

Review: Billy Geary

– Stratosphere – Stone Parade

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** Have you heard the album? Leave a comment below… we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Related:
* Take Five With… Stone Parade frontman Greg Byrne
* Stone Parade – ‘Paranoia’ – Video Clip

* Marillion – Live From Cadogan Hall – Album Review
* We Are the Ocean – ‘Go Now and Live’ – Album Review
* Our Last Enemy – ‘Fallen Empires’ – Album Review
* Search for articles by Billy Geary…

FOO FIGHTERS
WITH SPECIAL GUEST
TENACIOUS D
SET TO ROCK STADIUMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA & NZ!

The Frontier Touring Company are not just delighted, they’re damn well besides themselves with giddy excitement, to announce what is arguably THE biggest rock concerts of the summer.

#1 chart-toppers the Foo Fighters are returning to Australia and New Zealand for stadium shows and they’re bringing some pretty awesome friends in tow: none other than Tenacious D!

With over 15 years of experience, as documented in the band’s recently released DVD Back And Forth (Sony) and as headliners of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals, Foo Fighters have become arguably the premiere live American rock act the world over. Their upcoming stadium tour will surely remind their Australian and New Zealand fans just how the band has achieved its mastery of the live element as Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear lead these colossal crowds in singalongs of such classics from their multi-platinum, 6 time Grammy Award winning catalogue as ‘Everlong’, ‘The Pretender’, ‘Learn To Fly’, ‘All My Life’, ‘Best Of You’, new staples ‘Rope’ and ‘Walk’ and more.

For their recently released seventh album, Wasting Light (Roswell Records through Sony), Foo Fighters returned to basics, recording in frontman Grohl’s garage with producer Butch Vig and churning out 11 prime examples of the trademark mix of melody and brawn that has made them one of the most beloved bands on the planet. The press were quick to stamp their approval, including a 4 star lead review from Rolling Stone who praised the albums ‘fuzz-box brawn, mosh-pit hurrah choruses and iron-horse momentum’ and hailed it as ‘the best Foos album since the first two’. The sentiment was echoed by the public as Wasting Light debuted at #1 in 12 countries, including the RIANZ and ARIA album charts, where it occupied a place in the Australian Top 10 for over 2 months.

It’s no secret that Australia and New Zealand love the Foo Fighters and the sentiment is 100% reciprocated. Upon hearing of the natural disasters that affected Queensland and Christchurch earlier this year, the Foos were quick to donate their time and raise over $1 million for the relief funds:

“The Foo Fighters blitzed Brisbane’s Riverstage last night and no one at the venue will ever forget it…when 10,000 people punch the air and sing along with a song like ‘Generator’ that’s a lot of joy in the air when 10 weeks ago there was misery.” Courier Mail

“Gigs like this don’t come around very often…This was one of those heart-pumping special shows that you know you’re lucky to be at.” NZ Herald

If the Foo Fighters tour wasn’t already exciting enough, no event can legitimately lay claim to the biggest rock concert of the year without including the band behind the “best song in the world”. Oh yes, we’re talking about the one and only Tenacious D aka. Jack Black and Kyle Gass who last blew fans away with their 2007 tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Jack Black’s theatrical vocals and lyrical narrative coupled with Kyle Gass’ manic guitar skills will shred stadium crowds to pieces and take them on a sonic voyage to rock heaven and back, delivering an audience primed for the Foo Fighters to take the stage.

Though it seems this line-up could not possibly get any better, Frontier Touring are not done yet. Stay tuned for further announcements to hear who else will be rounding out this spectacular bill!

Australia and New Zealand make yourself word perfect for every Foos and D tune out there and you just may be worthy of what is set to be one of the biggest – and best – rock concerts of the year!

FOO FIGHTERS
with special guest TENACIOUS D
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Pre-sale tickets available via www.frontiertouring.com from Thursday 14 July to Friday 15 July (24hrs commencing from times below)
Auckland 12noon AEST (2pm local time)
Melbourne 12noon AEST (12noon local time)
Adelaide 12:30pm AEST (12noon local time)
Gold Coast 1pm AEST (1pm local time)
Sydney 2pm AEST (2pm local time)
Perth 3pm AEST (1pm local time)

General public on sale from 12NOON local time Monday 18 July

MONDAY 28 NOV PERTH – nib STADIUM
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

FRIDAY 2 DEC MELBOURNE – AAMI PARK
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

MONDAY 5 DEC ADELAIDE – OVAL
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

THURSDAY 8 DEC SYDNEY – FOOTBALL STADIUM
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

SATURDAY 10 DEC GOLD COAST – METRICON STADIUM
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

TUESDAY 13 DEC AUCKLAND – WESTERN SPRINGS STADIUM
Ticketmaster 0800 111 999 or www.ticketmaster.co.nz

– Wasting Light (Deluxe Version) – Foo Fighters

Photographer: Amanda Brenchley

Photographer: Amanda Brenchley
Continue reading Electric Horse @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane – 4 July 2011 | Photo Gallery →

Photographer: Amanda Brenchley

Photographer: Amanda Brenchley
Continue reading Karnivool @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane – 4 July 2011 | Photo Gallery →

Hardware, Onelove, inthemix.com.au, Nova, Channel [V] and MAG present:

Now in its 5th year, Stereosonic is the brainchild of two Australian boutique event companies with the vision to bring the best in ever-popular and new talent to a discerning music crowd. Our ethos is simple: Try to provide the best lineup, the best venues, the best experience whilst improving each year at the best possible price. Stereosonic is Australia’s largest electronic music festival, now let’s get to it…
Continue reading STEREOSONIC 2011 – Festival Info and Dates →