Tag Archives: australia

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
Continue reading The Church →

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.”


Continue reading Lee Rocker →

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

Continue reading Slim Jim Phantom →

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

Black Mustang

Black Mustang Black Mustang  Black Mustang Black Mustang

Black Mustang have quickly established themselves as one of Brisbane’s most undeniably exhilarating new bands. Having developed an explosive live set with teenage kicks and manic pop thrills, their sound veers from rambunctious garage rock n roll to grungy blues-infected dynamos. Black mustangs sheer sonic momentum, combined with their intelligent use of melody, displays a maturity far beyond the band’s tender years. Powerful emotions, spanning from love and lust to fear and frustration are ever present. In short, Black Mustang provides a roller coaster ride of unashamed, delirious rock n roll.

Continue reading Black Mustang →

Artist, Bio, Brisbane, Music

Eskimo Joe

eskimo joe
[photo: Stuart Blythe]
Youthful naivety can produce flashes of rock & roll excitement, but genuine experience and the passage of time can turn a good band into a truly great one. Now, more than a decade on from when the young Fremantle trio leapt onto the national stage, Eskimo Joe are taking a big, bold step towards music greatness.

On the eve of releasing their fourth album, the horizon has broadened. Band members Kav Temperley, Stu MacLeod and Joel Quartermain, have never been ones who ascribe to the status quo and consequently have proven there’s a whole world of possibilities to explore – if you simply follow your heart, listen to your muse and make the most of your talent.

Their third album, Black Fingernails, Red Wine, was a brazen step forward for a band borne of a scene that doesn’t always encourage grand statements. This dark edgy collection of songs was a monumental leap forward and landed the band not only quadruple platinum sales, but a number #1 charting album along with industry accolades with four ARIA Awards’>ARIA Awards in Australia. Consequently their world expanded.

Eskimo Joe landed a US Record deal with the respected Rykodisc, and proceeded to explore new territory. Humility coupled with a huge dynamic on-stage performance, elevated the band in the minds and hearts of locals. Their sheer perseverance from starting at the beginning again in a notoriously tough market, generated a solid base of fans.

The culmination of this international touring experience has creatively given way to new material for album number four. Looking to further shake-up their methodology, Eskimo Joe have now enlisted the assistance of world renowned English Producer, Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies, Echo and the Bunnymen). While Black Fingernails, Red Wine was an award winning first attempt at self-production, this time, the trio have openly embraced the challenge of outside perspectives.

A background of bold production brushstrokes cleverly reflecting material that has, thematically, just as much personality on display, Eskimo Joe aim to further showcase developments in their songwriting on the forthcoming album. Through previous award-winning albums, A Song Is A City and Black Fingernails, Red Wine, this consistent aspiration is vividly evident.

Now more than ever at home in their own skin, the trio raise the bar set by past albums with the forthcoming album number four. The songs move to a brighter, dynamic mood reflecting both recent events in both their personal lives and on a universal front without abandoning the everlasting desire of forward movement. Unashamed emotion and unguarded personality envelope every track.

So, after ten years together, lesser bands may ponder what roads are left to travel… Eskimo Joe actively embrace the wide-open road before them earnestly and proudly, while being not afraid to try some roads less traveled along the way.

  
Artist, Bio, Music

Fraser Island – Queensland, Australia – 15 March 2008

Maheno Wreck
Fraser Island – The worlds largest sand island is a paradise of immense beauty and wonder.  Lush rainforests, crystal clear lakes, giant trees, enormous sandblows, shipwreck, wildlife, beaches and more… 

I was fortunate to have a day of four-wheel driving through this wonderland and discovered an amazing array of contrasting landscapes (eg. forests that surrond huge sandblows).  A day will only afford you visits to a small number of attractions (given the size of the island and the slowish pace required to navigate the sand tracks) and entice you back to see more.  The Maheno shipwreck was definitely a hightlight as was the rain forest around “Central Station” – originally used as a logging station (what were people thinkin!).  Also managed Wabby Lake and Lake mcKenzie (and when “they” say crystal clear – they really mean crystal clear).

This truly is a special place! 

Maheno Wreck   Tree  Maheno Wreck  Ironbark  Maheno Wreck

Links:   Fraser Island Information  –  Wikipedia
Photos: LifeMusicMedia flickr photoset 

island