Perth Music

Bob Evans has returned from recording in Nashville filled with inspiration to hit the road for a national tour this November and December ahead of the April/May release of his third album ‘Goodnight, Bull Creek!’.

The Blind Faith Tour will showcase songs from the new album giving you an insight into what they to expect when ‘Goodnight, Bull Creek!’ comes out next year.

Joining Bob on stage to help perform the songs in intimate duo mode will be Malcolm Clark (ex The Sleepy Jackson). Lucky Melbourne and Perth fans at the Northcote gig and the Kings Park gig will also get to hear the dynamic new band play the first of many gigs to come.

Bob says, “Blind faith - I know it well. It’s driven me to recording a new album that does not attempt to recreate the songs of my past and it will be the magic potion I drink as I present these new songs to live audiences for the first time in a format that I’ve never toured before. How many instruments can two men play at the same time? Will members of the audience, upon being given instruments of percussion, be able to play in time with the music? Will any celebrity musician friends agree to join us onstage? These are just some of the questions we will be seeking answers to as we wind our way around the country throughout November on the “Blind Faith Tour” of 2008.”

For tickets visit www.bobevans.com.au
Get in fast before they’re gone!

Read on… because here is the news that everyone has been waiting for! MGMT – the super cool Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden – are touring Australia for the first time ever this December. The band who’ve created a storm here in Australia & around the world over the last few months will perform headline shows in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Whilst MGMT might seem like an overnight success, they’re not. Goldwasser and VanWyngarden have been performing together since their freshman days at uni back in 2001. After their graduation in 2005, the band took their hyped live show on the road and following a brief hiatus, secured their record deal internationally with SonyBMG.

From there things snowballed, with the band exploding onto the international music scene earlier this year. The trippy duo’s hit song ‘Time To Pretend’ was added to radio the world over, used on the hit UK TV show ‘Skins’ and the USA’s ‘Gossip Girl’ and earned the pair appearances on Letterman and Conan O’Brien.

The buzz band at this year’s SXSW, MGMT’s psychedelic debut Oracular Spectacular caused a wave of excitement amongst critics and fans alike upon its release in May.

Now with another hit song ‘Electric Feel’ flooding the airwaves and a wealth of live experience (including Glastonbury, T in the Park and Lollapalooza of late), MGMT will be the concert of the Summer.

Enigmatic Sleepy Jackson frontman Luke Steele will be the special guest support on all shows.

Tour Dates:
Sat 6th December - Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth
Tue 9th December - Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Wed 10th December - The Tivoli, Brisbane
Thur 11th December - The Palace, Melbourne

It has finally happened! Much to the joy from his management, agent, fans and personal entourage, Luke Steele has confirmed his first ever national solo tour. The enigmatic frontman of The Sleepy Jackson will be ditching the gadgets and leaving his band at the side of the road. The Luke Steele Roadshow will take in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and places in between throughout August. This run will see Luke performing in intimate acoustic guitar mode, performing songs from both Sleepy Jackson albums Lovers and Personality, as well as a selection of new songs from current projects.

Formed in Perth in 1999, The Sleepy Jackson are arguably Australia’s most critically acclaimed band of the past decade. Lovers was named “Album Of The Year” by The Guardian UK and was nominated for the US Shortlist Prize along with the likes of David Bowie, Neil Young and PJ Harvey. Back home, it garnered five ARIA nominations including album of the year. Follow up, Personality debuted Top 10 in Australia and saw the band enter more adventurous terrain acclaimed by critics, celebrities and music lovers alike. After five years electrifying audiences across the US, UK, and Europe, Australia is about to experience the richness of Steele’s pure pop melodic genius in never-before-seen solo mode.

Luke is currently putting the finishing touches on two exciting album collaborations with some of Australia’s most revered musicians. Expect both releases this year. Stay tuned for more details.

For fans of the The Sleepy Jackson and lovers of good music, The Luke Steele Roadshow offers something unmissable. The setlist includes favourites “Good Dancers”, “This Day”, “Rain Falls For Wind”, “Come To This”, “God Lead Your Soul”, “Devil In My Yard”, “Miles Away”, “You Needed More” and much more. Very special guests will be featured at each performance.

Tix will go on sale on 4 July 2008. See details below.
Tue 5th August - Toff In Town, Melbourne - www.moshtix.com.au
Wed 6th August - The Basement, Sydney - www.ticketek.com.au
Thur 7th August – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla - venue (02) 9544 3844
Fri 8th August - Sol bar, Coolum QLD - www.solbarmusic.com
Sat 9th August - Globe Theatre, Brisbane - www.oztix.com.au
Fri 15th August - Devilles Pad, Perth - www.moshtix.com.au

Yoko Ono has a new album ‘Yes, I’m a Witch’ due for release on March 17th 2007.  It features collaborations with The Flaming Lips, Cat Power, Antony & The Johnsons, Spiritualized, Peaches, Hank Shocklee (Public Enemy), Le Tigre, The Sleepy Jackson, Apples in Stereo and many more.

Millions are familiar with the name Yoko Ono.  For some it conjures long held preconceptions, for others, the injustice of misinformation made fact:  “Controversial”.  “Manipulator”.  “A witch”.   But far too few associate Ono with the forward looking music she’s made throughout her career.

Despite this, her music has been heralded, embraced by, and inspirational to an entire new generation of musicians – themselves currently challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of sounds and ideas. Hence the new release, Yes, I’m A Witch, a totally different kind of collaboration with some of today’s most exciting musicians.

Each artist was given her catalogue to listen to, and upon selecting a cut, was provided with the vocals and whatever other instrumental elements attracted them from that cut.  Almost all the artists chose just the vocals.  They then produced entirely new musical tracks that make it clear just how ahead of her time her compositions and performances were, and how they remain so.

The result is a freewheeling and inspired set of songs – all held together and defined by the voice and sensibilities of a person few have given themselves the opportunity to listen to without bias.

‘Yes, I’m a Witch’ Track listing:
1. Witch Shocktronica Intro / Hank Shocklee 1:47
2. Kiss Kiss Kiss / Peaches 3:18
3. O’Oh / Shitake Monkey 3:39
4. Everyman…Everywoman / Blow Up 4:02
5. Sisters O Sisters / Le Tigre 2:47
6. Death Of Samantha / Porcupine Tree 4:36
7. Rising / DJ Spooky 4:37
8. Nobody Sees Me Like You Do/ Apples In Stereo 3:56
9. Yes I’m A Witch / The Brother Brothers 3:49
10. Revelations / Cat Power 4:22
11. You And I / Polyphonic Spree 3:27
12. Walking On Thin Ice / Jason Pierce (Spiritualized) 5:07
13. Toyboat / Antony (Antony And The Johnsons) and Hahn Rowe 4:25
14. Cambridge 1969/2007 / The Flaming Lips 5:36
15. I’m Moving On / The Sleepy Jackson 5:01
16. Witch Shocktronica Outro / Hank Shocklee :32
17. Shiranakatta (I Didn’t Know) / Craig Armstrong 3:09

Well the 2007 WAMI nominations were announced today with Eskimo Joe the leader with 6 nominations. The big surprise for me was that Perthbands.com was nominated for best website even though it hasn’t been operating since April last year! Anyway, here are the nominations:
PUBLIC VOTED AWARDS

(These are the awards that will be voted on myspace)
Most Popular Act
Eskimo Joe
Karnivool
Snowman
The Panda Band

Most Popular Album
Bob Evans - Suburban Songbook
Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Snowman - Snowman
The Panda Band - This Vital Chapter

Most Popular Single/EP
Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Little Birdy - Come On, Come On
Schvendes - Small Mercies, Sweet Graves
Sex Panther - Killer Pink

Most Popular Live Act
Eskimo Joe
Karnivool
Schvendes
Snowman

Favourite Newcomer
Birds Of Tokyo
Mink Mussel Creek
Streetlight
Sugar Army

Most Popular Music Video
Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Little Birdy - Come On, Come On
Snowman - You Are A Casino
Antistatic - Stand Up In Disguise

Most Popular Music Website
Perthsounds.com
Rockus.com.au
Perthbands.com
wam.asn.au

Most Popular Music Venue
Amplifier Bar
Hyde Park Hotel
Mojos
Rosemount Hotel

Most Popular Music Event
Big Day Out
In The Pines
WAMi Festival
Southbound

INDUSTRY VOTED AWARDS
(Voted by Industry people only)

Most Promising New Act
Faith In Plastics
Mink Mussel Creek
Streetlight
Sugar Army

Golden WAMi
Heath Bradby
Peter Barr
Paul Sloan
Scott Adam

Triple J’s annual Hottest 100 is back and voting is now open for the best 100 songs of 2006. There are quite a few Perth bands and artists that you can vote for including:

Birds Of Tokyo - Off Kilter
Bob Evans - Don’t You Think It’s Time, Nowhere Without You
Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails, Red Wine, New York
Fourth Floor Collapse - Drink ‘Til You Drown, Occupation
Halogen - Baby’s Eyes
John Butler Trio - Funky Tonight
Karnivool - Roquefort
Little Birdy - Come On Come On, Bodies
New Rules For Boats - Not Impressed
Panda Band - Musical Chairs
Pendulum - Tarantula
Schvendes - Twice The Man
Sleepy Jackson - God Lead Your Soul, Devil Was In My Yard
Snowman - Smoke & Mirrors, You Are A Casino
Tucker B’s - Bullets

You can also add your own nomination.  To vote just go to the Triple J website before the 21st of January with the countdown beginning on Australia Day, 26th of January.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! The BIG DAY OUT is almost upon us and we are very excited to announce the third round of touring and local additions to the 2007 summer series!

THE VINES have come a long way since the early days of belting out Nirvana covers at suburban house parties. Garnering world-wide attention for their debut Highly Evolved, THE VINES have returned to prove they’ve got something more to offer than flannel-clad angst.  Their highly anticipated third album, Vision Valley released in 2006 showcases a spectacular return to form. Don’t miss THE VINES’ highly evolved, eclectic hybrid of grungy, garage rock swagger, ’60s psych, and ’70s pop at a BIG DAY OUT near you this summer. (ALL SHOWS)

SNOWMAN is yet another incredible band to emerge from the thriving Perth music scene.  Cinematic post-punk with a riff or two of surf and blues, SNOWMAN is the soundtrack to your imagination turned up to eleven.  Their debut, Zombies on the Airwaves of Paris and their 2006 self titled album will leave you scrambling for adjectives.  Call them strange, beautiful, jagged, swampy, hypnotic, ambient, loud, quiet, manic or whatever you will, but do not miss your chance to see what all the fuss is about at the BIG DAYS OUT. (ALL AUST SHOWS)

For a change of pace, listen up for the wisdom of the Jah Messenger, the reggae master, LUCIANO (Jamaica) at the BIG DAY OUT. Renowned worldwide for his rasta message of love and peace set to irresistible melodies and mellow, soulful vocals, LUCIANO will tantalize fans with his wit, charisma and good-lovin reggae vibes. (ALL SHOWS)

Previous winners of the Triple J Unearthed competition, the SICK PUPPIES have been living it large with the world-wide YouTube success of their “Free Hugs” music video campaign – even finding the time to jump on Oprah’s couch and then stop off in LA to record their new album.   This fully sick guitar-fuelled three piece return to Oz for with a brand new album afoot and will rock BDO audiences into a frenzy around the country. (ALL AUST SHOWS)

DIGITAL PRIMATE is an underground legend. Since his first album release in ’95, DIGITAL PRIMATE has pushed the boundaries for Australian techno with his solid and dirty mix of ghetto techno, proper electro and Chicago style booty.  With the release of his new album Siege Mentality, expect to see DIGITAL PRIMATE at the global forefront of electronica. Don’t forget, we saw him first… and this won’t be the last you’ll see of Digital Primate. (ALL AUST SHOWS)

Since stepping up to the decks in 1996, MARK MURPHY has become one of Sydney’s most loved and respected DJs. Champion of the electro explosion and the rave sounds emerging from Europe, his talents have been in demand at every major club and party in Sydney from Mardi Gras to Field Day. Make sure you get your dancing shoes on and boogie along to MARK MURPHY to your heart’s content at the BIG DAY OUT. (ALL AUST SHOWS)

Plus Local Additions In Each City
PERTH - SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4th CLAREMONT SHOWGROUND
DIRTY SECRETS, CALERWAY, TnT, BIRDS OF TOKYO, STREETLIGHTS, FARRYL PURKISS & VEEVA FEEVA, HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMP, SUGAR ARMY, SCHVENDES, CLUE SHADDY, NEW RULES FOR BOATS, DJ FDEL (DJ SET) + ARMEE MC and the TRIPLE J UNEARTHED WINNER

These new acts join the already announced Tool. Muse, Jet. Violent Femmes, Eskimo Joe, The Streets, The Killers, John Butler Trio, Kasabian, Crystal Method DJs, Scribe, My Chemical Romance, Evermore, Justice. Peaches & Herms, Trivium, John Cooper Clarke, Afra & Incredible Beatbox Band, Little Birdy, Presets, Spank Rock, Something For Kate, You Am I, Bob Evans, The Butterfly Effect, The Sleepy Jackson, The Herd, Spazzys, The Drones, [love] Tattoo, Hot Chip, Lily Allen, Lupe Fiasco, Diplo and Shapeshifter

For more info visit www.bigdayout.com 

For a close up look at the Perth artists that are part of the 2007 Big Day Out national Tour and how it is a great time to be a music lover in this great city have a read of my editorial over at Perth Norg.

http://www.perthnorg.com.au/

http://www.perthnorg.com.au/2006/11/24/perth_big_day_out/ 

BIG DAY OUT 2007 will host the heaviest modern metal experience of all, TOOL. After 15 years of breaking, shaking and earthquaking new musical ground, TOOL topped the charts in 2006 with their latest unique melding of art, prog and metal, 10,000 Days. With an unmercifully heavy set that reaches back over a decade to the still staggering Sober, BIG DAY OUT 2007 will feel the earth move under its feet as TOOL rumble and roar into life.

In the summer of 2004, JET wowed BDO audiences with blistering sets showcasing their worldwide smash debut Get Born. Sure, it was only rock‘n’roll, but we liked it! In 2007, JET return to the BIG DAY OUT stage with their new effort, Shine On, a rollicking LP jam-packed with rootsy Delta blues, British hard-rock and Everly Brothers inspired harmonies. Expect a show packing a swaggering rock‘n’roll punch as a new light shines on JET at the BDO.

Direct from outer space, BIG DAY OUT 2007 is thrilled to welcome the most thrilling operatic sci-fi carnival on the face of the earth, MUSE. The fuel powering this prog rock missile from Mars is Black Holes and Revelations, a No.1 album around the world, and a showcase of a band at the top of their game – a game no one else has ever dared dream of playing. In 2007, BIG DAY OUT will be ridiculous, overblown, ambitious and utterly brilliant – all thanks to the one and only MUSE.

In the beginning, there was the BIG DAY OUT. And in the beginning of the BIG DAY OUT, there was VIOLENT FEMMES. Fifteen years after they folk-punked the BIG DAY OUT into existence alongside some little band called Nirvana, VIOLENT FEMMES are back to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs. BIG DAY OUT 2007 will ring to the sounds of the FEMMES classics that have become part of the rock’n’roll fabric: Add it Up. Blister in the Sun. Kiss Off. Gone Daddy Gone. Gimme the Car. American Music… VIOLENT FEMMES at BIG DAY OUT: a rite of passage no self-respecting music fan can miss.

When SCRIBE first stepped up to ask the question “How many dudes do you know flow like this?” in his smash hit Not Many, this young New Zealand rapper was setting out on a crusade to bring a new flavour to the international hip-hop scene. The real deal alternative to gun-toting, bling-laden cash hip-hop, SCRIBE’s powerful stage presence, hard hitting, hook-laden rhymes are irresistible and have inspired all corners of the hip-hop community to wax lyrical.

BIG DAY OUT 2007 is buzzing about the arrival of the best band to come from anywhere, ever – THE KILLERS. The Las Vegas band, led by the “knicker-wettingly debonair” Brandon Flowers, sold 5 million copies of their debut album Hot Fuss, and delivered some of the best singles of the 2000s so far: Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me and Smile Like You Mean It. Now comes the new album, Sam’s Town, and a live show renowned for causing mass singalongs and hormonal hysteria. With the coming of THE KILLERS, BIG DAY OUT 2007 is going to be, well, killer.

Everyone’s favourite Fremantle prodigies ESKIMO JOE run away to join the BIG DAY OUT circus this summer with their third album Black Fingernails, Red Wine in tow. With throbbing drums, warm keyboard atmospheres and ethereal guitars, the Eskies are wildly charismatic showmen with sex appeal to boot. Not afraid of a little rock‘n’roll they are not to be missed at BDO 2007.

BIG DAY OUT 2007 gets back in black with the coming of MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE. Beloved by black-clad music fans everywhere for their incendiary hits I’m Not Okay (I Promise), Helena and The Ghost of You, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE are set to leave the pretenders choking in their dust with their new, epic concept album The Black Parade. Led by an iconic performer in Gerard Way, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE will put the pomp and punk pageantry into BIG DAY OUT 2007.

BIG DAY OUT 2007 has a warm, fuzzy feeling now that PEACHES is returning to rub us up the right way. The self-made, self-produced, do-it-yourself leader of the electro punk movement and high priestess of the dirty lyrical classic comes armed with her third album, Impeach My Bush. Having let this Canadian whirlwind have her way with us several times before, it is with a sense of exhilaration and palpable danger that BIG DAY OUT 2007 announces the return of PEACHES.

EVERMORE have come a long way since the initial release of their impressive album debut Dreams; after a phenomenal season of touring on the live circuit, winning hearts in Oz and overseas, the three Hume brothers picked up a swag of awards and found themselves with a multi-platinum selling record. In 2006 EVERMORE have returned with a new album Real Life and we welcome them to the BIG DAY OUT for the first time, to deliver their dynamic rock, melodic harmonies and uplifting lyrics.

Get ready to shake ya ass. SPANK ROCK will bring the party, the rhythms and the raunch to BIG DAY OUT 2007. Hyped by DJs from Freq Nasty to Laurent Garnier, some call SPANK ROCK the figureheads of a sound known as Baltimore Club. We just call ‘em funny, catchy, clever, fearless and most of all, innovative. Representin’ their debut set, YoYoYoYoYo, Baltimore’s SPANK ROCK will be doing fresh, funky and filthy things with hip hop at BIG DAY OUT 2007.

Masters in the business of making music to lift the soul, Perth’s rock‘n’roll genius THE SLEEPY JACKSON return to play the BIG DAY OUT in 2007. With a vision unmatched in modern pop, The Sleepies have the ability to carve out nuggets of pure musical gold; from sublime acid-country to Who-like power pop, they deliver it all. Get ready for songs from their new album Personality: One Was a Spider, One Was a Bird, a heady concoction of sumptuous symphonic beauty, strings and massed choirs included!

Inspiring anticipation, awe and respect all at once, THE HERD has a reputation for fiery, electrifying live shows. With an unconventional line up, THE HERD take to the stage as an eight-piece outfit with three MC’s and two singers. With stage antics that turn the fun up to eleven, THE HERD will get the crowd grooving in flow-motion from the outset. Touring for the first time in 2007, catch them at a BIG DAY OUT near you.

Oozing excitement and an unparalleled energy with everything they do, Melbourne all-girl three-piece THE SPAZZYS bring their brash three-chord power chaos back to the BIG DAY OUT this summer. Since arriving to tear up the scene with their vibrant Ramones-esque punk pop rock, the band has kicked formidable amounts of arse! Don’t miss their red hot performance.

Stay tuned for the next announcement, when the latest additions to amplify your summer of music are revealed.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4th CLAREMONT SHOWGROUND
Graylands Rd Claremont, Perth. Gates Open 11am
Tickets $115 (inc GST) +bf*

After unleashing one of the weightiest bills Western Australia has ever seen, Sunset Events is proud to announce another round of superb acts to complete the line-up for the third annual Southbound Festival.And first up, all the way from the UK, we have the one and only…Basement Jaxx. Energised from the recent release of the duo’s fourth studio album, Crazy Itch Radio, Basement Jaxx will bring their intoxicating beats and rhythms to Southbound for one very special performance, backed by a full live band.

After a number one album and a notorious national tour, the Hilltop Hoods seem like they can’t get any bigger – then they go and collect five ARIA nominations. Witness Aussie hip hop at its finest when the Hoods come to Southbound.

Also being served up at the third annual Southbound Festival are: Melbourne rockers The Vasco Era, Perth’s own psychedelic collective The Panda Band, roots newcomer Dallas Frasca and junior giants The Flairz. Throw in some electro goodness from DJs Fdel, Armee and Charlie Bucket and you’ve got one of the biggest days of entertainment to come to WA.

These fine ambassadors of song join the Southbound ranks alongside world conquering rock crusaders Wolfmother, WA’s very own John Butler Trio, the enigmatic Michael Franti & Spearhead, mighty indie heroes Modest Mouse and pop’s dark princes Eskimo Joe. Plus The Bees, Scribe, Youth Group, The Sleepy Jackson, Matt Costa, Jamie Lidell, You Am I, Saul Williams, Little Birdy, The Black Seeds, The Exploders, The Audreys, Blue King Brown, Josh Pyke, The Presets and Infusion.

So many seminal names, so many superlative sounds, all on three stages on Saturday, January 6, at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton.

For more information, plus all playing times, go to the Sunset website. All tickets are on sale now.