News
THE HEARTBROKEN GANGSTER OF LOVE, DEVONTE HYNES aka BLOOD ORANGE, RETURNS IN MAY
09 May 2012
Life moves pretty fast, and Devonte Hynes keeps busy, so get prepared for murder on the dance floor this May as the Essex-raised, Brookyln-based indie bratpack posterboy returns to Australia under the moniker Blood Orange. Revisiting the material from his critically lauded 2011 album “Coastal Grooves”, Dev has taken time out of his busy production schedule (Theophilus London, Solange Knowles,Teenagers, Bleeding Knees Club) to bring his own ‘80s funk infused sound of Brooklyn to Sydney on Friday, May 25.
His new one-man live show has been honed to near-perfection in the dive bars of New York City, and it is currently blowing minds all over world including recent headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne earlier this year. The show consists of just a backing track, and Dev shredding his Stratocaster like Prince - singing and dancing like a heartbroken gangster of love. On his last Australian jaunt Dev broke stage and audience boundaries diving into the crowds to play his set.
“The show bloomed into something special… the Northcote Social Club erupted into a spontaneous mid-week dance party, with Hynes at its sweaty, staggering centre.”
Everguide
“His tales of lovesick frustration, delivered with a sticky, soulful croon and a pared-back rhythmic bottom-end, are far-better suited to his one-man shtick of laptop, mic and modest guitar-shredding.”
Beat Magazine
Supporting Blood Orange will be Wax Witches, Alex Wall of Bleeding Knees Club DIY brat punk side project. Bottling everything into a fast, fuzzy and grimey haze Wax Witches are the product of Alex spending time in his bedroom, making music that is entirely self-produced, played and mixed
Catch Blood Orange in real life on Friday, May 25 at FBi Social.
Secret Sounds Presents
BLOOD ORANGE
With special guests
Presented by Pedestrian
ON SALE NOW
Friday May 25 – FBi Social
Tickets: oztix.com.au
INDIE POPSTERS FUN. ANNOUNCE DEBUT AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE SHOWS
08 May 2012
With a number one single to their name, New York popsters FUN. are set to arrive on Australian shores for the first time this July thanks to Secret Sounds.
FUN. is what happens when three extraordinarily talented musicians come together to create something altogether new and wonderful.
The trio meld a stunning array of diverse inspirations, spanning Broadway to The Beach Boys, into an irresistible collection of freewheeling pop song-craft first revealed with their 2009 debut "Aim and Ignite". Praise soon followed, applauding the trio's pop offering with Sputnikmusic notably concluding that it was the "most consistent pop album around". Following the release, FUN. toured North America and landed a spot on Coachella alongside Kanye West and The Strokes.
Whilst writing for their second record, frontman Nathan Ruess's Fascination with hip-hop swelled. "I started falling in love with the Drake album and the Kanye album, and I thought, that's really theatrical, and it's hip-hop music, and I make really theatrical music, why can't I add a hip-hop element?" Reuss told the NY Times.
After researching the liner notes on these records, Reuss was intent on working with producer Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Jay Z, Alicia Keys) on his next record. Bhasker agreed to meet Reuss, the two started talking and after a few drinks Nate sang him the chorus of an - at the time – unfinished track called 'We Are Young'. A studio was promptly booked for the following day.
'We Are Young' which features R&B sensation Janelle Monae has gone on to become an international hit, snagging the top spot of the ARIA chart for three consecutive weeks upon release. Lifted from their sophomore album "Some Nights", the multi-platinum single was chosen by TV sensation Glee to be covered on the show - an experience that meant the world to a band that prides itself on appealing to any demographic that might feel disenfranchised or just plain odd.
The trio is currently wowing audiences in the US off the back of their chart success and ready to floor Australian fans upon their arrival for Splendour in the Grass and sideshows. FUN. will no doubt continue to live up to their name.
"Some Nights" is out now through Warner Music.
Secret Sounds Presents
FUN.
With Special Guests to be announced
Presented by Nova & Channel [V]
Tickets on sale Wednesday May 9 at 9am
Wednesday July 25 – The Metro, Sydney (all ages)
Tickets from: ticketek.com.au or 132 849
Friday July 27 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (Over 18s)
Saturday July 28 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (Under 18s matinee)
Tickets from: thehifi.com.au, or 1300-THEHIFI (843 443)
LANA DEL REY MELBOURNE & SYDNEY SIDESHOWS SOLD OUT, NEW DATES ADDED!
04 May 2012
Glamorous chanteuse LANA DEL REY has SOLD OUT her Sydney and Melbourne Splendour Sideshows in less than an hour. To meet the overwhelming demand, Secret Sounds is pleased to announce second and final shows on Tuesday, July 24 at the Palace Theatre, Melbourne and Friday, July 27 at the Enmore Theatre, Sydney.
Secret Sounds Presents
LANA DEL REY
With special guests to be announced
Presented by triple j, Vogue, vogue.com.au, Channel [V] and The Vine
Tickets on sale Monday May 7th at 9am
Monday July 23 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
SOLD OUT
Tuesday July 24 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
SECOND AND FINAL SHOW - BUY TICKETS
Thursday July 26 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
SOLD OUT
Friday July 27 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
SECOND AND FINAL SHOW - BUY TICKETS
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS BRING THEIR OCEANIA WORLD TOUR TO AUSTRALIA!
03 May 2012
Following the record sellout of this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival, Secret Sounds are excited to announce that festival headliner THE SMASHING PUMPKINS will be playing very special sideshows in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne & Auckland, NZ.
For these headline performances, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS will be debuting a unique stage design in Australia created to reflect the visual themes to go along with the full presentation of their new album, “Oceania” – which is set for release on June 22, 2012, through Create/Control – as well as playing plenty of classic Pumpkins catalogue.
Said Billy Corgan of the new show: "Australia is the perfect place to usher in a new era of The Smashing Pumpkins, where we look to combine an epic rock show with the latest in visual mapping technology to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our fans.”
Alt rock’n’rollers WOLFMOTHER will join THE SMASHING PUMPKINS as special guests in Sydney and Melbourne. WOLFMOTHER’S self-titled debut album catapulted them onto the national and international music scene when it picked up the J Award for Album of the Year, multiple ARIAs and a Grammy Award, going on to sell more than a million albums worldwide.
About The Smashing Pumpkins:
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS have created one of the most acclaimed bodies of work in musical history having sold more than 30 million albums, and won multiple Grammy Awards in the process. Formed in Chicago in 1988, they released “Gish”, their influential and platinum debut in 1991, which was followed by albums including the nine-time platinum “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness” and the four-time platinum “Siamese Dream”, as well as the platinum certified 1998 album “Adore”. The pivotal group’s many hits defined the alternative music era and continue to resonate on modern rock radio, influencing a whole new generation. The PUMPKINS returned in 2007 with their acclaimed sixth album “Zeitgeist” and they have since remained on the cutting edge of music and technology with various online releases. “Oceania” is their 7th studio album and the band will support it with a global tour in 2012.
“Oceania” will be released on June 22, 2012, through Create/Control.
Secret Sounds Presents
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS
With Special Guests WOLFMOTHER*
Presented by triple j, Max, Street Press Australia & fasterlouder.com.au
(*Wolfmother play Sydney and Melbourne only)
Tickets on sale at 9am on Wednesday 9 May
Thursday 26 July – Challenge Stadium, Perth
With Special Guests to be announced
Tickets: ticketmaster.com.au, 136 100
Tuesday 31 July – Entertainment
Centre, Sydney
Tickets: ticketmaster.com.au, 136 100
Thursday 2 August – Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: ticketek.com.au, 132 849
Saturday 4 August – Vector Arena, Auckland
Tickets: ticketmaster.co.nz
GET INTIMATE WITH THE ENIGMATIC LANA DEL REY, IN AUSTRALIA IN JULY!
02 May 2012
On January 31st, 2012 LANA DEL REY released the darkly glamorous “Born To Die”. The album debuted at #1 on iTunes in eighteen countries and has since totaled well over a million in sales worldwide.
After having only debuted her home made clip for the single ‘Video Games’ the previous June DEL REY’s year was a tornado of activity, touring and media commitments around the globe forcing the newly famous glamour girl to postpone her first Australian tour. Secret Sounds is thrilled to make good on the promise of the 25 year old chanteuse’s to visit Australia, with an appearance at Splendour In The Grass and a handful of intimate theatre shows.
With YouTube views of ‘Video Games’ climbing over the 32 million mark, LANA DEL REY might be mistaken as an overnight sensation. However, DEL REY, nee Lizzy Grant, started her musical journey after moving to NYC as a teenage university student. Already immersed in Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, whose lush wordplay and dark irreverent work remain a keystone for much of her lyrics, DEL REY began honing her lush romantic sound playing acoustic sets in the Big Apple. Her performance debut came at an open mic night in Williamsburg.
It was around this time that the young Lizzy Grant decided to reinvent herself “It’s nice to be able to try and build the life you want for yourself,” she says. “You have to be brave and try to start again. It might be a little scary. Not many people say let’s start life over and do it again the way I want to… I wanted a name I could shape the music towards.”
“A delicious
hybrid of Portishead and Nancy Sinatra.”
***** Independent on Sunday
“Brilliantly realized.”
BBC Music
In addition to her visual flair, “Born To Die”s cinematic quality is also due to DEL REY’s affinity for classic arrangements. Her ability to fuse mannered torch song balladry with hip-hop bravado imbues the music with a sense of drama that feels familiar yet new.
“The most
compelling new pop star around: half doomed romantic, half mordant cynic, with
a distinctively conflicted vision of how love, fame and America work.”
Q Magazine
Now boasting accolades across the world including Best International Breakthrough Artist at the Brit Awards DEL REY has graced the covers of UK Vogue, Wonderland, Interview, NME, Q and Billboard with TV performances including Later… With Jools Holland, Late Show with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel.
DEL REY is currently finalizing her 2012 tour plans, as her loyal fan base grows worldwide. For the 25-year-old it's an overnight success eight years in the making. Be sure to catch her at these very special sideshows.
“Born To Die” is out now through UMA.
Secret Sounds Presents
LANA DEL REY
With special guests to be announced
Presented by triple j, Vogue, vogue.com.au,
Channel [V] and The Vine
Tickets on sale Friday 4 May
Monday July 23 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
Thursday July 26 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tickets from: ticketek.com.au & 132 849
SECRET SOUNDS ANNOUNCE SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2012 OFFICIAL SIDESHOWS
30 Apr 2012
ALL TICKETS ON SALE 9AM FRIDAY MAY 4
Missed out on tickets to Splendour In The Grass in Byron Bay? Don’t despair! Secret Sounds is bringing the crème de la crème of the Splendour line up direct to your door with sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. Here’s just a taste of what’s to come with some of the hottest indie acts from around the globe firing up your Winter.
THE AFGHAN WHIGS
Presented by Mess+Noise, Beat & The Brag
The wait is over! 25 years after their first gig, THE AFGHAN WHIGS are coming to Australia for the first time. The recently reformed ’Whigs first began in Cincinnati in 1986 and became one of the most acclaimed alternative bands of the early '90s, developing a dedicated cult following. Playing material from across their catalogue including the seminal albums “Congregation” and “Gentlemen”, these shows are not to be missed.
WEDNESDAY JULY 25 – THE HI-FI, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: thehifi.com.au or ph: 1300-THEHIFI (843 443)
THURSDAY JULY 26 – THE FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY
Tickets from: factorytheatre.com.au or ph: 02 9550 3666
BAND OF SKULLS
Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Beat, The Brag & The Vine
Fresh from performances at Coachella, a UK tour with The Black Keys and a mass of North American shows, BAND OF SKULLS will play a handful of Splendour sideshows. Having wowed the world with their debut release “Baby Darling Doll Face Honey“, this will be the first taste of their critically lauded new album “Sweet Sour” live for Australian audiences. A powerhouse on stage, the UK trio is a must-see at their Sydney and Melbourne performances.
THURSDAY JULY 26 – THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: cornerhotel.com or ph: 03 9427 9198
FRIDAY JULY 27 – THE FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY
Tickets from: factorytheatre.com.au or ph: 02 9550 3666
COMMUNION: MICHAEL KIWANUKA with BEN HOWARD
Presented by Rhythms Magazine & The Vine
Secret Sounds is very proud to join with London label Communion in presenting a series of special Splendour sideshows featuring a sample of their finest artists with MICHAEL KIWANUKA, BEN HOWARD and Australia’s TIM HART. Communion is the brainchild of Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons fame and this is their first full-curated tour. “It's such an incredible evening of music, I'm going to be gutted to miss out on it. But we are very proud these artists will be flying the Communion flag Down Under,” says Lovett.
TUESDAY JULY 24 – THE FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY
Tickets from: factorytheatre.com.au or ph: 02 9550 3666
WEDNESDAY JULY 25 – THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: cornerhotel.com or ph: 03 9427 9198
DJANGO DJANGO with THE CAST OF CHEERS
Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Street Press Australia & Groupie
With universal rapturous reviews for their sweat-soaked "live happenings" and a worldwide buzz overflow from their SxSW appearances, DJANGO DJANGO are the art-rock geeks to be reckoned with in 2012. With their debut album being named a ”giant cohesive dance party” with “songs crafted for hand-clapping and feet-stomping”, be sure to catch the East Londoners for their first-ever Australian performances. They are joined by Irish math-rockers THE CAST OF CHEERS for a hip-swiveling night out at these Sydney and Melbourne Splendour sideshows.
TUESDAY JULY 31 – THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: cornerhotel.com or ph: 03 9427 9198
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1 – OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY
Tickets from: oxfordartfactory.com or ph:1300 GET TIX (438 849)
HOWLER with ZULU WINTER
Presented by Channel [V], Street Press Australia & The Vine
From separate corners of the world come two of the biggest buzz bands of recent years, HOWLER and ZULU WINTER. Minneapolis' HOWLER are described by Q Magazine as “the latest skinny-jeaned claimants to the indie-rock throne”.with rave reviews for their debut album “America Give Up” on both sides of the Atlantic. HOWLER will be the band to watch when they bring their white-hot show to Australia. Add to the mix ZULU WINTER and you can see why these will be some of the hottest Splendour sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. With a fan base including Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons and The Kaiser Chiefs, the hypemachine is in overdrive for Oxford's latest indie wunderkinds ZULU WINTER.
TUESDAY JULY 24 – THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: cornerhotel.com or ph: 03 9427 9198
WEDNESDAY JULY 25 – OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY
Tickets from: oxfordartfactory.com or ph: 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
FRIENDS
Presented by Vice Magazine, Channel [V], Street Press Australia & Groupie
After blazing out of Bushwick in 2011 with two buzz-worthy singles, ‘I’m His Girl’ and ‘Friend Crush’ and a reputation for turning live gigs into spontaneous DIY parties, Brooklyn’s FRIENDS make their debut appearance in Australia with Splendour sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. With debut album “Manifest!” set for release on June 8, FRIENDS’ slinky ESG-style polyrhythmic post-disco take on 'tropicool', fronted by the uber-sultry Samantha Urbani, will have the dance floor heaving.
WEDNESDAY JULY 25 – NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: northcotesocialclub.com or ph: 1300 724 867
THURSDAY JULY 26 – THE STANDARD, SYDNEY
Tickets from: wearethestandard.com.au or ph: 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
ELECTRIC GUEST
Presented by Channel [V], Street Press Australia & Groupie
Hailed worldwide by the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard and Nylon as being this year's ‘pretty much irresistible’ indie darlings, ELECTRIC GUEST have kicked off their studio career in grand fashion with Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, Gorillaz, The Black Keys, U2) producing their debut album ''Mondo". A seamless fusion of Motown, 70's daytime radio funk lite, indie rock and 60's French pop, "Mondo" is the breezy slick pop sensation of 2012. File unashamedly next to Hall & Oates and Gnarls Barkley. Be sure to check out their Splendour sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne.
TUESDAY JULY 31 – OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY
Tickets from: oxfordartfactory.com or ph: 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1 – NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: northcotesocialclub.com or ph: 1300 724 867
FATHER JOHN MISTY
Presented by Channel [V], The Brag, Beat & The Vine
Having departed Fleet Foxes in 2011 after 3 years on the drum stool, Joshua Tillman celebrates the release of his debut album "Fear Fun" under the new moniker of FATHER JOHN MISTY with Splendour sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. The music maintains a gloomy, secretive and yet conversely playful quality. Lyrically, his absurdist fever dreams of pain and pleasure elicit, in equal measures, the blunt descriptive power of Bukowski or Brautigan, the hedonist-philosophy of Oscar Wilde and the dried-out wit of Loudon Wainwright III. Come experience the soulful musings of FATHER JOHN MISTY at these intimate performances.
FRIDAY JULY 27 – OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY
Tickets from: oxfordartfactory.com or ph: 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
SATURDAY JULY 28 – THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: cornerhotel.com or ph: 03 9427 9198
YOUTH LAGOON
Presented by Channel [V], The Brag, Beat & The Vine
YOUTH LAGOON, the moniker of 22-year-old Trevor Powers, has been doing anything but sleeping since the release of his debut album. “The Year Of Hibernation” was a dreamy lo-fi breakthrough of 2011 landing in Pitchfork’s Top 50 albums of the year and set Powers off on a touring schedule that spanned four continents and over 100 shows. Having captivated Australian audiences on his sell-out tour in February, Powers returns with full band in tow for a series of intimate Splendour sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne.
SATURDAY JULY 28 – THE FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY
Tickets from: factorytheatre.com.au or ph: 02 9550 3666
SUNDAY JULY 29 – THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
Tickets from: cornerhotel.com or ph: 03 9427 9198
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW SELLS OUT DEBUT AUSTRALIAN TOUR | VENUE CHANGE IN SYDNEY DUE TO HIGH DEMAND | SUPPORTS CONFIRMED
26 Mar 2012
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW has swiftly won over Australian audiences, with his upcoming visit selling out multiple venues. Due to unprecedented demand, the second SOLD OUT Sydney show on Monday, April 9th at The Vanguard has now been upgraded to The Factory Theatre, with additional tickets on sale now.
Just as “Early In the Morning” has enthralled European and American audiences, Australians are now proving to be equally captivated. Those lucky enough to have tickets to his headline dates are certainly in for a treat. They will bear witness to his mesmerising live show honed by extensive international touring. Alongside these dates, James will also be heading to Byron Bay for Bluesfest.
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW will be joined by three of Australia’s more interesting acts on his upcoming headline dates. TIMOTHY CARROLL, CAITLIN PARK and EMILY ULMAN will help to warm up chilly Autumn audiences at his shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne respectively.
TIMOTHY CARROLL is back in Brisbane having spent twelve months in Europe playing shows in Paris, Berlin and Stockholm as well as the Glastonbury Festival in the UK. We can expect him to bring some of the new material that he is currently recording for his third album, due out later this year.
CAITLIN PARK is a singer-songwriter from Sydney, who has single-handedly taken this genre and pulled it to the left with her abstract composition, electro-acoustic stylings and film nostalgia. Her debut LP “Milk Annual” is out now.
EMILY ULMAN has established herself as one of Melbourne's finest singer-songwriters. Emily is applauded for her lyrical honesty, and the sheer beauty of her clear, distinctive vocal delivery.
“Early In the Morning” is out now through Dew Process. Get in quick for tickets to The Factory Theatre, as these too are sure to move fast!
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW
WITH THU 5 APR - BLACK BEAR LODGE - B RISBANE SOLD OUT
WITH TIMOTHY CARROLL
NEW VENUE MON 09 APR - THE FACTORY THEATRE - SYDNEY
WITH CAITLIN PARK
FACTORYTHEATRE.COM.AU, 02 9550 3666, OR TICKETEK.COM.AU, 132 849
WED 11 APR - THE VANGUARD - SYDNEY SOLD OUT
WITH CAITLIN PARK
THU 12 APR - THE TOFF IN TOWN - MELBOURNE SOLD OUT
WITH EMILY ULMAN
JAMESVMCMORROW.COM
DEW-PROCESS.COM
ZULU WINTER SHOWS PUSHED BACK AS SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS SNAPS THEM UP.
21 Mar 2012
Secret Sounds half-heartedly regret to announce that Zulu Winter will be postponing their Australian tour. Half-heartedly, as they have a bigger plan in store. After witnessing their scorching live show at SXSW, the Secret Sounds promoters have decided to keep Zulu Winter up their sleeve for a special Australian debut performance at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS this year.
Zulu Winter will be making good use of their now ‘spare time’ in April, with their international schedule ramping up off the back of their performances in Austin. They will be heading to Europe where demand continues to increase from promoters, fans and press. After hearing rumours of their incredible live show, the likes of Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons and Kaiser Chiefs all made it down to catch separate Zulu Winter SXSW shows. It is little wonder that Zulu Winter are amongst the hotly tipped bands in the world right now.
The bookish lads from Oxford’s lead single ‘We Should Be Swimming’ have been turning heads across the UK and US with Q Magazine naming them amongst their “Essential Listening” on the eve of SXSW, NME ticking them off as a band to watch and previous tracks receiving a Pitchfork endorsement. It is testament to the year they have spent locked up in seclusion, creating and recording their highly-anticipated debut album, due out later this year.
Any Zulu Winter fans who got in early for tickets to their April show will be happily refunded at their point of purchase. Stay tuned for further announcements.
In the meantime, Zulu Winter’s debut album “Language” will be out May 11, 2012 via Dew Process. Digital only single 'We Should Be Swimming' is out now.
UK Guitar Rockers ZULU WINTER are coming to Australia!
23 Feb 2012
London newcomers, Zulu Winter, arrive here in April to show why they are the name on everyone’s lips.
The five firm friends have produced a euphoric debut worthy of their newly coined moniker ‘the most exciting guitar band in Britain’. Titled “Language”, the album’s powerful guitar and soaring vocals has led them to be hotly tipped by NME, The Fly and Q Magazine as the band of 2012.
Earlier this year Zulu Winter cracked the UK and European touring circuit with Foster The People while also scoring a bunch of prestigious summer festivals. Soon to embark on a string of shows at the biggest industry festival in the world, South By South West, Zulu Winter will be well and truly ready to impress Australian audiences when they arrive.
"On the early evidence this seems like a band that’s clearly able to not only write tunes that are instantly engaging, but that are ready as singles… After this first few months of hype is over we predict that this band will go on to be the success that 2012 doesn’t yet know it’s waiting for." The Recommender
Sharing management with The Cribs, Crystal Castles & The Vaccines the band is in good company. North America is also taking note, with a deal in place at the credible Arts & Crafts label, home to Feist, Broken Social Scene & Phoenix amongst others.
With “Language” scheduled for release this May, first single ‘We Should Be Swimming’ has already received widespread UK radio play from Radio 1’s Steve Lamacq & Huw Stephens along with XFM and in turn is breeding high anticipation for the album. It made waves online as well, scoring over 100,000 views within 36 hours of posting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCVGxH5fEo0
Zulu Winter’s live shows are fast becoming “must see” events and this April it’s Australia’s turn to witness England’s new guitar heroes. The band is excited to share the stage with special guests City Calm Down. These Melbourne electro punks have the critics and audiences alike claiming this four-piece as the real deal.
"If there can be (as there were at last count) four new Lily Allens, seven new Laura Marlings and eleventy-nine new Amys, surely there's room for two new indie bands with the potential to become the next Brixton Academy-filling, festival tent-headlining phenomenon? The feeling is that Zulu Winter could be the ones." The Guardian
Zulu Winter’s debut album “Language” will be out via Dew Process in May. Digital only single ‘We Should Be Swimming’ is out this Tuesday, Feb 28. Pre-order Zulu Winter's debut album for only $10.99 with every tour ticket purchase.
http://zuluwinter.blogspot.com/
Secret Sounds Presents
ZULU WINTER
With special guests CITY CALM DOWN
Mon 16 April – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Tickets from www.northcotesocialclub.com or 1300 724 867
Wed 18 April – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Tickets from www.moshtix.com.au or 1300 438 849
Facebook Event: facebook.com/secretsoundstouring
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW brings “Early in the Morning” to life in Australia!
09 Feb 2012
Irish troubadour JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW makes his maiden voyage to Australia this April to introduce his remarkable solo talent. Alongside debut performances at Bluesfest, McMorrow will set out on an east coast run with stops in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. No novice to the stage, James has already captured audiences throughout Europe and USA with his passionate, pop oriented folk, including the UK where his spot on last year’s Glastonbury lineup had many new fans witness his magic. His self-recorded album “Early In The Morning” platforms his musical integrity and genuine talent with hypnotic lyrics inspired by life, love and literature.
James Vincent McMorrow’s live show is a hushed and reverential affair, each show met with pin drop silence as people are mesmerised by every word and syllable. It will not always be this way however, James shares his future and tells us his dream for a much grander affair that includes a full band in tow when he visits here again. “Playing on my own right now is beautiful because it allows me to connect on a very primitive level, but I’d like to be in a place soon where I can be surrounded with friends on stage to share this with me.”
James Vincent McMorrow’s “Early In the Morning” is released via Dew Process on Friday, March 2nd. Shows go on sale this Monday, February 6th. For a limited time only, fans have the chance to download his album for just $10.99 with tickets purchased online.
Listen to the album “Early In The Morning” streaming here jamesvincentmcmorrow.com.au
“Sounds both fresh and as
if they’ve been in your head forever…McMorrow’s debut deserves its success.”
– Q Magazine
“A captivating debut… An
arresting journey from emotional trials to aural pleasure.”
– Uncut ★★★★
Secret Sounds and Handsome Tours Present
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW
With special guest to be announced
Thurs 5 April – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Tickets from www.oztix.com.au or 1300 762 545
Mon 9 April – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
Tickets from www.ticketek.com.au
Wed 11 April – The Vanguard, Sydney
SOLD OUT
Thurs 12 April – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
SOLD OUT
Facebook Event: facebook.com/secretsoundstouring
**** PLEASE NOTE: Due to popular demand, the James Vincent McMorrow show scheduled for Monday April 9th at The Vanguard, has been moved to The Factory Theatre. All show tickets purchased for the Monday April 9th show at The Vanguard, are valid for this new show at The Factory Theatre. Anyone requiring a refund for show tickets purchased for the Monday April 9th show, can contact The Vanguard via bookings@thevanguard.com.au or 02 9557 9409. Tickets for the show at The Factory Theatre are available here.
Lana Del Rey Postpones Sydney & Melbourne Tour Dates
08 Feb 2012
Due to unprecedented international demand, LANA DEL REY's forthcoming Australian tour dates are to be re-scheduled. More extensive dates will be announced soon. All ticket holders will be given refunds and priority booking for new dates.
The re-scheduling follows the release of one of the most anticipated debut albums in recent memory. Born To Die debuted at #1 on the UK album charts and is currently sitting atop the iTunes Australia album charts in this, its first week of release.
Refunds for the Tues 28 Feb show at Oxford Art Factory and Sat 3 Mar show at The Toff in Town will be processed shortly.
If you purchased your ticket online or over the phone through moshtix your ticket will be automatically refunded back to your credit card/PayPal account. If you purchased your ticket from a moshtix retail outlet you will need to return to the outlet with your ticket to receive your refund.
Lana is looking forward to her maiden Australian visit and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Lana's beguiling, elegant debut album Born to Die is out now via Universal.
Praise for Born to Die:
'Beautifully turned pop music' **** - The Guardian
'Intelligent, ambitious and brilliantly realised, Born to Die defies any backlash.' - BBC Music
"Positively brimming with atmospherics — soaring, sonorous strings, echoing electronic boom-bap, morose, maudlin guitar crescendos — all of which imbue it with a truly epic scope...a thrilling headphone experience" - MTV Online
'A literate, emotional collection of beautifully crafted, pithily memorable songs' **** - The Telegraph (UK)
YOUTH LAGOON wading in Australian waters in Feb
15 Dec 2011
The brainchild of 22-year-old Trevor Powers, YOUTH LAGOON produces beautiful melancholy melodies. Debut album “The Year of Hibernation” draws from the dark depths of Powers’ struggles with anxiety, love, heartbreak and, well, life.
The eerily nostalgic undertones of this haunting collection draw happy comparisons with James Blake, Caribou and Radiohead without being derivative. For Powers the act of writing is cathartic, allowing him to reflect on himself.
“The title of the record describes its world. These are songs about alternately hunkering down and hiding, and heading out into the world to explore and report back on what you've found. Powers is very much an innocent here, a kid with an ear for poetry who mixes striking images with the occasional groaner.” 8.4/10 Pitchfork.com
“Delivered in a frail squawk recalling Seattle singer-songwriter Perfume Genius, his coming-of-age songs carve intuitive, idiosyncratic paths (spidery guitar, buzzing electronics) to mountaintop indie-rock catharsis.” Spin
"Youth Lagoon isn't me," says Powers. "It's merely a part of me. I was in and out of different bands in high school and always tried to define myself by what music I played. I tried to find a sense of meaning by being in a band. But it wasn't until this last year - when I realised I was more than just music - that I was able to create music that means something to me. And that is Youth Lagoon. "
“It is both a captivating listen and a terrifying one: Powers was 22 this year, but his voice carries all the experience of a man thrice his age.” 8/10 BBC Music
Translated to a live arena, YOUTH LAGOON is mesmerizing. Joined on stage by guitarist Logan Hyde the tracks come to life in full. They will be joined on tour by 2012 triple j Next Crop Artist Oliver Tank whose creative soundscapes have seen him nominated for an FBi SMAC Award and win a trip to Iceland as part of their Northern Lights Competition where he performed at Iceland Airwaves Festival.
“The Year of Hibernation” is out now through Spunk.
Secret Sounds Presents
YOUTH LAGOON
With Special Guest OLIVER TANK
Presented by Street Press Australia & Pedestrian
Wed 15 Feb – Toff In Town, Melbourne
Tickets from www.moshtix.com.au or 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
Thurs 16 Feb – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Tickets from www.moshtix.com.au or 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
Facebook Event: facebook.com/secretsoundstouring
LAURA MARLING returns to Oz older and wiser
21 Nov 2011
Revered songstress LAURA MARLING has moved beyond her nu-folk tag with her highly-acclaimed new album “A Creature I Don’t Know” showing further depth and wisdom in her songwriting and lyricism. Hailed as NME’s Best Solo Artist and anointed Best British Female at the recent Brit Awards, LAURA MARLING’s star has well & truly risen at just 21 years of age.
“Laura Marling’s third album is less a total reinvention than a subtle maturation, a stretching out to the extent of her reach in all directions…. it’s also a record with more weight, darkness, humour and playfulness than ever before, her rockiest and jazziest moments yet, but also her most accessible sound.” – NME
On her third jaunt to Australia to play Laneway Festival 2012, Secret Sounds is pleased to announce that LAURA MARLING willalso perform at the Forum Theatre, Melbourne on February 2nd followed by a special show at Sydney Opera House on February 9th.
MARLING first grabbed the world’s attention with her softly spoken and obscenely talented debut “Alas I Cannot Swim” in 2008. She was just 17 when she penned standout single ‘Ghosts’ which found its way onto high rotation on triple j and leapt into the Top 50 of the station’s Hottest 100. She toured the album down under, playing her inaugural Splendour in the Grass plus several rewarding sideshows.
Outstanding 2010 follow-up “I Speak Because I Can” cemented her position beyond that of a teenage prodigy, with themes of mortality, womanhood and responsibility effortlessly flowing into her music. Her live shows reflected that confidence, delivering stellar sold-out performances en route around the nation.
"The tiny elf is …deft with maturity and an astounding understanding of the intricacies of folklore storytelling, accompanied by quintessential folk instrumentation." - Time Off, January 2010
"This was a truly enchanting evening from one of the finest young talents around." - Drum Media, February 2010
“A Creature I Don’t Know” is a darker, subtler, more complex beast. Born from a woman who is musically bolder and lyrically more astute, the album weaves tales that Marling describes as “one-sided conversations”, creating characters that flow throughout her various songs. It tells of beasts and muses and mythic women. It has been welcomed as her finest work yet, a mean feat for an artist whose rise has taken on its own mythic proportions whilst her feet remain firmly on the ground.
Having charmed Glastonbury festival, BBC’s Later with Jools Holland, Radio 1 Sessions, and supported hero Ryan Adams, LAURA caps off this year with a sold-out UK cathedral tour and a string of performances across Europe. In 2012, it is Australia’s turn to again fall at the feet of this accomplished chanteuse.
A Creature I Don’t Know is out now through EMI.
Rolling Stone ★★★★
The Age ★★★★
Herald Sun ★★★★
Sydney Morning Herald ★★★★
Q Magazine ★★★★
mX ★★★★
Secret Sounds Presents
LAURA MARLING
Presented by triple j and Beat
Thursday, 2nd February
FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE
With Special Guests HUSKY
ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100
Thursday 9th February
Presented by Sydney Opera House
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL
Tickets from sydneyoperahouse.com or 02 9250 7777
BLOOD ORANGE set to tear up the dancefloor in January
21 Nov 2011
Life moves pretty fast, and Devonte Hynes keeps busy. Following the huge acclaim for his previous incarnation, the Houston-born, Essex-raised, 25 year-old indie bratpack posterboy artist formerly known as Lightspeed Champion completely lost his voice and took a hiatus. Following major surgery, not speaking a word for two months; Dev re-learned to talk, re-learned to sing and reincarnated himself as Blood Orange, the one-man DIY project showing off his new voice on album, “Coastal Grooves” telling his tales of love and loneliness.
Blood Orange songs are subtly layered, stripped-down, bedroom-built electronic compositions. They thread a heartstring-tugging line from the angst and urgency of new wave, through eighties power-pop, to the bounce and sex of American swing and R&B.
There's a palpable new obsession with oriental melodies, much technical electric guitar shredding, and on top of it all, Dev's gobsmacking new vocal style. He's gone from 'guy-singing-in-a-band' to 'virtuoso-soul-crooner-who-sounds-like-Prince's-edgier-little-sister.’ The result is intoxicating and addictive; a moody and atmospheric pop alchemy.
His new one-man live show has been honed to near-perfection in the dive bars of New York City, and it is currently blowing minds all over the world. It consists of just a backing track and Dev shredding his Stratocaster like Prince and singing and dancing like a heartbroken gangster of love.
Returning to Australia under his solo moniker, Blood Orange, Dev will treat Sydney and Melbourne to headline performances of his pumped-up drum patterns, chiming guitar tones and re-creation of genres of a forgotten era. Be prepared to kill the dance floor when Blood Orange hits the stage in January. Tickets on sale NOW.
“Devonté Hynes’s latest project is an irresistible synthesis of Eighties sounds, from galloping power-pop to rich funk-soul shudder. Hynes’s voice is refined into an emotive croon.” The Telegraph UK, 5/5
“As a record it's glaringly reminiscent of past niche musical trends, but sounds so contemporary and original that it lures you into a very confused time warp of a listening experience.” Drowned in Sound, 4.5/5
“Dev’s new venture is upbeat soulful, kinda funky and quite brilliant.” NME
Debut Album 'Coastal Grooves' Out Now Through Domino.
Secret Sounds Presents
Blood Orange
Thurs 5 Jan – Goodgod, Sydney
Tickets from moshtix.com.au or 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
Wed 11 Jan – Nortchote Social Club
Tickets from northcotesocialclub.com
Facebook Event: facebook.com/secretsoundstouring
FOSTER THE PEOPLE'S Big Day Out Sideshows
20 Nov 2011
Having played more than 180 SOLD OUT shows worldwide off the back of their debut GOLD album, FOSTER THE PEOPLE return to Australia to satisfy the masses with headline performances in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in January 2012.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE went from an LA indie club act to an international hot ticket off the back of their EP, but it was their debut album Torches that saw them become festival favourites and radio royalty. Forming in 2009, the trio met in the City of Angels after frontman Mark Foster made the move from middle America Ohio. Foster was bored at work one day and penned a little ditty that would become a massive track the world over. It was called ‘Pumped Up Kicks’.
A hit, a monster single, a song with a life of its own -- FOSTER THE PEOPLE’s contagious dance-pop anthem ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ has clocked more than 38 million YouTube views. The single is certified Triple PLATINUM in the USA, and Double PLATINUM in Australia. It is the #1 Song on iTunes, Alternative Radio and Spotify in the USA and is currently in the Top 10 of the ARIA Charts.
Having collaborated with not one but four big name producers, Paul Epworth (Florence & the Machine, Bloc Party), Rich Costey (Muse, The Mars Volta), Greg Kurstin (Bird and the Bee, Lily Allen) and Tony Hoffer (Belle & Sebastian, Depeche Mode) FOSTER THE PEOPLE made the album they wanted to make. Their way. And it certainly paid off.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE have become darlings of the late night TV circuit playing on Letterman, Ellen, Saturday Night Live and many more. The trio have also been nominated for Best New Artist at the MTV VMAs and the American Music Awards. The album is now GOLD in the USA and Australia.
Australia was one of the first countries to embrace the LA locals and we’ve kept on hugging them tight ever since. FOSTER THE PEOPLE’s energetic sold out club shows in February 2011 saw a devoted and lucky few fist pumping to the tracks that would form the basis of debut album Torches. In July 2011 they returned just as the album hit stores for a triumphant Splendour In The Grass performance that almost raised the roof of the Mix Up Tent with thousands of voices singing in unison. Their subsequent headline tour also sold out, with new shows added to meet the high demand.
The audience seemed to know and lose their shit to the first few bars of every single song with good reason – the infectious hooks of Call It What you Want and memorable lyrics of Miss You and Pumped Up Kicks created the perfect dance-and-sing-a-longs that often left no reason for the lead singer to be there as they drowned out his voice.” Inpress, August 2011
"Stand out tracks included the obvious Pumped Up Kicks, Waste and Houdini. However, this show was one of the few gems that made every track as appealing as the last…With Sean Cimino going nuts on the synth, Isom Innis on the keyboard and Cubbie Fink completing the tightly bound sound of FOP; they did not put a foot, finger or fret wrong and played like seasoned pros." The Dwarf, Melbourne July 2011
Returning for Big Day Out 2012, FOSTER THE PEOPLE will play their biggest headline shows yet at the Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane, on Monday, January 23rd; the Enmore Theatre, Sydney on Wednesday, January 25th and the Palace Theatre, Melbourne on Monday, January 30th. Tickets go on sale to the public 12pm next Monday, November 28th.
Torches is out now through Sony Music.
Secret Sounds and Handsome Tours Present
FOSTER THE PEOPLE
With Special Guests
Presented by triple j, Rave, The Brag and Beat
Mon 23 Jan – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Tickets from ticketek.com.au or 132 849
Wed 25 Jan – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tickets from Enmore Box Office, 02 9550 3666 or ticketek.com.au
Mon 30 Jan – The Palace, Melbourne
Tickets from ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100 & oztix.com.au
Checkout Grouplove & Win!
14 Oct 2011
Hannah Hooper isn't just an incredible frontwoman for Grouplove – she's also an amazing artist! Hannah has been responsible for creating Grouplove's album and EP covers, and now she's working on something just for you! Simply buy a ticket to any Grouplove show listed on this site before December 1st and you'll automatically go in the draw to win Hannah's work. Good luck!
Click here to read the Terms & Conditions.
GROUPLOVE Tour
11 Oct 2011
Californian “naked kids” GROUPLOVE return to Australia this January! Their sunshine-laden hooks sparkled brightly at Splendour in The Grass and fans in Sydney and Melbourne were treated to intimate headline sideshows. Now back by popular demand, GROUPLOVE are set to kick 2012 off with a bang, including performances at both Falls Festivals before heading out on the road nationally, including WA’s Southbound.
“Lead track ‘Itching on a Photograph’ does what Cold War Kids can no longer do: scrape the clouds with a chorus that breaks open a cleansing storm.”
Daily Telegraph
“It’s a perfectly woven mix of sappy sweetness with depth and they deliver it fantastically, the crowd eating out of their hand.”
Inpress August 2011
After finding each other in the balmy climes of Greece, GROUPLOVE produced a gem of an eponymous EP that saw their google-friendly name spread across the world. The band was founded by love after frontman Christian Zucconi met keyboardist/singer Hannah Hooper under Williamsburg Bridge and bonded over a mutual love of Pixies, Nirvana and Fleetwood Mac. It could have ended there as Hannah left for Crete shortly after, but on a whim, Christian joined the artist overseas. The pair then met guitarist Sean Gadd and pro surfer and bassist Andrew Wessen, add to the mix drummer and producer Ryan Rabin and GROUPLOVE was born.
Fast forward to 2011 and GROUPLOVE’s debut record “Never Trust A Happy Song” produced by their own Ryan Rubin has been hailed by triple j, earning it Feature Album of the Week and a slew of gushing reviews. It hit the ARIA charts at #21. With hit singles “Colours”, “Naked Kids” and “Itching On A Photograph” leading the charge, the ‘70s tinged sparkle-pop album is effortless.
“Never Trust a Happy Song is far from a cohesive album, but that actually works to its advantage--because it encapsulates the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows, of this emotional rollercoaster known as life.”
BBC MUSIC
“L.A.-based quintet unleash positively euphoric debut.”
Q MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2011
“Listening to Never Trust A Happy Song is like God smiling down on you, telling you that you are his most wondrous creation and then giving you $50 for being a swell guy.”
THE AU REVIEW
It’s not surprising considering their place amongst the world’s hottest new bands, having already been named in the Top 10 of NME’s ‘Best New Bands’ list and ‘Ones to Watch’ from Spin magazine. GROUPLOVE recently shined on Conan O’Brien’s show in the US and have clocked up the frequent flier miles playing every summer festival from here to Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza to Reading, Rock En Seine France to Optimus Alive Portugal. They’ve recently graced the stage with Florence + the Machine & embarked on a sold out co-headline US tour with Foster The People. It’s no wonder they’re in high demand! Get tickets this Friday.
“An emphatically joyous sound of summer has landed and it goes by the name of Grouplove.”
LONDON BARFLY REVIEW
“Never Trust a Happy Song” is out now through Warner Music.
Secret Sounds Presents
GROUPLOVE
With Special Guests
Presented by triple j, Pedestrian and Street Press Australia
Tues Jan 3 – FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY
factorytheatre.com.au or 02 9550 3666
Wed 4 Jan – CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
cornerhotel.com or 03 9427 9198
Thu Jan 5 – THE GOV, ADELAIDE
moshtix.com.au or 1300 GET TIX or venuetix.com.au or The Gov (thegov.com.au or 8340 0744)
Tues Jan 10 – THE ZOO, BRISBANE
thezoo.com.au or OzTix outlets
Wed Jan 11 – THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY
OzTix.com.au or OzTix outlets
Dananananaykroyd split up!
29 Sep 2011
It’s always sad when great things come to an end, but we’re going to convert all that sadness into a million joyous moments for these upcoming gigs!
After five years of consistently smashing audiences around the collective face, we are gutted to announce that Glasgow’s six-man musical fireball Dananananaykroyd have announced their intention to split immediately after the conclusion of their forthcoming UK tour.
Drawing plaudits wide and varied, the outfit oft-described as “the best live band in the world,” have notched two critically-acclaimed albums including their most recent effort ‘There Is A Way’ made on Venice Beach, LA with legendary producer Ross Robinson.
“We all still love each other very much,” said the group, “for a band called Dananananaykroyd we’ve done more than we ever expected or possibly even intended and we’ve enjoyed nearly every step of the way. We’re very keen at the same time to make sure we’re never compromising or giving anything less than 100% and at this juncture of our collective lives, it makes sense to go out with a bang – which is exactly what this tour will be.”
Following shows in Leeds and Bristol, Dananananaykroyd’s 12-date farewell tour begins in hometown Glasgow and ends in a giant sphere of blood, guts, human flesh, fire and rock in Newcastle on 12th November and calls over the UK beforehand.
They will be missed :-(
Dress like The Hives
24 Jun 2011
Do you like to dress yourselves in the dapper attire of THE HIVES? If so, now is the time to break out your suit and tie and show us what you’ve got. We want to see your best Hives impression/photo. Whoever we deem the best lookalike will be heftily rewarded. Enter here!
Get involved with Fitz And The Tantrums
21 Jun 2011
Riding on the crest of a retro soul revival, FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS are all about sexy soul tunes, crisp two-tone suits and infectious beats. Cross the style of Madmen with seriously good sounds reminiscent of Motown and you’ve got an idea of how much fun there is to be had. LA’s super soulful six-piece FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS are heading our way as part of the official Splendour 2011 Sideshows! Download "MoneyGrabber" free here!
Tickets Go On Sale On 27 May 2011
20 May 2011
There's lots of excited Pulp fans out there! While we wait for July to roll around, we can distract ourselves with this handy Youtube playlist, consisting of Pulp's hits and one live gem. Pulp fans will want to make sure Friday 27 May is locked into their diary. Tickets go on sale that day at 9am!
Splendour Sideshows have been announced!
19 May 2011
Not heading to Woodfordia? No problem! Winter just got a whole lot warmer as we’re bringing the best of Splendour to you with these special sideshows. Here’s your chance to celebrate some of the most illustrious names in music – and get up close & intimate with the hottest new bands to visit Oz. Hold tight for more special guest announcements to soon join the revelry. This year, a portion of all tickets purchased on splendoursideshows.com will go toward the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal, which helps Queenslanders affected by the devastation of the recent floods and Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
Fitz & The Tantrums Let Us Have It
17 May 2011
Ahead of their first ever trip to our shores, Fitz & The Tantrums took a few moments to say hi to their Aussie fans.
If you haven't heard much about Fitz & The Tantrums yet, you'll soon be hearing a lot more if this LA Times live review is anything to go by!
Get acquainted with the band by listening to their album in full on their website
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