Matt Corby’s Sydney launch of his new EP Into The Flame at the Oxford Art Factory was by all accounts a resounding success. And by all accounts we mean our review of the show of course. And now it’s time for the rest of Australia to get a chance to experience Corby’s amazing live show with his full band in tow.
We’ve already mentioned that Matt Corby has added a forth date to his string of shows in Melbourne (in that same review – read it yet?) but now we can announce that he’ll be launching Into The Flame in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth as well. Add to that the rest of Matt Corby’s Secret Garden Tour and a support slot with Feist in Adelaide and it looks like it’s going to be a very busy couple of months.
The full list of EP Launch shows are below – do yourself a favour and make sure you get yourself to one of these:
Wed 30th November – The Toff In Town, Melbourne – SOLD OUT
Thu 1st December – The Toff In Town, Melbourne – SOLD OUT
Thu 15th December – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
Tue 20th December – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
Thur 9th February – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (supporting Feist)
Fri 24th February – Amplifier, Perth
Sat 25th February – Jive Bar, Adelaide
Fri 2nd March – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
Last week we brought you the news that Bon Iver would be releasing a deluxe edition of his hugely successful self titled album complete with a DVD featuring 10 short films set to each of the album’s tracks. The deluxe edition has just gone on sale (limited to 1,000 copies) and Bon Iver have decided to post all 10 videos via their Youtube site.
We’re not going to embed all 10 videos here because that would slow things down. Instead we’ve chosen “Towers” – you can watch the rest over at this link.
Joe Pug may have only just left the country but there’s still a chance to hear him live thanks to his newly released live album Live at Lincoln Hall. Taking in 17 tracks including “Hymn #101” and “Nation of Heat”, the album is available now for $5 US via Joe Pug’s web site (where you can also stream the album). The full track listing is below:
1. Nobody’s Man
2. Lock the Door Christina
3. I Do My Father’s Drugs
4. Messenger
5. In The Meantime
6. Unsophisticated Heart
7. How Good You Are
8. The Door Was Always Open
9. Disguised As Someone Else
10. Hymn #101
11. Deep Dark Wells
12. Hymn #35
13. Call It What You Will
14. Nation of Heat
15. Speak Plainly Diana
16. Leave Ruin (Strand of Oaks)
17. Dodging The Wind
Joe Pug will return in early 2012 with a brand new studio album titled The Great Despiser. We’ll let you know more information on that when it comes to hand.
Matt Corby supported by Jack Carty and Tiger Town 24th November 2011, The Oxford Art Factory
Sydney
The fact that over the past week I have woken up in the morning twice to Matt Corby’s new single “Brother” on the radio is testament to just how quickly his star is rising. That he managed to sell out the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney – his biggest headline gig in the city to date – and a couple of gigs in Melbourne as well further point to the swelling of his fan base, and well deserved it is. I made sure I got to the OAF gig nice and early to secure a vantage point and catch every nuianced moment of Corby’s performance.
First on stage was the irrepressible Jack Carty, a singer we’ve been singing the praises of for some time here on Timber and Steel. With only twenty minutes to work with and a surprisingly attentive and full early audience (Matt Corby’s fanbase is loyal enough to get there when the doors open and love music so much they’ll give the supports the same attention they’d give their idol) Carty road tested a number of the new songs he’s been writing for a planned second album. Only one song from his debut made the cut, “Hope” (below), but it was really nice to see some fresh music from the Sydney singer songwriter. The audience lapped it up as well whooping and cheering after each song and swarming the merch desk for CDs following the set.
I first saw Tigertown support Charlie Mayfair at the Vanguard in September and they absolutely captured my attention then. When I saw they’d been added as support for Matt Corby (something I only discovered when I walked into the OAF) I was over the moon. These guys put on an amazing show, full of an energy that is so infectious you can literally see it ripple over the audience. Tearing through their repertoire including “What Makes it Harder” and triple j favourite “Go Now”, Tigertown played their support slot like it was a headline spot – a blistering performance.
I think Timber and Steel can be (correctly) accused of not having the faith that Matt Corby’s beautiful, intimate music could translate to large venues. The best shows of his we’ve seen over the years have been in tiny clubs with capacities no bigger than 150 so the Oxford Art Factory presented a challenge, especially considering the annoying sound-bleed it has from the small bar next to the main venue. We needn’t have worried.
With a full band in tow including Bree Tranter (The Middle East) on keys and backing vocals Matt Corby walked on stage to a thunderous applause, smiling from ear to ear. It’s lovely to see an artist so at ease with his audience (I spied Corby taking in both support sets from various places within the crowd) and it translates into a really warm performance, and the sharing of cob dip with all (you had to be there).
Matt Corby’s solo performances with his trusty loop pedal are amazing to behold but playing with a full band just raises his music to another level. The version of “My False” Corby and his band unleashed on the crowd had so much energy it could have had an entire festival audience up and dancing. The big single, “Brother”, was the same. Matt Corby may be known for his sombre songs but with a band he was in full party mode.
That’s not to say Matt Corby’s performance didn’t have its quiet, “pin drop” moments. Despite its size the OAF fell quiet a number of times throughout the evening as Corby’s music washed out over the crowd. “Made of Stone” (above) was absolutely magic. Matt Corby and Bree Tranter’s duet on “Big Eyes” captured the beauty of the track perfectly. Despite the fact I was right up the back of the room, wedged behind a punter that had eaten too many onions for dinner, when Corby played his slower songs I felt like I was the only one there.
After witnessing Matt Corby sell out and then absolutely owning the Oxford Art Factory I am converted. I want to see him with his band gracing the Enmore, the Horden, even the main stage at Splendour or the Big Day Out. Matt Corby has proven himself on the big stage and it’s only up from here.
Wed 30th November – The Toff In Town, Melbourne – SOLD OUT
Thurs 1st December – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
Thurs 15th December – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
Tues 20th December – Toff In Town, Melbourne
It seems that everywhere you look new folk clubs and folk nights are popping up all over the country and we couldn’t be happier. The latest in these folk music nights is the Brisbane based (and notoriously hard to Google) Nude Folk.
Set to take place on the first Thursday of each month Nude Folk will be kicking off on the 1st December this year at The Rabbit Hole Ideation Cafe (formally Gooble Warming) in Brisbane’s west end. The first night will feature the likes of Eleanor Angel, Anie Drake, Shani Forrester (Luna Junction) and Lee James, will kick off at 7pm and is absolutely free.
Passenger has been busy selling out shows all over the country so it’s no surprise he’s decided to extend his summer tour, this time taking in regional centres across the east coast. The regional tour will wind its way through the country in January with Tim Hart (Boy & Bear) and Stu Larsen confirmed in the support slots. Check out the full list of dates below along with a live video of “Heart’s on Fire”:
11th January – The Clarendon, Katoomba
12th January – Lizottes, Kincumber
13th January – Lizottes, Newcastle
14th January – Lizottes, Dee Why
15th January – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
19th January – Beavs Bar , Geelong
20th January – The Loft, Wattnambool
21st January – Baby Black Cafe, Bacchus Marsh
22nd January – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
25th January – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
27th January – Joes Waterhole, Emundi
28th January – The Loft, Gold Coast
Josh Pyke may not have walked away with any ARIA Awards last night but he has released one of the most outstanding local albums this year in Only Sparrows. The latest single from the album is “Punch in the Heart”, a duet with the wonderful Katy Steele (Little Birdy). The video for “Punch in the Heart” also features Ms Steele in split screen with Josh Pyke and you can check it out below:
Fanny Lumsden supported by Emma Swift and Leroy Lee
23rd November 2011, Hunky Dory Social Club
Sydney
The Hunky Dory Social Club in Sydney’s inner-Eastern suburbs is a venue that’s more renowned for its hipster clientele than it is for live music but last Wednesday night saw its rooftop was transformed into a performance space to launch the new single “Hello Bright Eyes” from local alt-country lass Fanny Lumsden. With Sydney’s unseasonal rain holding off and an eclectic mix of audience members taking advantage of the cocktail menu, the show was shaping up to be a fine way to spend a weeknight.
Having just finished up supporting Folk Uke’s national tour Emma Swift had decided to give the rest of her band the 49 Goodbyes a rest and take on the first support slot of the night in solo mode. Resplendent in a sequined dress and set against the twilight backdrop of bats making their way to Centennial Park for the night Swift regaled the early audience with her brand of melancholy country music as well as a couple of covers (Gram Parsons, Fleetwood Mac) thrown in for good measure. Swift herself would probably admit she is not greatest guitarist on the scene but her voice is perfectly suited to the Americana music she most obviously loves – I’m so glad I managed to get to the gig early enough to catch her set.
If you’ve ever regularly watched folk or acoustic music in Sydney you’ve no doubt come across Leroy Lee either as the city’s hardest working banjo playing session muso or in full solo singer-songwriter mode. By the time Lee made it on stage for his set at the Hunky Dory Social Club the audience had swelled to fill the rooftop, but sadly very few of them seemed interested in actually watching any music. Battling an apathetic (and loud) crowd and a sound system that was struggling to fill the outdoor space Leroy Lee gave the best performance he could. I enjoyed what I could hear and see of him over the audience members who had decided to park themselves right in front of the stage and then ignore the performance but this was not the best show I’ve seen Lee do.
While the sound issues continued into Fanny Lumsden’s set (setting up a PA system in an outdoor space that is not normally used for live music was always going to be tough) the audience, now shoulder to shoulder in the small space, had begun to pay attention to the stage and really get into the music.
Fanny Lumsden’s music is a mixed bag of styles and genres and her live show is eclectic to say the least. Starting with a couple of country-inspired numbers the rooftop at the Hunky Dory Social Club was very quickly turned into a hoedown complete with thumping bass and twanging guitars. Lumsden’s big voice (check out the video for “Oh Lil Lad” from the night above) is reminiscent of Dolly Parton and definitely more than carries the boisterous songs from her repertoire. But in mind it’s when Lumsden treads down the “indie” side of her songwriting that she truly shines.
There is definitely a wide diversity of genres covered in Fanny Lumsden’s music. The aforementioned “Oh Lil Lad” would not be out of place on a stage in Tamworth while the new single “Hello Bright Eyes” could slip very neatly into rotation on triple j alongside the likes of Josh Pyke, Lisa Mitchell and Missy Higgins. It was amazing to witness this diversity on stage as well as the way Lumsden adapts her voice to the needs of the song (the yodel is all but non-existent on the more “indie” tracks) – and I particularly liked the songs that seemed to shun genre convention and place feet firmly in both the country and indie camps (“The Cat Song” springs to mind).
Despite the sound problems the launch of Fanny Lumsden’s new single “Hello Bright Eyes” was a resounding success. A special mention has to go out to Lumsden’s band (including Leroy Lee on banjo) who were an extremely tight, extremely professional outfit. If you see Fanny Lumsden’s name appear on a lineup – and with festival season almost upon us she’s already confirmed for Peats Ridge – we highly recommend you check her out.
“Hello Bright Eyes” is available now from triple j Unearthed. Have a listen to it below:
If you tune into the ARIA Awards each year expecting to be surprised by the winners then you must be eternally disappointed. Despite the size of out recording industry in Australia it’s usually pretty easy to pick who will take out the top awards and which band will end up bringing home the most pointy statues.
Last night’s ceremony was no different but the Timber and Steel was cheering as once again folk-inspired music rose to the top of the heap. The big news of course is the five gongs that Sydney based five piece Boy & Bear finished up with five awards including Album Of The Year, Best Group, Breakthrough Artist – Album, Breakthrough Artist – Single and Best Adult Alternative Album. Other notable Timber and Steel friendly winners from the night were The Audreys for Best Blues & Roots Album and Kasey Chambers for Best Country Album.
The night also included a magical duet between Missy Higgins and Gurrumul as well as a performance from the band of the moment, Boy & Bear. The winners from the major categories are below – for a full list check out the official ARIA web site.
Album Of The Year
Boy & Bear – Moonfire Single Of The Year
Gotye Featuring Kimbra – “Somebody That I Used To Know” Best Male Artist
Gotye Best Female Artist
Kimbra Best Group
Boy & Bear Breakthrough Artist – Album
Boy & Bear – Moonfire Breakthrough Artist – Single
Boy & Bear – “Feeding Line” Best Independent Release
Art Vs Science – The Experiment Best Adult Alternative Album
Boy & Bear – Moonfire Best Adult Contemporary Album
Billy Thorpe – Billy Thorpe’s Tangier Best Blues & Roots Album
The Audreys – Sometimes The Stars Best Children’s Album
The Wiggles – Ukulele Baby! Best Comedy Release
Hamish & Andy – Celebrating 50 Glorious Years Best Country Album
Kasey Chambers – Little Bird Best Dance Release
Cut Copy – Zonoscope Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album
Front End Loader – Ritardando Best Pop Release
Gotye – “Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)” Best Rock Album
The Living End – The Ending Is Just The Beginning Repeating Best Urban Album
Drapht – The Life Of Riley Highest Selling Album
Altiyan Childs – Altiyan Childs Highest Selling Single
Guy Sebastian Featuring Eve – “Who’s that Girl”
The news everyone’s been waiting for is here. UK’s Florence and the Machine will be continuing their love affair with Australia with an extensive tour in May 2012. Since releasing their fantastic sophomore album Ceremonials, Australia hasn’t had much of a chance to see the new tracks live, but with this just released headline tour, only NT and TAS will have to do without. Tickets go on sale on December 7th. Dates are as listed below;
Thursday 17th May – Burswood Dome, Perth, WA
Sunday 20th May – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Tuesday 22nd May – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Thursday 24th May – Entertainment Centre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 26th May – Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Monday 28th May – Vector Arena, Auckland, NZ
catherineelaine
chordsandcandles
Elizabeth Walton
Evan Hughes
HannahA
janineestoesta
KTBell
laurenandmoore
lilmercanti
JDX
mackajay
Serena Skye
miladyred
Nikita Andrea
Overheard Productions
Haz
richardlawsonmusic
sarahtuz
starryattic
Thom Owen Miles
timberandsteel
tunesinbloom
Timber and Steel 