RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA!

JACKSON'S 2011 SHOWS WERE THE FASTEST-SELLING COUNTRY TOUR
IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY

Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and Foxtel’s Country Music Channel (CMC) are thrilled to announce that American country music superstar, Alan Jackson, will be returning to Australia for a limited number of concerts in late September and early October 2013.

Jackson, whose first visit to Australia in 2011 was the fastest-selling country tour in Australian history, will play Arena concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as make his first visits to Townsville and Deniliquin to headline the CMC Rocks North QLD and Deni Ute Muster festivals.

“I’d always heard great things about Australia, and everybody was right - it’s a beautiful country and the people were really nice,” Jackson says. “I really enjoyed it, and I’m glad to be going back to play for the folks down under who love country music.”

Alan Jackson’s first Australian tour in 2011 sold out in minutes, prompting organizers to quickly add additional shows. “Worth the wait? Most definitely,” said AAP of Jackson’s 2011 concerts, while the Melbourne Herald Sun noted “[Jackson] can just about walk on water for his millions of fans”. The Brisbane Courier Mail headlined their review, “Country Charm from a Master.”

Jackson will be joined on the tour by special guests Sara Evans (USA) and Morgan Evans. Sara Evans is a platinum-selling CMA and ACM Award-winning American country singer with a string of #1 hits including Born to Fly and her most-recent album, A Little Bit Stronger. (*Sara Evans will not be performing at the Deni Ute Muster.)

 TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS GO ON SALE 9AM, WEDNESDAY 29 MAY

Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and Foxtel’s Country Music Channel (CMC) are thrilled to announce that USA country music icon, Alan Jackson, will be headlining the CMC Rocks North Queensland 2013 festival at Reid Park, Townsville, on Saturday 28 September.

International artists, Sara Evans (USA) and Corb Lund (CAN), will be joining him, along with National artists, Jasmine Rae, Morgan Evans and more to be announced.

“We’re thrilled to bring one of the very biggest country music superstars to North Queensland for the first time,” said promoter Rob Potts. “I’m a huge Alan Jackson fan myself and this will be a once in a lifetime experience for local fans.”

“North Queenslanders turned out in record numbers for CMC Rocks in 2010, so we're excited to be bringing this festival back this September,” said promoter Michael Chugg.

“I am delighted Alan Jackson is coming to Townsville,” said Mayor Jenny Hill. “People across the north - from Mount Isa to the Gulf, from western towns and the cane-growing centres along the coast, will flock to the home of the Cowboys - for what will be an incredible event. Come to CMC Rocks North Queensland - and see Alan Jackson rock the jukebox!”

Jackson’s first Australian Tour in 2011, including his headlining show at CMC Rocks the Hunter, sold out Nationally in minutes! Yes, minutes! 

“Worth the wait? Most definitely.” said AAP; while Melbourne’s Herald Sun noted “[Jackson] can just about walk on water for his millions of fans”; and Brisbane’s Courier Mail headlined their review, “Country Charm from a Master.”

Now in its sixth year, the CMC Rocks festival brand has established itself as the biggest International Country and Roots Festival brand outside of North America. Both CMC Rocks the Hunter (in the Hunter Valley, NSW) and CMC Rocks North Queensland (in Townsville, Qld) draw fans from all states and territories in Australia, as well as from overseas. The inaugural CMC Rocks North Queensland festival was held in 2010 and featured International headliner, Tim McGraw (USA).

More artists for CMC Rocks North Queensland 2013 will be announced soon.

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
REID PARK, TOWNSVILLE
9 Hours of Non-Stop Music, 1.00pm-10.00pm

TICKETS ON SALE 9AM WEDNESDAY 29 MAY

ARTIST LINE-UP
 

Alan Jackson (USA) is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He’s in the elite company of Lennon and McCartney among artists who’ve written and recorded more than 20 US #1 hits.

Jackson has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, and has scored nearly 40 Top 10 hits in Australia, with 15 #1s including “Good Time,” “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” “Little Bitty” and “I’ll Go On Loving You” - each spent a month at the top of the Australian music charts.

Sara Evans (USA) has come a long way from singing with her family’s band as a child in Missouri. The ACM Top Female Vocalist and platinum-selling singer-songwriter has built a stellar career in the sixteen years since the release of her debut album. Number #1 hits, including Born to Fly and last year’s smash, A Little Bit Stronger, have made Sara a firm fan favourite. This will be her long-awaited first visit to Australia.

Australia is a second home for Corb Lund (CAN). One of Canada’s coolest, most-respected and awarded country and roots artists, Corb is well-known as a whiskey-and-hockey-loving singer-songwriter. His often quirky, laconic lyrics belie the electricity of his on-stage performance and chemistry with long-time band, the Hurtin’ Albertans.

Corb’s new Canadian #1 album, Cabin Fever, is a ‘must-have’ CD, helping to consolidate his ever-growing Australian fanbase, since his first trip here ten years ago.

In the five years since the release of her debut self-penned single, Jasmine Rae has become one of the most acclaimed artists in Australian country music.Both her debut album, Look It Up , and second album, Listen Here, received ARIA nominations for Best Country Album; yielding three #1 singles and videos each, includingher #1 duet, I’ll Try Anything, with US music star, Joe Nichols. 

This unique and compelling singer-songwriter, with the soulful, powerful, bluesy voice, won the fan-voted CMC Oz Artist Award 2012, as well as the prestigious, peer-voted CMA Global Artist Award 2013, for her success both here and Internationally. Jasmine is now ready to release her long-awaited, third album in August. 

Newcastle singer-songwriter and reigning CMC New Oz Artist of the Year, Morgan Evans, has racked up more career milestones than most - three hit EPs, four #1 videos, CMAA nominations, National Tours with Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunnand Gary Allan - and now, his Nashville-recorded debut album is set for release in the lead-up to this festival.

As a newly-recruited CMC Rocks television presenter and live-performance favourite, Morgan has become synonymous with his love and passion for the music, feel-good songs and high-octane, roof-raising concerts.

"Seeing Chvrches live is akin to discovering a 1980s edition of Top of the Pops,
in which Clare Grogan of Altered Images has teamed up with a Pet Shop Boys
consisting of two Chris Lowes."
The Guardian on Chvrches' Village Underground (London) show, April 2013

Following a slew of sell-out shows across the globe, Glaswegian synth-pop threesome, CHVRCHES, can now add Australia to the list of their ever-growing international fan base. Following the announcement last month of their debut Australian tour this winter, their first Sydney show on Friday 2 August at Oxford Art Factory quickly sold out and rolled into a second performance on Saturday 3 August, in addition to their Melbourne show at The Corner Hotel on Monday 5 August. All shows are now completely sold out.

Confirmed to support at these three shows are locals, City Calm Down. For three years they have honed their sound into an impressive mix of haunting vocal melodies, grimy synth sounds and charging bass lines, all of which combine to create the dark pop songs showcased on the Movements EP. The band have bunkered down with producer (and our good friend!) Malcolm Besley (Snakadaktal, Gold Fields) to track and mix the forthcoming EP, which will be released on 2nd November 2012 through I OH YOU.

These shows will be Australian fans' only chance to see this dynamic trio in venues of this size. With their debut album set to release in September and the noise their making showing no sign of quietening down, these shows are set to be something more than special.

Icelandic tour-de-force, Of Monsters and Men have sold out their Splendour in the Grass headline show at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne this morning in just 25 minutes. Chugg Entertainment are thrilled to announce a second show for Melbourne fans, the all ages show will go on sale through Ticketmaster at 10am this morning.  

Following the speedy sell out of their Melbourne show at the Palais Theatre this morning, with a 2nd announced & on sale by 10am, Of Monsters and Men have also sold out their Splendour headline show in Sydney. A second all ages Sydney show on Tuesday 30th July at the Enmore Theatre has just been announced and is on sale now.

Since the release of their debut #1 album My Head Is An Animal, less than a year ago, and the incredible success of their debut smash hit "Little Talks" which is now 5 x Platinum track and featured at an almighty #2 on Triple J’s Hottest 100, Australia and the world can't get enough of Of Monsters and Men. Be quick to secure your tickets for this second Sydney show.

Monday 29th July - Enmore Theatre, Sydney - SOLD OUT  
Tuesday 30th July - Enmore Theatre, Sydney - ON SALE NOW!

Saturday 3rd August - Palais Theatre, Melbourne - SOLD OUT 
Sunday 4th August - Palais Theatre, Melbourne - ON SALE NOW!

We’re very pleased to announce the following artists will be appearing on the Great Southern Blues Festival 2013 stage.

Renee Geyer will play Narooma as the most requested artist from the GSBF’s feedback surveys. Currently putting the finishing touches on what is being described as her finest recording in over 30 years, Renee has never disappointed our audiences.

The Detonators head up the Festival’s Rockabilly component this year. Years of relentless touring has road hardened 'The Dets' into one of the best 'Roots Rocking' band going around.

Ash Grunwald is an international Blues performer who has been on the rise since 2002. As the winner of the 2010 APRA Award for Blues and Roots work of the Year, he’ll make a warm addition to the GSBF line-up.

Bill Homans, professionally known as "Watermelon Slim", is an American blues musician who will be coming to GSBF all the way from Toronto, Ontario!

Poppa Chubby makes his first trip to Australia with his long time friend and emerging star Sari Schorr. Known for his blistering guitar work the New York based Poppa has emerged as one of the trailblazers of the Blues Rock modern era.

Veteran Sydney guitarist Christina Crofts makes her Narooma debut in 2013. Christina is no stranger to any blues fan and has earned the respect of her peers through years of relentless gigging across the country.

With these additions the 2013 line-up is looking darn impressive:

The Holmes Brothers (USA) * Poppa Chubby with special guest Sari Schorr (USA)
Third Degree * Watermelon Slim (USA) & Fiona Boyes * The Backsliders
The Detonators * Chris Cain (USA) * Ash Grunwald
Christina Crofts * Renee Geyer * Russell Morris

FERNY'S JUKE JOINT

This year (after much feedback) GSBF is introducing their Juke Joint.

Why 'Ferny's' Juke Joint you ask?

Well since the very first Great Southern Festival in 1996 Steve Elmer, or Ferny as he was affectionately known was probably the biggest fan of the Festival.

First to arrive and nearly always last to leave he was the ultimate music lover. Ferny was also a very popular local in the town, a loved larrikin and a mate to many.

Ferny passed away in 2011 but his memory will be with Narooma and GSBF forever. Over at the Festival, their Juke Joint is a fitting tribute to their 'Ferny'.

'Ferny's' Juke Joint is an area where people will be able to sit down, chill out and have a bite to eat and take in some impromptu, unplugged performances from a variety of musicians throughout the Festival.

Local musician and radio man Tony Jaggers, or TJ as he is known, is looking after the stage in the Juke Joint.

Who knows what will happen on that stage throughout the weekend but one thing is assured TJ knows just about every musician going around and we're sure that 'Ferny's' Juke Joint will become a must visit part of the Festival.

OTHER BITS

Accommodation - word on the street is that it is becoming heavily booked. Once again we strongly urge folks to book now. For info call (02) 4476 2881.
Football - GSBF will be screening the Rugby League Grand Final on site again this year.
Football - The Mighty Swans will go again this year and win the AFL Premiership.
Weather - October 4, 5 & 6 is set to be fine, sunny, warm with light breezes.

GENERAL ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 1 JULY

The Laneway Festival is extremely excited to unveil the line-up for the inaugural Laneway Festival Detroit. The North American debut of the boutique indie music festival, which will take place on Sept. 14 at Meadow Brook Music Festival in Detroit Michigan, features a stellar roster that includes both international and Australian artists.

The expansion of the Laneway Festival into Detroit marks the first time an Australian festival has launched in the U.S. It is now a truly multi-national event, having already established a presence in New Zealand and Singapore.

Sigur Ros and The National will headline a line-up that spans the globe, from Australia to Detroit. Two dozen acts cover the gamut of indie music, old school, new school, pop, rock, punk, hip hop and R&B with the full line up below.

Similar to the Australian, New Zealand and Singapore events, Laneway Festival Detroit will be more than a music festival - it will be a full-on assault on the senses, with a singular lineup, celebrating Detroit's renowned  musical visionaries.

After spending some time in Detroit a year ago, Laneway co-founder Danny Rogers said he knew the city was Laneway’s next stop and first American outpost. “Detroit is having its rebirth and as Laneway continues to evolve, we can identify with a city that continuing to evolve as well,” Rogers said. “It seemed like a great fit and this lineup seals it.”

Check out Laneway's brand new website at here for all news and updates about Laneway Detroit or follow them on the St Jerome's Laneway Festival USA Facebook page.

Tickets go on sale at 10am, Saturday 18 May (Detroit local time).  More details here.

Tell your North American friends, book your flight and come!

SIGUR ROS and THE NATIONAL
join
ALUNAGEORGE - CHARLI XCX - CHET FAKER - CHRVCHES
DEERHUNTER - THE DISMEMBERMENT PLAN - FLUME - FRIGHTENED RABBIT
HAERTS - ICONA POP - MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND - PHOSPHORESCENT
RUN THE JEWELS (EL-P + KILLER MIKE) - SAVAGES - SOLANGE
WARPAINT - WASHED OUT - YOUTH LAGOON

Presented by The Fader

ALUNAGEORGE (UK)

Rising English electronic duo ALUNAGEORGE (a.k.a. Aluna Francis and George Reid) got a pretty good start to the year when they placed #2 on the prestigious BBC Sound of 2013 poll.

The band, which has been described in turn as "lustrous" (Pitchfork) and "thrillingly futuristic" (The Guardian) burst onto the scene with the killer track “Your Drums, Your Love” and made their first entry into the UK Top 10 via their collaboration with Disclosure, “White Noise”. “Attracting Flies”, the lead single from their forthcoming debut promises great things.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube       

CHARLI XCX (UK)

CHARLI XCX is not afraid of a solid pop tune and we’re grateful for it. Breaking out with the freakishly catchy track “Nuclear Seasons”, the UK artist also co-wrote and featured on one of the biggest hits of the year, Icona Pop’s “I Love It”. Indeed, her critic-approved debut True Romance is brimming with smart, savvy dance floor fillers that promise a career in the spotlight. But it’s her live show - that combines the fanciful exuberance of Patrick Wolf and the confrontational theatricality of Nicki Minaj - that keeps fans frothing.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

CHET FAKER (Australia)

CHET FAKER makes smooth, sexy tunes that have been ruling the internet for the past year or so.  Breaking out via an inspired cover of Blackstreet’s classic “No Diggity”, the Australian native Nick Murphy has been making significant inroads into the consciousness of international audiences thanks to some stand-out, sold out live shows, his Downtown-released debut EP Thinking in Textures and some inspired collaborations.

Website       Facebook       Twitter

CHVRCHES (UK)

Hotly-tipped Scottish three-piece CHVRCHES are set to be pretty much inescapable this summer. Their unique mix of classic electronica, hip hop, rock and post-punk form the backdrop for lead singer Lauren Mayberry’s distinctive vocals. Rave reviews are pouring in from all quarters: the band ranked #5 on the prestigious BBC’s Sound of 2013 and received the inaugural Grulke Prize for Developing Non-US Act at SXSW. Endlessly charismatic and searingly smart, the band’s debut full-length is due out on Glassnote this Fall.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

DEERHUNTER (US)

With the release of their fifth studio album, Atlanta’s DEERHUNTER have cemented their place as one of America’s great rock ’n’ roll bands. The album has already racked up massive acclaim, with an 8/10 from the NME, a “Best New Music” on Pitchfork and a 5-star review in the UK Guardian. And rightly so: the manic and disparate energy somehow already sounds classic. Live, they're an unstoppable force: lead singer Bradford Cox, equal parts charismatic and wildly unpredictable, and his band are no less than mesmerizing.

Website       Facebook

FLUME (Australia)

The BBC called FLUME’s emergence as a “somewhat welcome breath of creative fresh air,” noting that the rising Aussie electronic producer “favors aural substance over fake gold-plated sheen.” Already a serious star in his birthplace of Australia, where his debut album peaked at #1 on the albums chart, Flume is rising internationally thanks to rave reviews, buzzed about sets at this year’s SXSW & sold-out forays into North America & UK/Europe.

Website       Facebook       Twitter

FRIGHTENED RABBIT (UK)

Scottish rock band FRIGHTENED RABBIT are known for their ferocious live shows, exposing a raw vulnerability not many of their contemporaries have, which makes their tour with fellow Laneway artist, The National, one that makes our collective music hearts nearly explode. Their fourth long player Pedestrian Verse was released earlier this year to acclaim: Time called it "a richer variety of sounds than the band has ever presented before", and we fell hard for their single “Background Skulls”. Luckily for us, the band is not making us wait too long for new music, they just announced a new EP, Late March, Death March out June 4.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

HAERTS (US)

When multi-national, New York four-piece HAERTS set forth their debut single “Wings” via hip indie Neon Gold, Gorilla Vs. Bear called it “one of the most unstoppable songs of the last year.” Buzz is building on the band, who vibe heavily on 80’s electro-pop with uber-dramatic & very camp appreciation for all things Dolly Parton” (NME). HAERTS were the standout at Laneway's SXSW party this year & we’re super pumped for their Detroit outing.

Website       Facebook       Twitter

ICONA POP (Sweden)

Swedish DJ duo ICONA POP’s ubiquitous hit of 2012 “I Love It”, (ft. Laneway co-star Charli XCX) marked them as one of the most exciting new pop exports of the past 12 months. They’ve been responsible for lots of hands-in-the-air and arms-around-each-other moments as their Girls-power anthems have regaled festival crowds and the radio stations the world over. You can get an idea of their high energy performance when they visited Jimmy Fallon this month. Their Iconic EP is out now; their debut LP is slated for this summer.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND (US)

MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND is the experimental-pop moniker for Detroiter Shara Worden. Her last album All Things Will Unwind, drew inspiration from the Motor City itself, making her Laneway performance a treat for her hometown crowd. Worden’s classical training has seen her collaborate with the likes of The National and Sufjan Stevens, as well as produce three accomplished albums that are startling in their depth. Worden is a passionate advocate for her adopted town and recently collaborated with locally famed Detroit Party Marching Band for Art X’s opening night, a festival celebrating Detroit’s creative arts scene.

Website       Facebook       Twitter

THE NATIONAL (US)

A #3 debut on the Billboard Chart; sold out stadium shows and festival headline slots: it was extremely edifying for longtime fans of THE NATIONAL to see them get the breakout success they deserved following the release of their last record, High Violet. Having captured the hearts of countless music-lovers over the course of their 14 year career via a series of incredible records (including the now-classic albums Boxer and Alligator) and compelling live show, anticipation for their sixth studio album Trouble Will Find Me (out May 21 on 4AD) could not be higher. The National make indie rock and it’s perfect. We are dying to see Mistaken For Strangers, the new documentary on the band which debuted at Tribeca Film Festival last year (more on that here).

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

PHOSPHORESCENT (US)

We recommend you go out and get your hands on Muchacho, the fifth album from PHOSPHORESCENT (known to his family as Matthew Houck). It’s got the hallmarks of a modern masterpiece - layers of melancholic beauty, but restraint in all the right places; stories of heartbreak delivered in an imperfect but authentic voice. Upon its release in March, the album was stamped “Best New Music” by Pitchfork and critically lauded across the board. He recently made his television debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon with a heart-stopping version of standout album track “Songs for Zula”. 

Website       Facebook       Twitter

RUN THE JEWELS (EL-P & KILLER MIKE) (US)

The Laneway Festival has been obsessed by the powerhouse rap duo of EL-P and Killer Mike for quite some time. Together they are RUN THE JEWELS. Both artists put out what some have called "the best hip hop albums to come out in a long time", and the duo’s collaborative history has been fruitful, with El-P producing Killer Mike’s 2012 R.A.P Music and Killer Mike guesting up on El-P’s Cancer for Cure. RTD are set to release their self-titled LP through Fools Gold this June; download their first track “Get It” for free now.

SAVAGES (UK)

Everyone’s hyped on SAVAGES, the London all-girl post-punk four-piece whose awaited long-player Silence Yourself (Matador Records) has lived up to the expectation set by their feverish early shows. It’s essential listening: pulsing bass lines, howling vocals and penetrating lyrics, all performed with a frenetic energy and great sense of urgency. Their SXSW appearance made serious waves, with admiration coming from the likes of NPR, The Atlantic, and the L.A Times. Their headline-creating live show is going to be one of the highlights of Laneway Detroit and we cannot wait.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

SIGUR ROS (Iceland)

"We’ve written and performed more original music for The Simpsons than any other outside band in the show's history." - SIGUR ROS. If there was ever a mark of success, then surely this is it. The iconic Icelandic post-rock band will bring their moody, ambient sounds to Detroit, presumably toting cuts from their seventh studio album Kveikur (out 13 June 2013 via XL). Get a taste of the new album with an epic performance of the title song on Jimmy Fallon. Their catalogue is vast in its beauty and vast in its scope and it’s a huge honour to have Jonsi & Co. on board for the first ever Detroit Laneway.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

SOLANGE (US)

SOLANGE’s heartbreaker “Losing You” is our current favorite house-party jam FYI. Indeed, all of the tracks on her recent True EP (produced by Blood Orange’s Devonte Hynes) are suited to dancing around to in the late hours. A fusion of hip-hop beats, classy R&B vocals and a tinge of 80’s pop, Solange’s output has come a long way since the debut album she released at just 16. Her live show is one of a kind: expect the formation dancing, which is frankly vastly underused in indie music performances. We can’t wait for her hugely-anticipated full-length album.

Website       Facebook       Twitter       Youtube

WARPAINT (US)

WARPAINT played the Laneway Festival in Australia in 2010 and have remained a favourite band since. The LA-based group’s breakout EP Exquisite Corpse and debut, Rough Trade-released album The Fool were notable for their spacious, reverb excursions overlaid with beguiling vocals. It’s their incredible force as a live band, however, that makes Warpaint stand apart from the rest. It’s a totally immersive and hypnotic experience, thanks in no small part to the interplay between the rhythm section of Stella Mozgawa (drums) and Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass). The girls are working on their much-anticipated sophomore album now with producer/legend Flood (PJ Harvey, Nick Cave).

Website       Facebook       Twitter

WASHED OUT (US)

If ever there was an evocative title for an artist, it’s WASHED OUT. Ernest Greene’s dreamy, melancholic pop denoted the arrival of a new scene when his first couple of EPs surfaced a few years back. The poster boy for ‘chillwave’ proved he’s not just a flash in the pan with his highly-anticipated/lauded first full-length (& Sub-Pop debut), Within & Without. We’re looking forward to a new album, out this year. Live, it’s less ‘chill’ & more ‘party’ as Greene & his full live band nimbly maneuver his multi-layered pop out of the bedroom & onto the stage. 

Website       Facebook       Twitter

YOUTH LAGOON (US)

YOUTH LAGOON is Trevor Powers, from Boise, Idaho. He released his sophomore album Wondrous Bughouse this March on Fat Possum Records to great applause, with Consequences of Sound stating that it is ‘filled with some of the most honest, heartbreaking, and ‘nod-able’ pop songs to be heard last year.” We agree. The entire album belies Powers’ 23 years: lush and complex, it demands repeated listens in good headphones. For evidence, check out first cut off the album “Dropla”. Youth Lagoon is charming onstage, and the show is a real treat that realizes the achievements of his recordings.

Facebook       Twitter