Snow Patrol to release their third, 'A Hundred Million Suns', Oct 27th

The mighty Snow Patrol have today confirmed their return on their official website www.snowpatrol.com.

New album 'A Hundred Million Suns' is released through Fiction/Polydor on October 27th 2008.

It was recorded through Summer 2008 in Hansa Studios in Berlin (where Bowie recorded Low, Heroes and Lodger) and at Grouse Lodge deep in the Irish countryside. Written by Snow Patrol, the album has been produced by long time producer Jacknife Lee (Bloc Party, REM, U2).

"I'm so proud of this record,' says Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody (vocals/guitars). 'Everybody played out of their skin. Garret (Jacknife Lee) continued his progression from maverick genius to one of the best producers in the world. Musically, lyrically and sonically the best record we've made."

The album is preceded by the single 'Take Back The City', on October 13th.

The 'Take Back The City' video was recently shot in East London with acclaimed video director Alex Courtes (White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army).

Looking forward to listening to what these guys produce next, especially when Jacknife Lee is involved.

http://www.snowpatrol.com/

Santogold to tour Australia NYE???

Santogold has been one of the most hyped artists of 2008, with her self-titled debut album well and truly delivering on the expectation. She continues to be compared with the queen of hype, Miss M.I.A.

Well, according to NME magazine, she is believed to be down in our part of the world this NYE/NYD!

We had her tipped for Big Day Out, but NME report Ms Santi White will in fact be one of the headline acts at the Rhythm & Vines festival in New Zealand between December 29th and January 1st.

It’s highly unlikely she’d make it all the way down to our neck of the woods without taking in a tour of Australia around the same time, so fingers crossed we get some Santogold action on our shores across the NYE/NYD party period.

Let's dance baby!

www.myspace.com/santogold

Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Bone Thugs 'n' Harmony to tour Australia

Hip Hop sensation Snoop Dogg is coming to Australia! Andrew McManus Presents America’s hottest rapper icon, Snoop Dogg, with Ice Cube and Bone, Thugs n Harmony live in concert Oct/Nov!

Snoop is teaming with his good friend, the legendary Ice Cubefor a red hot ‘Smoked Out Australian Tour’ kicking off in Brisbane on October 29, before traveling to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. LA rappers Bone, Thugs n Harmoney are also along for the ride making this one helluva triple bill.

Snoop’s visa has been 100% approved by the Australian Immigration Department and he can’t wait to finally get back to Australia. Snoop made headline news in April last year when he was unable to appear at the Australian MTV Awards because his Visa had not been approved.

The difference this time is that promoter Andrew McManus has allowed many months for all Immigration procedures to be correctly completed, resulting in a successful application. Mr. McManus said: “I wasn’t involved in the previous application but my understanding is it came about very quickly. It takes a few months to go through all the required procedures with the Immigration Department, which we’ve done, and there’s been no problem. Snoop is really looking forward to being here again.”

Snoop's most recent and ninth (9th) solo studio album ‘Ego Trippin’, was released in March (Universal Music). On stage, Snoop remains in formidable form. Check out this from the prestigious New York Times last month: “Backed by a band, his set was like an R&B revue — slick, cocksure and mature.”

Good friend Ice Cube is recognised as one of the most important figures in rap history. Beginning his career with the Notorious West coast Gangsta rap group N.W.A two decades ago and has taken centre stage again with the release of his 9th solo album ‘Raw Footage’ on August 19 (Lench Mob Records). Ice toured Australia tour two years ago and left audiences with no doubt as to why he continues to be one of the major figures of the rap movement.

Bone Thugs n Harmony sold 10 million records with their first 2 albums in the mid 90s, and won a Grammy Award with their #1 single ‘Tha Crossroads’ signaling their arrival with a mighty big bang. Being voted Favourite Rap Band at the American Music Awards 2007 after the release of their latest album ‘Strength & Loyalty’ is a testament to their continued popularity and relevance in the scene today.

SNOOP DOGG, ICE CUBE AND BONE THUGS N HARMONY in the ‘Smoked Out Australian Tour’– one helluva lineup, one helluva show. Don’t’ miss it!

Tickets on sale soon.

29 October - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane QLD

31 October - Acer Arena, Sydney NSW

02 November - Rod Laver, Melbourne VIC

05 November - Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide SA

07 November - Burswood Dome, Perth WA

http://www.snoopdogg.com/

Falls Festival adds The Fleet Foxes

The Falls Music & Arts Festival have just announced the line-up for the 29th December – the first night of musical madness for the three day festival which takes place over New Years Eve in Victoria and Tasmania.

Kicking off festivities in Lorne will be the ultra buzz-worthy indie darlings of 2008 – The Fleet Foxes who will be deliciously complimented by the band that makes ‘festival moments’ happen – Augie March.

Also storming into town will be the UK’s biggest trouble makers ,The Cribs and new age synth nutters, Late Of The Pier. Finishing off the superb first night will be Aussie gems Rocket Science, British India, Ash Grunwald and 9 -piece Latin hip-hop troupe Labjacd.

The Taswegians will also be treated to something special – The Falls Funk’n’Soul Revue . This promises to be an afternoon and evening of this country’s finest funk, soul, bossa-nova & boogaloo from the very best specialist DJ’s this country has to offer.

All these bands will be joining the already announced:

Franz Ferdinand(UK); The Hives (Sweden); Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed & The True Loves (USA); The Cat Empire; The Kooks (UK); The Grates; Gomez (UK); Tegan & Sara (Canada); Faker; SoKo (France); Donavon Frankenreiter (USA); Jamie Lidell (UK); TZU; Mystery Jets (UK); Architecture in Helsinki; Atmosphere featuring Brother Ali (USA); The Drones; The Dodo’s (USA); Wolf & Cub & Liam Finn (NZ).

With loads more to be revealed!

www.fallsfestival.com.au

Gorillaz set to play at Global Gathering

Animated popsters the Gorillaz are bringing their Sound System show down under in November for the Global Gathering festival – and hopefully some sideshows? This will be the first time ever Australia has experienced the Gorillaz’s audio-visual treat, and comes after a successful year of touring to international festivals like Pukkelpop and Creamfields.

Global Gathering, which also features producer-to-the-stars Mark Ronson and electronica greats Kraftwerk, will take place at the Hordern Pavilion, Royal Hall of Industries & Entertainment Quarter on Sunday November 30th, and in Melbourne it all goes down at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday November 22nd. If you’re in Perth or Brisbane sit tight, as venues and dates are coming soon.

www.gorillaz.com

Josh Homme teams with Arctic Monkeys

In a move sure to surprise as many fans as it delights, Queens Of The Stone Age mouthpiece Josh Homme has signed on to produce new songs for Arctic Monkeys. The Sheffield lads will jet across to Joshua Tree, California next month to spend some studio time with Homme. As the QOTSA man told NME, it’s all in the name of experimenting.

“I think it’s going to work out great,” he enthused to the UK mag. “They want to submerge themselves in a place that’s the opposite of where they’re from and what they’re used to. I think we’re just going to start by doing a couple of tracks. No pressure. The goal is to make something that they dig so much that everyone else can too.”

Expect some heavier sounds coming from the Monkey camp.

Peaches announces Australian sideshows

The seductive Peaches is bringing her live show to Australia for Parklife, and she’s been kind enough to pencil in some sideshows.

We last saw Peaches on the 2007 Big Day Out tour, when 'Impeach My Bush' was still fresh in our (dirty) minds. A new album is on its way, making this October visit a prime testing ground for the next batch of indecent anthems. Peaches will be supported at her sideshows by San Francisco pop-defilers Hawnay Troof and Ben Ely’s Radio 5.

Peaches sideshows:

Wed 1 Oct – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
(Tickets On Sale Aug 22)

Fri 3 Oct – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
(Tickets On Sale Aug 25)

http://www.peachesrocks.com/

Dizzee Rascal announce Australian shows

Undoubtedly one of the most unique identities on the UK hip-hop scene, Dizzee Rascal is heading back to Australia for his second tour of 2008 as one of the headline artists of the Parklife festival.

It won’t come a moment too soon for Dizzee’s local fans, as the rapper is riding high on the success of his latest single 'Dance Wiv Me', which features Calvin Harris and has topped the UK charts for more than a month. The track has been playing on high rotation on the old stereo system in the Music Universe offices. We just can't get enough of it.

Get ready to explode!

Tour dates:
Fri Sep 26 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Wed Oct 1 – The Metro, Sydney

Tickets are onsale Friday August 29th.

http://www.dizzeerascal.co.uk/

Are Coldplay set to release another album in 2008?

We love being involved in the rumour mill. Well have we got a big one for you today.

Coldplay could release a new album, which would be the follow-up to this year's 'Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends', before the end of 2008.

Yep, the band, who are currently touring in support of their latest record, are reported to be keen to deliver the final two albums on their existing contract with EMI.

Insiders say that this could be solved by a quick studio album and greatest hits release.

A source from EMI says sessions 'Viva La Vida...' were “incredibly fruitful” and produced “much more music than they could fit on one album.”

“The majority of the follow-up is already in the can, though they will have to go back into the studio at some point to add a few more songs,” they told the Sun newspaper.

“Standard industry contracts tend to be for six albums, so if they provide some kind of compilation after their next album they will be free agents and able to renegotiate their contract or head out on their own.”

Coldplay's relationship with EMI has been under the spotlight since the record label's 2007 takeover by private equity company Terra Firma.

A number of artists, including Radiohead, left the label following the acquisition.

http://www.coldplay.com/

Meredith Music Festival announced

Possibly the best festival that Australia has to offer, The Meredith Music Festival is back again.

One of Australia’s’ most unique and beloved festivals – The Meredith Music Festival – is coming of age this year and turning 18.

New York wonder kids MGMT will be bringing their stuff to the old Nolan farm mesmerising the people of the Supernatural Amphitheatre.

Enough stalling, here is the first lineup.

MGMT

The Bronx

Adam Green

Ten East

The Mountain Goats

Holy FCK

Saul Williams

Tame Impala

Man Man

Beaches

Grand Salvo

Final Fantasy

Muscles ( he promises to arrive this year)

Little Red

Black Diamond Heavies

The Ruby Suns

Yacht Club DJ’s

Architecture in Helsinki

Regurgitator

The Datsuns

Combo La Revelacion

The 18th Meredith Music Festival12th – 14th December 2008

Enter the ticket ballot before Tuesday 26 August.

Tickets will be available in select stores from September 9, then online open to all comers on September 11, here at www.mmf.com.au.

http://www.mmf.com.au/

Pyramid Rock Festival 2008 announced

The staff at Pyramid are extremely proud to announce the first round of acts for 2008! The 5th year's set to be mighty fine with some of the finest Aussie and a few surprise International acts announced. The festival will be held over the New Years Eve weekend.

Those at the Pyramid farm on the Phillip Island cliff tops will be:

THE BLACK KEYS (USA)
THE LIVING END
MORCHEEBA (UK)
CUT COPY
FAT FREDDY'S DROP (NZ)
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
DIGITALISM LIVE (GER)
KARNIVOOL
GYROSCOPE
THE TEENAGERS (FRA)
THE HERD
DR. DOG (USA)
BIRDS OF TOKYO
THE GETAWAY PLAN
LITTLE RED
SALMONELLA DUB (NZ)
THE BLACK SEEDS (NZ)
PPP aka PLATINUM PIED PIPERS (USA)
MUPH & PLUTONIC
MAMMAL
YO! MAJESTY (USA)
THE GALVATRONS

and many, more to be announced! That's got to be the best line-up so far and it's only just getting started! There's still 30 or so to be announced in the coming months.

Tickets on sale from 9am on Thursday 4 September. All online tickets will be available from the website.

http://www.thepyramidrockfestival.com/

Bloc Party to release 'Intimacy' this Thursday!!

Are you ready for this one?

This Thursday, August 21st, Bloc Party will digitally release 'Intimacy', their unexpectedly imminent third full-length LP.

A physical release of Intimacy, featuring different tracks from the digital incarnation, is due October 28 from Atlantic in the U.S., and October 27 in the UK via Wichita. You can flip on over to the Bloc Party website to preorder your copy of 'Intimacy' in whichever form you please right this instant, if you'd like. If you pre-order the physical version, you get the digital version as well.

'Intimacy' is being released in this increasingly more orthodox fashion to combat the kind of leakage that got 'A Weekend in the City' out on the web many months before its eventual release. The album was produced by 'Silent Alarm''s Paul Epworth and 'Weekend''s Jackknife Lee and mixed by Alan Moulder (My Bloody Valentine, Smashing Pumpkins), and it's being described as "wildly experimental" in parts and "simply classic Bloc Party" in others.

ww.blocparty.com

Global Gathering 2008 announced

Future Entertainment, Ministry of Sound Australia and The UK’s Angel Music Group deliver a knock out first line up Global Gathering announcement!

Hot off the heels of the most successful Global Gathering in the UK to date, Future Entertainment, the Angel Music Group and Ministry Of Sound Australia announce the most dynamic and ground-breaking joint venture the Australian music industry has seen in a very long time; the launch of the Global Gathering Festivals across the country this coming November. Touring Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth November 22 -30 2008.
Check out these heavyweights!

Mark Ronson, Kraftwerk, Fischerspooner, Sasha, Above and Beyond, Felix Da Housecat (pictured), LA Riots, The Orb, Larry Tee and more to be announced!

Tickets on sale nationally September 1st.

http://www.global-gathering.com/

http://www.futureentertainment.com.au/

http://www.ministryofsound.com.au/

AC/DC to release 'Black Ice' October 18

Albert Productions and SonyBMG Australia announces the worldwide release of Black Ice, the long awaited new studio album from AC/DC, on Saturday, October 18.

Black Ice, the first full-length studio album of all-new material from AC/DC since the release of Stiff Upper Lip in 2000, is the band’s debut album for Columbia Records.

Produced by Brendan O'Brien at the Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC, Black Ice premieres 15 new AC/DC compositions and performances including the album's first single, Rock 'N' Roll Train, slated to impact radio around the world on August 28 with a video debuting in September.

AC/DC will embark on a major world tour, the group's first since 2001, beginning late October.

http://www.acdc.com/

iForward Russia! call it a day

iForward Russia! have confirmed their indefinite hiatus as a band through a news item posted on their official website.

The band will be playing their last gig at the Brainwash Festival on October 17 in Leeds at the Brudenell Social Club.

“Unfortunately this will be our only gig for the rest of the year, and infact for the forseeable future”, stated the band.

“We have decided to take a break from doing ¡Forward, Russia! - for a lot of different reasons. The idea of doing another tour with nothing new to offer was something that enthused none of us, and the idea of re-booting on a productive strand is something we're not quite ready to face just yet.”

iForward Russia! released their debut album 'Give Me a Wall' marked their LP debut in September 2006. For their second album, 'Life Processes', the band moved to Cooking Vinyl and teamed up with producer Matt Bayles — who also worked with Mastodon and Pearl Jam. The album, which boasted a heavier, more expansive sound than 'Give Me a Wall', was released in April 2008.

www.forwardrussia.com

Liam Gallagher pays tribute to John Lennon on new album

Liam Gallagher has written a tribute to John Lennon on the new Oasis album.

The band's frontman has stunned fans and even his brother - and bandmate - Noel with the poignant tribute to his hero. The song, called 'I'm Outta Time', features a clip of the late Beatles legend talking in an old interview and is already being tipped for release as a single from new Oasis album 'Dig out Your Soul'.

Noel, who is usually reluctant to praise his brother, has admitted Liam is nurturing real songwriting talent. He told Britain's NME magazine: "Liam is really good. The thing about Liam is you haven't heard the half of it. If he could even be bothered to finish some of the songs he started, honestly, they're amazing."But he suffers the curse of the Gallaghers. It's like: 'F***ing hell, can't finish it.' I've got demos of his at home with about 40 tunes which, if he could be bothered, would be amazing."

Liam - whose eight-year-old son is named Lennon in tribute to his musical hero - has always been a huge Beatles fan. The rocker previously claimed to have had an out of body experience involving Lennon, and is still reported to believe he is haunted by his ghost.

'I'm Outta Time' isn't the first ballad Liam has dedicated to one of his loves. His 2003 effort 'Songbird' was written for his now-wife Nicole Appleton, and reached number three in the UK singles charts.

Liam has also contributed two other tracks to 'Dig out Your Soul', which will be released on October 6.

www.oasisinet.com

Byron Bay Arts & Music Festival

And back for the first time in twelve years…

THE BYRON BAY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Franz Ferdinand
The Hives
The Cat Empire
The Kooks
The Grates
Gomez
Faker
Tegan & Sara
Donavan Frankenreiter
Soko
Jimmy Willing and The Real Gone Hick-Ups
Dubshack
Ghost Mountain
Tijuana Cartel
Sara Tindley

The Byron Bay Arts & Music Festival
7th & 8th of January 2009
at Belongil Fields.

Southbound Festival announced

Here's the first announcement for the Southbound Festival coming this summer.

May we say nice work Sunset!

Go ahead, see for yourselves…

Franz Ferdinand
Birds Of Tokyo
Karnivool
Gomez
Faker
The Grates
Architecture In Helsinki
The Hives
The Kooks
The Cat Empire
Donavon Frankenreiter
Tegan And Sara
Atmosphere featuring Brother Ali
Jamie Lidell
Wolf & Cub
Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed And The True Loves
A-Trak
The Mystery Jets
The Drones
Soko
TZU
Liam Finn
Pete Murray

And there’s more to come -as you know by now there’ll be a second announcement in the coming months. Tickets will go on sale to the public on 15th September, but the ballot registration is open now until 31st August if you want to make sure you get a spot. (Go to www.sunsetevents.com.au)

http://www.sunsetevents.com.au/

Falls Festival lineup announcement

It's that time of the year again...........and look what we have to announce today.

Check out the goodness that is heading our way this new year:

FALLS FESTIVAL

Franz Ferdinand
The Hives
Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves
The Cat Empire
The Kooks
The Grates
Gomez
Faker
Tegan & Sara
Soko
Donavan Frankenreiter
Jamie Lidell
TZU
Mystery Jets
Architecture In Hellsinki
Atmosphere feat Brother Ali
The Do-Do’s
A-Trak
Wolf N Cub
Liam Finn
The Drones

The Falls Music & Arts Festival Sweet 16th ( and 6th)
Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania
December 29th 2008 – January 1st 2009
Subscribe online before August 27th to go in the ballot for tickets

www.fallsfestival.com

MGMT to tour Australia December 2008

One word............wow.

Finally, after muchos anticipation, psychedelic adventurers MGMT have locked in four club shows for the Australian summer this year.

It’s sure to be swift sell-outs all round, given the runaway success of the New Yorkers’ debut album 'Oracular Spectacular'. MGMT’s tour schedule of late has been nothing short of spectacular as well, including a packed-to-the-gills appearance at Glastonbury. The duo’s skewed pop formula is sure to turn each stop on their Australian circuit into a mind-bending party.

MGMT touch down on our shores for the first time ever in December, supported by Luke Steele.

Tickets on sale August 19th from Ticketek.

Saturday 6 December – Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth
Tuesday 9 December – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Wednesday 10 December – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Thursday 11 December – The Palace, Melbourne

www.whoismgmt.com

The Futureheads announce Australian tour

Indie survivors The Futureheads still know how to dazzle – and they’ve done it again on new album This Is Not The World. In October, the Sunderland four-piece will land on our shores for a whirlwind week of headline shows around their Great Escape Festival appearance.

The Futureheads come equipped with a stockpile of jaunty anthems. 'This Is Not The World' saw the band return to its roots after splitting with record label 679, and the songs on it are some of the best they’ve produced. On stage it all comes together in a rollicking live show that’s sure to get you whooping along.

On this visit, The Futureheads will be supported by hotly-tipped young things Dash & Will.

The Futureheads return to Australia for the first time in over three years.

Tickets on sale Friday 15 August.

Wednesday 1 October – Metropolis, Fremantle
Friday 3 October – Gaelic Theatre, Sydney
Sunday 5 October – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Wednesday 8 October – The Tivoli, Brisbane

http://www.thefutureheads.co.uk/

Justin Hawkins was 'proud' of The Darkness

Justin Hawkins says he's “proud” of the six years he spent in his former band, The Darkness.

The singer, who now fronts the group Hot Legs, left the band in 2006 in order to tackle his problems with drugs and alcohol.

Speaking to the BBC about his former band, Hawkins said: “It’s not the sort of thing you can turn around and pretend didn’t happen and I’m actually quite proud of the work that we did – not all of the work we did.

“When I think of what we achieved in a year, we went from opening Glastonbury to headlining Reading and I don’t know if many people can say that really.”

The Darkness's album 'Permission to land' became an instant success in 2003. It not only won the 2004 Brit Award for best album. They were on top of the world that year. It all went down hill from there though. In 2005 that released 'One Way Ticket to Hell.....and Back' with mixed reviews. Like many in the past, The Darkness couldn't reproduce the awesomeness of their first album. To be honest, it didn't matter, their time was done. Glam Rock for this decade didn't last long, but I don't think anyone will ever forget who The Darkness were.

http://www.thedarknessrock.com/

Wolfmother split up

In an official statement, Chris and Myles have announced their “resignation” from Wolfmother. The rumour mill has been buzzing since their headline set at Splendour In The Grass on Sunday, with claims that all was not well onstage.

Here’s the statement:

“Grammy Award winning rock band Wolfmother has announced the resignation of bass/keyboard player Chris Ross and drummer Myles Heskett effective immediately.

Singer/guitarist Andrew Stockdale now plans to find other musicians over coming months and to then begin making a new Wolfmother album.

Chris Ross decided to announce that he was leaving the band due to irreconcilable personal and musical differences. Myles Heskett has also decided to leave the band rather than continuing as part of a changed lineup. The pair has been working together on songs for some time and they plan to focus their energies on that new project in the future.

Andrew Stockdale, Myles Heskett and Chris Ross will make no public statements at this time except to say that they are each really looking forward to making their new music over the years ahead.

In the meantime they simply ask all Wolfmother fans to please understand that in spite of their best efforts over a long period of time, they just could not find a harmonious way to work together and that has lead to the decisions announced today.”

We just ordered half a dozen kleenex boxes into the offices. It's a sad day in Australian Music. A very sad day.

http://www.wolfmother.com/

Burial reveals himself as a lowkey

Who is Burial? Know one has ever known what he looks like or his true identity.......until today.

Burial has shed his anonymity and let the world know his real name. In a post on his MySpace, Burial reveals himself not as Fatboy Slim or Banksy, as some suspected, but as – shock, horror – a “lowkey” lad from South London. The name’s Bevan; Will Bevan. He’s even included a photo of himself looking suitably melancholic.

It’s strategic timing perhaps for Burial, given his haunting second album Untrue is now head to head with Radiohead’s In Rainbows as favourite to claim The Mercury Prize. Pitchfork also reports that the man is nearing completion of album number three. Well played Bevan.

The post reads thus:

hi

for a while theres been some talk about who i am , but its not a big deal
i wanted to be unknown because i just want it to be all about the tunes.
over the last year the unknown thing become an issue so im not into it any more.
im a lowkey person and i just want to make some tunes, nothing else. my names will bevan, im from south london, im keeping my head down and just going to finish my next album, theres going to be a 12” maybe in the next few weeks too with 4 tunes. hope u like it, i’ll try put a tune up later

sorry for any rubbish tunes i made in the past, ill make up for it

a big big thank you to anyone who ever supported me, liked my tunes or sent me messages, it means the world to me

big up everyone, take care, will ( burial )

www.myspace.com/burialuk

Dandy Warhol touring Australia November

Finally we can officially announce that The Dandy Warhols are heading back to Australia this November.

Having just released their eighth album, '…Earth to Dandy Warhols', this will be the first time in three years the band has landed on our shores. The gigs are sure to be loaded with all the classic hits you wanna sing too.

So get ready to be Dandy Warholed!

Tuesday 28th October – PERTH Metro City
Friday 31st October – SYDNEY Enmore Theatre
Saturday 1st November – CANBERRA Stonefest University of Canberra
Sunday 2nd November – NEWCASTLE Fat As Butter 08
Wednesday 5th November – BRISBANE The Tivoli
Thursday 6th November – MELBOURNE The Palace Theatre

Tickets on sale 9am Thursday 14th August through Ticketek and venues

www.dandywarhols.com

Kaiser Chiefs to release 'Off With Their Heads' October 13

Leeds boys Kaiser Chiefs have announced the details of their third album. The follow-up to last year's Yours Truly, Angry Mob is called Off With Their Heads, and it comes out October 14 via Universal Motown (October 13 in the UK).

Lily Allen and members of New Young Pony Club contributed backing vocals to "Never Miss a Beat", while Lily appears again on "Always Happens Like That". Pal Mark Ronson, who had a hit with his cover of the Kaisers' "Oh My God" featuring Lily on vocals, produced the album with Eliot James. Off With Their Heads also features contributions from grime MC Sway and film composer/Björk arranger David Arnold.

Kaiser Chiefs tour Europe this month then head to the U.S. in November for a trio of dates.

Off With Their Heads:

01 Spanish Metal

02 Never Miss a Beat

03 Like It Too Much

04 You Want History

05 Can't Say What I Mean

06 Good Days Bad Days

07 Tomato in the Rain

08 Half the Truth

09 Always Happens Like That

10 Addicted to Drugs

11 Remember You're a Girl

http://www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk/

The Byron Bay Arts and Music Festival returns in 2009

After a 12-year hiatus, The Byron Bay Arts and Music Festival returns in January 2009 and the old folk at Music Universe would like to give a round of applause for this well-deserved comeback.

The two-day event is a joint outing from the original Byron Arts crew and the minds behind The Falls Festival, meaning a handful of the Falls headliners will also be heading up north.

The organisers promise “a utopian environment of world-class music, comedy, writers’ workshops, yoga, drumming circles, interactive art installations, burlesque, and international cuisines”. When you put all that in the context of high-summer Byron Bay, it really starts to look like a winner. All we know so far is the location and dates, but there is sure to be a brilliant batch of acts on board.

The first line-up is announced 13 August. Stay tuned to Music Universe for details.

The Byron Bay Arts & Music Festival

7 & 8 January 09

Belongil Fields, Byron Bay

Is Burial really Fatboy Slim??

Mercury Music Prize nominee Burial’s real identity is rumoured to be that of Norman Cook.

In an investigation by The Sun newspaper, the dubstep-pioneer’s true identity is being attempted to be unmasked prior to the Mercury Prize ceremony in September.

Alongside the alter-ego of Fatboy Slim, the paper also claims that the “musical equivalent to Banksy” could also be the more experimental artist, Aphex Twin.

Artists who attend the ceremony are required to play one of their songs live ahead of the revealing of the winner. There has never been a case before in the ceremonies sixteen-year span in which the winner has not been there to pick up the award. This could make for a very interesting ceremony in 2008.

Burial is the bookies’ favourite to win the prestigious prize next month, ahead of Radiohead and The Last Shadow Puppets who are also among the likely winners.

www.myspace.com/burialuk

P.S. For those that have no idea who Banksy is, check out his masterpieces at his website, or just hit up London!! www.banksy.co.uk

Muse collaborate with The Streets?

Muse have cleared up a heated debate, denying that a track that surfaced last night, which features a collaboration with the Streets, had any serious purpose.

In a statement on their official website, the band said: “The MP3 floating around on the message boards at the moment is a track we recorded with Mike Skinner a few months ago. "The track was the result of a late night jam session and something we did for a bit of a laugh featuring a blues riff we have been playing live recently upon which Skinner recorded some vocals. "It is not intended to be a serious release so we are happy for it to be leaked around unofficially. Hope you enjoy, Cheers. Matt, Dom & Chris.”

Despite what was previously thought, ‘Who Knows Who’, which only features vocals from Mike Skinner, won’t be featuring on the forthcoming Streets album, ‘Everything Is Borrowed’.

http://www.muse.mu/