Dick Desert has cemented himself at the forefront of the Australian alternative music scene through unparralled live performances at some of the nations top festivals such as The Big Day Out, Edinburgh Fringe, Tamworth, Valley Fiesta, Straight Out of Brisbane, Nimbin Mardi Gras, The Dreaming and Woodford.

Few contemporary country music performers have had their work likened to the legends of the genre such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Frankie Lane as often as modern day exponent Dick Desert. In common with these outlaw country legends, Dick's songs are often 'fire and brimstone' fueled fables of lust, death and drunkenesss.

Be scared ... country music is again moving in the loins of the underground. It may already be pulsating within your little sister or it may be in your grandpa and before long if it isnt already it will be iny-o-u !

Supported by Judy Dolls.


http://www.myspace.com/dickdesert

Melbourne's Talkshow Boy (age 25, Aquarius) could possibly be Australasia's numero uno semi-subversive break-pop mastermind. Think Ken Ishii crossed with Ornette Coleman, or perhaps Klaus Nomi crossed with U-God. Think Urban Cookie Collective crossed with Mercyful Fate or perhaps Ryoji Ikeda crossed with the first Circle Jerks album.

Any way you look at the situation, one can expect to hear tinny, disorganised breakbeats meld with timeless pop progressions and lush melodic bullshit. Lots of depressing raps, loads of wonky bass and heaps of uplifting piano breakdowns - guaranteed to be the perfect soundtrack to both moments of solemn introspection and hard fucking.

Since 2004 Talkshow Boy has made an annual pilgrimage to the Sunshine State to share his love of rave melodrama and 8-bit crunch. Don't miss the party!

All Brisbane shows feature Billy Crystal on the bass guitar. A 12" EP "Limitless Light" will be available for purchase if he gets his shit together in time.

Supported by Toy Balloon.


http://www.myspace.com/talkshowboy

The Gin Club has established a reputation as one of the most impressive Australian bands of recent memory; Keeping their audiences perpetually intrigued and interested with a revolving live and studio-based line up of multi-instrumentalists and songwriters.

Based in Brisbane, Australia, The Gin Club are a musical collective who perform an eclectic mix of rock, pop, folk, blues, country, and everything in between.

Drawing influence from the attitudes of artists such as The Band, Neil Young and The Wu-Tang Clan, The Gin Club's live show is instrument-swapping madness, rousing choruses and heartbreak backed by cello, accordion, Hammond organ and heaps of guitars.

Since their formation through a chance meeting at an Open-mic night in 2003, The Gin Club has released three albums to public and critical acclaim, namely, their most recent release: 2008’s Junk. This double album features 26 original songs, covering a breathtaking amount of musical ground and granted them several accolades including Song of the Year award at the 2008 QSong Awards.

The inimitable troupe have toured Australia and abroad, playing with many varied acts such as Paul Kelly, The Drones, Tim Rogers, You Am I and Pete Murray, as well as performing at major events including The Big Day Out, East Coast Blues and Roots, Splendor in the Grass, Woodford Folk Festival, Canadian Music Week, Musicexpo LA and many more.

2009 will see the diverse band that includes 7+ songwriters, release the first single to their anticipated fourth album (due out early 2010) as well as tour Australia and overseas.


http://www.myspace.com/theginclub

Take five ex-hardcore musicians, give them some traditional country music instruments, some potent lyrics, wicked harmonies and you have Bang Bang Boss Kelly. Bang Bang and Boss Kelly met on the road. They used all their beer bottle top collection to make their only percussion item, a lagerphone. They sing songs rooted in old stories and new emails.

Some of them are so serious about returning to their country roots that they have grown beards and wear vests. They say it makes the banjos sound better. But the stories they sing don't reflect a country life, they tell stories about Valley nightclubs, girls, drink, and lack of money.basically the gospel of the youth. Have a listen to General Post Office and you will hear your mothers' words of warning about high heels and too many parties coming through. The band is heading into the studio February 2010 to record their debut EP, but choosing only six is a task. Later on this year they are working with producer Mark Myer on their full length record.

So you will see them at your local pub, at a burlesque fund raiser, and at major music festivals, they will play anywhere that they can play loud. Their music will make you want to dance, their lyrics will make you want to drink, but their four vocals might just make you fall in love with them.

Supported by Jud Campbell.


http://www.myspace.com/bangbangbosskelly

Wipedoubt, a young band from Brisbane, Australia, have been playing together since June of 2008. Since their first gig at Ric's Bar in October 2008, they have been regularly gracing the stage at local Brisbane venues such as: Globe Theatre, Step Inn, Ric's, QUT Guild Bar, Red Room, Jubilee Hotel, Miami Shark Bar and The Zoo.

After this massive start to their career, Wipedoubt have been turning heads throughout 2009, always having a string of upcoming gigs in Brisbane and the greater South East Qld region coming up.

Their music is best summed up with a few words. Melodic, Experimental, Powerful but most of all: Original. Questions as to what they sound like is still ones they struggle to answer. But there are underlying influences From Grunge to Country and bands/artists like Something for Kate, Sonic Youth, Jeff Buckley, The Drones and Kings of Leon among others.

Supported by Ball Park Music.


http://www.myspace.com/wipedoubttheband

Brisbane songstress Eleanor Angel is a stunning vocalist who weaves elements of classical voice, jazz and folk with a sense of bittersweet introspection. Her arrangements have an elegant simplicity, structured around the fingerstyled guitar of her live performances and augmented by lush, spacious production on her debut album Rain on the Street.

The uncommon maturity of Angel’s composition and performance stems from her lifelong passion for music. She learned violin from early childhood, before branching out to additional instruments and undergoing university training in classical voice. While developing the discipline of a professional classical musician, Eleanor miraculously retained the soul and fire that drives true artists to forge a fresh and interesting sound.

Eleanor's classical world collided spectacularly with her love of pop and jazz music. She managed to love The Beatles, Miles Davis, Portishead, Joni Mitchell and renaissance style a cappella simultaneously. Happily, Angel’s voice accommodated her diverse tastes, enabling a boldly feminine, confident approach to both composition and performance:

Eleanor is joined by percussionist Dave Kemp (Latin Vibe) and cellist Kathy Baker and by Lee Peters on acoustic bass. The group produces is a vibrant acoustic landscape.

Her debut album 'Rain on the Street' features guest performances from celebrated artists including Sean Foran and John Parker (Misinterprotato), Dave Kemp, Kathryn McKee and Ben Stewart and is an outstanding debut record.

Supported by Matt Nelson.


http://www.myspace.com/eleanorangel

“…..easily the most under-rated rock n roll band in the country” - Murray Engleheart, THE BRAG, November 2009.

The Dunhill Blues are the noisiest bunch of malcontents this side of the petticoat. They play rock n roll, and they play anywhere, anytime. The Dunhill Blues don’t sound like other bands. You reckon you can hear someone else in there then you’re kidding yourself. The Dunhill Blues ain’t got cool haircuts and they leave wearing girl’s jeans to the ladies. The Dunhill Blues love their mums. The Dunhill Blues are indestructible. Their rehearsal space burnt to the ground, and the van’s been stolen (more than once).

They have also survived the sudden death of founding member and beloved friend, Kristen McCall (4/4/77-29/4/09). The Dunhill Blues are Dan Batchelor (Gtr/Vox), Greg Bergin (Gtr/Vox), Adam Brzozowski (Bass/Vox), Frank Bliss (Banjo/Sax/Vox), Michael Budden (Gtr/Trumpet/Vox), Daris Atrins (Organ/Gtr) and Kristen (he’ll always be there).

The Dunhill Blues are just regular guys trying to get by. The Dunhill Blues released the super rare “12” mini-album” in May 2008 (100 copies only). Everybody that heard it seemed to think it was a bit of the alright. I-94 called it “the Hope Diamond in a window of Pandora’ Bracelets”

The Dunhill Blues are set to release their debut album through Off The Hip Records in August 2009. The album was recorded at Brain Studios in Surry Hills NSW, over 2 days in February (The same 2 days that Victoria almost burnt to the ground!). The album is full of songs about unsavory acquaintances, lonely shift workers, hangovers and evil twins. The first 500 copies come with 3 bonus tracks. The Dunhill Blues will be touring the East Coast through August/September 2009 Giddy Up!

Supported by Jim Rockfords.


http://www.myspace.com/thedunhillblues

The wonder of music is such that everyone can play an instrument and express themselves for the joy of others. Less commonly found is a group of people who can create art that punches the listener in the face, then woos them back with the promise of sweet melodies and better places before making them contemplate where, who and what they are. Of such lofty ideals is The Liar’s Chair (most affectionately, TLC) made.

Drawing passion from a myriad of musical influences that speak to the head yet spark the heart, ranging from Beethoven to Björk, from Pink Floyd to The Postal Service, the five members of The Liar’s Chair end up with a passionate blend of progressive indie rock with a southern tinge that has you chanting and dancing along before you even realise that you’re drunk and probably looking a little foolish.

It has been an interesting journey for Hugh, Christiana, Elvis, Geordie, and, most recently, Clive, whose once idle dreams of performing to a screaming crowd have become a reality. Opening shop just over 12 short months ago on the 8th of the 8th 2008 (before which they were all but strangers), TLC enjoys looking back at what it sees as a fairly eclectic childhood, excited in the knowledge that the opportunities and the music can only get better.

Whether it was hiring a bus down to blast the Gold Coast Convention Centre for the Loud 09 Festival, or playing their first show at the Tongue and Groove where the stage was so small that Elvis had to stand on a chair for most of the set; whether it be playing a giant bush party down at Lennox Head to a pack of (largely underage, and some well over-age) drunken hippies and barely getting out in one piece (let alone getting paid), or headlining at the Globe to a packed house, TLC has had its share of gigs – the good the bad and the outright bizarre – each providing a cherished opportunity to learn and grow.

Supported by The Seks.


http://www.myspace.com/theliarschair

Vialka

Hailing from deepest France, via everywhere and nowhere, Vialka are a devilishly high-spirited nomadic duo whose frontier-touring has taken them to all corners of the globe on a seemingly permanent world tour since their formation in 2002. Deriving their influences from traditional and modern underground music from around the globe Marylise Frecheville (percussion & voice ) and Eric Boros (baritone-guitar & voice) create music that skips joyfully across borders, channelling desert blues, Chinese folk songs, scatter rock and European gypsy song dynamics. A whirlwind dervish energy, that combines endless gypsy punk folk rock tales, hard hitting poly-rhythms, yelps and howls into one feverishly danceable and intoxicating brew. Like 'A Hawk And A Hacksaw' or 'The Ex' their openness to new sounds and cultures makes you feel alive.


http://www.myspace.com/vialka

Forming in late 2009, The May Strikes are a four piece indie-funk band. Hailing from Brisbane the group merge jangly guitars and catchy vocals with aggressive funk to achieve a distinct sound. Influenced by groups such as Radiohead, Red Riders, Rubik, RHCP and Rage Against the
Machine their musical tastes, though seemingly 'R' related, are extensive.

The band grew from the collaboration of guitarist, William Brouwers, and bassist, Daniel Carnoval, who met working together in their respective dead end jobs. Their jam room was too small for their aspirations and armed with what would become the basis for their set they recruited Michael Jones and William Macintosh to complete the quartet. Named after the famous wildcat strikes of 1968 in France, the band is inspired by the ability of youth to "shake up" the
establishment and challenge the status quo, whether this is through art, fashion or music.

Recently heading to Alchemix studios the band has recorded their first demo.

Supported by Vassy Mollo.


http://www.myspace.com/themaystrikes

Garage, glorious, dirty, garage rock straight from the sweaty streets of Brisbane, Australia - that’s what we have to enjoy with the new single from Lovers of Modern Art, “We Can See the Morning Come.” - Rock Sellout

Formed in the later half of 2008, these garage revivalists have written 9 tracks in the tradition of heartache and bein’ done wrong to bring you their debut long player Genuine Copy. The album is set for independent release in September and brings the band’s influences under one roof.

The Stooges meets The Sonics, Janis meets Jimi, The Rolling Stones meets The Lime Spiders. It’s all captured on Genuine Copy - and with all that blues deep inside, LoMA take it out on their instruments... Catch them live at a venue near you!

Supported by Jud Campbell.


http://www.myspace.com/theloversofmodernart

Since indie soul-rock troopers The Sunburys released their debut album ‘Here Comes the Sunburys’ last year, they’ve been quietly winning over Brisbane’s more avant-garde rock and roll connoisseurs.

The critics also have been kind:

“One simply couldn’t ask for a more finely constructed or intelligently balanced debut album. 4 ½ stars.” – Time Off.

“A taut and powerful debut…. this is impressive.” – TOM Magazine.

“The new You Am I? Could be a thought.” – Rave Magazine, 2009.

… Mere months later, the band has a new album in the can, ready for release following frontman Anthony Dettori’s mid-year European tour.

If you’re a fan of oldschool no-bullshit rock and roll, catchy tunes, ripping yarns and spirited, sweaty, genuine performances, we’ll save you a seat. If you’re early.

Catch the band’s only April gig on Saturday 17th at Ric’s, alongside special guests PJ Weston & The Precious Few.

Need convincing? Just listen: http://www.myspace.com/thesunburys. See you at the bar.

“With her soaring vocals, impressive song-writing ability, and instrumental prowess, Vriend is truly an all-in-one package." --Obscure Sound

Ann Vriend (pronounced Vreend) was born in Vancouver, BC. When her parents discovered their 3-year-old could play nursery songs on a Fisher Price xylophone, they encouraged her musical development by enrolling her in violin lessons. At the age of nine, when Vriend sought to accompany herself as a songwriter, she took piano lessons from an elderly woman down the street who charged $5 per visit. In high school, Vriend reluctantly performed 3 of her compositions (meant to be sung by friend instead of her) at a talent show. Accolades from her fellow students evolved into various projects with older students in bands, and eventually into praise from critics, the media, and fans around the world.

Vriend's vulnerable yet exquisite voice is often the first thing that turns heads; it has been described as an enchanting cross between Dolly Parton and a young Aretha Franklin. Vriend's songs maintain a natural knack for melody, garnering her local hits on both independent and commercial radio.

From composition to composition Vriend’s genre varies between indie folk, college pop, and jazz influenced numbers, yet she maintains a consistency of sound in her immediately recognizable vocal and lyrical approach. Vriend’s quirkiness and self-taught piano stylings draw comparisons to Regina Spektor, Kate Bush, and Katie Melua, but, to quote Drum Media (Australia):

"When it comes to women with pianos, there are endless comparisons to make, but Vriend stands out from the crowd."

Vriend's story-like but often enigmatic lyrics reveal her lauded literary depth; her stage presence, balanced perfectly between breathtaking, heartbreaking songs and charming, witty humor, make for a wholly engaging show, resulting in over 10,000 album sales to date as an independent artist, sold almost entirely from off the stage. It is common for people to cry during her performances. (And laugh!).

Supported by Eleanor Angel.


http://www.myspace.com/annvriend

Incremental Records is a record label based in Brisbane, Australia. Incremental Records is also an online record store selling merchandise from all manner of independent bands.

Ghost notes are an instrumental band from Brisbane who formed in early 2009. We make minimalist/ambient music, which owes as much to folk and jazz as it does to post rock. The songs from our debut ep were written and recorded at Luke and Jamie's house with overdubs at Incremental Studios with Cameron Smith, who also mixed and mastered the ep.


http://www.myspace.com/incrementalrecords

http://www.myspace.com/ghostnotesband

Epithets is a band of between one and eight persons, and is based in the unremarkably noteworthy city of Brisbane, Australia. Brisbane has a preternatural way of feeling both urbane and far-removed simultaneously, when it is a place you come of age in, and this is quite plausibly reflected in the music made by said band.

Originally a vehicle for central songwriter Nick Smethurst, a love of collectivist creativity has seen the lineup bend and change, settling for the moment on a streamlined 4-piece group with bass, drums and electric violin. They have been compared to everything from American Football and This Town Needs Guns to The Mountain Goats and Why?.

On record, the sound is augmented with cello and accordion, plus a bevy of guest vocals from the band's favourite local singers. The album is also called Epithets and will be released in Europe on Germany's Beatismurder label, and in Australia on Smethurst's own label, In Finland. This will happen in early 2010.

The 4-piece Epithets will be touring throughout the UK and EU in June 2010. An Australian album launch tour is being planned for March. It is nice when we are offered shows locally - feel free to do so.

Supported by Turnpike.


http://www.myspace.com/letsnotbutsaywedid

The City Hum hail from Brisbane, Australia and have been making music together for the last twelve months or so. Strong aspects of rock, country and folk and are all evident in their song writing yet classing them in an acoustic genre as many do, would be be doing them a disservice.

Perhaps a further insight into the drive and sound of these three Brisbane lads is best gained from discovering how they got their name. ‘The City Hum’ was reached from combining ideas from songs by Bob Dylan and from fellow Brisbane band, Powderfinger. Lyrically The City Hum draws inspiration from the likes of Dylan, but pushes their message with the guitar slinging back-beat hammering energy equal to any rock n roll act going around!

Since the band has been playing together, they have become regulars at Brisbane’s Music Kafe in West End often attracting big crowds. As well as playing gigs at other hotspots around Brisbane the boys continue to write and record - with their compositions going from strength to strength. With all this momentum you just get the feeling that 2010 is the year of The City Hum. The boys are looking to get out of 2nd gear and show a wider community of people their musical talent.

Supported by The Boathouse Weirdos.


http://www.myspace.com/thecityhum

The Ashes started as a way for two friends to pass the time.

Red had a home studio and lived in Hervey Bay (Queensland), Ben would finish work on a friday and drive to reds place and spend entire weekends recording songs they had written over the previous years.

"We realised that the calibre of the recordings was pretty high, and we liked the tracks, so we made a record out of them."

hi-fi/lo-fi was created and received critical acclaim throughout the street presses. within monthsWayne and Dan were recruited on drums and bass and the ashes started playing live shows, inluding the Brunswick music festival, Cornish Arms Hotel, The Zoo and a residence at The Tongue and Groove.

Touring the east coast twice in a year the ashes forged ahead to the point where new songs were being road tested for another record. The ashes have written and recorded their follow up album entitled "To everyone I Love and Hate".


http://www.theashes.com.au