Music news

Amy Meredith are a Sydney five piece who've been around the traps since 2006. They're launching their debut EP at Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney on August 14 so get over there if you know what's good for you. The boys teamed up with Pete Mayes (Pnau) to record their EP earlier this year, so keep an ear out for the little gem. If you're super keen hit up their Myspace for more AM details or to place a pre-order for their CD.

The Black Ryder are a psychedelic, shoegazing, experimental and mesmerising new act out of Sydney. The band formed in 2007 after it's 2 members, Aimee Nash and Scott Von Rypers exited from 'The Morning After Girls'.
Since this time the pair have called on a number of special guests to fill their line up including Mr Ricky Maymi (Brian Jonestown Massacre) and Graham Bonnar (Swervedriver). They have some impressive support slots under their belts with The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Ravonettes. Coming up in August they are set to support  Brian Jonestown Massacre and then they hit the road with The Warlocks in October.
Sultry vocals along with reverb drenched guitar make for impressive comparisons to Mazzy Star and The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Their minimalist approach is refreshing and you will quickly loose yourself under a wash of soothing yet rich melodies
Things are just getting started but it won't stay quiet for long. The band are currently working on their debut album. Listen to ‘Let It Go’ www.myspace.com/theblackryder

For those of you that missed kiwi sextet The Phoenix Foundation’s recent spate of Australian shows…well, you really did miss out. These boys are a slick act, part ambient, part rock n roll, part comedy, part winsome love song…they cover all corners. America thinks so too – they released their album, Horsepower in the big ole US of A through indy label Young American Recordings in May 2007, and it hasn’t been doing too badly. Sentimentalist Magazine described them as "serene and fluid experimental pop rock that could be the soundtrack to the dream you never want to end." They seem destined for big things, having recently written the original score for Eagle vs Shark, a cinematic romcom (that’s romantic comedy, don’t you know) starring Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords. A bunch of guys that sell souvenir teatowels (yes, really) at their gigs should be taken notice of – not only did the gig sell out, the teatowels didn’t last long either. Get on board and check them out here, and visit here for a freebie download of the song Sister Act from the Horsepower album.

YEN, in associtation with Triple J, Home & Hosed and Street Press Australia, are proud to present Holly Throsby's A Loud Call tour. Holly is one of Australia's finest female performers and for A Loud Call (her third studio album) has teamed up with musical luminaries such as US artists Lambchop and Will Oldham (aka, Mr Bonnie Prince Billy). Throsby's tour Kicks off in Alice Springs on August 22 beforte exploring all the wee nooks and crannies of Australia. Keep an eye on YEN presents for further tour dates.

A 14 week experiment in cold beer and excellent local music, Levity Nights is on again tonight, Thursday July 24. Headlining the DJ booth this week is Simon Carter, of critically acclaimed Sydney band The Cops -  a guy who I imagine as having a pretty solid record collection. Levity nights is $5 on the door, so head to the Hollywood Hotel from 8pm

Say what you will about Crosstown Rebels boss Damian Lazarus, but one thing is for certain: he knows a good tune when he hears one. His recent, snazzily named ‘Lazpod 08’ podcast takes all the nicest bits from his recent trip to Latin America and juxtaposes the political differences between the old and new, rhythmic and lethargic, electronic and organic. I’ve got it on heavy rotation, though it may also have something to do with the fact that fav Peruvian producer, Matias Aguayo’s, electronic Rumba of a track ‘Minimal’ appears 4mins in. Or perhaps it’s the fact that someone has finally sung the praises of impassioned, potent, political and unwaveringly beautiful voice that is Argentine singer Mercedes Sosa. Google away.

Is it just me or does Natalie Portman always appear on the verge of tears? As you may know, the perenially moist-eyed beauty has been going steady with freak-folker and women's lingerie fan, Devendra Banhart, for a while now. As all talented couples eventually do (John and Yoko, Spike and Karen/Sofia, Jordan and Peter) the two have teamed up creatively (and follicly?) for Banhart's latest video. Entitled Carmentsita the single has a bit of a 60's Punjab-pop flavour to it (p.s if you have never listened to any Indian discoe music before then you must!!! )and the video has been crafted as some sort of homemade, Bollywood spectacular - complete with Barnhart as our love-struck hero and Portman the wistful princess.