What Have Our Indie Artists Been Up To?

19 March 2014 | 3:08 pm | Staff Writer

A look at this past week's indie happenings

ON THE ROAD

Devenda Banhart has announced the supports for his upcoming Bluesfest sideshows with locals Yon Yonson joining him in Sydney and Mouth Tooth warming up the audience in Melbourne. Get the lowdown on the support acts and upcoming shows here.

Darwin based hip hop duo Sietta have announced a string of national shows to celebrate the release of their new record The Invisible River. Details.

Usually solo act Claude Hay is debuting his new project Claude Hay And The Gentle Enemies by embarking on an extensive national tour, as well as releasing a double A side single Borracho/Run. Read on.

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Frente's upcoming anniversary tour has a new addition with the announcement of support act, Sydney's Maples. This is Frente's first national tour since 1997. More.

Chicago experimental rock trio Russian Circles have announced a stack of supports - including Fourteen Nights At Sea and Drowning Horse - for their upcoming Australian tour. Find out who the bands are here.

EYE ON THE CHARTS

Chet Faker reclaimed the top spot in the top 20 singles through independent distribution chart this week from himself - and his pal Flume. Faker's solo single Talk Is Cheap (Future Classic/Independent) is at number one, while his collab with the award-winning Sydney producer - Drop The Game (Future Classic/Independent) - dropped to two.

Dance crew Architecture In Helsinki were the only debut in the top 20 this week - their track I Might Survive (Independent/Inertia) entered in at 17.

While there were several debuts in the top 20 independent distribution albums chart, none could dethrone the John Butler Trio and their latest Flesh & Blood (Jarrah/MGM) from the top spot. Singer-songwriter Lior scored the highest debut at two with his LP Scattered Reflections (Independent/MGM), while Christian musical group Planetshakers debuted at three with Endless Praise (Independent).

The other first time entries came from JTR - Touchdown (Independent/MGM), The Viper Creek Band - Kickin' Up Dust (Independent/WJO) and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Oddments (Remote Control/Inertia). They entered at four, five and eight respectively.

OTHER RELEASE NEWS

Brisbane's The Strums have solidified their status as a rock n roll band with the release of their first single off their up coming EP. The premiere video of Rock N Roll can be seen here.

Local dance singer-songwriter Vassy features on the new track from internationally famed producer David Guetta. Take a listen to her vocals on this teaser for Bad now.