What Have Our Indie Artists Been Up To?

ON THE ROAD...

Sydney hip hop act Horrorshow will embark on a massive national tour later this year. The shows will kick-off in September and run into November. More.

Indies Big Scary are also heading out on the road for a few shows. The Melbourne pair will take singer-songwriter along with them for the August/September gigs. Read on.

Metallers Confession will headline Loud Fest, along with American band Alesana. The guys will perform at the event, just prior to heading out on tour with Parkway Drive. Details.

EYE ON THE CHARTS...

While Sheppard held onto the top spot in the top twenty of AIR's singles/EP charts for independent labels with independent distribution chart this week with their self-titled EP (Independent/MGM), we did have a new number two. Rufus scored that slot with the track Desert Night (Sweat It Out/Xelon), a debut in this week's listing. The other first time entry this week came from Sydney indies Glass Towers with the song Halcyon (Hub/Inertia) - we're also streaming their debut album on theMusic this week.

We had two re-entries this week as well, with the Emma Louise song Full Hearts And Empty Rooms (Independent/MGM) and San Cisco's hit Awkward (Island City Records/MGM) rounding out the final two places in the chart.

In the top 20 albums released on independent labels through independent distribution chart, The Cat Empire nabbed the number one position with Steal The Light (Two Shoes/Inertia). The only debut this week came from singer-songwriter Mark Wilkinson at twelve, with his LP Hand Picked (Independent).

Again, a few re-entries rounded out the last two places in the albums chart. Progressive rockers Karnivool had their 2005 record Themata (Independent/MGM) in at nineteen - probably has something to do with their upcoming, anticipated tour. Plus, the final spot belonged to MC Kerser with No Rest For The Sickest (Obese Records).

OTHER RELEASE NEWS...

Perth outfit I, Said The Sparrow have dropped a new video for their track 043Hello and things get a bit sexy and strange in this one. Watch.

Local rock legends The Darling Downs will release their first album in six years. In the Days When the World Was Wide will be available from Friday 27 July. More.

A debut EP is on its way from Adelaide band Bad//Dreems. The four-piece will drop Badlands on Friday 19 July. Read on.

We've got a brand new track from The Stiffys - the boys really, really love their Champagne! Listen.

Punishing rockers The Mark Of Cain have unleashed the film clip to their latest single Milosovic. It's kinda bleak, kinda scary but really fucking cool. Watch.

Also premiering on theMusic this week - the new, very chilled clip from urban roots group Blue King Brown. This is some sweet reggae. Check it out.