What Have Our Indie Artists Been Up To?

ON THE ROAD

Former members of The Waifs, Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn - now known as The Stray Sisters - will embark on their first national tour as a duo this March. Read on.

EYE ON THE CHARTS

It's another week at the top of the AIR's singles/EP charts for independent labels with independent distribution chart for Flume & Chet Faker with their recent Hottest 100 entry Drop The Game (Future Classic/Independent). The Stafford Brothers feat. Jason Herd & Sherry St. Germain once again came in second with their collab Wicked Child (One Love/Xelon) while Panama's Always (Future Classic/Independent) scored third place.

Melbourne indie artist D.D Dumbo scored the only debut entry of the week for singles/EPs with his collection D.D Dumbo EP Feat. Tropical Oceans (Independent) rounding out the top 20.

Chet Faker remained the top spot in the albums released on independent labels through independent distribution chart with his Thinking In Textures (Opulent/Inertia) and Horrorshow continued their hold on second with King Amongst Many (Elefant Traks/Inertia). Big Day Out performers Kingswood placed third with their LP Change Of Heart (Capgun Kids/MGM) - jumping up from 10.

Sydney indie stalwarts Dappled Cities nabbed the only album debut this week with their 10th anniversary compilation Many Roads (Hub/Inertia) in at 13.

OTHER RELEASE NEWS

Architecture in Helisinki will no longer keep us dreaming about their upcoming album as they have finally dropped details about its release. NOW + 4EVA will be released on Friday 28 March, and the track listing, album artwork and teaser video of single Dream A Little Crazy can be seen here.

The Perch Creek Family Jug Band have revealed that their album Jumping On The Highwire will be released independently on Tuesday 4 March. Until then you can watch their new video for Party On The Farm now.

Sydney indie wonders The Jezabels will unveil their anticipated second album at the end of this week, but we're exclusively streaming it on the website now. Listen to The Brink in full.

TIDBITS

One of the UK's biggest festivals The Great Escape has included a few Aussies in its recent lineup announcement. The list is lead by singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett and includes a diverse range of artists mostly from the east coast. More.

The Toyota Star Maker competition has named its 2014 winner, American-born, Brisbane-based Jared Porter, at the Tamworth Country Music Festival last weekend. Details.

The shortlist for The Coopers Australian Music Prize (AMP) has been announced, with 2010 winners Cloud Control one of the well deserving nominees. Read on.