King Cannons absolutely rocked it at their showcase at Upstairs Beresford in Sydney last night. Playing songs from their upcoming album plus a few old favourites, the band performed to a packed room of rockabilly babes and rock’n'roll enthusiasts. Thanks to sponsors Sailor Jerry, Route 66 and Porteño – it was a night to remember!

Check out the pics:

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

This Wednesday evening sees a very special showcase event taking place in Sydney for our favourite rock band King Cannons.

We’re offering three lucky fans (plus a guest) the chance to come along.  Not only will guests experience the explosive King Cannons live show but they will also hear a sneak peak of tracks from the band’s forthcoming debut album due for release later this year.  There will also be prizes up for grabs from Sailor Jerry, Route 66 and Porteño. Yes please.

All you have to do is tell us in 25 words or less: what’s your favourite King Cannons song and why?

CLICK HERE TO ENTER COMPETITION. (*Event is strictly over 18s only)

There’s no rest for Melbourne six piece King Cannons.  Currently in the middle of their national headline tour, the band found time yesterday to film the video for their new single Shot To Kill with hot shot director Dimitri Basil.

Check out these behind the scenes pics:

Our favourite Melbourne based rockers King Cannons are currently blowing audiences away on their “Shot To Kill” East Coast single tour. With just a few shows left in 2011 including tonight’s at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory, the band are getting set for a jam packed 2012!

The King Cannons live performance is truely explosive and I highly recommend you get down to a show to experience it for yourself.  Here’s what Perth’s X-Press magazine have to say about them: “Drawing heavily on classic rock influences, the six piece outfit’s cultural antecedents are easy enough to peg – there’s a bit of the Ramones, a touch of Springsteen, a dash of Northern Soul and ska, and a hell of a lot Joe Strummer, leaning more towards his Mescaleros period than The Clash. Lead singer Luke Yeoward is a star in the making, with a strong presence and an onstage swagger that is confident without crossing the line into arrogance, which goes a long way to selling simple, earnest songs like Take The Rock and Teenage Dreams.”

On the tour, the band are playing tracks from their stomping self titled debut EP along with their latest singles ‘Shot To Kill’ and ‘Stand Right Up’. To celebrate the tour, they have released a limited edition ‘Shot To Kill’/’Stand Right Up’ double a-side 7” vinyl single.

“Make no mistake, The Living End were great, and anyone in the crowd who came along just for them had their appetite more than sated, but King Cannons were nothing less than a revelation, as well as proof that tight, old-fashioned rock is not quite dead just yet. Track them down online, download their singles, buy their merch, and pray for a speedy return. If there’s any justice in the world, next time they pass our way they’ll be headlining.” X-Press Magazine

We’re giving away two double passes to tonight’s show at Oxford Art Factory.  All you have to do is email us and tell us in less than 25 words why we should pick you!  Winners will be picked at 5pm so hurry hurry!

It’s been a busy ol’ week for King Cannons.  They’re currently on the road, mid way through a national tour supporting Aussie rock legends The Living End. And the reviews have been GREAT. I went down on Saturday and was blown away.  Judging by the crowd, I wasn’t alone as people belted out the words to “Take The Rock” and tracks from the EP.  A certain Chris Cheney even wore a King Cannons T-shirt during The Living End’s performance on Sunday! Not bad eh.  The shows will continue over the next week with Melbourne tonight and tomorrow, Adelaide on Saturday and then heading west side to Perth next Saturday.

Photo: The Living End’s Chris Cheney in a King Cannon’s t-shirt.

The tour marks the launch of the brand new King Cannons single STAND RIGHT UP.  It’s the first track to be released from their debut album which was recorded in August and mixed by Shihad’s Tom Larkin.  The album will be released early next year so stay tuned for updates.  In the meantime, the Cannons are showing a whole lotta love to their fans by giving away the single FOR FREE!!  That’s right… GRATIS.  Swing by the King Cannons website to download.

And check out the video… it’s hot off the press.

Now that the east coast cyclones, flooding, and heatwaves have died down (fingers crossed), it’s time for a summer camping adventure…

Say hello to Playground Weekender festival up at the (very posh sounding) Del Rio Riverside Resort at Wiseman’s Ferry. OK yes, we’ll be sleeping in tents, but the sights & sounds will be stunning. Here are a few of our kids who will be putting on a great show:

Tricky We’d hope the original Knowle West Boy and trip-hop/ dub/ electronica Brit legend needs no introduction. 15 years and 9 albums since the Mercury Prize nommed Maxinquaye album, his latest effort Mixed Race, spawned the very sticky track Murder Weapon (featuring the famed Peter Gunn theme). The original and the best. Hungry Kids of Hungary triple j 2009 QLD Unearthed winners Hungry Kids released their debut album Escapades last year to much critical acclaim and airplay. Their hits Scattered Diamonds, Set It Right, Let You Down, and Wristwatch had already been performed on multiple national tours and spun on many airwaves before Escapades became triple j’s Album of the Week in 2010.

Their latest single Coming Around is another catchy indie-pop addition an already delightfully energetic show. Are you ready to clap your hands???

King Cannons

NZ via LDN via Melb punk rockstars in the making, King Cannons are undoubtedly best known for their live performance. Slick, not only in their look, but in their sound. King Cannons own the stage and the audience. From Springsteen to The Clash. Chuck Berry to the ease of a Jamaican Sunday. King Cannons play with the live commitment of the MC5 before the outbreak of violent protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Its music for everyone who shares in that sentiment.

Listen to: Take The Rock.

Four Tet

AKA Kieran Hebden – original member of Fridge, solo abstract electronica artist, and amazingly talented remixer, Four Tet’s latest album is There Is Love In You. A totally unique and beautiful sound, well worth blissing out to in the festival sun or at one his Australian side-shows with Caribou.

I Am Kloot

Virtually unknown in Australia, I Am Kloot are the Manchester three piece who regale the world with twisted torch songs and heart-wrenching serenades. Their 2010 album Sky At Night has gained astonishing critical acclaim, including a Mercury Prize Album of the Year nod (amongst Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons, Dizzee Rascal, Paul Weller…) and a 9/10 score from triple j Mag.

Whilst I Am Kloot are headlining festivals elsewhere in the world, you can catch I Am Kloot in intimate venues on their debut Australian shows in Sydney & Melbourne in Feb.

Andy Fletcher (Depeche Mode) – DJ Set

Very exciting… read all about Andy here.

Camping tickets are still available for Playground Weekender next weekend (Feb 17-20) from www.showclix.com.