You’ve heard these same words annually and despite the fact that we are a little belated with our message, we surely wish you all a very Happy New Year (& seriously hope that it will be a year filled with much positive news for the world over).

We know that 2005 saw few newsletters issued via IMC HQ, however we were so damn busy that there were very few moments to spare to devote these rather lengthy missives. All that said, we somehow managed to keep those shows on the road and get the message out to the masses! In any case, it has been a very eventful past year (actually, past 18 months) for our humble little enterprise and whilst we attempt to forecast the future, we certainly do see many an exciting tour, event etc coming up for 2006.

As per usual, we like to commence each new year by introducing those ‘new members’ to our small (although extended) family of extremely talented & creative artists. And so, we are overwhelmed to announce that 2006 has blessed us with three incredibly amazing acts who just happen to be... (imagine that drum roll right here...):

toni collette & the finish - A ‘few’ of you out there might recognise the name...and a 'few' more of you may even recognise the face! Many, many, many words have been written about the amazing acting talents of the very wonderful Toni Collette, yet in amongst a small selection of those blockbusters 'our Toni' has appeared in, one would have fast worked out that there also exists an incredible voice, as well as a unique talent to create a pop hit & more! Having completed the recording of a stunning debut album, toni collette and her amazing all star band, the finish, will soon be releasing this incredible collection of songs and will follow suit with a very special series of live dates. Rather than attempt to tell the story of toni & the finish (whilst gushing in the process), we suggest you all head over to our website and check it out for yourselves - directly written by the band themselves. For those of you too lazy to search through the site...click this link www.imcmusic.net/artists/toni.asp

Eskimo Joe - Now there's no need to for an introduction to the the talents of these three very amiable and fun loving guys (and their band mates) however, it is with great pleasure that we here at IMC also welcome the pop genius that is Eskimo Joe. As with toni collette & the finish, we are honoured and humbled to be able to work with such a wonderful group of musicians and people. Eskimo Joe are currently holed up in The Grove studio putting the final touches on the follow up to their platinum selling "A Song is a City". Keep your eyes and ears open for new music from the guys sometime in April. Thankfully we don't have to wait too long to see them play live. Eskimo Joe will be back on stage when they play at The Great Escape Festival on Saturday 15th April.

and finally...

We would also like to welcome one of Melbourne's finest new rock bands to the IMC camp. From the first gig British India played, they set tongues wagging (including ours!). After their second gig they found themselves supporting bands such as The Hoodoo Gurus, Gomez and The Music. Their debut single “Outside 109”, a limited edition vinyl only release, was on air one hour after being taken in to JJJ. Word filtered out and the band found themselves working with legendary songwriter and producer Harry Vanda (Easybeats, AC/DC, Rose Tattoo). This is a dream come true for a band that has always included an Easybeats song in their repertoire. The band completed the EP at Harry’s Flashpoint Studio in Sydney. They have secured spots at the cream of the Australian Summer festival season (Big Day Out, Homebake, Meredith Music Festival, Pyramid Festival) and their own headline shows launching “We Are The Counter Culture” will ensure a bright future for these four 19 year olds. Keep your eyes on the tour pages for a heap of upcoming shows from one of the most promising young rock bands in Australia at the moment.

So ladies & gentlemen, we welcome toni collette & the finish, Eskimo Joe and British India and look forward to telling you all much more about the musical travels of these fantastic acts.

Whilst on the trail of new acts, we would also like to remind you all that IMC also represents the following artists (whom have become part of the IMC family in 2005)

From New Zealand

Die! Die! Die!
Dei Hamo

And from Australia

N’fa (from 1200 Techniques)
DJ Peril & Suburban Intellect (also from 1200 Techniques)

See below for more news regarding the activities of these and our other hugely impressive world class bands.

AND NOW FOR THE NEWS

‘Who is doing what’ - that’s the sentence du jour here at IMC as, at the best of times, we get a little confused trying to track down our family of stars! So listen up as here's the news straight from the source:

First off, we would like to extend huge thanks to the many, many fans and supporters across Australia (and the world) for once again showing overwhelming support for the recent Homebake Festival (having taken place on Saturday December 3rd, 2005 in The Domain, Sydney City). Selling out in record time, we are overwhelmed & forever grateful to one and all for proving that the local music industry is well and truly a healthy one - and no doubt will continue to present a diverse array of incredible talent that is seriously being recognised the world over. In the meantime, stay tuned for very exciting news concerning Homebake 06.

It’s Big Day Out fever across Australia and New Zealand as one of the finest selections of local and international artists travel many miles to present their collective musical wares in each and every state over a number of stages. Now, it's no great secret that we here at IMC work very together with our friends at The Big Day Out within the fortress known as Hoax House, and so for this very reason we need to remind each and everyone one of you heading out to the Big Day Out to make sure you catch our bands including:

* WOLFMOTHER - Main Stage - Australia & New Zealand
* DEI HAMO - Hot House - Australia & New Zealand
* CUT COPY - Essential Stage - Australia Only
* SONICANIMATION - Boiler Room - Australia Only
nb: see below for more info regarding each of these acts and of course, don’t forget to catch British India on the Local Produce Stage (Big Day Out Melbourne Only)

Now, we all know that a ticket to the Big Day Out is hot currency in itself (and for those of you in the few states where the BDO hasn’t yet sold out, heed our warning and get in quick). However, there’s also a handful of BDO international artists sideshows with tickets still available - although most have sold out as follows

THE WHITE STRIPES
Wed Jan 25 - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
Sat Jan 28 - Festival Hall, Melbourne (few tickets left)
Tue Jan 31 - City Hall, Hobart (few tickets Left)

FRANZ FERDINAND - All sideshows SOLD OUT

KINGS OF LEON - All sideshows SOLD OUT

THE MARS VOLTA - Sydney and Melbourne sideshows SOLD OUT.
Tue Jan 24 - The Arena, Brisbane (few tickets left)

COMMON - Sydney sideshow SOLD OUT
Fri Jan 27 - Prince Of Wales, Melbourne (few tickets left)

M.I.A - selling fast
Sat Jan 28 - The Metro, Sydney
Wed Feb 1 - Prince Of Wales, Melbourne

2MANYDJS - selling fast
Wed Jan 25 - Home Sydney
Fri Jan 27 - Room 680, Melbourne

THE MAGIC NUMBERS - selling fast
Fri Jan 27 - The Metro, Sydney
Wed Feb 1 - Corner Hotel, Melbourne

And whilst we’re at it...we have to give a MAJOR plug to another HUGE favourite of ours touring with the Big Day Out (& performing sideshows) . All the way from Brighton, England and one of the finest fusion's of every beat style you can seriously dance to (and quite possibly one of the greatest live bands of their mixed genre - which we can't quite describe in less than a full paragraph)...THE GO! TEAM.
Catch them at
Tue Jan 24 - The Metro, Sydney
Tue Jan 31 - Prince Of Wales, Melbourne
Honestly, you’ll be kicking yourself from the entry gate to exit gate of the BDO if you miss The Go! Team.

AND CONTINUING THE NEWS

The Morning After Girls - Now with international label deals in the UK and USA, the ‘Girls’ once again depart Australian shores for another worldwide tour including a major tour across America with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and a selection of dates in the UK (including dates with Stellastar and being part of the famed NME Brat shows in London at The Astoria). The Morning After Girls recently released their first full length album titled ‘Evolve’ (thru Fly Music / Warner Music) - being a combination of tracks from their two EP’s + the much heard new brilliant track ‘Shadows Evolve’. It’s an amazing collection of astounding compositions written since the inception of the band. TMAG are certainly one of the finest acts in Australia and no doubt will score amazing success with their international ventures. For our international readers, you can check out all of TMAG’s world dates here: www.themorningaftergirls.com

Also about to launch a massive international career are IMC favourites, WOLFMOTHER. We’ve already mentioned that they will be appearing on all of the Big Day Out festivals in Australia & New Zealand - however these will be their final dates in Australia for quite some time. Yes folks, that trio whom have created a rebirth of retro rock in their own inimitable and incredible style will be leaving out shores to conquer the world promoting the international release of their acclaimed debut album (out now in Australia thru Modular / Universal Music). Like The Morning After Girls, we’ll be sad to see them go but wish them huge success in their endeavours whilst cheering loudly back home! Once again (& for our international readers) you can check all of Wolfmother’s live dates around the world here: www.wolfmother.com

We use the word ‘favourite’ a lot around here - and that’s because all our acts are our favourites. So continuing on the favourite theme:

Sonicanimation’s ‘swan song’ is the Big Day Out series of concerts (and we are very sad to see the ‘last chapter’ of this most amazing and ground breaking Australian electronic act unfold). However, due to the recent cancellation of Mylo from the Big Day Out, Sonicanimation have been moved up the ‘Boiler Room ranks’ to headlining position and will now be performing around the 7.30pm / 8.30pm time slot (please make sure to check revised playing times for each city). Ironically, this will be a fitting departure for the band and we advise you all to grab your spot early. In the meantime, Sonicanimation have also stepped in to ‘save the day’ for Home Nightclub Sydney, performing the sideshow that was due to take place with Mylo. They are performing a DJ set for VitalBeats in Newcastle with dates as follows:

* Friday January 28th - Vitalbeats at The M Bar, Newcastle
* Saturday January 29th - Home Nightclub, Sydney (filling in for Mylo) Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
Tickets from www.homesydney.com/shop & ph: 02 9266 0600
Also Ticketek. Ph: 132 849 & www.ticketek.com.au
also www.inthemix.com.au

Something for Kate are calling Los Angeles home at the moment while they record their 5th album. The songs are now well and truly written and the band are midway through the recording. You can catch up on all the news straight form the band at their website - http://www.somethingforkate.com/
In the meantime, we’re not that far away from being able to welcome SFK back to Australia with a brand new album under their expansive wings. SFK will be jumping back onto stage on (Good) Friday 14th April as part of The Great Escape Festival. For more info click here http://www.thegreatescape.net.au/ The band will then head over to the South By Southwest Conference in Austin Texas as well as doing shows in LA and New York.

Alex Lloyd recently released his debut album to much critical acclaim and is on the verge of releasing his next single. To coincide, Alex will be undertaking his first ever major tour incorporating all states & many regional areas. Alex completed a 6 date capital city tour in October of last year (his first in two years) and this next extensive tour will be the last for quite some time. Please stay tuned to our website for the forthcoming official Alex Lloyd tour news release: http://www.imcmusic.net/

Decoder Ring are taking a well earned break after working for 3 years straight. They are taking the time to work on some new material before heading over to the USA for South By Southwest Conference. They will be playing with the likes of Something For Kate, Wolfmother, Belle & Sebastian, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Concretes, Sarah Blasko, Missy Higgins, Michael Franti, Jose Gonzalez, Beth Orton and hundreds more and not to mention a keynote speech by Neil Young. But before all of that Decoder Ring will play one very special live show the St Jerome's Laneway Festival in Sydney on Sunday 5th March
for tickets click here. http://www.stjeromesguidetosummer.com/laneway/sydney/tickets/

And like SFK, Art of Fighting are in the middle of writing the follow up to 2005's Second Storey. 2005 saw the band doing sell out shows across the country as well as touring in Japan and Taiwan. 2006 should be a big year for Art of Fighting starting with a three work tour through Europe before they settle down to record their 3rd full length album. Art of Fighting will also be playing the St Jerome's Laneway Festival in Sydney on Sunday 5th March

A short interlude here to tell you about the digital only label, The Propaganda Recording Company. Set up to coincide with Homebake 2005, this brand new boutique digital label, is pleased to present three home grown acts with their new release singles offered exclusively via iTunes Australia. In recognition of the digital music revolution, The Propaganda Recording Company is breaking new ground for Australian artists by exclusively digitally releasing these three new singles from these artists via iTunes Australia..& all three tracks are right now available at iTunes.

Recognised widely as MC & front man of ARIA award winning band 1200 Techniques, N’fa’s new single ‘Left Right Left (Universal King)’ is the first taste of what’s to come from his forthcoming solo debut album ‘Cause An Effect’.
N’fa was responsible for penning 1200 Techniques’ charting singles ‘Hard As Hell’, ‘Where You At’, ‘Fork In The Road’ and the monster hit ‘Karma’, which peaked at number four on Triple J’s Hottest 100. Now, with 1200 Techniques taking a well-deserved break, N’fa has channelled his unique talents into his new solo project. Evolving and adding to the proven success of his unique hip hop formula, ‘Left Right Left (Universal King)’ delivers a new Hip Hop sound with a very cool twist and is available exclusively via iTunes Australia.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON N'FA www.propagandarecordings.com.au/nfa.html
Stay tuned for the release of N’fa’s next single which is accompanied by an amazing video directed by N’fa’s pal and current ‘Brokeback Mountain’ superstar, Heath Ledger.

Ground breaking and critically acclaimed dance electronic geniuses, PNAU have recently emerged from the studio where they’ve been preparing and recording their next audio masterpiece. With their first album in two year’s now completed and due for release in 2006, PNAU offer up a taste of what’s to come with their new track ‘Donnie Darko’ will be heating up the airwaves this summer and is destined to be a dance floor hit. PNAU’s new single ‘Donnie Darko’ downloadable exclusively at iTunes Australia!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON PNAU www.propagandarecordings.com.au/pnau.html

Australia’s newest Hip Hop outfit, LOCAL KNOWLEDGE are taking the scene by storm with their inimitable brand of beats and rhythmic rhymes. Having been the first ever Indigenous Hip Hop group to play Triple J Live At The Wireless their ‘Blackfellas’ single has made it’s mark with over 12,000 keen music lovers downloading via Triple J’s web site ,the special live version of the track taken from the Live At The Wireless performance. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE are getting the recognition they deserve and straight off the back of a 2004 Music OZ award they took out the prestigious title of Best Band at this year’s Deadlys. Their debut single ‘Blackfellas’ is the first offering from their soon to be released EP. ‘Blackfellas’ is now available exclusively via iTunes Australia and exposes three lyricists armed with conviction and a DJ decked out with unique beats telling it like it was, how it is and how it should be.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON LOCAL KNOWLEDGE www.propagandarecordings.com.au/localknowledge.html

Three talented Australian acts with a hot new single each exclusively available through iTunes Australia as downloads right now!

N’FA’s - new single ‘Left Right Left (Universal King)’
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE ­ debut single ‘Blackfellas’
PNAU ­ new single ‘Donnie Darko’
To find out more about Propaganda Recording Company and N’fa, Pnau or Local Knowledge please visit www.propagandarecordings.com.au
NB; Local Knowledge are currently on tour. Stay tuned for exciting tour news regarding N’fa. Pnau will be performing with 2manydjs at Home Nightclub (Sydney) on Wednesday Jan 26th. Pnau are also currently completing the recording of their next and much anticipated album.

Whilst N’fa does his thing, 1200 Techniques main man, DJ Peril has also been selling his solo wares via the release and incredible major radio & video support of his first single, ‘It’s About To Blow’ featuring the hottest young MC’s in Australia, Suburban Intellect. It’s a taste of what’s to come from Peril’s debut album ‘Rock Ya Baby’ to be released in March via Fly Music / Warner Music. In the meantime, you can catch Peril together with Suburban Intellect supporting the seriously amazing M.I.A (touring with Big Day Out) at following sideshows:
M.I.A -
Sat Jan 28 - The Metro, Sydney
Wed Feb 1 - Prince Of Wales, Melbourne

Gelbison have just returned from an inspirational trip to India all ready to get to work on their next album. You will be able to get a dose of old and new songs when Gelbison do a 3 week residency at Sydney's The Vanguard.
Come on down and sample Gelbison in an intimate environment. Book early to enjoy the wonders of "dinner and show"
Wednesday February 15th with Old Man River
Wednesday February 22nd with George Byrne
Wednesday March 1st (guest to be confirmed)
Click here for ticket details
http://thevanguard.com.au/

Screamfeeder are heading to Melbourne this weekend!!
Friday 20th Jan - PONY, with Little Athletics, Teen God and Children Collide. This show will be a corker - get in early as Pony is small. Oh that's right you were there last weekend dancing to Adam and the Ants on your millionth lager for the evening. No, seriously though, it will be "intimate" and fun.
Saturday 21st Jan - Green Room - 3rd Birthday bash featuring about 10 or 11 other bands, including all star bands of your fave Melbourne rock celebrities (Nick Cave? perhaps not). it will be sold out so get in early, we play at 11.45pm. We're staying just upstairs, so if you offer us a drink we might even just say YES.

Beau Young has been busy on all fronts over the summer, and has certainly been loving it! From the launch of the Australian Surf Movie Festival, to the Queenscliff Music Festival, to Homebake and seeing in the New Year at the Feel Good Festival, the Beau Young band have loved playing to a whole bunch of new audiences. Over the last couple of weeks Beau has been recording 3 new songs for an EP for Japan called "Still", which will be packaged up with
three live versions of songs from the debut album "Waves of Change", music videos and surfing footage. At the end of January they will be playing on the Mornington Peninsula at the "Hot Tuna Summer Classic". Beau will be
taking a couple of weeks in February to surf and play music while camping around Australia. He may even come up with a few new tunes to play at the "Rip Curl Pro International" at Bells Beach around Easter time.

NEWS IN SHORT

Cut Copy - As mentioned, they are on the Big Day Out. These will be their last dates for a while so that they can concentrate on completing the recording of their next album. They will however be performing a DJ set at the Melbourne St Jeromes Laneway Festival on Sunday February 26th.
We all love Cut Copy...don’t we!!

Wicked Beat Sound System are working on new tracks for a new album. We are definitely looking forward to this one.
Amiel has a new album ready to go and after a stunning performance at Homebake 2005, please do stay tuned for news regarding an official release date and accompanying tour.

The Church also have a seriously amazing and stunning new album due out for release in March of this year. They will be doing a select bunch of electric dates to accompany this release.

Friendly has recorded a hit album (we’ve heard it)!! Currently residing in the UK, Friendly will be reinventing his live show together with a full band and will be returning to perform dates in Australia soon.

That's all for now folks.