The news has broken today that SYN can look forward to a shiny new website at some stage in the not-too-distant future.

From which, operations here will cease, and resume at the headquarters of SYN.

In the meantime, we’ll keep the news flowing here… or rather, we shall resume keeping the news flowing.

Stay tuned for more later this week!

First off the block, Editor is super excited about the fact that Bondi’s favourite rockers Cog have announced a national tour, happening around the end of May/beginning of June. Melbournites can expect two nights of goodness at the Hi-Fi Bar (at this point in time, it’s 18+ only) in what has been a long break between gigs for the band, who, not counting the national Big Day Out tour, were last here in November.

Eddy Current Supression Ring, who you may have heard talking to the amazing Beck Lewis (aka New and Approved’s Executive Producer) a few weeks ago, have continued their successful run by taking home the prestigious Australian Music Prize. Following in the footsteps of previous winners, The Mess Hall, ECSR are looking to invest the fairly hefty prize-cheque into some studio space.

For a band who aren’t all too serious about what they do, they sure are attracting some serious interest – they were up against the likes of The Drones, Cut Copy, Beaches and The Presets.

Speaking of The Presets, for their upcoming May/June tour, Melbourne and Sydney have sold out on presales alone. However, the boys have announced another night – Wednesday May 20th. So if you want to catch them for the last time in 2009 (that is, if you didn’t catch them at least seven times in 2008) – here’s your chance!

A match made in heaven or just plain scary? 50 Cent and Fall Out Boy have joined forces to tour the US.

Something that will bring the Music department at SYN close to heaven is the news that The Flaming Lips are coming to Australia. With dates scheduled scandulously close to Splendour in the Grass, let’s just say that speculation for the headling slot is high. Rejoice!

It may be that one has to travel to Bendigo for this, but Groovin’ The Moo have added more names to the already star studded line up. Personal favourites of Editor, Mammal and Children Collide will join The Living End and The Grates for the annual festival.

Remember Matt & Kim? Former Music Director Jon King adored them so much, they secured the coveted Album of the Week slot mid last year, with little to no contention for that week in particular. They’re bringing the party to Melbourne during May, playing at the Evelyn Hotel.

God bless Brian Eno! The man curating the inaugural Luminous Festival, held May/June at the Sydney Opera House is bringing the likes of Battles, Reggie Watts and Ladytron back to Australia. Fingers and toes crossed for sideshows!

This week on SYN, N&A spends a little verbal time with TZU, Grafton Primary, Sia, Tiki Taane and V Festival drawcards Elbow.

The Hoist gets cosy with The Happy Endings, McKisko, Riding on Buses, Rook and Roger That.

1700 has a shiny week ahead, also playing host to Riding on Buses and Rook,  as well as Perfect Reason and And I Swear It’s The Last Time.

Don’t forget – The annual Moonee Valley Youth Festival is but two weeks away, held at Queens Park, Moonee Ponds on Sunday April 5th. SYN is a proud partner of the event, so if you can’t make it, stay tuned to 1700 and The Hoist over the period following the festival for interviews and the like.

Earth Hour is also just around the corner – this coming Saturday, actually. Earth Hour encourages everyone to conserve electrivity by turning your lights off for an hour that evening. SYN will most likely be on board for that – there aren’t may punters hanging around the offices on Saturday evening, so we are possibly continually doing our part.

Editor wishes you all a safe, fun filled week of gigs and associated madness – and if you’re going to the Epidemic Music Festival on Saturday, to drop by the SYN stall and say hi!

Some readers out there may be a little too young to remember them, but those who are (or who went to the always amazing Splendour in the Grass festival last year and saw them), Devo are working on a new album. Considering it’s been almost a decade since their last offering, opinions on the quality of the album are being reserved at the moment. However, the ‘effort’ by Guns N Roses leaves Editor more then a little skeptical.

Speaking of Splendour in the Grass it is time to start speculating. With everything been thrown around from Animal Collective, whose track ‘My Girls’ from theirMerriweather Post Pavillion album featured in SYN’s Sweet 16 recently, to the return of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who of course are SiTG 2006 alumni. Other names raised at the moment, include Portishead, Morrissey and Placebo.

Trivium have announced their return to Australia. Shows are going to be in May. Rejoice!

Still high on the festival front, has anyone had a look at the Coachella lineup? Possibly one of the best line ups the Music Department has seen in a while – just remember to omit Amy Winehouse from the billing – yes, the lady has cancelled her appearance, due to ‘legal issues’. No doubt securing a visa is going to be more then a little difficult with the recent assault charge hanging over her head.

Of course, the biggest news of the week, was the Sound Relief benefit concert for the victims of the Victorian Bushfires and the Queensland Floods. The surprises that organisers had in store for punters in both Sydney and Melbourne included John Farnham on stage with Coldplay performing ‘Your the Voice’, Bee Gee Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John closing out the Sydney show, as well as Crowded House jumping on board Liam Finn’s set in Melbourne. The one day, dual-state extravaganza raised a massive $5 million for those affected.

Looking in at SYN this week, as well as the sleuth of Comedy Festival appearances between Get Cereal and Get Cereal TV, we have a nice little week shaping up.

1700 will be spending some time with Rainbird and Harlequin League this week.

New and Approved will touch base with Grafton Primary, excitement all around.

The Hoist is hosting none other then Sugar Army this Thursday, so keep your ears out for that!

Editor is wondering if Farnsey will kick off another farewell tour after this little jaunt on stage…..

It’s been a massive, massive week in music, with reunions, break ups and general madness in the world of music.

So what has come across the ears of SYN this week?

Faith No More reuniting has had both Editor and SYN’s Music Director dancing with glee in the murky halls of the House. Whilst no Australian dates have been confirmed, or even announced, the thought of now co-existing in the time of Faith No More, albiet minus Jim Martin has made the week one of the best so far this year.

(And to make things just a little better, New and Approved talked to Bar McKinnon of Umlaut this week, former saxophone player of Mr. Bungle, also a Mike Patton act of genius. Can you tell Editor is happy?)

Miley Cyrus has threatened to ruin Radiohead after they apparently snubbed her backstage at the Grammys. (Editor here thinks that they have done no wrong.)

The Presets have announced a massive tour, and for all you kids out there, celebrate! Whilst it is just one show at Festival Hall, it is an all ages extravaganza, supported by Architecture in Helsinki, Van She and Wolf & Cub, with more to be announced. (Editor reckons it’s a mini festival… like The Big O, but better)

It’s the end of an era – The Peninsula Lounge down in Moorooduc has closed. Having hosted the likes of Cog, Karnivool and The Butterfly Effect in the past, it’s a sad day for local music, and also for the community.

Hot off the press tonight (well, Editor got it straight from the horse’s mouth) is that the Queensbridge Hotel turns 1 later this year! (that’s not the big news part). In typical style, there will be a massive party at QBH just before the Easter weekend, featuring local heroes Rook, Trial Kennedy, Jerrico, InVolume, Own Kind and the super awesome Mammal pitching in to celebrate.

(There’s also one more super secret band to be announced for the event, which SYN and Editor have been made privy to, but sworn to secrecy by the Mammal boys. Bummer)

Most important news of all though, is that not only are The Grates bounding all over Australia again in a few months with Children Collide in tow, which is, of course, super news.

HOWEVER!!!!

Eagles of Death Metal are bringing back their brand of sweaty awesomeness to Australia, announcing an April tour. (Editor has her fingers crossed in eager anticipation of super sidekick Josh Homme rounding out the lineup. Editor is still also dancing with excitement.)

Depeche Mode should have been sent a globe for Christmas. Or Valentines Day. Or any other day where gift giving is normal. Their Tour of the Universe does not include Australia. (The last time Editor checked, Australia was still on the world map.)

A little closer to home here…

Ever thought of breaking boundaries? SYN’s Music Director Dan Pejic and Get Cereal TV’s Anita Michalski do just that with The Danger Zone. Tune in Monday nights and teeter on the brink of destruction whist treating your ears to a massive rush of adrenaline.

1700, SYN’s music TV show which airs 5-6pm weeknights on Channel 31 has had a very big week, with Mammal in studio, as well as airing the first half of the Soundwave festival interview madness.

Next week, Funeral for a Friend and DevilDriver interviews round out the contingent, as well as a very special interview with the divine Amanda Palmer, so tune in if you can!

New and Approved have some very special interviews next week, including Of Montreal, Augie March and Mia Dyson.

The Hoist is looking pretty good next week, bringing you some fresh faces in the local music scene – The Gems and Alaska Ratio, as well as some better known faces, like Sleep Parade and The Exploders.

Don’t forget. Push Over is on this weekend. Stay tuned to SYN for interviews, photos and quite possibly a scintillating review.  SYN also has some tykes up at Golden Plains, Future Music Festival and Rock The Bay.

Editor hopes that your long weekend treats you a little better then she treats herself.

Till next time, keep the TV on Channel 31, and the dial on 90.7.

Now, we can get even more excited as we launch ourselves (slowly) back onto the online sector and sweep the blogosphere with our written work too.

Welcome to the SYN written sector (yes, a better name is coming soon), where you can tune into here for in depth reviews of gigs, albums and the odd major event or two.

The work here will showcase the undoubted talent of our fine stable of volunteers, all who are between the ages of 12-26, divinding their time between school, work and SYN.

Stay tuned for a major onslaught of news and reviews.