Kasey Chambers Forms The Fireside Disciples for New “Campfire” Album

Kasey Chambers is embracing her roots with her latest album Campfire, recorded with her new band The Fireside Disciplines. The Fireside Disciples are some of Kasey’s favourite musicians: longtime touring mate Brandon Dodd, longtime family friend and Indigenous elder Alan Pigram, and her dad and greatest musical inspiration Bill Chambers.

“I grew up in the remote outback of Australia living a unique lifestyle isolated from civilisation. The campfire was the heart of our existence: for survival, creativity, inspiration,” Kasey explained of the album’s inspiration. “We hunted all our own food and then cooked it on the campfire. My brother and I did all our schooling via correspondence around the campfire. We used the campfire for warmth and light. We gathered around the campfire at night to play songs together as a family. Our connection to music and the land has developed through and around the campfire since I was born, so it has always stayed with me as a special part of my life.”

“The Campfire Song” gives us our first taste of the album. It’s such a beautiful, raw piece of music which makes you feel nostalgic from the get-go.

Campfire drops on April 27. Kasey Chambers and the Fireside Disciples will play shows just about everywhere to support its release.

23 May 2018 – Casino RSM, Casino
24 May 2018 – Coffs Ex-Services Club, Coffs Harbour
25 May 2018 – Club Forster, Forster
26 May 2018 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
31 May 2018 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
1 June 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
2 June 2018 – Swan PACC, Swan Hill
3 June 2018 – Mildura MAC, Mildura
14 June 2018 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
15 June 2018 – The Cube, Campbelltown
16 June 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
17 June 2018 – Ulladulla Services Club, Ulladulla
21 June 2018 – Seymour Centre, Sydney
22 June 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
23 June 2018 – Panthers, Bathurst
24 June 2018 – Canberra Playhouse Theatre, Canberra
28 June 2018 – The Event Centre, Caloundra
29 June 2018 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
1 July 2018 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
5 July 2018 – The Desert Cave, Coober Pedy
7 July 2018 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
11 July 2018 – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston
12 July 2018 – Burrinja Theatre, Upwey
13 July 2018 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
14 July 2018 – The Playhouse GPAC, Geelong
19 July 2018 – Albury Theatre, Albury
21 July 2018 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
2 August 2018 – Northern Festival Theatre, Port Pirie
3 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
4 August 2018 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
5 August 2018 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
9 August 2018 – Tanks, Cairns
15 August 2018 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warrigal
17 August 2018 – Regent Theatre, Yearram
18 August 2018 – Wonthaggi Arts Centre, Wonthaggi

The Ruiins Make Strong Statement With “Nobody”

Mid-North Coast duo The Ruiins have knocked it out of the park with their epic new single “Nobody.” It’s got a bigger, moodier sound than previous releases, and I think it’s better for it.

“It takes a more dynamic approach which we haven’t yet explored. It highlights raw emotion and the difficulties of relationships, getting caught up in thought and realising when to act upon your emotions,” noted the band’s drummer and vocalist, Adam Dooker.

“Nobody” is the title track from The Ruiins’ debut EP, which is out now. Fresh from shows in Bali, The Ruiins will launch the EP with the following shows on Australia’s East Coast.

8 June 2018 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
9 June 2018 – The Union Hotel, Sydney
15 June 2018 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
16 June 2018 – The Pink Motel, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from WHO Collective

Slow Talk Releases “Golden” New Single

Melbourne band Slow Talk have offered an explosive taste of their debut EP New Vernacular with the release of the single “Golden.”

It’s a “take no prisoners” kind of epic rock song, with soaring electric guitars from Ash Fuller and magnetic vocals from his partner in crime, James Butler.

Ash says the track is “an exploration of our desire for people that physically fit the ideals we look for in a partner, whether they be people we briefly encounter in our daily lives, models we see on Instagram, or celebrities. It discusses our ability to extrapolate the little we know of these people and develop high opinions of them.”

If you like this, you won’t be left waiting too long for more. New Vernacular drops on April 27.

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Get Happy With William Crighton

William Crighton has wowed crowds here in Australia, most recently at Bluesfest, and across North America. He’s been called a visionary and an Australian icon, and seeing him live has been compared to a religious experience. So it’s surprising to discover he only has one album under his belt. That’s all about to change though, with his second album Empire set to drop on May 4.

If May seems too far away, you’re in luck. William is giving us a taste of what’s to come with the release of his single “Happiness.” It’s everything you want it to be, fiery, powerful, passionate, honest, and bloody good.

Look out for Empire when it’s released on May 4.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Canada’s Terra Lightfoot Ready for Aussie Album Tour

I intended to listen to “Pinball King,” the current single from Terra Lightfoot’s new album New Mistakes to decide whether it was putting on your radar ahead of her Aussie tour this month. But Terra Lightfoot music is a little like Easter chocolate. It’s impossible to stop at just one song. Needless to say, this article got put on the back burner because I needed to listen to the entire album. Twice. It’s just that good. And no doubt her upcoming tour will be as well.

Terra is playing shows along the East Coast, both as a headliner and in supporting duties for Letters to Lions.

“We came to Australia for the first time in the spring, and were welcomed with open arms. Each city we visited was more beautiful than the last—and I was properly initiated when I got stung by a bluebottle on the beach in Cronulla,” Terra explained. “I felt very at home in Australia; I loved all the musicians we met, and we made so many friends and can’t wait to see them all again! We are going to have so much fun.”

Get on this one music lovers. If her new album is any indication, Terra’s shows are sure to be excellent.

18 April 2018 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
19 April 2018 – The Gasometer (Upstairs), Melbourne (with Letters to Lions)
20 April 2018 – The Loft, Warrnambool (with Letters to Lions)
22 April 2018 – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne
24 April 2018 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
27April 2018 – Gumball Festival, Dashville
28 April 2018 – Beaches, Thirroul
29 April 2018 – The Quarterdeck, Narooma
2 May 2018 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
3 May 2018 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
4 May 2018 – Nightquarter, Gold Coast
5 May 2018 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
6 May 2018 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff

Out of Sadness Comes Pop Smash for Iluka

It’s a case of turning lemons into lemonade, or heartbreak into indie pop gold for Iluka, who’s just released her new track “Ritual.”

“When I wrote ‘Ritual’ it was quite melancholic and full of longing and sadness,” she explained. “The original demo is slow and kind of heart breaking. I was in this place of loneliness, this bitter sweet kind of feeling that comes after a relationship has ended and you’re reflecting back and in this self-searching phase trying desperately to figure out who you are again. Then as I began playing it with the band and eventually took it into the studio, it became more of this celebration and defiant kind of song. The ritual of falling in and out of love, learning to stand on your own two feet again. To be defined as yourself, by yourself, and follow your own star. Everyone has their own ritual, and this is mine.”

Ritual is the title track of Iluka’s new EP, which is available through her website from Friday. Not so coincidentally, that’s when Iluka kicks off her East Coast tour. Check her out at the following venues.

6 April 2018 – Mo’s Clubhouse, Gold Coast
7 April 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane
12 April 2018 – Transit Bar, Canberra (FREE)
14 April 2018 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
20 April 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
21 April 2018 – Waywards, Sydney

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Perch Creek Offer Soulful Taste of New Album

Melbourne band Perch Creek have taken me back to the ‘70s with their soulful new single “Gold Shop.” I love its funky bass groove and those honey vocals from Eileen Hodgkins. The retro inspired film clip is also stellar.

“We came up with the general concept of a ‘70s style action chase (inspired by the classic Beastie Boys film clip for Sabotage) featuring our Kingswood, maybe a fake moustache and the backdrop of the North Coburg industrial zone [in Melbourne’s north],” explained the band’s bassist, James Chandler. “It wasn’t until we met Sasha, who directed and shot the film with Honey Editorial, that the screenplay really took shape. They capitalised on our comic acting and made full use of our vintage car and bike collection to create an epic, hilarious and at times confounding four-and-a-half minute action flick. It’s definitely the coolest video we’ve done yet.”

“Gold Shop” comes from Perch Creek’s new self-titled album, which will hit stores on April 13. The band will celebrate its release with shows in the capitals and major regional centres around the country.

31 May 2018 – Fly by Night, Fremantle (18+)
2 & 3 June 2018 – Denmark Festival of Voice, Denmark (ALL AGES)
7 June 2018 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
8 June 2018 – The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba (ALL AGES)
10 June 2018 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra (18+)
14 June 2018 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (18+)
15 June 2018 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (ALL AGES – FREE)
16 June 2018 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore (ALL AGES)
17 June 2018 – Pelican Playhouse, Grafton (ALL AGES)
21 June 2018 – The Workers Club, Geelong (18+)
22 June 2018 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (18+)
23 June 2018 – The Evelyn, Fitzroy (18+)
29 June 2018 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (18+)
1 July 2018 – Thornbury Bowls Club, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
6 July 2018 – Major Tom’s, Kyneton (ALL AGES)
7 July 2018 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Verge Collection Release “Feelin’ Old” Ahead of Album Shows

I’ve been feeling every one of my years of late. Aches and pains are starting to linger, busy weekends and late-night drinking sessions are taking longer to recover from. In short, “Feelin’ Old” from Perth rockers Verge Collection is striking a real chord with me!

This is such a great track, with jangly guitars and a chorus that will have you singing along in no time. It comes from Verge Collection’s new album Flaneur, set to drop on March 30. The lads will celebrate its release with their largest national tour to date. Good buddies White Blanks will be along for the ride, so make sure you arrive early to check out their set.

13 April 2018 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
14 April 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
19 April 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
20 April 2018 – OAF Factory Floor, Sydney
21 April 2018 – The Foundry, Brisbane
22 April 2018 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
27 April 2018 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
28 April 2018 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Xavier Rudd Drops New Single Ahead of Aussie Tour

Xavier Rudd is one of those musicians who can seemingly do no wrong. He releases a single or album, and you can probably feel confident you’re going to dig it. Such is the case with his latest effort “Walk Away,” the first track lifted from his forthcoming new album Storm Boy. It’s a got a little more intensity than a lot of Xavier’s material, more power and less hippie vibes, but I’m embracing the new direction.

Storm Boy isn’t released until later this year, but you can bet fans will hear more tracks from it when Xavier plays shows in capital cities around the country next month. It’s the first time in a decade he’s played such small intimate venues, so fans are in for a real treat. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

12 April 2018 – Triffid, Brisbane
13 April 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
14 April 2018 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
15 April 2018 – Reverb Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Get Ready to Fall For “Love” by The Avenue

The Avenue have me punching my fist in the air with the release of their awesome new synth-rock anthem “Love.”

This song is seriously catchy, with killer vocals from Sam Thomas and lyrics about desire that are so relatable.

“’Love’ is by far our heaviest and most punk/grunge song,” Sam explained. “It’s about the feeling of your body screaming out for a person but your mind detesting the thought of them.”

“Love” is the first track lifted from The Avenue’s sophomore EP, Names. They’re currently on the road celebrating its release. You can catch The Avenue at Ric’s Bar in Brisbane on March 3 before the big EP launch at the Evelyn Hotel in Melbourne on March 10.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR