Category: Festivals

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderer Festival Returning This October

Mark it on your calendars – after a hiatus in 2024, Wanderer Festival is heading back to Thaua Country/Pambula Beach on October 4 and 5. It’s a long weekend in New South Wales, so it’s the perfect time to take in sets from some of the finest local and international musicians.

The first lineup announcement happens next month, but previous festivals have showcased the talents of Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts, Thelma Plum, DMAs, and The Teskey Brothers, so you know the more than 50 musicians set to play will be top-notch.

“Events have a tremendous ability to inspire, uplift and connect people in a way that is so vital,” said festival organiser, Simon Daly. “I love that anyone can come to Wanderer and feel like it’s for them – no matter how old, young or where you’re from – the atmosphere and experience transcends everything.”

The cost of living may be climbing, but organisers are doing everything they can to make this festival accessible for as many music lovers as possible. Tickets will cost the same as they did in 2023. Get yours from the Wanderer festival website next month.

Photo credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods, Meg Mac, and More Headline BASSINTHEGRASS

The festival season might be winding down around most of the country, but in Garamilla/Darwin it’s just getting started. BASSINTHEGRASS, the Northern Territory’s largest and longest-running music festival with celebrate 22 years with a massive event on May 17. Hilltop Hoods, Meg Mac, The Jungle Giants, The Dreggs, Cyril, 3%, and more will all entertain the crowds at this year’s festival.

“We haven’t been to Darwin for three years and our whole team are excited and looking forward to performing at BASSINTHEGRASS with such a great line-up,” Debris from Hilltop Hoods said. “The festival is one of our favourite places to play.”

“Being a Darwin local, it’s a dream come true to come back home and play at BASSINTHEGRASS!” added Cyril. “It’s such an incredible festival that brings some of the world’s best talent to the Northern Territory and I can’t wait”.

This all-ages festival will become a bit more family-friendly this year with the addition of BASS Camp. This exclusive space promises plenty of fun kids activities including a silent disco, face painting, and a glitter station.

If you were looking for an excuse for a mid-year getaway, this is it. BASSINTHEGRASS hits Mindil Beach on May 17. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

Image used with permission from Access PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howlin Country Music Festival Making Debut Next Month

The Tamworth Country Music Festival may be Australia’s most well-known celebration of country music, but it’s far from the nation’s only country event attracting big-name talent. Mulubinba/Newcastle will keep the party going with its Howlin Country Music Festival next month.

The event features American country stars Tyler Childers, S.G. Goodman, and Willi Carlisle alongside local talents Brad Cox, Sons of the East, and Austin Mackay, plus heaps more. The two-stage setup will keep the tunes pumping. Everyone’s welcome, with organisers promising a family-friendly day out that country-music loving adults and kids can enjoy.

“City of Newcastle is a strong supporter of live music and committed to attracting and hosting major events,” said Alissa Jones, City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Creative & Community Services. “We’re proud to support events that contribute to a varied and diverse event calendar for Newcastle, generating economic activity for local businesses while utilising the wonderful assets our city has to offer, such as Foreshore Park.”

Howlin Country Music Festival hits Newcastle Foreshore on February 15. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Gyrostream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Top Female Talent Turn Out for First ROAR FEST

Some of Australia’s best and brightest female talents are coming out to celebrate International Women’s Day with two massive days of events in Boonwurrung Country/St Kilda on the Labour Day long weekend. Event ambassadors Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko, and Ella Hooper are among the talents taking part in ROAR FEST Celebrating Women in Music which aims to see “more women on and off the stage”.

“It has always been my intention as an artist, to carve a path for other women to walk,” Kate explained. “This festival is a way for women in music to share our songs, discuss the work behind the music, share wisdom and stories of touring and performing. On the bill are friends, family and musicians who I admire and love”

“There’s been a lot of talk but not a lot of action to address the lack of women on festivals. This festival IS the action!” Ella enthused. “It also celebrates several eras, genres and generations, making it unique in its appeal. You can come with your girls, your mum or your aunties, and your brothers and uncles! All are welcome. The fact its women led behind the scenes is unique and very rare. Not to mention female crew and industry workers manning the sound and lights. ROAR is walking the talk!”

The highlights will be two big concerts at the end of each day. On Saturday March 8, ROAR FEST presents Women on the Bay at George Lane. This concert focuses on emerging artists and has a ripper bill featuring Kathleen Halloran, Charlie Needs Braces, Ruby Mae, Charlie Lane, and Wild Gloriosa. On March 9, the event concludes with the headlining concert at the National Theatre hosted by Ella Hooper with performances from Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko, WILSN, Gabriella Cilmi, and Gypsy Lee.

ROAR FEST will also feature a panel discussion event with the event ambassadors, Women in Music photo exhibition, Inaugural Women in Music St Kilda guided walking tours, live and local showcases and buskers, and heaps more.

Head to the ROAR FEST website for all the details of this exciting celebration of women in music.

Photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ISHAN Releases Tender Track “A Song For My Brother”

ISHAN initially won me over with fun acoustic pop ditties like “My Mouth (la la la)” and “Supernova.” He’s switched gears with his latest single, “A Song For My Brother.” It’s still got the acoustic core I love, but it’s much more sombre than his previous efforts. You might want to reach for the tissues before you press play.

“‘The song is not actually about my brother, but someone else I love very much,” ISHAN explained. “For years I’d watched his sense of self-worth and excitement for life eroded by so-called friends who’d take advantage of his kindness and ability to always see the best in others.”

ISHAN’s been incredibly busy lately playing the All About Music conference in India and showcases at BIGSOUND here at home. But he’s definitely not done gigging this year. Catch him at the following shows in the coming months.

27 September 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting GO-JO)
12 October 2024 – One Tropical Day @ Darwin Ski Club, Larrakia Country/Bundilla Beach
19 October 2024 – Big Pineapple Festival @ Pineapple Fields, Kabi Kabi Country/Woombye
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – NYE on the Hill, Kurnai Country/South Gippsland

Photo credit: Nick McKinlay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Chainsmokers, Alesso, and More Headlining Palm Tree Music Festival

The weather warming up is a good reminder that sunshine’s just around the corner. And you know what that means. It’s time to start thinking about summer festivals. Before your social calendar gets crowded, I suggest locking in the Palm Tree Music Festival, which will make stops in the East Coast capitals this December. This year’s event is going to be epic, with The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Gryffin, Austin Millz, Daya, and Darley headlining. That lineup is already stacked, but there’ll be more announcements before these shows.

Alesso said “Can’t express how excited I am to come back to one of my favorite countries in the world. Every time I get invited back, it’s always a highlight of the year. Aussie crowds are no question one of the best and craziest crowds. I love audiences that aren’t shy to show their enthusiasm and ready to have a good time, plus, one of the funniest people I know is from Australia, and the seafood is awesome!”

“I’m so excited to play the Palm Tree Fest!! It’ll be my first time ever performing in Australia and to do it alongside so many old friends will be a dream,” added Daya. If she doesn’t get up and play “Don’t Let Me Down” during The Chainsmokers set, it’ll be a missed opportunity.

The first Palm Tree Music Festival went off last year, and you can almost guarantee organisers will take things up a notch this year. Get your tickets now before they sell out.

6 December 2024 – Sydney Showground, Eora/Sydney
7 December 2024 – Sandstone Point Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 December 2024 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forest Claudette Gives Me Chills With “Gold”

Fresh from shows abroad for SXSW, Forest Claudette recently dropped their dreamy new single, “Gold.” It’s a cooler-than-cool R&B track with a groove that just won’t quit. If you love Lenny Kravitz and D’Angelo, I know this will be your vibe. It comes from Forest’s soon-to-be-released EP Jupiter, which is slated for release on May 3.

“‘Gold’ is a song that was revealed to me sometime after I wrote it,” Forest explained. “I’m sure I was partly thinking about ‘success’. What it looks like and what sacrifices are made to obtain it and what the ramifications of that are. But in the context of Jupiter I see it so differently. Now the song is about growing, shedding skin and evolving. Letting go of the fear I had of making this project. Paying respect to the weight I have been given, the burdens of life. And the sense that that feeling is invaluable.”

Forest has a few more shows abroad after the EP’s release before they return to home soil.
7 May 2024 – Gold Diggers, Los Angeles
10 May 2024 – Union Pool, Brooklyn
15 May 2024 – Ideal Bar @ Vega, Copenhagen
23 May 2024 – The Grace, London
30 May 2024 – Vivid Sydney @ Tumbalong Park, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
20 June 2024 – What’s Golden, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Lissyelle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flight Path Theatre Hosts Theatre and Bands for Broke Down Music Box

For nine days this month, the Flight Path Theatre in Bulanaming/Marrickville will host an arts festival with a difference. Each night of Broke Down Music Box, which runs from March 21 to 30, will see a performance of “Cowboy Mouth”, a one-act play from Sam Shepard and punk trailblazer Patti Smith, followed by live music from some of the area’s best independent bands.

“Cowboy Mouth” is an urban fable about a woman who kidnaps a young man at gunpoint to make him a pop prophet, “like a rock-and-roll Jesus with a cowboy mouth.” Critics have described it as “a sizzling, surrealistic 70 minutes”, and “weird, wild, and rather wonderful.” Directed by Anna Houston, Natassa Zoe and Austin Hayden star in the production. Then each show will close out with one of the following acts.
21 March 2024 – Dande and The Lion (Preview)
22 March 2024 – Dande and The Lion (Opening Night)
23 March 2024 – Day Release
24 March 2024 – The Bernies
26 March 2024 – Georgie Jones
27 March 2024 – Locked in Lummo
28 March 2024 – The Polymics
29 March 2024 – Dear Scarlett
30 March 2024 – Elysae

Flight Path Theatre is at Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Bulanaming/Marrickville. Tickets for the Broke Down Music Box events are on sale now from the theatre’s website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Bad Dad Orchestra Rock Out With “Makin’ Me Wild”

The Bad Dad Orchestra have just dropped “Makin’ Me Wild,” the title track from their forthcoming debut studio album, and it’s an absolute banger. Its driving guitars and drums give it a classic rock feel, but then there are those horns and lush backing vocals adding a sprinkling of soul.

Talking about the track, which is a tribute to their late founding member Liam Guthrie Pennicott, frontman Jimi Steele says “A lone wolf’s judgement can be shifted by the pack, sometimes in a good way, but likewise contribute to poor decisions. A sudden whim of wildness and you’ve turned into one of the bunch. We need to sometimes call on our primal instincts, or be tamed. The Wolfpack will undoubtedly decide if it’s let off the leash to run wild.”

You won’t have to wait too long for more new material from these guys, as the Making’ Me Wild album is slated for release later this month. Expect to hear a few more new tracks and old favourite when the Bad Dad Orchestra plays the following shows.

24 February 2024 – Love It Music Festival, Kanamuluka Country/Sassafras
2 March 2024 – Spoke Music Festival, Paredarerme Country/Swansea
3 March 2024 – Shearwater Resort, Tommeginne/Shearwater (supporting Rose Tattoo)
16 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
22 March 2024 – Valentino Safe Company, Woiwurrung Country/Lilydale
20 April 2024 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
4 May 2024 – Paragon Theatre, Timkarik/Queenstown
19 May 2024 – Blues On Broadbeach, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
1 June 2024 – The Pier/Island State Brewing, Punnilerpanner and Pirinilapl Country/Ulverstone
12 July 2024 – Willlie Smith’s Mid-Winter Fest, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Grove
22-25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Animals Headline Massive Wanstock Festival

If old time rock and roll is the kind of music that soothes your soul, make sure you get out to this year’s Wanstock. The 2024 promises to be the event’s biggest yet, with internationally acclaimed headliners The Animals playing their final show in the city. Dragon, Ted Mulry Gang, Standing Room Only, Strait Shooters, and Day Dreamers will also take the stage.

“I grew up in that awesome Aussie pub rock era of the 1980s and 90s,” explained event organiser Geoff Wansbrough. “Every pub had bands and the cream rose to the top and we gave the world some great acts. As such, I used to see a lot of bands back in the day, and I still do. Wanstock came about when I was having a birthday a few years ago. I thought I would have a favorite band play. Then I thought: why not have a few of my favorite bands. That, plus the fact that I was a big admirer of the original Woodstock Music Festival, is really how it came about. Each year, I try and make it bigger and better. Now, it consists of a few components: to have two or three of the classic acts from back in the day, to give a some of the emerging talent a chance to play, and to have a cover band playing all our favorites to get everyone partying and dancing. Basically, I put it on to support our local music talent and so we can have a bit of fun while we still can. And this year is really something special with the legendary Animals playing their last ever show in Melbourne.”

Wanstock hits Shoppingtown Hotel in Wurundjeri Country/Doncaster on March 2. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR