Category: Festivals

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy Top Electronic Music Without Phones at This Never Happened

I’m probably showing my age, but phones at concerts are one of my bugbears. I don’t mind people taking photos or even recording songs with their phone cameras or using them as makeshift lighters in epic ballads, but I bristle every time I see people taking selfies, scrolling through social media, and texting while the bands play. If you’re like me and think more people should be in the moment, you’re going to love This Never Happened, a new series of phone-free electronic dance festivals.

Attendees will have their phones taped upon arrival, ensuring they can live in the moment and appreciate what’s going on around them. Organisers have assembled a line-up worthy of disconnecting including American electronic artist Le Youth, Canadian duo Sultan & Shepard, and Eora/Sydney-born DJ and producer, PARIS. If you don’t capture an event, did it even happen? We’re about to find out.

Tickets for This Never Happened are on sale right now for the following events:

14 July 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
15 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
16 July 2023 – Brightside Outdoors, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from the Untitled Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley, Django Django, and More Join Wanderer Festival

With a brand-new lineup announcement this morning, this year’s Wanderer Festival is shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Ocean Alley, Django Django, Thelma Plum, and Gomez’s Ben Ottewell and Ian Ball are among the artists just announced. They join previously revealed acts including Spiderbait, Lisa Mitchell, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and The Jungle Giants.

“I’m thrilled with how Wanderer is shaping up this year. We’re curating a really strong program consistent with what Wanderer is all about. It is diverse in every sense and includes plenty of well-known favourites as well as amazing new talent,” confirmed the festival’s organiser, Simon Daly. “We are really proud to be delivering such a world-class event in the Sapphire Coast. It is really rewarding creating something so equally loved by both the local community as well as travellers coming from all over Australia for an unforgettable experience in this stunning part of the world.”

Wanderer Festival hits Yuin Country/Pambula Beach from September 29 to October 1. Tickets range from $50 and $320 and are available now through the Wanderer Festival website.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaitlyn Thomas Releases Unapologetic New Single, “Pretty Little Thing”

I must say, I don’t quite remember Kaitlyn Thomas from this year’s Australian Idol Top 30. I think that’s a failing of the show’s rapid pace than on Kaitlyn though. I certainly won’t forget her after hearing her powerful new single “Pretty Little Thing.” This is country rock at its finest, a gutsy effort that takes its cues from Gretchen Wilson and Shania Twain.

“’Pretty Little Thing’ came about after being told I don’t fit the mould and what is typically expected as a female artist,” Kaitlyn revealed. “I wanted to write about embracing who I am and female empowerment.”

Kaitlyn cowrote the song with acclaimed duo MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis) who’ve previously penned hits for The Veronicas, Casey Barnes, and Aloe Blacc.

“Writing this song with Paynter and Delo was like a Nashville experience,” she said. “The song was written in a day, vocals laid the next and final production completed on the third day. Working with MSquared allowed me to dig deeper into who I am as an artist and really find my distinct sound that no one else is doing.”

The accompanying music video, shot by Benny Griggs at the Race Track Betting Shed, captures the fire Kaitlyn brings to the stage.

“I didn’t want to go down the storytelling road, I wanted to capture what it would look like live,” she said. “The live audience we had, had never heard the song until the day of filming.”

You can experience her live show for yourself at the following events:
3–5 November 2024 – Molesworth Music Festival, Taungurong Country/Molesworth
17–19 November 2024 – Camp for Cancer, Kulin Country/Darraweit Guim

Image source: Kaitlyn Thomas official website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tones and I Drops Fantastic New Single “I Am Free”

Tones and I may never have a hit as big as “Dance Monkey.” A song that cuts through like that all over the world is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. However, that doesn’t mean we should label Tones a one-hit-wonder. It also doesn’t mean that her best music is behind her. While “Dance Monkey,” was fun, it’s also a bit gimmicky. I much prefer more recent releases like her latest single “I Am Free.” With powerful lyrics and a soaring chorus, it’s an impressive song from this local talent.

“’I Am Free’ is a song about relationships in my life, that have ended,” Tones shared. “It’s about self-reflecting on those relationships, acknowledging that I still carry parts of them with me and taking my share of responsibility for what happened. I wrote the song, composed it, co-produced it and recorded it with my choir and an orchestra. I also wrote and co-directed the film clip and wanted it to be powerful, joyful and anthemic.”

Tones and I is supporting Macklemore on his UK and European headline tour. If you’re abroad, you can catch them both at the following international shows. Tones will also come back for a couple of local festivals before heading back to Europe for more festivals there.

21 April 2023 – Lanxess Arena, Cologne
22 April 2023 – Verti Music Hall, Berlin
24 April 2023 – Zenith, Munich
25 April 2023 – Stadthalle Offenbach, Offenbach AM Main
27 April 2023 – Edel-Optics.DE Arena, Hamburg-Mitte
29 April 2023 – Warsaw Expo XXI, Warsaw
30 April 2023 – Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna
2 May 2023 – The Hall, Dubendorf
3 & 4 May 2023 – Alcatraz, Milan
7 May 2023 – Vega, Kobenhavn
9 May 2023 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo
20 May 2023 – Bassinthegrass, Larrakia Country/Darwin
27 May 2023 – Tropic Sounds 2023, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
20 July 2023 – Das Fest 2023, Karlsruhe
23 July 2023 – Deichbrand Festival 2023, Cuxhaven
11 August 2023 – Stars in Town 2023, Schaffhausen

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Celebrate Five Years of “Chiaroscuro” With Vinyl Release

How has it been five years since Ocean Alley released their breakthrough album Chiaroscuro? I have no idea, but hearing the news that they’re releasing an exclusive vinyl repress and some time capsule merch inspired me to give it another listen. Hearing it again, I still can’t believe it’s been five years. This album still sounds so fresh!

If you want one of the new vinyls, you’ll need to be quick. There are just 1000 copies of the pink and purple marble vinyl with bonus slipmat. On April 22, to coincide with Australian Record Store Day, the band will drop 1000 of the transparent orange vinyl. Both variants include a special edition postcard insert and inscription on the packaging and vinyl.

Featuring the massive single “Confidence,” which topped the Triple J Hottest 100, and “Knees” and “Happy Sad,” Chiaroscuro went gold and helped Ocean Alley play shows in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, and North America. Speaking of shows, they’re playing Groovin’ The Moo and BASSINTHEGRASS in the coming months before heading back to North America. Here are all the dates you need:

21 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Adelaide Showground, Kaurna Country/Wayville
22 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Maitland Showground, Minderibba/Maitland
23 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
29 April 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Country/Bendigo
30 April 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Kawana Sports Western Precinct, Kabi Kabi Country/Warana
6 May 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Hay Park, Noongar Country/Bunbury
20 May 2023 – BASSINTHEGRASS @ Mindil Beach, Larrakia Country/Darwin
11 August 2023 – Antone’s Nightclub, Austin
12 August 2023 – Granada Theater, Dallas
14 August 2023 – Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville
15 August 2023 – Variety Playhouse, Atlanta
16 August 2023 – The Beacham, Orlando
18 August 2023 – The Underground, Charlotte
19 August 2023 – The Fillmore, Silver Spring
20 August 2023 – Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
22 August 2023 – Webster Hall, New York
23 August 2023 – Royale, Boston
25 August 2023 – Corona Theatre, Montreal
26 August 2023 – The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
27 August 2023 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
29 August 2023 – Gothic Theatre, Englewood
30 August 2023 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City
1 September 2023 – Malkin Bowl, Chinatown de Vancouver
5 September 2023 – August Hall, San Francisco
7 September 2023 – The Observatory North Park, San Diego
8 September 2023 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; credit: The Sauce

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meatstock Expands Events for 2023

If you love meat, country music, and a whole lot of fun, you’re going to want a ticket to Meatstock. Fresh from a sell-out event in Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba last year, Meatstock is expanding with Naarm/Melbourne and Eora/Sydney dates complementing the original.

The musical lineup varies in each city, but includes talents like Casey Barnes, Kingswood, Brad Cox, and Grinspoon. You won’t leave hungry, with plenty of BBQ pitmasters and food trucks on hand. As if that wasn’t enough, there’ll also be professional bull-riding and strong man and woman competitions.

Each event has day and weekend passes available. Queenslanders can also stay on site with camping and RV options. Tickets are on sale now but selling fast, so get onto it!

18-19 March 2023 – Melbourne Showgrounds, Naarm/Melbourne
14-15 April 2023 – Toowoomba Showgrounds, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
5-7 May 2023 – Sydney Showgrounds @ Olympic Park, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from UMM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boy & Bear, The Waifs, and Busby Marou Play Port Mac’s Charity Festival

Top Aussie acts Boy & Bear, The Waifs, and Busby Marou will hit Port Macquarie in April for Ride the Soundwave, a music festival that aims to do good in the local community. The brainchild of local charity Make a Difference, ticket sales will benefit homeless and disadvantaged people in the Hastings region of New South Wales’ Mid-North Coast.

Ride the Soundwave is part of Port’s Ride the Wave Festival, which also features surfing and skate competitions, markets, and a family fun zone.

“So far, the surf and skate events have really taken off and are fully subscribed each year, so they’re here to stay. It’s the music event that needs more support, so we’re hoping people who love live music will get behind us and make the event a success so that it can become an annual fixture on the Port Macquarie calendar,” explained Make a Difference committee member and local school teacher Erin Denham. “We need to sell all of our tickets for this to happen – with 100% of all money raised going back to Make a Difference, and helping those in need. It’s a win win – festival goers will get to enjoy an awesome line-up in a spectacular setting for a great price, all while feeling great that they’ve in essence made a charity donation to help those in need.”

Ride the Soundwave will hit the picturesque Port Macquarie Town Beach Reserve on April 29. Tickets cost just $90. It’s not a lot of money for all this talent, but it’ll make a big difference to locals in need. Get yours now from Ticketebo.

Image used with permission from Cardinal Spin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out to The Velvet Club’s “Thinking Straight”

Naarm/Melbourne rock outfit The Velvet Club have got my toes tapping with their latest single “Thinking Straight.” This is a straight-up banger with totally relatable lyrics about escaping chaotic thoughts. Hot tip, turning a track like this up and just enjoying the music is the perfect way to get your head right!

“Lyrically, ‘Thinking Straight’ is about getting stuck in your own head and doubting yourself but at the same time recognising that you’re in your head and taking five to relax and reset,” explained lead singer AJ. “It’s just about recognising that at times things get overwhelming and to accept that and find ways to relax and get back on track when it happens instead of dwelling in it and trying to avoid it.”

The Velvet Club have been impressing crowds recently opening up for Ra Ra Viper. They’ve got just three shows for that tour left, plus some other gigs in the coming months. Here are all the places you can see them:

1 December 2022 – Liberty Alive, Boorloo/Perth (supporting South Summit)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (ALL AGES supporting Ra Ra Viper)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
4 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
18 February 2023 – Now & Again Festival @ Werribee Park, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tim Lambert

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gareth Leach Releases Bold New Single “Habitual Line Stepper”

If you love your country with some grit, check out Gareth Leach’s new track “Habitual Line Stepper.” We’re all familiar with heavy rock and heavy metal; this single introduces you to a new genre: heavy country. It’s a hard-hitting song about toxic relationships that puts its foot on the throttle and stays the course.

The music video gives you an insight into what it’s like seeing Gareth live. It also features great rodeo footage captured when Glen and his band played the Bendigo M5 Pro Rodeo.

“Habitual Line Stepper” is the third track lifted from Gareth Leach and the Narratives of Hope’s third album, scheduled for released next year. In the lead-up, Gareth has booked plenty of festival performances. Catch him at the following events:

18 & 19 November 2022 – Sale Country Music Festival @ Sale Racecourse, Wayput/Sale
4 & 5 March 2023 – Country by the Bay @ Frankston Foreshore, Bunurong Country/Frankston
1 & 2 April 2023 – Goulburn Country Music Festival, Kanny-goopna/Shepparton

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Northeast Party House and Thundamentals Headline Brisbane’s Let the Music Play

In case you hadn’t heard, big events are back! Among them is Let the Music Play, the largest ticketed single-day festival in the history of the Fortitude Valley. It makes its triumphant return to Brisbane’s entertainment precinct this August.

Such a massive event needs a massive lineup and Let the Music Play doesn’t disappoint. Think Northeast Party House, Thundamentals, Wafia, Jesswar, Mash’d N Kutcher encouraging you to get on the beers, and heaps more. You’re also going to love Warner Street’s makeover as Unicorn Alley, an inclusive new space helmed by DJ and Fluffy promoter Harry K. Think drag queens, street performers, a whole lot of colour, and some fabulous disco tunes.

“We are proud to be able to announce the return of Let The Music Play,” confirmed Mark Gibbons, the event’s co-curator and head of programming at the Fortitude Music Hall. “After a critical few years for the live music industry, it is our duty to continue to support the Fortitude Valley, Brisbane live music venues, and the creative arts. This event honours past and present partygoers that frequent our creative spaces and show collective resolve against whatever the next obstacles thrown at us are – be it fire, flood, plague.”

Let the Music Play is so big that it’s going to take four venues to handle the stacked lineup. Catch it from 3 pm on August 13 at the Fortitude Music Hall, The Zoo, Brightside Outdoors, and Warner Street. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster now.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR