Category: International Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Summit Announce Album Tour

South Summit are one of the coolest bands out of Boorloo/Perth, and that’s saying something. They just released their long-awaited debut album The Bliss, and they’re preparing to take their music around Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia next year.

I encourage you to dive into the album, but if you’re short on time make sure you check out the band’s incredible version of “Roxanne” recording for Triple J’s Like a Version. A band as iconic as The Police set the bar so high, but these guys weren’t afraid of the challenge. It might be that new sound energy talking, but I think this fresh take might even be better than the original.

South Summit are psyched to hit the road with their new material, noting “We’re super looking forward to our AUS/NZ Album Tour next February/March! These are by far the biggest headline shows we’ve ever played, and we can’t wait to get out there and see everyone again. These shows feel a little extra special though, it’s been a while since we’ve toured the whole country, and showcasing our debut album is something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. We’ve got a brand new live show for you guys, and plenty more treats for ya! See you guys on the road.”

Before that happens, this hardworking band also have plenty of summer festival appearances. Tickets are on sale now for all these shows:

22 November 2024 – The Push AA Tour @ Maydale Pavillion, Wopetbungundilar/Horsham (with The Rions + Jem Cassar-Daley)
24 November 2024 – Live at the Gardens @ Royal Botanic Gardens, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Tash Sultana)
7 December 2024 – Rolling Sets Festival @ The Entrance Memorial Park, Darkinjung Country/The Entrance
14 December 2024 – Changing Tides Festival @ Kiama Showgrounds, Kiaram-a/Kiama
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – Great Escape Festival @ Redbanks, Larapuna/Nugent
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – NYE on the Hill @ The Farm, Brataualung Country/Loch Valley
4-5 January 2025 – Good Gumnuts Festival @ Agriplex, Pataway/Burnie
14 February 2025 – San Fran, Wellington
15 February 2025 – Double Whammy, Auckland
16 February 2025 – Loons, Christchurch
21 February 2025 – Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 February 2025 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
23 February 2025 – Over The Ditch Festival @ The Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 February 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
1 March 2025 – Jive Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
8 March 2025 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
14-17 May 2025 – The Great Escape Festival, Brighton

Photo credit: Cedric Tang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Swell” – Salt Tree

Folk duo Salt Tree are easing me into the weekend with their gorgeous new EP Swell. This collection of songs transports you to Tom and Nath’s hometown of Wooditup/Margaret River, a picturesque coastal town where the ocean meets the forests, or as the band’s name suggests, where the salt meets the trees.

Salt Tree take total control of their music, writing, recording, producing, and mixing it in a bedroom studio. Their hearts shine through beautiful acoustic arrangements that showcase their lyrics and artistry. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but if you love gentle acoustic guitar melodies, two-part vocal harmonies, and uplifting songs, Swell will be everything you’re looking for.

Opening track “Take My Hand” encourages you to step into Salt Tree’s musical world. “I’ll Be Here” reassures you that you’ve made the right choice. Its foot-stomping vibe reminds me of acts like Mumford & Sons and our own Pierce Brothers. The duo keeps that energy up with “We Were Young,” a nostalgic number that reminisces about the simplicity of childhood. The natural imagery of “Follow Me in the Ocean” is so compelling. From the water to the land, Salt Tree’s “Garden” sees the pair at their most romantic. This is a gorgeous song about budding love which resists the cliches. Salt Tree close out their EP on an optimistic note with “Dreaming Of a Future.” It’s a powerful reminder that even though the seas might get rocky, there’s always hope.

After visiting Wooditup/Margaret River, I told everyone who would listen that they needed to go. Listening to Swell, I’m taking back to that space that helped me unwind from the pace of my daily grind. I still maintain you should visit Wooditup/Margaret River if you can, but until you can book the trip, listening to Salt Tree’s beautiful folk EP is the next best thing. Salt Tree kick off their European tour in Germany tonight, so many sure you get out and support them if you can snap up some of the limited remaining tickets.

8 November 2024 – Jaki, Cologne (SOLD OUT)
9 November 2024 – Ponyhof, Frankfurt (SOLD OUT)
11 November 2024 – Milla, Munich (SOLD OUT)
12 November 2024 – Werkstatthaus, Stuttgart (SOLD OUT)
13 November 2024 – Exil, Zurich
14 November 2024 – ISC, Bern
16 November 2024 – B72, Vienna (SOLD OUT)
17 November 2024 – Lark, Berlin
18 November 2024 – Hebebühne, Hamburg (SOLD OUT)
19 November 2024 – Tolhuistuin Zonzij, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT)
21 November 2024 – The Waiting Room, London (SOLD OUT)
22 November 2024 – Lock 91, Manchester
23 November 2024 – Academy 2, Dublin
26 November 2024 – Club Sauvage, Barcelona
27 November 2024 – Moby Dick Club, Madrid
4 December 2024 – Bar Brooklyn, Stockholm

Images used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ziggy Alberts Releases Acoustic Charmer, “Where Does the Love Go?”

Ziggy Alberts has thoroughly charmed me with his gorgeous new single “Where Does the Love Go?” I’m not sure whether I love its laidback acoustic vibes or insightful lyrics that ruminate on the importance of self-love more!

“It’s a song I wrote about wondering where does the love go, when it’s not us? It’s a question I was asking myself when I was feeling a lack of self-love,” Ziggy explained. “Now that I’ve thought about it more, I think love disappears unless we embody it. And it is the responsibility of humanity, wherever possible, to keep it alive.”

“Where Does the Love Go?” comes bundled with a couple more tracks from Ziggy’s forthcoming album New Love, which drops on February 21. Listening to them all has definitely made me anticipate this release. Ziggy has a few shows coming up in Japan, but hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s playing shows for local audiences. If you’re in Japan, here are all the details.

26 October 2024 – Overview Coffee Ichinomiya, Chiba (FREE)
30 October 2024 – Nagoya Shangri-La, Nagoya (SOLD OUT)
31 October 2024 – Shibuya Club Quattro, Shibuya City (supporting Donavon Frankenreiter)
1 November 2024 – Umeda Shangri-La, Osaka (SOLD OUT – supporting Donavon Frankenreiter)

Photo credit: Janneke Storm

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly Release Rock Banger “Forgiving Spree”

Naarm/Melbourne outfit Slowly Slowly have knocked it out of the park with their fantastic new single “Forgiving Spree.” It’s such a great rock tune with fabulous lyrics and a catchy AF chorus that should have you singing along and punching the air soon enough. It’s such an earworm, I must have listened to it at least five times straight and I’m definitely preparing for round six.

“Forgiving Spree” is the title track from Slowly Slowly’s forthcoming fifth album, which drops on January 24. “‘Forgiving Spree’ was written at the end of the writing period for the album,” explained the band’s frontman and songwriter Ben Stewart. “It’s a song about moving on, real deep lasting change, and the act of forgiveness as a tool to achieve it. It is also a reminder that forgiveness can be a tool used to move forward, let go, grow, and not look back.”

Slowly Slowly have bundled “Forgiving Spree” with a couple of other album tracks on the streaming services, so make sure you give those a listen too. They’ve certainly got me anticipating this release!

Fresh from European and UK shows supporting Stand Atlantic, Slowly Slowly have announced a stack more. Aussie dates are a little light on, but watch this space and I’m sure they’ll announce some more local gigs soon enough.

2 December 2024 – SWG3 Warehouse, Glasgow (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
3 December 2024 – Gorilla, Manchester (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
4 December 2024 – O2 Academy, Liverpool (supporting Crawlers)
6 December 2024 – O2 Institute 2, Birmingham (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
7 December 2024 – The Dome, London (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
6-9 February 2025 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Lutruwita/Tasmania
9 March 2025 – Limestone Coast Beer & BBQ Festival, Bungandidj Country/Mount Gambier
14 March 2025 – Academy 2, Dublin
16 March 2025 – Cat House, Glasgow
18 March 2025 – Key Club, Leeds
19 March 2025 – Deaf Institute, Manchester
20 March 2025 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
22 March 2025 – Camden Assembly, London
24 March 2025 – AB Club, Brussels
26 March 2025 – Supersonic, Paris (FREE)
27 March 2025 – Rotown, Rotterdam
29 March 2025 – Artheatre, Cologne
30 March 2025 – Badehaus, Berlin

Photo credit: Kane Hibberd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Stingray Announce Aussie Shows to Support Second Album, “For the Dreams”

It’s taken some time, but King Stingray have finally given us a love song. “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” comes from the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album, For the Dreams. Like the other songs on that album, and indeed the album before, “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” is a joyous track that celebrates life.

“Nothing’s changed in the sense that we’re still who we are, we’re still playing music and enjoying things. But what I think is different about this one is there’s a little bit more lived experience,” the band explained. “We wanted a lot of singalong moments … We were thinking a little bit more about getting everyone in on the party.”

I definitely found myself singing along to this track by the end, so I’d say job done! King Stingray’s new album For the Dreams drops on November 8. You can preorder it now from various retailers by clicking this link. The band have got some American shows with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard coming up, but Aussies won’t need to wait too long to see them. They’ll play their biggest local shows to date in March. The pre-sale kicks off on Thursday, the same day the band will release “Light Up the Path,” another track from the album. Exciting times for King Stingray fans ahead! Whether you’re in the States or here in Oz, here are all the dates you need:

2 November 2024 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
9 November 2024 – Arizona Finance Theatre, Phoenix (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
15 November 2024 – Germania Insurance Amphitheatre, Austin (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
16 November 2024 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
19 November 2024 – Fox Theatre, Atlanta (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
20 November 2024 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 November 2024 – Factory Town, Miami (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 March 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney
22 March 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 March 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
29 March 2025 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
4 April 2025 – Freo Arts Centre (South Lawn), Walyalup/Fremantle

Photo credit: Sam Brumby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RedHook Releases Monster Single With Holding Absence Ahead of Overseas Shows

Eora/Sydney alt-rock act RedHook has teamed up with the UK’s Holding Absence for a massive new single “Dr. Frankenstein.” If you’ve ever found yourself in a toxic love story that has you questioning everything, I know listening to this one’s going to be cathartic.

“‘Dr. Frankenstein’ tells the story of a fairytale romance that rapidly devolves into a nightmare as one partner displays increasingly more possessive and controlling behaviour. But the bridge then hits us with a plot twist by suggesting that this emotional abuse may have spawned from the other partner being dishonest and unfaithful, thus posing several questions for us to consider: who is the real monster in this situation? Does making mistakes and hurting each other (emotionally) make us monsters? Or does it make us human?,” mused RedHook frontwoman Emmy Mack. “Ultimately, this song is about me owning my shit and taking accountability for my role in a past relationship that became toxic as all hell. During the breakup, I was guilty of privately indulging that kind of ‘victim’ mentality, but now that I’m a bit older and wiser, I feel like it’s important to take responsibility for the mistakes that I made too.”

“Holding Absence are one of our favourite bands in the world right now, and Lucas [Woodland]’s vocal talents are unparalleled,” she enthused. “I wrote this song with a male feature in mind, and Lucas was #1 on the list! We cheered so hard when he said he loved the song and was keen to jump on board!”

Lucas added, “I’m super hyped to be featured on this song! I knew from the moment I heard it that I had to get involved. ‘Dr. Frankenstein’ is a total rager with hooks galore, and RedHook are a great band. I can’t wait for people to hear it!”

This is the latest track released from RedHook’s forthcoming album Mutation, which drops on November 22. The band will head to the United Kingdom and Europe next month to support Welsh band Dream State. If you’re attending one of these shows, make sure you arrive early enough for their set!

26 October 2024 – Clwb for Bach, Cardiff
27 October 2024 – The Hairy Dog, Derby
29 October 2024 – The Key Club, Leeds
30 October 2024 – The Garage, London
31 October 2024 – Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth
2 November 2024 – Core Fest @ Im Wizemann, Stuttgart
3 November 2024 – AB Club, Brussels
4 November 2024 – Tsunami Club, Cologne
5 November 2024 – Dynamo, Eindhoven
6 November 2024 – De Helling, Utrecht
7 November 2024 – Headcrash, Hamburg
9 November 2024 – GLAZART, Paris
10 November 2024 – GLAZART, Paris

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melody Pool on Tour to Promote “Changing” Single

If the working week has ground you down, you’ve got to press play on Melody Pool’s gorgeous new single “Changing.” Listening to this uplifting folk track and its beautiful lyrics about evolution and growth, I instantly felt lighter.

Melody said the song “is really mostly about accepting that the only constant in life is change. ‘Changing’, to me, is about finding a way to make the heavy stuff worth it, allowing it to change you. And allowing the darkest parts of yourself their time in the light so you can hear their needs and shift them into a healthier space in your life.”

Melody embraced old-school techniques, recording “Changing” live as a band, to tape, with no isolation.

“The process seems to make everyone a little more on edge, which ups everyone’s game,” she enthused. “It’s a special thing to rely on each other throughout a take when you are all in the same room, but it helps you lean into everyone’s energy and I believe that’s where the magic happens.”

Fans living abroad can expect a little more of that magic when Melody kicks off a string of shows in Germany and England today. But don’t worry Aussie fans. She’ll be back with some local shows in Setepmber and October as she works towards the release of her third studio album.

23 August 2024 – Klein Klang Festival, Eisenach
24 August 2024 – Folk Im Viertel Festival, Osnabrück
30 August 2024 – Wohnzimmer Live I’m Piepenstock, Dortmund
1 September 2024 – Litfass, Bremen
3 September 2024 – Tonfink, Lübeck
4 September 2024 – MALT, London
6 September 2024 – Zur Scharfen Ecke, Sande
7 September 2024 – Filou Die Kneipe, Steinhude
25 September 2024 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
27 September 2024 – The York Festival, Ballardong Nyoongar Country/York
9 October 2024 – Jazzlab, Naarm/Melbourne
11 October 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 October 2024 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
25-27 October 2024 – Nimbin Roots Festival, Whiyabul Country/Nimbin

Photo credit: Madeleine Becker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Gallant Touring UK & Europe With “Devious” Single

British-born, Queensland-based singer-songwriter Lucy Gallant has just dropped her sultry new single “Devious.” It’s a cool, genre-blending track with elements of soul, pop, and trip-hop that explores the addictive nature of the wrong relationships that can feel oh so right.

“In recent years, I’ve navigated through profound losses and experiences that have deeply shaped my music. My new sound reflects how I’ve channeled these experiences into my songwriting,” Lucy explained. “Stepping into my own power, I’ve discovered a reservoir of confidence. Embracing the strength of my womanhood, I’ve conquered past fears. Now, I’m ready to declare to the world: here I am, crank up the volume and listen closely to my lyrics—I have a lot to say, and I’m not afraid to say it.”

Lucy is currently playing shows in the United Kingdom and Europe for the first time in four years. The intimate venues and festivals she’s playing provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with her fans abroad. Don’t worry Australia; she won’t be gone for too long. We’ll see her back on her adopted home soil by November. Here are all Lucy’s announced dates.

1 August 2024 – Market House, Maidstone
3 August 2024 – House concert, North Norfolk District
16 August 2024 – Café Kultus, Grevenbroich
17 August 2024 – House concert, Osnabruck
25 August 2024 – House concert, Devon
28 August 2024 – Alte Utting, Munich
4 September 2024 – The Green Man Inn, Charroux
8 September 2024 – Musettes Festival, Pyla Sur Mer (FREE)
21 September 2024 – Briston Pavilion, Norfolk (Entry by donation)
22 September 2024 – The Flying Circus, Newark Upon Trent
27 September 2024 – Holmfirth Tavern, Holmfirth
28 September 2024 – House concert, Halesowen
16 November 2024 – Seven Sisters Festival, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Country/Glenaroua

Image used with permission from Lucy Gallant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Art of Getting Through” – Imogen Clark

After wowing me with singles like “All Hard Feelings” and “If I Want In,” Imogen Clark raised my expectations for her latest album The Art of Getting Through. Those singles were so well-written, with insightful lyrics and impeccable melodies. Happily, the release of the album shows they were no fluke.

This album sounds so polished, but we’d expect nothing else of a collection of songs recorded in the legendary Abbey Road studios in London, Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix in Nashville, and EastWest Studios in Los Angeles, where the Beach Boys recorded Pet Sounds and Michael Jackson recorded Thriller. But it doesn’t matter how acclaimed the studios are if you don’t have the goods. Imogen does. Her songs unfold like diary entries, revealing her distrust of men in “Natural Predator,” her battles with an eating disorder in “Silhouette,” and her struggles and strength in “The Last of Me.” They’re big topics. Imogen is an artist with plenty to say, and listening to her catchy melodies and rich voice, you want to hear it.

“These songs are about the messiness of life, the layers of injury and hurt that build resilience and how you never really get a clean slate or a fresh start,” Imogen explained. “There is no starting over, there is only getting through.”

Most of the tracks on The Art of Getting Through sit in the pop-rock space. It’s a place where Imogen excels. These songs feel classic on the first listen. Not just the singles, but every track feels radio-ready. She could have sat in that space for the whole album and I don’t think anyone would complain, but she shows us we shouldn’t pigeonhole her music with the devastating closer, “If Your Heart Never Breaks.” It feels like a standard, beautiful, and cinematic, with hints of jazz. Can Imogen do it all? Quite possibly.

With the release of The Art of Getting Through, Imogen shows she’s blossoming into one of our best artists. Now she’s living in Nashville opportunities to see her live in our part of the world are becoming rarer, so make sure you don’t miss her when she visits in November after some UK shows.

10 July 2024 – The Green Note, London
12 July 2024 – Last Drop Inn, York (FREE)
14 July 2024 – Running Horse Live, Nottingham
14 November 2024 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
16 November 2024 – Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne

Images used with permission from Chinwag PR; main photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RADIO FREE ALICE Release Cool Retro Single “2010”

You’d be forgiven for mistaking “2010”, the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based band RADIO FREE ALICE, for a long-lost recording from The Cure or New Order. It’s got such a cool retro vibe that will transport you right back to those angsty new wave bands of decades past. Rather than shying away from their influences, the band are proud to pay tribute to the acts that have made a mark on the song’s sound.

“We’ve been playing the song live for almost a year now. Musically we were influenced by early The Cure and The Smiths.,” they said. “The song focuses on the instrumentation rather than the vocals more than any other track on the EP. It’s the first and only song we have with a pretty much totally instrumental chorus.”

RADIO FREE ALICE are currently making waves in the United Kingdom and Europe. If you’re living abroad, you can catch them at one of the following shows.

7 June 2024 – Broadcast, Glasgow
8 June 2024 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
13 June 2024 – Supersonic, Paris (FREE)
15 June 2024 – Rock for People Festival, Hradec Klavove
18 June 2024 – The Social (Form Showcase Night), London

Photo credit: Madeleine Purdy