Category: International Tours

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

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

The Dreggs Release New Folk Charmer, “Peeps With the Goods”

The Dreggs are bringing all the good vibes to your weekend with their gorgeous new single “Peeps With the Goods.” This one is definitely the goods, with a simple piano melody and gorgeous, easy breezy vocal harmonies from the duo. It feels like an instant classic.

“Matt Corby was a huge influence for this track. We were given the opportunity to write and record with Corby and this song is the result of that collaboration,” explained one half of the duo, Patty McRae. “The song is about the push and pull a lot of independent artists have to confront within the music industry. It’s an anthem to those who have experienced equal parts joy and frustration with their career, but also a reminder that persevering is the only way to push through and find that ‘happy place’, whatever that might mean for them.”

“Peeps With the Goods” comes from The Dreggs long-awaited debut album, Caught in a Reverie. Wrap your ears around it on April 26. The Dreggs will play shows in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Europe to support its release.

“It wouldn’t be a Dreggs show without a singalong and we’ve made sure there are plenty of magical moments throughout the set. One of the goals we have been working on is incorporating a lot of moments where we can involve the crowd,” Paddy assured fans. “On top of that, we are excited to be bringing the energy onstage with the addition of other band members. Don’t worry, it’ll still be Paddy and Zane, the folk duo, that we started out as, but just with some friends with us to turn it from a ‘performance’ to a ‘show’!”

I wouldn’t wait until the album drops to get your tickets. Something tells me they’ll sell out before that, so get in early to avoid disappointment.

6 April 2024 – Ride the Soundwave Festival @ Town Beach Park, Guruk/Port Macquarie
21 April 2024 – Long Jetty Festival 2024, Darkinjung Country/Long Jetty
1 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay
10 May 2024 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
11 May 2024 – Eiger Music Studios, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
12 May 2024 – Whelan’s, Dublin
15 May 2024 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham (SOLD OUT)
16 May 2024 – Lafayette London, London (SOLD OUT)
17 May 2024 – Tunes in the Dunes 2024 @ Perranporth Beach, Perranporth
21 May 2024 – Kavka, Antwerp
22 May 2024 – Melkweg, Amsterdam
24 May 2024 – Artheater, Cologne
25 May 2024 – Bahnhof Pauli, Hamburg
27 May 2024 – Privatclub, Berlin
29 May 2024 – Café V lese, Praha
30 May 2024 – Fluc und Fluc Wanne, Vienna
1 June 2024 – Strom, Munich
2 June 2024 – Papiersaal, Zurich
3 June 2024 – Muhle Hunziken, Rubigen
14 June 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 June 2024 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth
21 June 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 June 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
26 July 2024 – The Church Pub, Christchurch
27 July 2024 – U Bar, Dunedin
28 July 2024 – Yonder, Queenstown
1 August 2024 – San Fran, Wellington
2 August 2024 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland

Photo credit: Jordy Wydra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus & Julia Stone Release Beautiful New Single, “Cape Forestier”

As they prepare to release their sixth album, Angus & Julia Stone might just be making some of the best music of their careers. Their music has always been chilled, but sometimes it veered too close to sleepy territory for my taste. With their new music, they’ve definitely got the balance right. Their latest single “Cape Forestier” comes hot on the heels of “The Wedding Song,” and it’s every bit as good.

“‘Cape Forestier’ is about a boat on a journey. I suppose it speaks to the journey we’re all on in our lives—the comings and goings of love, loss, pain, and moving towards new horizons,” they explained. “We spent a lot of our childhood on and in the water. Elements of nature are lyrically and mythically important in our writing. The ebb and flow of tides, the changing cycles—nature so often helps us to understand our inner world. This is a very personal song to us, so we’ve chosen to share some unseen footage in the music video from the start of our time together making music in the living room at home to where we are now.”

“Cape Forestier” is the title track of Angus & Julia Stone’s new album, which drops on May 10. Remember they’re also playing intimate shows around the world to support its release, so if you haven’t already got your tickets, what are you waiting for?

23 May 2024 – Cite des Congres, Nantes
26 May 2024 – Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin
27 May 2024 – Beacon, Bristol
28 May 2024 – Royal Albert Hall, London
31 May 2024 – Spardawelt Freilichtbuhne, Stuttgart
1 June 2024 – Laeiszhalle, Hamburg
3 June 2024 – Cirque Royal, Brussels (SOLD OUT)
4 June 2024 – Cirque Royal, Brussels
6 June 2024 – Le CEPAC Silo, Marseille
9 June 2024 – Admiralspalast, Berlin (SOLD OUT)
10 June 2024 – Admiralspalast, Berlin
11 June 2024 – Carre, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT)
12 June 2024 – Carre, Amsterdam
14 June 2024 – L’Olympia, Paris (SOLD OUT)
15 June 2024 – Grand Rex, Paris
21 June 2024 – Place des Arts – Theatre Maisonneuve, Montreal
22 June 2024 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
23 June 2024 – The Town Hall, New York
26 June 2024 – The Centre, Vancouver
27 June 2024 – Fox Theatre, Oakland
29 June 2024 – Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles
3 August 2024 – Kiri Te Kanawa, Auckland
6 August 2024 – QPAC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 August 2024 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
9 August 2024 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
15 August 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Cummings Wows Me With “Common Man”

Absolute force of nature Grace Cummings has just released “Common Man,” a fantastic bluesy number about daring to be different.

“This song is about being a colourful bird and never, ever wanting to be a pigeon,” she said. “Somebody I used to know wrote a song called common man about working nine to five and coming home and having a cup of tea and going to bed and it made me want to have a fucking panic attack. I wish I could tell people it was about riding off into the distance on the back of a white horse with a Cowboy in Austin Texas, but it’s not.”

“Common Man” is the latest single from Grace’s new album Ramona, which will be released on April 5. She’s just announced a string of headlining shows in the United States. After that she’ll head to the United Kingdom and Europe to play her own dates and support King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, but hopefully she’ll be back on home soil really soon.

1 May 2024 – Gold Diggers, Los Angeles
4 May 2024 – Shaky Knees Music Festival @ Central Park, Atlanta
5 May 2024 – Cat’s Cradle Back Room, Carrboro
7 May 2024 – DC9, Washington
8 May 2024 – Arden Gild Hall, Wilmington
9 May 2024 – Public Records, Brooklyn
15 May 2024 – Forest National, Brussels (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
16 May 2024 – Stadthalle, Offenbach (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
18 May 2024 – Forum Karlin, Prague (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
19 May 2024 – Arena Wien, Vienna (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
20 May 2024 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
21 May 2024 – Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
23 May 2024 – AFAS Live, Amsterdam (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
24 May 2024 – The Lexington, London
25 May 2024 – Wide Awake Festival @ Brockwell Park, Herne Hill
26 May 2024 – Olympia, Liverpool (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
27 May 2024 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh (SOLD OUT – supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
29 May 2024 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
30 May 2024 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
31 May 2024 – We Love Green @ Bois de Vincennes, Paris
2 June 2024 – Maifeld Derby @ Maimarktgelände Mannheim, Mannheim
3 June 2024 – Import Export, Munich
4 June 2024 – Unaltrofestival @ Circolo Magnolia, Milan (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
7 June 2024 – La Boule Noire, Paris
7-9 June 2024 – Best Kept Secret Festival, Hilvarenbeek
12 June 2024 – Bergenfest @ Bergenhus Festning, Bergen

Photo credit: Tajette O’Halloran