Category: International Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nigel Wearne and Lauren Housley Release Brilliant Duet “To the Edge”

Victorian singer-songwriter Nigel Wearne has teamed up with UK songstress Lauren Housley for “To the Edge,” one of the coolest duets I’ve heard in some time. When I say cool, I mean cool. Smoky bars in the American Wild West kind of cool. Americana with a hint of jazz kind of cool. Horns, minor keys, and just the right amount of tension kind of cool. Just listen and you’ll hear what I mean.

The pair met in early 2019 at the Arts Café in Montreal when they were both in town for the Folk Alliance International. With a mutual respect for John Prine and some dry witty banter, they became firm friends. After reconnecting in New Orleans in early 2020, they began working together remotely during the pandemic and this fantastic song was born.

Nigel has a couple more Victorian dates before he flies out to the United Kingdom to play shows with Lauren. UK music lovers, you are in for a treat! Then he’ll jet to the US for the Folk Alliance International showcase MerleFest, the country’s top roots festival. Here are all the dates you need:

10 December 2022 – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Creswick
11 December 2022 – Union Hotel Brunswick, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
13 January 2023 – West End Centre, Aldershot (Lauren Housley)
14 January 2023 – Chapel Arts, Bath (Lauren Housley)
15 January 2023 – Edge of The Wedge, Portsmouth (Lauren Housley)
17 January 2023 – The Witham, Barnard Castle (Lauren Housley)
18 January 2023 – The Crescent, York (Lauren Housley)
19 January 2023 – The Met, Bury (Lauren Housley)
20 January 2023 – Philharmonic, Liverpool (Lauren Housley)
21 January 2023 – Alder Bar, Sheffield (Lauren Housley)
22 January 2023 – The Hive, Shrewsbury (Lauren Housley)
24–25 January 2023 – OFFICIAL SHOWCASE UK Americana Music Week, London
27 January 2023 – The Stables, Milton Keynes (Lauren Housley)
28 January 2023 – Thimblemill Library, Birmingham (Lauren Housley)
2-5 February 2023 – Folk Alliance Showcase, Kansas City
27-30 April 2023 – MerleFest USA, Wilkesboro

Image used with permission from I Hear Django; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Sandridge Delivers With “The Jetty”

A memorable travel moment inspired Bec Sandridge’s latest pop smash “The Jetty.” Featuring the equally-fabulous Andy Bull, it’s the perfect feelgood Friday tune.

“‘The Jetty’ was written about falling off a jetty in Naoshima, Japan. My ex-partner fell in and I attempted to pull her out. Hilariously, I also fell in (passports, phone, paper-money were all completely gone),” Bec recounted. “This felt like the perfect analogy for our relationship – losing ourselves and each-other, whilst trying to salvage every last water-damaged object that we had on us. I guess, this one asks the sea-sick question: ‘is there something (or someone) else out there?’

“Initially, Andy came into the studio to play synths on the track. I was beyond honoured when he asked if he could sing on the track as well. I’ve been a big Andy Bull fan for a very long time and completely adore what he does vocally, lyrically and in particular, all of the synth sounds he uses. Dave (Jenkins Jr) had the genius idea that we make the track a Joni Mitchell-esque ‘Snakes and Ladders’ duet whereby Andy kinda drops in and out of the second verse in a non-linear kinda of way – which I love. An old collaborator, Tony Buchen also did some additional production on the track, which was a nice full-circle moment.”

“The Jetty” is the second track lifted from Bec’s forthcoming EP, Lost Dog. Having recently wrapped up an Aussie tour, she’s set to dazzle the UK and Europe this month. It’s the first time Bec has toured these regions with her full band, so the shows are bound to be pretty special. If you’re lucky enough to be there, you can see Bec in action at the following venues:

21 September 2022 – Haldern Pop Bar, Haldern
23 September 2022 – THE AUSSIE BBQ @ Reeperbahn, Hamburg
24 September 2022 – Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg
25 September 2022 – Indiestad Festival @ Paradiso, Amsterdam
27 September 2022 – The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
28 September 2022 – Sebright, London
30 September 2022 – Hug & Pint, Glasgow

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Sam Brumby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Matt Joe Gow’s Newie, “‘Til My Whole Heart Bursts”

When you press play on a new Matt Joe Gow track, you know you’re in good hands. His latest single “’Til My Whole Heart Bursts” is another sublime slice of Americana. From Matt’s easy, earnest vocals to the cool sounds of the slide guitar, it ticks all the boxes for me.

“’Til My Whole Heart Bursts” comes from Matt’s forthcoming album Between Tonight & Tomorrow. He’s got a couple of local shows before he heads across the ditch to wow crowds in his homeland. Catch him at the following venues:

16 July 2022 – Shady Palms, Kincumba/Kincumber
17 July 2022 – Bayview Country Arts Club, Boonwurrung Land/Bittern
30 July 2022 – Radio Luna, Bunurong Land/Portsea
5 August 2022 – Bark, Dunedin
6 August 2022 – Peace Memorial Hall, Ophir
7 August 2022 – Thomas Green Pub, Gore
12 August 2022 – Maheno Hall, Oamaru
13 August 2022 – Luggate Hotel, Luggate
19 August 2022 – Hilltop House Concerts, Wellington
21 August 2022 – Wine Cellar, Auckland

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dean Lewis Releases New Acoustic Version of “Hurtless” To Coincide With Global Tour

Dean Lewis is so prolific, it’s so easy to miss those new singles when they drop. So I’m thrilled he’s rereleased his latest track “Hurtless” in a new stripped-back format. What a beautiful piano ballad this is. Can this guy put a foot wrong? It doesn’t seem like it!

“’Hurtless’ has immediately become one of those special, connecting moments in the live shows,” Dean said. “If there’s one thing my career so far has shown me, it’s that the more painfully honest about my own life I am in my songs – the more they seem to resonate”.

Speaking of live shows, Dean has just kicked off his Sad Boi tour in North America and will travel to Europe next. If you’re abroad, here are all the dates you need!

14 May 2022 – The Underground, Charlotte
16 May 2022 – Union Transfer, Philadelphia
17 May 2022 – The Fillmore, Silver Spring
20 May 2022 – Webster Hall, New York City
21 May 2022 – Roadrunner, Boston
23 May 2022 – MTELUS, Montreal
24 May 2022 – HISTORY, Toronto
26 May 2022 – Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit
27 May 2022 – Riviera Theatre, Chicago
28 May 2022 – Fillmore Minneapolis, Minneapolis
30 May 2022 – Ogden Theatre, Denver
31 May 2022 – The Depot, Salt Lake City
2 June 2022 – Malkin Bowl, Vancouver
4 June 2022 – The Showbox, Seattle
5 June 2022 – Roseland Theater, Portland
7 June 2022 – The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
8 June 2022 – Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
11 June 2022 – The Observatory North Park, San Diego
12 June 2022 – Marquee Theatre, Tempe
15 June 2022 – Granada Theater, Dallas
16 June 2022 – Emos Austin, Austin
17 June 2022 – Warehouse Live, Houston
20 June 2022 – The Orange Peel, Asheville
21 June 2022 – The National, Richmond
23 June 2022 – Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park
24 June 2022 – Mr. Small’s Theatre, Pittsburgh
25 June 2022 – Deluxe At Old National Centre, Indianapolis
28 June 2022 – The Pageant, St. Louis
29 June 2022 – The Truman, Kansas City
2 July 2022 – Summerfest, Milwaukee
7 July 2022 – Ottawa Blues Festival, Ottawa
8 July 2022 – Quebec International Summer Festival, Quebec
10 July 2022 – Wonderstruck Festival, Cleveland
17 September 2022 – Filadelfiakyrkan, Stockholm
18 September 2022 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo
20 September 2022 – Skråen i Nordkraft, Aalborg
21 September 2022 – Posted, Odense
22 September 2022 – Train, Århus
24 September 2022 – Train, Århus (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2022 – Forum Black Box, Copenhagen (SOLD OUT)
27 September 2022 – Forum Black Box, Copenhagen, Denmark
28 September 2022 – Train, Århus (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2022 – Markthalle, Hamburg
1 October 2022 – Progresja, Warsaw
3 October 2022 – ROXY Prague, Prague
4 October 2022 – Huxley’s, Berlin
6 October 2022 – Live Music Hall, Cologne
7 October 2022 – X-tra, Zurich
9 October 2022 – Magazzini Generali, Milan
11 October 2022 – La Madeleine, Brussels
12 October 2022 – Tivoli Vredenburg, Utrecht
13 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
15 October 2022 – Le Trianon, Paris

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Darren Craig

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Savour MID CITY’s New Single, “Choc Mint”

MID CITY’s latest single “Choc Mint” is exactly the kind of high-energy rock number your weekend needs. Just see if you’re not punching your fist in the air by the time that chorus kicks in. Like the love child of Gang of Youths and Arctic Monkeys, the Melbourne band has really outdone themselves here. They had a simple aim with this single: they want to get you moving!

“Our entire existence as a band is about getting people to uncross their arms at gigs,” they said. “There’s enough terrible stuff going on in the world without a bunch of relatively fortunate dudes in a band making people feel worse about themselves or disappearing up their collective musical butts trying to be the saviours of music as we know it. We wanna write fast songs with big choruses that make other things in your life feel less shit.”

Amen to that! “Choc Mint” is the first track lifted from MID CITY’s forthcoming debut album. The band are preparing to play a few shows in Europe but they’ll be back before too long for some Aussie dates. Catch them anywhere you can!

16 May 2022 – Ostpol, Dresden
17 May 2022 – Klubovna, Prague
18 May 2022 – Privatclub, Berlin
19 May 2022 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
20 May 2022 – Artheater, Koln
21 May 2022 – Jugendheim, Haldern
24 May 2022 – Schon Shon, Mainz
25 May 2022 – Kohl, Karlsruhe
26 May 2022 – Substanz, Munich
2 July 2022 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
15 July 2022 – The Chippo, Sydney
16 July 2022 – The Greaser, Brisbane (FREE)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Release Nostalgic New Single Ahead of UK/EU Tour

Perth-born act The Faim have got me reminiscing with their nostalgic new rock track “ERA”. It’s a bit of a shift from the hard-hitting rock we’re used to from the band, but it’s great to hear them changing things up and showing a softer side.

“‘ERA’ is about closing one chapter of your life and beginning the next,” bassist and keyboardist Stephen Beerkens explained. “Reminiscent of our own journeys up until this point, the song touches on the trials and tribulations we face every day and the aspects in our lives we’re grateful for.”

The Faim will play major summer festivals and headlining gigs across the United Kingdom and Europe this summer. If you’re lucky enough to be soaking up a summer in the Northern Hemisphere, you can catch them at the following shows:

1 June 2022 – L’Etage, Rennes
2 June 2022 – Ninkasi, Lyon
3 June 2022 – La Laiterie Artefact, Strasbourg
3-5 June 2022 – Rock am Ring, Nurburgring
8 June 2022 – Tranbendo, Paris
9 June 2022 – The Black Lab, Wasquehal
10-12 June 2022 – Download Festival @ Donington Park, Castle Donington
11 June 2022 – Sin City, Swansea
13 June 2022 – Stereo, Glasgow
15 June 2022 – Northumbria Students Union, Newcastle Upon Tyne
16 June 2022 – Omeara, London
17 June 2022 – Engine Rooms, Southampton
21 June 2022 – Klub Hydrozagadka, Warsaw
22 June 2022 – Hole Berlin, Berlin
23 June 2022 – Logo Hamburg, Hamburg
25 June 2022 – Schwarzer Bar 2, Hannover
26 June 2022 – Felsenkeller Leipzig, Leipzig
27 June 2022 – Legend Club Milano, Milano
29 June 2022 – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl, Solothurn
30 June 2022 – La Nuit De l’Erdre @ Parc du Port Mulont, Nort-sur-Erdre
30 June – 3 July 2022 – Rock Werchter @ Festival Park, Werchter
7 July 2022 – Melkweg Amsterdam, Amsterdam
8 July 2022 – Musilac, Aix-Les-Bains

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Jake Crawford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Blessings” – Hollow Coves

It’s easy for the pace of modern life to get to us at times. I know I personally work too late, miss far too many weekends, and burn the candle at both ends trying to fit everything in. Sometimes you just need a moment to yourself to reset, recharge, and get moving again. Listening to Blessings, the new EP from Brisbane act Hollow Coves is the perfect soundtrack for those moments.

From the moment I hit play, the rest of the world seemed to melt away. All the right ingredients are here, beautiful harmonies, folky acoustic melodies, and chilled vibes. Listening to these songs transported me away from my desk and to an isolated beach, away from the crowds and the noise, the hustle and bustle for just a little while.

Ordinarily, when I listen to EPs or albums, I pick out favourite tracks. I can’t do that here. The songs support each other. I can appreciate them on their own merits, but it’s what they do together that’s really magical. So rather than giving any particular track a shoutout, I’m just going to encourage you to listen to them all.

In a world where so much music is overproduced, oversung, and overexposed, the beautiful simplicity of the songs on Blessings shines through. It’s out today. Take a listen and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with these songs just as I have. Hollow Coves are currently touring Australia and will visit Europe and the UK next year. Here are all the dates you need:

11 June 2021 – The Triffid Brisbane (Early show – SOLD OUT)
11 June 2021 – The Triffid Brisbane (Late show)
12 June 2021 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast (Early show)
12 June 2021 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast (Late show – SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre Sydney (Early show) SOLD OUT
19 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre Sydney (Late show)
26 June 2021 – Corner Hotel Melbourne (Early show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – Corner Hotel Melbourne (Late show)
12 May 2022 – Alte Feuerwache Manheim, Germany
15 May 2022 – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl Solothurn, Switzerland
16 May 2022 – Konzerthaus Schüür Luzern, Switzerland
20 May 2022 – Grelle Forelle Vienna, Austria
21 May 2022 – Kulturák Klub Bratislava, Slovakia
24 May 2022 – Alter Schlachthof Dresden, Germany
26 May 2022 – Hydrozagadka Warsaw, Poland
31 May 2022 – TivoliVredenburg Utrecht, Netherland
2 June 2022 – Skaters Palace Münster, Germany
6 June 2022 – Ancienne Belgique, AB Box Brussels, Belgium
7 June 2022 – La Maroquinerie Paris, France
9 June 2022 – Electric Brixton London, UK

Images used with permission from Beehive PR; feature image credit: Leniflashes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem Drops Banging “Billionaire” Single Ahead of Album, Rescheduled Tour

Delta Goodrem has really surprised me with the latest track from her Bridge Over Troubled Dreams album. Billionaire sounds like it could come from the soundtrack of a classic Western. It’s like nothing we’ve heard from her before. While it’s sonically very different, the deeply personal lyrics are a Delta trademark. She wrote and produced this one, so its creation has clearly been a labour of love.

“‘Billionaire’ is one of my favourite songs on the record. It’s gritty, unfiltered girl power,” she explained. “I’ve always been about leading with my heart and soul, and this song is about flipping social constructs on their head and saying, ‘I’m going to stand on my own two feet. I’m going to make things happen for myself.’”

Bridge Over Troubled Dreams will drop on May 14. That gives fans plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the songs, as Delta’s moved dates for the album tour from April and May to September and October. If you got tickets already, they’re valid for the rescheduled shows. However, there are still good seats available if you haven’t secured yours yet.

24 September 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
25 September 2021 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
30 September 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
2 October 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
6 October 2021 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville
8 October 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
9 October 2021 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
13 October 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
15 October 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
16 October 2021 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
21 October 2021 – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
22 October 2021 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
23 October 2021 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hoodoo Gurus Releases Trump Protest Song Ahead of Rescheduled U.S. Tour

Donald Trump may be the most polarising president in American history. Many Australians wondered how he ever became the leader of the free world, and we’ve been shaking our heads ever since. In November we should learn whether Americans will show him the door or he’ll clinch a second term. That moment can’t come soon enough for http://www.hoodoogurus.net. The band has returned to its punk roots for their latest single, the anti-Trump anthem “Hung Out to Dry.”

“He’s offended us for years and now we’re giving some back,” said the band’s lead singer Dave Faulkner. “If he’s looking for songs to play at his rallies he’s welcome to this one!”

“Hung Out to Dry” was never meant to be a single. But rather than bury it as a B-side, Hoodoo Gurus decided this track needed its own space in our current politically charged climate.

“Hung Out to Dry” comes from an album of new Hoodoo Gurus material, earmarked for a 2021 release. Hoodoo Gurus also rescheduled upcoming U.S. shows. The new 2021 dates are below.

13 September 2021 – Belly Up, Solana Beach
14 September 2021 – The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood
15 September 2021 – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
16 September 2021 – Aladdin Theater, Portland
18 September 2021 –Tractor Tavern, Seattle
20 September 2021 – Mercy Lounge, Nashville
21 September 2021 – Shank Hill, Milwaukee
22 September 2021 – City Winery, Chicago
24 September 2021 – Center Stage Theater, Atlanta
26 September 2021 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro
28 September 2021 – The Hamilton Live, Washington
30 September 2021 – Royale Boston, Springfield
1 October 2021 – Webster Hall, New York
2 October 2021 – Underground Arts, Philadelphia
3 October 2021 – The NorVa, Norfolk
7 October 2021 – River City Railyard, Jacksonville

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Rocks Out With “Insecurities”

Ordinarily Saturday is a day of celebration, but right now it just reminds us that we’re all trapped without gigs waiting for musicians to stream online content. In these frustrating times, the raucous rock of Press Club really hits the spot. The Melbourne band’s latest single “Insecurities” gives voice to our frustrations with plenty of angst and energy.

The Melbourne band recently announced Australian and European dates and they haven’t been called off … yet. So I’m going to post them here, because none of knows what May will bring. Just keep your ears to the ground to see whether they go ahead!

7 May 2020 – The Chippo, Sydney
8 May 2020 – La La La’s, Wollongong
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (All Ages Matinee)
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ Evening Show)
15 May 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
16 May 2020 – Vinnies, Gold Coast
21 May 2020 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
22 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol
24 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
12 June 2020 – Download Festival, Donnington
14 June 2020 – Booze Cruise, Hamburg

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw