Category: International Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Busby Marou Ready to Tour Summer Anthem

We can always count on Busby Marou for folk-pop tracks that feel like instant classic. Their latest track “Sounds of Summer” is no exception. Expect to hear this gem played at barbeques for years to come.

“This is a big tune and feels like it could be our biggest yet,” said one half of the Queensland duo, Thomas Busby. “We’re always being told that we have a distinct sunshine sound, so it felt only natural as we were writing it, to let it become a summer anthem.”

The song was conceived when the band were touring across America a few months ago and recorded in a Los Angeles Airbnb before being mixed in Nashville. After those recent US and Canadian shows, Busby Marou are in fine form. Catch them at the following shows in Australia and New Zealand in the coming months.

23 January 2019 – The Longyard Hotel, Tamworth
7 March 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
8 March 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
9 March 2019 – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda
15 March 2019 – The Triffid, Brisbane
16 March 2019 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
28 March 2019 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
29 March 2019 – Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
30 March 2019 – Milton Theatre, Ulludulla
5 April 2019 – Galatos, Auckland
6 April 2019 – Blue Smoke, Christchurch

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Northern Folk Play Festivals For “Cold”

I was sure I must have written about “Cold,” the latest single from Melbourne 10-piece The Northern Folk, before. It’s such a cool song, a little brooding with stellar vocals and one of the best sax breaks you’ll hear. It’s so good that they sold out Northcote Social Club when they launched it. Yet I searched my archives and nothing. So I apologise for the oversight.

Now with the release of the clip’s music video, it seems a perfect time to correct my mistake. It was created by celebrated director and producer Mark Day in close collaboration with The Northern Folk. The band star alongside Michael Nikou and Tanya Alers is the clip which represents human consciousness in all its dark, flawed beauty.

“’Cold’ is about the insecurities that tie us down for fear of the unknown, and the emotional distance they create. Shot in the sparse Riverina landscape, a couple find themselves confronted by the manifestations of their insecurities, and must make the choice to be led by them, or to reject them and take control of what they want to be,” the band explains.

Fresh from Woodford and in fine form, The Northern Folk will play a swag of great festivals over the coming months. Here are all the places you can catch them.

25 – 28 January 2019 – Newstead Live Music Festival, Newstead
10 February 2019 – St Kilda Festival, St Kilda
15 – 17 March 2019 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba
29 – 31 March 2019 – The Hills Are Alive Festival, South Gippsland

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio Back With Awaited Album “Home”

It’s been more than four years since the country’s highest-selling independent artist delivered a new album. But John Butler Trio is rewarding fans for their patience with a brand newie, appropriately titled Home.

Home will drop on September 28, but John Butler won’t leave you waiting that long for some new music. The title track is out right now. And isn’t it special.

I must admit, as the first notes piped through my speakers I was taken aback. Where were the acoustic guitars? What was with the electronic sounds? It was all so dark and brooding. But give it a minute people. Just a minute. Because this is really good stuff. Yes, it’s a departure. But true artists evolve. I didn’t expect this new direction, but I like it a lot.

“Given the very personal subject matter of these new songs I pondered what it might mean to record in mainly a solo format for the first time ever,” John Butler explained. “(This track) scratches the surface of the emotional and sonic landscape that eventually became the bedrock of the album.”

you’re interested in the new material, point your browser to John Butler Trio’s website. The album is available for pre-order now. The website has a whole range of exclusive bundls including signs CDs, LPs, and other merchandise.

If you’ve missed seeing John Butler Trio live, you won’t be kept waiting too long. The band will launch Home with shows in Australia, Japan, Europe, and North America in the last quarter of the year. With just one Aussie show on the current list, I think we can safely say more dates will come shortly. But for now, put these in your calendar JBT fans!

29 September 2018 – Caloundra Music Festival, Kings Beach
3 October 2018 – Bigcat, Osaka
4 October 2018 – Mynavi Bliz Akasaka, Shinjuku-ku
5 October 2018 – Mynavi Bliz Akasaka, Tokyo
11 October 2018 – Barrowlands, Glasgow
12 October 2018 – Albert Hall, Manchester
13 October 2018 – Vicar St, Dublin
15 October 2018 – Great Hall, Exeter
16 October 2018 – O2 Academy Bristol, Bristol
17 October 2018 – Eventim Apollo, London
19 October 2018 – Palladium, Koln
20 October 2018 – Mehr! Theater, Hamburg
21 October 2018 – Huxleys, Berlin
22 October 2018 – Tonhalle, Munich
23 October 2018 – Arena Wien, Wien
26 October 2018 – Atlantico, Rome
27 October 2018 – Gran Teatro Geox, Padova
28 October 2018 – Alcatraz, Milan
30 October 2018 – Den Atelier, Luxembourg City
31 October 2018 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
1 November 2018 – AB, Brussels
2 November 2018 – Halle 622, Zurich
3 November 2018 – Les Docks, Lausanne
6 November 2018 – La Laiterie, Strasbourg
7 November 2018 – La Cooperative de Mai, Clermont-ferrand
8 November 2018 – Le Radiant, Caluire et Cuire
9 November 2018 – L’Olympia, Paris
10 November 2018 – L’Olympia Bruno Coquatrix, Paris
16 November 2018 – Warner Theater, Washington, D.C.
17 November 2018 – The Fillmore, Philadelphia
20 November 2018 – Beacon Theatre, New York
21 November 2018 – Orpheum Theatre, Boston
23 November 2018 – Corona Theatre, Montreal
24 November 2018 – National Arts Centre, Ottawa
25 November 2018 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
27 November 2018 – Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor
29 November 2018 – The Chicago Theatre, Chicago
30 November 2018 – Taft Theatre, Cincinnati
1 December 2018 – The Caverns, Pelham
2 December 2018 – The Tabernacle, Atlanta
4 December 2018 – Soul Kitchen Music Hall, Mobile
5 December 2018 – The Joy Theater, New Orleans
7 December 2018 – Paramount Theatre, Austin
8 December 2018 – House of Blues, Houston
9 December 2018 – House of Blues, Dallas
13 December 2018 – Rialto Theatre, Tucson
14 December 2018 – The Theatre @ Ace Hotel, Los Angeles
15 December 2018 – Fox Theater, Oakland

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobby Alu on Tour for Summery Single “Move”

Aussie chillster Bobby Alu is giving me serious weekend vibes with his new single “Move.” The cruisy drum rhythms, tropical ukulele, and Bobby’s soulful voice give the song such a relaxed, summery feel.

It’s beautifully paired with a colourful clip created by Johnny Moubarak of Moubment. Bobby said “This was a fun clip to make! I feel like there are many parts that make up my personality, so I tried to go there in this clip. Putting on whatever hat is necessary is a big part of how I make music; I can be a drummer, bass player, guitarist, uke guy, singer or roadie – whatever the team needs. Sometimes I pick the wrong guy … but they all have their place.”

Bobby has spent the better part of the year behind Xavier Rudd’s drum kit, but he’s stepping back into the spotlight and chasing that endless summer on his current European tour. Here are all the remaining dates.

3 August 2018 – Degginger, Regensburg (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
4 August 2018 – Sound of the Forest Festival, Beerfelden
8 August 2018 – O2 Islington Academy, London (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
10 August 2018 – Boardmasters, Cornwall
11 August 2018 – Zandstock Festival, t’Zand
12 August 2018 – Rock Les Bains Plombieres, Les Bains
14 August 2018 – Chill Hill, Graz (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
15 August 2018 – Privatclub. Berlin (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
16 August 2018 – Prinzenbar, Hamburg
17 August 2018 – Enter the Wave Festival, Le Pin Sec Noord

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Love Monster” – Amy Shark

Amy Shark’s Love Monster may be the most anticipated Aussie album of the year. Every single she released quickly climbed the ARIA charts, attracting airplay and accolades along the way. Those songs set the bar so high, I wondered whether her debut LP could possibly match my expectations. But the Gold Coast singer-songwriter delivers here.

Love Monster was destined to be one of the biggest releases of the year, but its sound is refreshingly small and intimate. While Amy plays with beats and electronic sounds, she doesn’t overdo it. That ensures we can really hone in on the lyrics, which is where Love Monster really excels. The songs feel like diary entries, intimate confessions about relationships and moments in time that she’s sharing with us. Coupled with Amy’s honest vocal delivery, these songs move you. And isn’t that really the most important thing?

Every track here is so, so good. I didn’t quite expect that. When singles shine so brightly you expect the album they’re lifted from to contain some fillers. But I can honestly say that I love every track on Love Monster. I ordinarily pick out standouts and wax lyrical about them, but singling songs out would seem unfair to the ones I didn’t mention. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by “Psycho,” the song she recorded with Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. I can hear the Blink-182 influence, but it’s restrained in this delicate number. I’ve always been a sucker for a great duet, and this is a great duet.

Love Monster is a beautiful album, raw, real, and relatable. It’s in stores and all your favourite digital retailers now. She’s touring almost everywhere over the coming months. Here are all the dates you need!

3 August 2018 – Osheaga, Montreal
4 August 2018 – Lollapalooza, Chicago
24 August 2018 – HQ, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Metropolis, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
30 & 31 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
1 & 2 September 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (Limited tickets for 2nd)
6 & 7 September 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (Limited tickets for 6th)
8 September 2018 – Nightquarter, Gold Coast
13 September 2018 – Powerstation, Auckland
14 September 2018 – Foundry, Christchurch
15 September 2018 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
21 September 2018 – Life is Beautiful, Las Vegas
23 September 2018 – Wonder Ballroom, Portland
24 September 2018 – Neptune, Seattle
25 September 2018 – Imperial, Vancouver
26 September 2018 – Capital Ballroom, Victoria
28 September 2018 – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
1 October 2018 – House of Blues, San Diego
2 October 2018 – El Rey, Los Angeles
5 October 2018 – Amsterdam Bar & Hall, St. Paul
8 October 2018 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
10 October 2018 – Underground Arts, Philadelphia
12 October 2018 – Irving Plaza, New York
13 October 2018 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
3 November 2018 – This That Festival, Newcastle
16 January 2019 – Knust, Hamburg
17 January 2019 – Festsaal Kreuzberg, Berlin
19 January 2019 – Strom, Munich
20 January 2019 – Plaza, Zurich
21 January 2019 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
23 January 2019 – Luxor, Cologne
24 January 2019 – Badaboum, Paris
25 January 2019 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
27 January 2019 – Rotonde Botanique, Brussels
29 January 2019 – O2 Institute 3, Birmingham
30 January 2019 – Heaven, London
1 February 2019 – Gorilla, Manchester

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tash Sultana Drops Stunning “Harvest Love” Single

Tash Sultana has floored me with her latest single, “Harvest Love.” This is a beautiful track about losing a loved one which packs a serious emotional punch.

“I wrote this song a little while back. People kind of assume that I only write songs with live looping but I actually write in all different ways. This is a piece I’m super proud of,” Tash explained. “I unlocked a little part of me to completely simplify the story I was trying to tell. I think you kind of get that way when you have a moment in your life when the entire world is just too hard to comprehend. So this is what came from that.”

“Harvest Love” is the latest cut from Tash Sultana’s debut album Flow State, which will drop on August 31. She’s currently touring the world, but she’ll play Lost Picnic Festival here in October and headline a gig on the Sunshine Coast in January. This is her first local headlining show in more than a year, so expect tickets to get snapped up. Here are all the places you can see her play around the world in the coming months.

3 August 2018 – Hinterland Music Festival, St Charles
4 August 2018 – Lollapalooza, Chicago
5 August 2018 – Osheaga, Montreal (SOLD OUT)
7 August 2018 – RBC Echo Beach, Toronto
9 August 2018 – Edmonton Folk Fest, Edmonton
11 August 2018 – Outside Lands Festival, San Francisco
6-8 September 2018 – Palladium Koln, Cologne (SOLD OUT)
10 & 11 September 2018 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (SOLD OUT)
15 & 16 September 2018 – Afas Live, Amsterdam-Zuidoost (SOLD OUT)
20-22 September 2018 – O2 Academy Brixton, London (20th & 21st SOLD OUT; Limited tickets for 22nd)
25 September 2018 – l’Olympia, Paris
28 September 2018 – Samsung Hall, Zurich (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2018 – Fabrique, Milan, Italy
7 October 2018 – Lost Picnic Festival, Melbourne
13 October 2018 – Lost Picnic Festival, Sydney
1 November 2018 – UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver
4 November 2018 – Grey Eagle Event Centre, Calgary
6 November 2018 – Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg
7 November 2018 – Palace Theatre, St.Paul
10 November 2018 – The Filmore Detroit, Detroit
16 November 2018 – House of Blues, Boston
17 November 2018 – Terminal 5, New York
20 November 2018 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh
21 November 2018 – The Anthem, Washington D.C.
23 November 2018 – War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville
24 November 2018 – The Tabernacle, Atlanta
26 November 2018 – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, Kansas City
27 November 2018 – The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver
1 December 2018 – Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles
2 January 2019 – Bay Dreams Festival, ASB Baypark, The Mount
4 January 2019 – Bay Dreams Festival, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
12 January 2019 – Big Pineapple Fields, Woombye

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Continue Winning Ways With “Knees”

Sydney band Ocean Alley can seem to do no wrong, and the rest of the world is beginning to take notice. They’ve just dropped another stellar single, “Knees,” from their critically acclaimed sophomore album Chiaroscuro, and I can’t stop listening.

It’s the perfect blend of soul and rock, full of yearning and honesty.

Ocean Alley are currently in the midst of a massive North American tour. If you’re in that part of the world, here are the remaining dates. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see some shows back here in Oz.

19 June 2018 – Brighton Music Hall, Allston
20 June 2018 – The Foundry at The Fillmore, Philadelphia
22 June 2018 – Mercury Lounge, New York
23 June 2018 – DC9, Washington
25 June 2018 – Blueberry Hill, University City
27 June 2018 – Larimer Lounge, Denver
29 June 2018 – Valley Bar, Phoenix
30 June 2018 – Constellation Room, Santa Ana

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tipsy Scholars Announce Aussie and UK EP Shows

The Tipsy Scholars are shaking up the indie folk scene with their debut EP Nowhere to Be. It’s an exciting release with beautiful songs littered with pop culture references and rich harmonies. While the single “Cold Hands” was a crowd-pleaser, I think “Modern Anxiety” is my favourite track. It speaks so eloquently about our fast-paced tech-obsessed world and how the very devices that are meant to enhance our lives can make us long for a simpler time. Just make sure you heed that explicit lyrics warning; it’s not the sort of thing you want to crank in a conservative office!

The Tipsy Scholars are celebrating the Nowhere to Be’s recent release with their biggest tour yet. Not content with 12 dates along our east coast, the Aussies will follow up the local shows with dates across the United Kingdom.

16 June 2018 – Festival Allsorts, Canberra
29 June 2018 – Moonshine, Sydney
7 July 2018 – Bar 33, Melbourne
20 July 2018 – BMEC, Bathurst
26 July 2018 – UniBar, Wollongong
28 July 2018 – Polish Club, Canberra
2 August 2018 – Hamilton Station, Newcastle
3 August 2018 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
5 August 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
9 August 2018 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
10 August 2018 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
17 August 2018 – Whelans, Dublin
24 August 2018 – The Bowery, Dublin
31 August – 1 September 2018 – Deeside Music Festival, Aberdeen
2 September 2018 – Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow
5 September 2018 – The George Orwell, Dundee
8 September 2018 – The Luna, London
14 September 2018 – The Eagle Inn, Manchester
15 September 2018 – The Spice of Life, London

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

With Confidence Break Hearts With “Waterfall”

Sydney’s With Confidence know how to pump out a big punk-rock belter, but I think I like them best when they’re showing a softer side. They won me over with “Long Night” earlier this year, and now I’m just as taken by their latest single “Waterfall.” The verses are delicate while the chorus is heartbreakingly epic, a desperate plea for lost love.

“Our video for ‘Waterfall’ is an exploration of technology’s effect on the modern relationship,” vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley stated. “We live in a world where instant-gratification has devalued honest human interaction. This video is a look into a likely future where we find ourselves more distanced than ever.”

“Waterfall” comes from With Confidence’s most recent album Better Weather, which is available through iTunes, Spotify, and With Confidence’s online store. The band is currently wowing U.S. crowds supporting Knuckle Puck. Catch them at the following venues.

17 October 2017 – Neumos, Seattle
18 October 2017 – Hawthorne, Portland
20 October 2017 – 924 Gilman, Berkeley
21 October 2017 – Glasshouse, Pomona
22 October 2017 – Teragram, Los Angeles
23 October 2017 – The Irenic, San Diego
24 October 2017 – The Nile, Mesa
26 October 2017 – RBC, Dallas
27 October 2017 – Come and Tak It, Austin
28 October 2017 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2017 – Rocketown, Nashville
31 October 2017 – Masquerade, Atlanta
1 November 2017 – The Social, Orlando
2 November 2017 – Kelsey Theater, Lake Park
3 November 2017 – Crowbar, Tampa
4 November 2017 – Cats Cradle, Carrboro
5 November 2017 – Canal Club, Richmond
7 November 2017 – Soundstage, Baltimore
8 November 2017 – The TLA, Philadelphia
9 November 2017 – House of Independence, Asbury Park
10 November 2017 – Irving Plaza, New York City
11 November 2017 – The Ballroom, Hamden
12 November 2017 – Paradise, Boston
14 November 2017 – Mr. Smalls, Pittsburgh
15 November 2017 – Opera House, Toronto
16 November 2017 – Waiting Room, Buffalo
17 November 2017 – Agora Ballroom, Cleveland
18 November 2017 – St. Andrews, Detroit
19 November 2017 – Skullys, Columbus

Image used with permission from Hopeless Records/copyright Brendan Lung

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stanleys Touring Long Awaited Debut Everywhere

The Stanleys have been making waves around the Perth live scene since 2011, but they’re finally showing not just the rest of the country but the world what they can do with the recent release of their self-titled debut album. It features the lead single “Amy,” a fast, frenetic, and fun summer smash you’re going to fall in love with.

“‘Amy’ is an upbeat pop, punktastic plea of love. It’s about a guy with a very big crush on his best female friend and wants her to be the one. Its full of bright sparked energetic guitars,” said Di Renzo.

It sets the tone for the band’s “upbeat energetic, fun time, sing out loud album of power pop anthems; best played in sunshine.”

The Stanleys make the sort of music you’ll love dancing to with a hairbrush in your bedroom but enjoy even more in the flesh. Catch them doing what they do so well at the following shows.

13 October 2017 – Four Seasons Sixties Club, Castellón de la Plana
14 October 2017 – Wurlitzer Ballroom, Madrid
15 October 2017 – Backstage Rock Bar, Valladolid
8 November 2017 – The Other Door, North Hollywood
9 November 2017 – Haskell’s Prospector, San Diego
10 November 2017 – Chopper John’s, Phoenix
11 November 2017 – Mesa Music Festival, Mesa
12 November 2017 – Artisan, Las Vegas
13 November 2017 – TRiP, Santa Monica
14 November 2017 – Silverlake Lounge, Silverlake
15 November 2017 – TBC, Brooklyn
16 November 2017 – TBC, Greater Philadelphia
17 November 2017 – Club Bohemia, Cambridge
18 November 2017 – International Pop Overthrow Festival Boston @ PA’s Lounge, Somerville
19 November 2017 – Bowery Electric, New York City
25 November 2017 – 459 Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Minor Major