Sarah Blasko Touring “Eternal Return”

With Sarah Blasko’s tour just around the corner, it’s worth taking at a look at the most recent single from her sixth studio album Eternal Return.

“I Wanna Be Your Man” is one of the most accessible songs Sarah’s released in some time, and I think it’s also one of her best. As a woman working in the music industry, Sarah probably knows what it feels to be marginalised because of your gender better than most. However, you don’t need to be in a male-dominated field for the lyrics to resonate. Perhaps there’s even something in this song for the lads too.

Sarah Blasko kicks off her Eternal Return tour on April 6. Here are all the Aussie and international dates. Tickets are still available for selected shows.

6 April 2016 – The Abbey, Canberra
7 April 2016 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
8 April 2016 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
9 April 2016 – City Hall, Newcastle
15 April 2016 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
22 April 2016 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
23 April 2016 – The Forum, Melbourne
29 April 2016 – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
30 April 2016 – Astor Theatre, Perth
10 May 2016 – Union Chapel, London
12 May 2016 – Ruby Lounge, Manchester
16 May 2016 – Hope & Ruin, Brighton
17 May 2016 – Thekla, Bristol
19 May 2016 – Les Etoiles, Paris
21 May 2016 – Les Nuits @ Botanique, Brussels
23 May 2016 – People’s Play, Amsterdam
24 May 2016 – Grand Theatre, Groningen
26 May 2016 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
27 May 2016 – Stadtgarten, Cologne
28 May 2016 – Zoom, Frankfurt
30 May 2016 – Kranhalle, Munich
31 May 2016 – Privatclub, Berlin

Hands Like Houses Ready for First World Tour

Aussie rock act Hands Like Houses are preparing to kick off their very first world tour to celebrate their upcoming third studio album Dissonants. Australia will get to see the lads first, followed by fans in the United States and the United Kingdom.

“We are unbelievably excited to announce our very first world tour! We’re hitting the roads and skies in support of our brand new album Dissonants this October-December in Australia, the US and UK,” the band’s frontman Trenton Woodley said in a statement. “Even better, we’re dragging a whole bunch of friends, old and new, along for the ride!” Those friends include British rock act Lower than Atlantis and openers Far Away Stables.

Details of the new album are still a little thin on the ground, but it will see them reuniting with producer James Paul Wisner, who worked with Hands Like Houses on their 2013 album Unimagine. Fans will get to hear the new songs at the following shows. Tickets are on sale through the Hands Like Houses website, except for the all ages shows which are available through Oztix. These drug- and alcohol-free events are a bargain for students at $10 plus booking fee.

25 September 2015 – Campbelltown Civic Hall, Campbelltown (ALL AGES)
26 September 2015 – Orange Function Centre, Orange (ALL AGES)
27 September 2015 – Scone High School, Scone (ALL AGES)
2 October 2015 – Basketball Stadium, Bateman’s Bay (ALL AGES)
3 October 2015 – St Joseph’s School Hall, Goulburn (ALL AGES)
4 October 2015 – Giant Dwarf, Sydney (ALL AGES)
9 October 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
15 October 2015 – Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
16 October 2015 – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
17 October 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (18+)
18 October 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+)
23 October 2015 – Soma, San Diego
24 October 2015 – Pub Rock, Scottsdale
26 October 2015 – Korova, San Antonio
27 October 2015 – Trees, Dallas
28 October 2015 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2015 – Backbooth, Orlando
31 October 2015 – Epic Problem, Tampa
2 November 2015 – Masquerade, Atlanta
3 November 2015 – Greene Street, Greensboro
4 November 2015 – Canal Club, Richmond
5 November 2015 – Marlin Room @ Webster Hall, New York
6 November 2015 – Croc Rock Café, Allentown
7 November 2015 – The Palladium Upstairs, Worcester
8 November 2015 – Gamechanger World, Howell
10 November 2015 – Beachland, Cleveland
11 November 2015 – Pike Room @ Crofoot, Pontiac
12 November 2015 – Emerson Theatre, Indianapolis
13 November 2015 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
14 November 2015 – The Rave/Eagles Club, Milwaukee
15 November 2015 – The Firebird, St Louis
17 November 2015 – Marquis Theater, Denver
18 November 2015 – In The Venue, Salt Lake City
20 November 2015 – El Corazon, Seattle
21 November 2015 – Analog Café, Portland
23 November 2015 – The Boardwalk, Orangevale
24 November 2015 – Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco
27 November 2015 – Glass House, Pomona
30 November 2015 – Key Club, Leeds
1 December 2015 – Think Tank, Newcastle
2 December 2015 – Cathouse, Glasgow
3 December 2015 – Sound Control, Manchester
4 December 2015 – Arts Centre Loft, Liverpool
5 December 2015 – Bodega, Nottingham
6 December 2015 – Temple @ Institute, Birmingham
8 December 2015 – Clwb lfor Bach, Cardiff
9 December 2015 – Fleece, Bristol
10 December 2015 – Joiners, Southhampton
11 December 2015 – Electric Ballroom, London

Image used with permission from Paris is Patient

Little May Announce Global Tour Ahead of Album Release

Little May’s song “Home” has been one of those tracks that’s stuck with me this year. So I was thrilled to read a full-length album isn’t too far away. It seems like Little May’s been on the scene for such a long time that it’s amazing to realise For the Company is actually their debut LP.

The album saw the Sydney band working with acclaimed producer Aaron Brooking Dessner. Little May are big fans of his work with The National, so were excited that he wanted to work with them.

“It was a dream of ours to work with Aaron Dessner. We are so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to make this album with him, and Jonathan Lowe, who engineered and mixed the album. Aaron captured the heart of what we are about, and we couldn’t be more thankful,” Little May said about the experience.

For the Company was recorded in the main hall of New York’s Future Past Studios, a converted 19th-century church. The unique setting helped Little May capture an intensity that’s now a key part of their sound.

For the Company will be released on October 9. Little May will celebrate its release with a tour taking in Europe, Australia, and the United States. No matter where in the world you are, here are all the places you can see them play.

28 August 2015 – Reading Festival, Reading
29 August 2015 – Leeds Festival, Wetherby
6 September 2015 – Electric Picnic, Stradbally
18 September 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
19 September 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane
24 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
26 September 2015 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
5 October 2015 – Exchange, Bristol
6 October 2015 – Bush Hall, London
8 October 2015 – Gulliver’s, Manchester
10 October 2015 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
11 October 2015 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
13 October 2015 – Paradiso Upstairs, Amsterdam
14 October 2015 – Pop Up du Label, Paris
15 October 2015 – Blue Shell, Cologne
16 October 2015 – Botanique @ Witloof Bar, Brussels
17 October 2015 – Molotow, Hamburg
18 October 2015 – Privatclub, Berlin
20 October 2015 – Mercury Lounge, New York
21 October 2015 – Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn
23 October 2015 – Milkboy, Philadelphia
24 October 2015 – DC9 Nightclub, Washington D.C.
26 October 2015 – Schubas, Chicago
27 October 2015 – 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis
29 October 2015 – Barboza, Seattle
30 October 2015 – Mississippi Studios, Portland
2 November 2015 – The Independent, San Francisco
3 November 2015 – The Echo, Los Angeles

Image used with permission from Secret Service PR

Holy Holy Impress with “You Cannot Call for Love Like a Dog”

Brisbane duo Holy Holy have knocked my fluffy winter-ready socks off with their latest single “You Cannot Call for Love Like a Dog.” It’s got much more than just an impressive name on its side. It’s got an epic feel and driving beat that will get under your skin from the first listen.

It’s got a dark undertone though. Listen to the lyrics and you’ll soon remember love’s not all chocolates and roses.

“We try in our lives to do all kinds of things to control it and manage it and bend it to our wills, but sometimes you just wake up one day and it’s gone…and that’s that. Like ice melted,” explained lead vocalist Tim Carroll. “And the point of that is, if you do find yourself in the enviable position of being ‘in love’ and feeling love – fucking enjoy it. Treat it like a good scotch. Breathe it in deep and wash it round your mouth and take in the bath and get drunk.”

Holy Holy are set for big things, after being named on the recent Splendour in the Grass line-up and locking in dates across Europe and the United Kingdom. No doubt the music lovers abroad are going to be just as taken with this Aussie act.

14 May 2015 – The Great Escape, Brighton
17 May 2015 – London Calling Festival, Amsterdam
18 May 2015 – MTC Club, Cologne
19 May 2015 – Cafe Video, Ghent
20 May 2015 – Comet Club, Berlin
22 May 2015 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2015 – Liverpool Sound City, Liverpool (DAY SHOW)
23 May 2015 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol (NIGHT SHOW)
24 May 2015 – Dot to Dot Festival, Nottingham
26 May 2015 – Old Blue Last, London
29 May 2015 – Primavera Pro, Barcelona
30 May 2015 – Primavera Sound, Barcelona

The Griswolds Release Live Digital Boat Cruise EP

Last November, The Griswolds took a boat cruise around Sydney Harbour with some lucky fans and some of their best music industry pals including Pepa Knight of Jinja Safari, Jake Stone of Bluejuice, Nick McKenzie of Deep Sea Arcade, and Castlecomer. If you couldn’t be there, good news. The band’s released an EP, The Good Ship, capturing all of the craziness and killer tunes.

Listening to these live songs is the perfect primer for The Griswolds upcoming North American tour supporting Walk the Moon. If you’re Stateside, make sure you don’t miss these Aussie juggernauts when they visit a town near you.

10 March 2015 – House of Blues, San Diego
12 March 2015 – Palladium, Los Angeles
13 March 2015 – House of Blues, Anaheim (SOLD OUT)
14 March 2015 – Masonic, San Francisco
16 March 2015 – CATALYST, Santa Cruz
17 March 2015 – Ace of Spades, Sacramento (SOLD OUT)
19 March 2015 – Roseland, Portland
20 March 2015 – Neptune, Seattle (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2015 – Neptune, Seattle (SOLD OUT)
22 March 2015 –  Commodore, Vancouver
25 March 2015 – Fillmore Auditorium, Denver
26 March 2015 – Granada Theater, Lawrence
27 March 2015 – First Ave, Minneapolis
28 March 2015 – First Ave, Minneapolis (SOLD OUT)
29 March 2015 – Orpheum Theatre, Madison
31 March 2015 – Egyptian Room, Indianapolis
1 April 2015 – Bogarts, Cincinnati (SOLD OUT)
2 April 2015 – LC Pavillion, Columbus (SOLD OUT)
3 April 2015 – House of Blues, Cleveland (SOLD OUT)
4 April 2015 – House of Blues, Chicago (SOLD OUT)
7 April 2015 – The Fillmore, Detroit
8 April 2015 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
9 April 2015 – Lupos, Providence
10 April 2015 – Asylum, Portland
11 April 2015 – House of Blues, Boston (SOLD OUT)
13 April 2015 – Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2015 – Terminal 5, New York (SOLD OUT)
15 April 2015 – Terminal 5, New York
16 April 2015 – 9:30 Club, Washington (SOLD OUT)
17 April 2015 – 9:30 Club, Washington (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2015 – Mercury Ballroom, Louisville
21 April 2015 – Orange Peel, Asheville
23 April 2015 – Cone Denim Entertainment Center, Greensboro
24 April 2015 – Cannery, Nashville (SOLD OUT)
25 April 2015 – Tabernacle, Atlanta (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2015 – State Theatre, Tampa (SOLD OUT)
27 April 2015 – Revolution, Fort Lauderdale
29 April 2015 – House of Blues, New Orleans
30 April 2015 – House of Blues, Houston
1 May 2015 – South Side Ballroom, Dallas
2 May 2015 – Stubb’s, Austin
4 May 2015 – Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
6 May 2015 – Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque
7 May 2015 – Rialto, Tucson
9 May 2015 – House of Blues, Las Vegas

Caitlin Park Heads to the United Kingdom

Music lovers in the United Kingdom are in for a real treat. Sydney songstress Caitlin Park is winging her way to you to celebrate the release of her sublime new single “Hunt for the Young.” The song was the first written for her sophomore LP The Sleeper.

“‘Hunt for the Young’ is about fighting for someone you love – when you’ve stepped in the wrong direction and you anxiously grab at what you know you’re about to lose,” Caitlin explained. That passion that inspired it rings through this song which is so compelling and so beautiful.

If you’re in the United Kingdom, you don’t want to miss these shows.

17 November 2014 – The Islington, London
21-23 November 2014 – The End Festival, Crouch End
28 November 2014 – Union Chapel, London
29 November 2014 – Epic, Norwich
4 December 2014 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
5 December 2014 – Sage Gateshead, Gateshead
6 December 2014 – Gorilla, Manchester

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Lisa Mitchell Makes the World Feel Better with “Wah Ha”

Oh Lisa Mitchell, how I’ve missed you. I didn’t even realise quite how much until I heard your new song “Wah Ha” and felt instantly at peace. Its melody is so beautiful and you sing it so sweetly and its lyrics are so relatable.

And to you, dear readers, I’m sorry I stumbled across this one so late. Apparently Lisa unleashed it ages ago and life’s been moving at such a frantic pace that I didn’t realise. And sadly now there are only a couple more days where you can download it for free on Soundcloud. So click-click-click without delay!

Lisa’s going to play a couple of shows in London next month (oh you lucky Brits!) before she heads to country Victoria to record album number three. At least we Aussies know more music’s on the way. If you’re in the UK, you can catch Lisa at the following shows.

12 November 2014 – The Islington, London
13 November 2014 – The Slaughtered Lamb, London
15 November 2014 – Rough Trade West, London

Apes Set for British Domination

Apes really impressed me with their fun single “Pull the Trigger,” and it seems I’m not the only one taking note. The Melbourne lads recently inked a deal with British booking agency 13 Artists, the same group representing the likes of Artic Monkeys, Radiohead, and Bloc Party.

To celebrate the achievement, Apes have headed across the pond for four shows this week. See them before everyone else discovers them at the following gigs.

1 October 2014 – Water Rats, London
2 October 2014 – Fallow Café, Manchester
3 October 2014 – Nice n’ Sleazy, Glasgow
4 October 2014 – Alfie Birds, Birmingham

Melbourne Ska Orchestra Ready for World Tour

I was so sad to hear of the recent axing of the ABC’s rebooted Spicks and Specks. Sure it took a little while for Josh, Ella, and Adam to settle in to the chairs. However, I felt that the essence of the show remained that same, and for that reason it’s a shame more people didn’t tune in.

Watching the show I was delighted at so many of those quirky acts that chose to transform hits for “Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma.” The Melbourne Ska Orchestra was one of those bands that blew my mind, so I’m thrilled to see they’re moving on to bigger and better things.

The 25-piece have played shows all over Australia supporting the release of their debut album, and now they’re preparing to take it to the world. Their originals and surprising ska covers of classics like the Get Smart theme are sure to win over music lovers at high-profile events like Glastonbury and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Rest assured readers in other parts of the world, you don’t want to miss this truly original act.

26 June 2014 – The Forge, Camden, London
27 & 28 June 2014 – Glastonbury Festival
30 June & 1 & 2 July 2014 – Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal
3 July 2014 – Festival D’ete, Quebec City
4 July 2014 – Yonge, Dundas Square, Toronto
5 July 2014 – Northern Lights Festival Boreal, Ontario

Lowlakes Get Icy in Europe

Haunting Melbourne four-piece Lowlakes are preparing to take Europe by storm! The band will be celebrating the recent release of their debut LP Iceberg Nerves with a trip around some of the world’s iciest locales.

The album features the band’s latest single “Newborn,” a typically atmospheric, intense number which showcases lead singer Tom Snowdon’s hypnotic voice beautifully. If you’re lucky enough to be in Europe you can hear the band play “Newborn” and others from the album at the following shows

14 March 2014 – Kassablanca, Jena
15 March 2014 – Beatpol, Dresden
16 March 2014 – Hafen 2, Offenbach
17 March 2014 – Molotov, Hamburg
19 March 2014 – Ut Connewitz, Leipzig
20 March 2014 – Bogen F, Zuerich
21 March 2014 – Suedpol, Luzern
22 March 2014 – Bikini Test, La-Chaux-de-Fonds
24 March 2014 – Pension Schmidt, Muenster
25 March 2014 – Milla, Muenchen
26 March 2014 – Galao, Stuttgart
28 March 2014 – Gemeindekeller, Goefis
30 March 2014 – W@ Poppodium, Den Bosch

More shows to be announced