Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anberlin, Hawthorne Heights, and The World Alive Join Forces for Massive Aussie Shows

Anberlin vocalist Stephen Christian recently announced he’s taking an indefinite break from touring, but not before he brings his band to Australia one last time. Hitting Australia in January, Anberlin will play shows with their very special guests Hawthorne Heights and The Word Alive. If you believe that alt-rock’s not dead, you’ll want to get your hands on some tickets.

“There is not a country outside the United States that Anberlin is more connected to or embraced as much as Australia, and this will be our 12th trip to this incredible country,” Stephen confirmed. “From our first show in Adelaide, to then writing a song about it, and years later having a 9-year-old girl named Adelaide come on stage and sing that very song with us to a massive sold-out show in Sydney we have SO many core memories created on that soil. It is absolutely fitting that I am taking a final bow in Australia before taking a long hiatus from touring. I appreciate you Australia and can’t wait to sing along one final time.”

This will be the first time that Anberlin have visited Australia since 2019 and their first opportunity to play music from their EPs Silverline and Convinced, which dropped in 2022 and 2023 after the band’s reformation. And that’s to say nothing of Hawthorne Heights, who proved with the release of The Rain Just Follows Me in 2021 that they’ve still got plenty left in the tank. The World Alive also just dropped a new album, Hard Reset, in August, their first in three years.

Expect to hear plenty of the new material and classics when Anberlin, Hawthorne Heights, and The World Alive hit Australia this January. Tickets are on sale now.

21 January 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23 January 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
25 January 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
26 January 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 January 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Impress With First Self-Produced Single, “Studio”

Naarm/Melbourne indie-folk duo Pierce Brothers are one of those outfits who never seem to put a foot wrong. Their latest single “Studio” sees the lads producing their music for the first time, in partnership with longtime collaborator Phil Threlfall, and the results are simply brilliant. Their trademark harmonies and acoustic guitars are showcased so beautifully on this track, the first lifted from their next album.

“We first jammed this track onstage during soundcheck in Marlo, East Gippsland, and wrote the lyrics while sitting in a hotel room in Johannesburg,” Jack said. “I was feeling particularly disconnected from home when we came up with the idea for the lyrics, I missed my family, my kids. The idea of being so caught up in music that I would lose them haunted me, and this song was an exploration of those emotions.”

Pierce Brothers also recorded the song in Jack’s home studio.

“I have to say the best part was the commute!” he enthused. “We’re just so stoked that this is the start of something new here. We have this incredible space at our disposal all the time now! We can’t wait to just write album after album!”

Pierce Brothers will return to Europe next February. If you’re living over there, make sure you grab yourself a ticket.

13 February 2024 – The Garage, London
15 February 2024 – Reflektor, Liege
16 February 2024 – Badehaus Szimpla, Berlin
17 February 2024 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
18 February 2024 – Artheater, Cologne
20 February 2024 – Rotown, Rotterdam
21 February 2024 – Vera, Groningen
22 February 2024 – Doornroosje (Purple Room), Nijmegen
23 February 2024 – Paradiso – Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam
25 February 2024 – Strom, Munich
27 February 2024 – Supersonic Records, Paris
28 February 2024 – Paard Van Troje, The Hague

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Concrete Gold Rock Out With “Over the Edge”

Concrete Gold are ushering in a new era with the release of their latest single “Over the Edge.” It sounds good on them.

““Over The Edge” is the first song that we wrote with our current band lineup, and is the mark of a new era of exploration for us,” they explained. “This song was an idea that Cameron brought into our rehearsal (conjured by watching videos of Nirvana as inspiration) and was then fleshed out by the band together in our first rehearsal with Will [Bainbridge] as our drummer – the result was a more alive and nuanced sound than our previous creative efforts.”

The track was also self-produced by the band at SSL Studio at Cavanbah/Byron Bay. Frontman Cameron Lockwood engineered all but the vocals, which Sam Harris of Elaborate Productions handled. Cameron also took care of the mix before Sam mastered it.

Concrete Gold will take their new lineup on the road next week when they play a string of East Coast shows supporting the release of “Over the Edge.”

2 November 2023 – Australian Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Ballina
3 November 2023 – Greaser Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 November 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE SHOW; Doors open 1 pm)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Summit Release Doco Ahead of EP Tour

Boorloo/Perth band South Summit have just released a new documentary video that takes fans behind the scenes of their success. Called Climbing the Summit, the 10-minute vid was filmed between Eora/Sydney and Naarm/Melbourne while the band was on tour with Beddy Rays. It serves as a time capsule of this young band on the verge of big things.

“The band were a pleasure to work with,” said producer Vincent Trease. “It’s been such a great experience creatively and we got to witness South Summit at a pivotal time in their career as musicians. In such a time of division the message of unity that runs through this doco is in my eyes a great example of reconciliation.”

“I wanted to capture the way that music brings people together, and show that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe in, it’s all about just playing some tunes and having a good time,” added director Elliott Brown. “I firmly believe that South Summit will one day stand among the greatest Australian artists. I aimed to capture their beginnings, a moment I hope people will look back on in the future.”

“This documentary gives us an opportunity to tell our stories, share our messages, and showcase what we do behind the scenes on this crazy journey. We feel like this documentary lets people understand our journey with music, and what we want to be known for. We represent proud cultures throughout the band, but this is not the reason why we are here today. We are here for the love of music. The process was made super cruisy for us by the two guys who made it all happen. Big shoutout to Vince and Elliott for having the vision for the doco and all their hard work to make it happen!”

South Summit will be back doing what they do best next week playing shows in support of their fabulous third EP Tales of the Yeti. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait too long to get yours.

2 November 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
3 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
4 November 2023 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 November 2023 – Whammy Bar, Auckland
18 November 2023 – The Loons, Christchurch
19 November 2023 – Meow, Wellington
24 November 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Andrew Briggs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Talk Drop Vintage Banger, “Warm Love”

The Teskey Brothers pipped them for the title at the recent 2023 National Live Music Awards, but Sweet Talk might just be the best blues and roots act that you haven’t heard of. Their latest single “Warm Love” shows why they weren’t just making up the numbers in that coveted category. It’s got so much swag. This is the kind of music people just aren’t making enough of any more.

“It’s got a little more rock n roll steez about it,” admitted Sweet Talk’s frontman Tane Walker, of the band’s adventurous new sound. “We took what we normally do, then dirtied up the tones and tuned our instruments down half a step,” added bass player James Harding.

“Warm Love is a belter to play live!” added guitarist Soren Walker. “That’s the litmus test we need to vet songs for the studio, if the punters come alive, then it deserves a shot on record and this immediately ticked that box.”

You can see how good this song is live at one of Sweet Talk’s upcoming shows:

27 October 2023 – Bridge Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
28 October 2023 – The Eastern Hotel, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
29 October 2023 – The Barwon Club, Djilang/South Geelong
3 November 2023 – Music on the Hill, Bunurong Country/Main Ridge
4 November 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
10–12 November 2023 – Blues at Bridgetown, Nyungar Country/Bridgetown

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Two Times Shy Release Another Pop-Punk Bop, “Wits End”

I know I’m posting a lot of pop-punk these days, but god the scene is strong. When local bands just keep dropping stone cold bangers, what’s a girl supposed to do? The latest to capture my heart is “Wits End” from Two Times Shy. I know I’ve written a lot about these guys too, but when they keep producing such quality music I don’t want you to miss a thing.

“It’s an emotional journey, a reflection of those moments when you watch your life unravel, and everyone else seems to be moving forward while you’re stuck searching for answers,” explained Douglas Hudswell, Two Times Shy’s frontman.

The band will load up the van and hit venues across the East Coast next month. Catch Two Times Shy at the following hotspots:

4 November 2023 – Bodega, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
9 November 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
11 November 2023 – The Hamilton Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
17 November 2023 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2023 – The Chippo Hotel, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR; credit: Gabi Rankine

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hollow Coves Release Long-Awaited New Single, “Harder to Fake It”

Listening to “Harder to Fake It,” the first new music from Hollow Coves since 2021, has made me realise just how much I missed them. This is music that simply makes you feel good with its beautiful harmonies, acoustic feel, and uplifting lyrics. Rest assured, this one ticks all the boxes. As it should, as Hollow Coves wrote and recorded the track with Matt Corby and Alex Henrikkson at Alex’s Rainbow Valley Studio.

“Last year, we played at an event that Matt Corby had put on to raise money for victims of the floods in the Northern Suburbs of New South Wales in Australia. After the show, we got chatting with Matt Corby and we connected really well. We were both keen to see what we could make together, so we ended up going to his studio, which happened to be not too far from where we lived, and did a few writing sessions. We ended up writing five songs together,” the band explained. “We were all in a room together trying to come up with an initial idea. I had a guitar part and rough melody that I had been wanting to work on for a while so I thought I would test it by starting to play it and see if anyone would comment on it. Straight away, Matt Corby expressed that he liked what he heard so we took the idea and ran with it. From there, a lot of the song came quite quickly. We recorded the main guitar part quickly and then Matt Corby jumped on the drum kit and started recording some really cool drum parts to make a quick demo. A lot of the parts from the demo ended up being used in the final recording.”

The song comes with a beautiful music video filmed in the scenic coastal town of Tofino on Canada’s Vancouver Island. It features school children bored with the mundanity of the classroom who taste real joy when that bell rings and they can go out and experience the world.

Hollow Coves are back on the road playing shows around the country. Here are their upcoming dates:

13 October 2023 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
14 October 2023 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
20 October 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 October 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
3 December 2023 – SummerSalt @ Torquay Common, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Bradley Murnane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunday Lemonade Show Softer Side With “I know it sounds simple”

Sunday Lemonade usually charm me with their upbeat folk ditties, but they’re showing a different side with their latest single “I know it sounds simple.” This is a gentler, more contemplative number from this talented Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula-based duo, and I’m absolutely smitten.

“I know it sounds simple was written to process the unspeakable actions of one of my long-term friends. I really thought he would take responsibility for what he did, thought he’d do something as simple as apologise for what he’d done but instead he decided to bury it like it never happened,” explained Tyson, one half of Sunday Lemonade. “An apology wouldn’t fix it but would at least help all parties move forward and heal from it. I think we’re all guilty of taking the easy road sometimes instead of facing our issues and talking about them.”

Tyson and his partner in life and music, Loz, always seem to have a full touring schedule. Here are all the places you can hear them play “I know it sounds simple” and other fantastic songs in the coming months.

15 October 2023 – Main St Festival, Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula
21 October 2023 – Crack N Jack 2023, Woromi Country/Tanilba Bay
27 October 2023 – The Night Cat, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting CJ Commerford and the Supertones)
10-12 November 2023 – Blues at Bridgetown, Nyungar Country/Bridgetown
25 November 2023 – Always Good Nights @ Guppy Park, Noongar Country/Bunbury
2 December 2023 – Summer Swells @ Indian Ocean Hotel, Wadjak Nyoongar Country/Scarborough

Image used with permission from Sunday Lemonade

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Team Up With The Grogans for “Salt”

I must admit, when I heard that Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers had teamed up with The Grogans for their latest single, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love the angsty energy of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, but The Grogans’ music hasn’t been my cup of chai. However, the combination of these two acts is really something special. “Salt” is one of the standouts on Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ stellar debut album I Love You, which just dropped on October 6.

“During the three years we wrote this the lyrics changed so much, but I think what really pulled it all together was when we decided to have The Grogans join us on the track,” vocalist Anna Ryan shared. “It definitely shifted the energy from something so sad to something so beautiful and special.”

“Being a part of ‘Salt’ was pretty special,” The Grogans added. “It was something super different for us and it is an incredible song to have worked on. This was such a beautiful way for us to learn a lot about the Teen Jesus crew as well as ourselves. We felt that our role in this track was to add a sense of support for each other, musically and outside of the studio. The whole process was healing in a way. This track isn’t about our personal experience yet we find relevance in our own lives, we just hope we added something special. We are grateful to be let in and trusted with such a lovely song.”

Let this be your reminder that Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are currently on the road playing heaps of shows to support their recently released album, including headlining gigs, festivals, and some stellar supporting slots. See them anywhere you can.

10 October 2023 – The Cube, Waywurru Country/Wondonga (supporting DMA’s)
11 October 2023 – Kambri at ANU, Ngunnawal/Canberra (supporting DMA’s)
13 October 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul (supporting DMA’s)
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
20 October 2023 – Bar on the Hill, Awabakal/Newcastle (supporting DMA’s)
21 October 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr/Coffs Harbour (supporting DMA’s)
22 October 2023 – Kingscliffe Beach Hotel, Bundjalung/Kingscliff (supporting DMA’s)
27 October 2023 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)
28 October 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns (supporting DMA’s)
29 October 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns (supporting DMA’s)
2 November 2023 – UniBar, Tarndanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
3 November 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The River, Wadandi Boodja/Margaret River
11 November 2023 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
17 November 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
4 December 2023 – AAMI Stadium, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Foo Fighters)

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: Neve Van Boxsel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loretta Keep Stellar Singles Coming Ahead of EP Launch and Tour

Eora/Sydney pop-rock act Loretta have been releasing music at such a furious pace that I don’t blame you if you’re struggling to keep up. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, they’ve digitally bundled their latest track “Wish I Could Show You” with “All My Friends (Are Your Friends)”, which dropped in mid-September. The two tracks show different sides of this exciting ensemble.

“‘Wish I Could Show You’ is about the essence of growth, self-discovery, and profound changes and experiences that come with time and getting older. It offers a deeply personal perspective from us that acts as a love letter to the past, acknowledging the evolution of relationships, friendships and personal aspirations,” Loretta explained of the upbeat, nostalgic cut.

“‘All My Friends’ navigates the complexities that come with trying to maintain a friendship after a breakup, delving into the challenges that come with sharing a social circle with an ex,” Loretta said of this bittersweet ballad. “It is a portrayal of the stage immediately after a relationship ends, encapsulating the bittersweet reality of seeing your ex move on, whilst trying to focus on moving on yourself.”

We can look forward to more new music from Loretta when their new EP Never Thought of Growing Up drops on November 3. To celebrate the release, they’ll play the following East Coast shows:

4 November 2023 – Yah Yah’s, Naarm/Melbourne
9 November 2023 – Stranded Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 November 2023 – Towradji Beach Hotel, Warrang/Wollongong
23 November 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 November 2023 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from Good Intent