Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Waugh Releases Powerful Single, “We Are Here”

We don’t often hear queer voices like Michael Waugh’s. His brand of country-folk is a world away from the pop and dance tracks that usually come from the LGBTQIA+ community, and it makes a refreshing change. His new single “We Are Here” is a powerful anthem that celebrates gay pioneers while acknowledging the hardships so many faced, including Michael himself. Take a moment to properly listen to this song. Trust me, you’ll want to take these lyrics in.

“I want to celebrate those gay men through history – many of whom risked their lives – so that I can stand here today, wearing my rainbow elastic-panelled Blundstone boots, and speak my truth,” he explained.

“What made it safe for me to come out was having other queer artists and storytellers who were unafraid to speak their truth. You can’t be what you can’t see, right? So, I had this really ambitious idea when writing ‘We Are Here’. I wanted to talk about the history of gay men, and to include myself as a point on that timeline. I also wanted to let the next generation know that we are here, we are waiting to be their community, and that they are loved.”

Michael is currently touring from town to town, busting stereotypes everywhere he plays. Here are his upcoming gigs:

7 & 8 October 2023– Nanga Music Festival, Noongar Country/Dwellingup
13 October 2023 – Stratford Courthouse, Brayakaulung Country/Stratford
15 October 2023 – Wesley of Warragul, Darug Country/Warragul

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRXCE Challenges Social Norms With “Everything I Wanted”

If you’ve ever felt like pursuing your goals put you out of step with society, GRXCE’s latest single “Everything I Wanted” is bound to resonate with you. It’s an angsty indie pop-rock track which reminds me of grungy female-fronted ‘90s acts like The Julianna Hatfield Three and Veruca Salt, in the best possible way.

“‘Everything I Wanted’ depicts the catastrophisation of the future and the different paths life can take both you and the people around you,” explained GRXCE’s frontwoman, Jamila. “When I wrote this track I was very much grappling with how I pictured my life evolving overtime and my limitations I felt were imposed on me as a woman when choosing my career as a priority over the usual expectations to be a partner, or a mother, or a wife.”

“Everything I Wanted” has a big sound, with layered guitars and bold percussion, but it took some time to get it from the home studio of band member Alex Berger to the track it is today.

“We tracked all the instrumental and vocal parts in Alex’s home studio in his bedroom in Camperdown over the course of a few weeks. In between sessions we had zoom calls with Jackson [Barclay, producer] to hear feedback and discuss the track before jumping back in,” Jamila added. “Finally we travelled up to Gosford and spent a day in Jackson’s home studio to put the finishing touches on the song.”

GRXCE are currently playing shows around the country. Catch them at the following venues:

29 September 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane QLD (supporting Dusty)
6 October 2023 – OAF Gallery, Eora/Sydney NSW (HEADLINE SHOW)

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Sevin Pakbaz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lenka Back to Her Best With “Silhouette”

Remember Lenka? Even if you don’t remember the name, I know you’ll remember her smash 2008 single “The Show.” It’s been a long time since she made an impact on the charts, but if there’s any justice she should do it again with her latest single “Silhouette.” This nostalgic 80s throwback is so much fun, just like the best pop songs should be!

“This song is my delicious 1980s pop jam about being worn down by life to the point where you feel like you’re disappearing and becoming numb. Almost a nihilistic feeling, but in a joyful way!” Lenka enthused. “It’s fun to get creative with your more negative emotions and wear them like a costume, turn them into armour.”

The video continues the 80s vibes, with Lenka taking inspiration from pop icons like Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, and Madonna.
“This was such a fun video to shoot. The goal was to evoke the feel of 80s glamour, the nostalgia, but without the cheese,” explained Lenka’s director, Adam Jordan. “Lenka absolutely smashed it with the clothing options, my favourite shots became the black sparkly top with the backlight, the perfect mix of the glamour and nostalgia vibe we were going for.”

And if that wasn’t enough, Lenka is playing shows just about everywhere. She’s just played a string of shows in China. The US comes next before Lenka arrives home for some local gigs in November. Get on it!

1 October 2023 – City Winery, New York
8 October 2023 – Resident, Los Angeles
17 November 2023 – The Gaso, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2023 – Valley Loft, Meeanjin/ Brisbane
25 November 2023 – Great Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tanja Bruckner

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gregory Alan Isakov Announces Aussie Tour

I intended to write about Gregory Alan Isakov’s upcoming Australian tour a little earlier, but his music took me down a streaming rabbit hole. I hadn’t heard of this South African-born, American-based folk artist until I saw his press release, so I had to check out his latest album Appaloosa Bones. And it was so beautiful that I had to fire up Spotify’s “This is Gregory Alan Isakov” playlist to get across some of his earlier material. And before I knew it, hours had passed, my heart was full with his music but I was no closer to writing this article. So here we are.

If like me you weren’t already across his music, fire up Appaloosa Bones, pronto. It’s the sort of dreamy folk music that is so good for the soul. Just don’t be surprised if it inspires you to listen to more and seriously contemplate nabbing some tickets for that tour. Here are all the dates you need!

27 January 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 January 2023 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
29 January 2023 – The Gov, Tartanya/Adelaide
31 January 2023 – Freo Social Club, Walyup/Fremantle
1 February 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 February 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Glenn Ross

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shangrila Drop Fantastic Rock Single, “Afterlife”

Boorloo/Perth alt-rock act Shangrila have release their hard-hitting new single, “Afterlife”. It’s an epic track with stellar vocals from Devyn Jupp, thumping bass and drums, bold guitars, and powerful, personal lyrics.

“Afterlife is a track about struggling with your direction in life, feeling as though you are existing but not truly living,” Devyn explained. “The song explores apprehension towards change, and the ultimate realization that often we are standing the way of our own growth, and need to go through uncomfortable moments and hard work to realise the best version of ourselves and enjoy the rewards that life has to offer.”

Fresh from playing the Winter DRPØUT Festival in Tartanya/Adelaide and shows with American post-hardcore act Thrice, Shangrila will kick off a new tour with Young Lions tonight. Make sure you arrive early enough for their sets!

22 September 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 September 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
29 September 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Jess Wharehinga

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Penkow Releases New Local Anthem, “Aussie Rain”

“Aussie Rain,” the latest single from 2023 Golden Guitar nominee Andy Penkow, is one of those truly great Australian songs. It’s heartfelt and honest, with lyrics that speak of local small towns and the characters in it.

“As a full-time musician, I get the amazing opportunity to travel across Australia and visit some pretty neat places”, Andy explained. “I first visited a small town in outback New South Wales called Coonabarabran a few years back and I felt an instant connection. There was something so special and unique about it. The people, the land, the history, the nighttime stars, it really moved me. ‘Aussie Rain’ is a love letter to the town, to thank them for being part of my journey as an artist, singer and songwriter”.

When Andy says he’s a full-time musician, he’s not kidding. He’d booked more than 100 shows this year and there’s more to come. Next year he plans to head overseas to play gigs abroad and release his fourth studio album. You can see Andy at one of these upcoming shows:

6 October 2023 – Romano’s Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (with Alan Fletcher)
7 October 2023 – Dundallimal Homestead, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo (with Alan Fletcher)
14 October 2023 – The Barn at Hibbards, Guruk/Port Macquarie (with TC Cassidy)
19 October 2023 – Metro Bakery, Berrin/Mount Gambier (with Anne Fraser)
20 October 2023 – Raidis Estate Coonawarra, Bindjali Country/Penola (with Anne Fraser)
21 October 2023 – Shotgun Willie’s, Tartanya/Adelaide
26 October 2023 – GPO Bendigo, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
28 October 2023 – Brycee’s Tavern Café & Bar, Wurundjeri Country/Mooroolbark (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
4 November 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
8 December 2023 – The Ophir Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
9 December 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
23 January 2024 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with TC Cassidy and Donella)

Image used with permission from Red Rebel Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Happy Ever After” – MID CITY

MID CITY might be the next big Aussie success story. The Naarm/Melbourne outfit has been releasing music together since 2018, but they’ve taken their time in releasing an album. The wait was worth it. Happy Ever After is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year.

I’d already raved about the title track, which opens the album with a flourish. It’s the perfect introduction to this energetic rock act, but they’ve got a lot more in their arsenal. The tracks that follow hit just as hard, with powerful lyrics that pack an emotional punch that’s every bit the equal to those big guitar riffs and driving drums. MID CITY doesn’t take its foot off the throttle until the fourth track in, and even then we’re only shifting down a gear or two. This is an album that gets you moving, whether you’re punching your fist in the air or letting the sound take over your whole body. Not that MID CITY is all one note. While they love a big rock anthem, big ballads like “Someone Like You” and “Lover Again” will have you reaching for the cigarette lighter.

“Touring in Europe really informed what we wanted; playing some great festival stages and watching people react – or not – to the things we thought were important in creating the perfect hard-hitting banger,” the band explained. “What was surprising though, was the quieter side we found on some songs. We always wanted the album to be a little journey, not just a 170 bpm sweat fest, but we didn’t realise how satisfying it would be to create some songs with different tempos and feels. We’re really proud of the balance we found between bangers and more heartfelt quieter moments. Perhaps we’re maturing? I hope not.”

I found myself thinking of several big stadium acts as I listened to Happy Ever After. The Killers. Arctic Monkeys. Our own Gang of Youths and the Temper Trap. There’s a little of these bands in MID CITY, but there’s also a unique flavour that sets them apart. Just like those acts, I can picture MID CITY packing out stadiums all around the world. It’s already starting, with MID CITY playing dates in Europe and the United Kingdom next month. Expect those venues to be upgraded next time they travel. Until then, enjoy seeing the at the small spots while you can.

3 October 2023 – Galao, Stuttgart
4 October 2023 – Helios 37, Cologne
5 October 2023 – Pop Bar, Haldern
6 October 2023 – Molotow, Hamburg
8 October 2023 – Badehaus, Berlin
10 October 2023 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
17 October 2023 – The Victoria Dalston, London
18 October 2023 – 33 Oldham Street, Manchester

Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Richard Clifford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sunsoli” – Sunsoli

Rebranding after eight years performing together is a risky move. But that’s exactly what Darkinjung Country/Central Coast act The Sea Gypsies did when they became Sunsoli earlier this year. Risky or not, the move seems to have revitalised this band who with the release of their self-titled album prove they’re making some of the best music of their career.

Sunsoli says their music is inspired by the sun and its ever-present influence on our lives. I can hear that inspiration in these new tunes. The album opens with “Some Kind of Light,” an atmospheric slow burner. It’s a moment of calm stillness before the energetic single “Time and Place” kicks in. “Wayward” brings more good vibes. I can imagine blasting these songs on my next road trip. There’s a beautiful freedom about them, and their driving beats are sure to keep me energised as the road stretches out ahead of me. Love songs with an easy groove like “Dancing Slowly,” featuring gorgeous guest vocals from Ashrae, and “Sunlight” are real charmers. It’s unclear whether the central relationships will be summer flings or something more, but they’re so much fun that it barely matters. Most of this album feels fresh, so the ‘80s nostalgia of “In the Middle” comes as a little bit of a curveball. I never mind a throwback when it’s done this well though. “Where We Left Off” is a beautiful love letter to the fans, a celebration of this band, no matter what they’re called. Closing track “Colours” is such a powerful love song, heartfelt without a hint of schmaltz, an anthemic number that I can already tell will be even better live. What a way to end this excellent album.

I’ve always liked the music the band made as the Sea Gypsies but the tracks I loved in their back catalogue were a bit rarer. However, I’m in love with this album. Every song is a stand-out. It’s everything I liked about the Sea Gypsies but better. I was skeptical about the band’s decision to rebrand so far into their career, but if it’s inspired them to make great music like this I’m all for it. Sunsoli’s debut album is out today. Their East Coast album launch tour starts Friday. Limited tickets are still available for these shows.

15 September 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (with Brandon Duff & Georgia-Jean)
16 September 2023 – Live at the Polo, Ngambri/Canberra (with Kopasetic & Eden Plenty)
6 October 2023 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong (with This Way North & Gabby Steel)
8 October 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (with This Way North & Anna Smyrk)
27 October 2023 – Sol Bar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore (with Flaskas & Sundaze)
29 October 2023 – Lefty’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Flaskas & Tjaka)
11 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (with The Toothpicks & Southwest Corduroy)
25 November 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (with Tyrants & Tiali)
1 December 2023 – The Federal, Baligin/Bellingen

Listen on Apple Music

Image used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Jordan Cortti

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ghost Care Release Fun New Synth-Pop Single, “Arcade”

I didn’t expect indie-pop act Ghost Care to get turned on by classic rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival, but inspiration often comes in the most unlikely of places. Their latest single “Arcade” is more synth-driven pop than swamp rock, but Ghost Care found themselves inspired by the lyrical content of the classic band.

“The original idea was named ‘Dance’ on our voice memos, but when we dove into the lyrics we found that the name ‘Arcade’ fit the theme of love and a relationship being likened to a game. Inspired by a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, I loved the idea of not wanting to be on the bench and that if you want to win you have to feel like everyone is giving their all and that you are working as a team,” explained the band’s vocalist and guitarist, Beau Torrance. “We were playing this song originally as a guitar heavy driven song and it felt like it could stay there or we could take it somewhere we haven’t really been before. When we got to the studio, our producer Dave Parkin had the exact same mindset and it was then decided we should take it into the synth world.”

The music video, directed by fellow Western Australian Stephanie Senior, sees Beau and fellow vocalist Tanaya Harper duking it out in a video game arcade.

“We love this video clip so much! We knew we wanted fun whilst not being too funny, and Steph totally nailed the vibe,” Tanaya said. “We really had this idea of making a video that had this funky, neon atmosphere. Steph really took it to another level for us and we feel like we chose the perfect person for capturing the song’s energy!”

After recently touring in support of Spacey Jane, Ghost Care are packing up their tour bus and playing shows that kick off in their hometown tomorrow night. Catch them where you can:

8 September 2023 – Badlands, Boorloo/Perth
21 September 2023 – Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 September 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Aref Rashidan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DULCIE Drops Fabulous New Single, “Off By Heart”

DULCIE are back with another irresistible indie-pop banger, “Off By Heart.” It’s incredibly catchy, with sweet harmonies and empowering lyrics about moving on from the wrong relationship.

“There’s a fine line between giving someone another chance and finally calling it quits. ‘Off By Heart’ is about learning to stop ignoring the red flags and to put yourself first above all the excuses and false promises.” DULCIE said. “Ash (Carr-White) wrote the song around the phrase ‘Off By Heart’ with the intention of creating something emotive and relatable. It started out as a soft, slow piano ballad that eventually evolved into much more of a pop anthem! We tried recording it a few different ways but could never get it quite right; it wasn’t until our producer Konstantin Kersting messaged us, ‘I had a dream last night – and we need to completely redo the drum timing and tempo’ that we found the synth-infused, beat-driven direction we wanted to take. The contrast between the lyrics and production gives the song a feeling of empowerment and strength.”

DULCIE haven’t long wrapped up an East Coast tour, but they’re itching to get back on the road again with some choice supporting slots and festival gigs. Here are all the places you can see them play in the coming months.

4 October 2023 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Kinjarling/Albany (supporting Boy and Bear)
5 October 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River (supporting Boy and Bear)
6 October 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River (supporting Boy and Bear)
8 October 2023 – Out of the Woods Festival @ Esplanade Park, Walyalup/Fremantle
21 October 2023 – Red Hill Auditorium, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Red Hill (supporting Ocean Alley)
25 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
26 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
2 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Victoria Park, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
3 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Claremont Showgrounds, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Stephanie Senior