Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jem Cassar-Daley Releases Powerful New Single, “King of Disappointment”

Jem Cassar-Daley really impressed me with singles from her debut EP like “Oh No” and “Like It More.” So I’m thrilled she’s going from strength to strength with her first new music since that release. I must admit, while I enjoyed her past releases, I think her latest single “King of Disappointment” is my favourite yet. It’s so lyrically strong, with a stripped-back vibe that really showcases those powerful lyrics. If you’ve ever felt gaslighted and let down, you’re going to connect with this one.

“Before heading to Sydney to write with Brendon Boney in the “resonate” program, I had a situation where my shoes were on, makeup done and I was ready to head out the door when I got a “sorry, something came up” text,” Jem shared. “Instead of being sad, I decided to use it as inspiration in the studio.”

Fresh from shows in the United Kingdom, Jem has been announced as the support act for most of Busby Marou’s upcoming dates. Here are all the places you can catch this incredible line-up:

18 August 2023 – Harvey Road Tavern, Goeng Country/Gladstone
19 August 2023 – Moncrieff Theatre, Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Country/Bundaberg
26 August 2023 – Yamba Bowling Club, Yaegl Country/Yamba
27 August 2023 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
1 September 2023 – The Gov, Tartanya/Adelaide
2 September 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
9 September 2023 – The Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 September 2023 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
14 September 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul
13 October 2023 – Riverside Precinct, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
14 October 2023 – Harrup Park, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
20 October 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy-walubarra yidi Country/Cairns
21 October 2023 – The Mansfield (Warehouse), Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boo Seeka Drops Club Banger “Are You All In?”

Is it too early in the week for club music? I’m not sure, but I can’t wait any longer to share Boo Seeka’s new track “Are You All In?” with you. If you need to hang on to your weekend vibes just a little bit longer, this one’s for you.

“‘Are You All In?’ for me is a continued step into a new era of Boo Seeka. In the previous few years, I’ve probably had an emphasis on creating dance music, but looking forward to this new project, I’m really leaning into a sound that is really effortless, and isn’t forced into any sort of box or genre. I love rock, I love folk, I love dance, so why not take elements of them all and see how it goes,” Boo Seeka explained.

Boo Seeka also just signed an international deal with Kygo’s Palm Tree Records, so worldwide domination is surely the next step.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Boo Seeka who has made an amazing impact in his home country, and we look forward to amplifying his vision on a global level,” said Palm Tree Records representative, David Rishty. “His sound touches so many different genres and styles of music, you can’t help but want to be a part of what he’s building. No limits, no boundaries, we’re here for all of it.”

Boo Seeka has just completed a massive regional tour, but he’s not going to let the grass grow under his feet. He’ll be back on the road next month supporting Boy & Bear on their upcoming shows. After signing that international deal, fans should probably take every opportunity to see Boo Seeka close to home. Here are all the dates you need:

16 June 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
17 June 2023 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 June 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
14 July 2023 – Perth Concert Hall, Boorloo/Perth
15 July 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Releases Fantastic First Single From 8th Album Ahead of Aussie Tour

Sadly far too many people consider Ian Moss a nostalgia act. They love his work with Cold Chisel and early solo hits like “Tucker’s Daughter” and “Telephone Booth,” but they don’t realise he’s still releasing incredible music. If it’s been too long since you’ve checked in with Mossy, make sure you listen to his latest single “Rivers Run Dry,” the title track from his soon-to-be-released eighth studio album. This epic ballad has a gospel feel that’s something new for Mossy. It’s far from the only genre represented on this ground-breaking album.

“The song selection for ‘Rivers Run Dry’ was focused on simply finding good songs, regardless of the style or genre they may have initially presented, and the result is an album that covers straight-ahead rock, Latin, funk, country, blues & unapologetic pop and yet we still ended up with an album that sounds very cohesive,” Ian said. “I don’t think any of us feel we have any ‘What the fuck is that song doing on this album?’ moments.”

The Rivers Run Dry album drops on July 21. Mossy will play Legends of the Lawn in Mackay today heading abroad for some UK shows. He’ll be back before you know it with some gigs in Australian capitals to celebrate the album’s release. Don’t miss him when he comes to a city near you.

20 May 2023 – Legends on the Lawn, Yuwibara Country/South Mackay
1 June 2023 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
2 June 2023 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
3 June 2023 – 100 Club, London
7 June 2023 – Cluny, Newcastle Upon Tyne
9 June 2023 – Retro Bar, Manchester
10 June 2023 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Kid LAROI Pays Tribute To Fallen Friends With “WHERE DOES YOUR SPIRIT GO?”

We know The Kid LAROI for his upbeat bangers, but he’s showing us a softer side on his latest single “WHERE DOES YOUR SPIRIT GO?” It’s a heartfelt piano ballad dedicated to the memory of lost friends including Juice WRLD and Saiko.

“It’s about loss, grieving and dealing with the thoughts and emotions that come with that,” he explained on his Instagram page. “I pray for all of you who are going through something similar currently and I hope this helps you feel a little less alone in all of it”.

The Kid LAROI is preparing to tour the United States to support Lil Baby. If you’re in the States, you can catch him at the following shows:

28 July 2023 – Moody Center, Austin (supporting Lil Baby)
29 July 2023 – American Airlines Center, Dallas (supporting Lil Baby)
1 August 2023 – Footprint Center, Phoenix (supporting Lil Baby)
2 August 2023 – Pechanga Arena, San Diego (supporting Lil Baby)
6 August 2023 – Oakland Arena and RingCentral Coliseum, Oakland (supporting Lil Baby)
9 August 2023 – Golden 1 Center, Sacramento (supporting Lil Baby)
12 August 2023 – Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle (supporting Lil Baby)
14 August 2023 – Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City (supporting Lil Baby)
15 August 2023 – Ball Arena, Denver (supporting Lil Baby)
23 August 2023 – Little Caesars Arena, Detroit (supporting Lil Baby)
24 August 2023 – United Center, Chicago (supporting Lil Baby)
26 August 2023 – Nationwide Arena, Columbus (supporting Lil Baby)
31 August 2023 – Capital One Arena, Washington (supporting Lil Baby)
2 September 2023 – TD Garden, Boston (supporting Lil Baby)
3 September 2023 – CFG Bank Arena Baltimore (supporting Lil Baby)
5 September 2023 – PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh (supporting Lil Baby)
6 September 2023 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis (supporting Lil Baby)
7 September 2023 – FedExForum, Memphis (supporting Lil Baby)
8 September 2023 – KFC Yum! Center, Louisville (supporting Lil Baby)
9 September 2023 – Bridgestone Arena, Nashville (supporting Lil Baby)
11 September 2023 – PNC Arena, Raleigh (supporting Lil Baby)
12 September 2023 – Spectrum Center, Charlotte (supporting Lil Baby)
15 September 2023 – Amalie Arena, Tampa (supporting Lil Baby)
16 September 2023 – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville (supporting Lil Baby)
19 September 2023 – Smoothie King Center, New Orleans (supporting Lil Baby)
22 September 2023 – FLA Live Arena, Sunrise (supporting Lil Baby)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Belle Haven Drop “Grimace” Single, Touring With RedHook

If you’re catching RedHook this month, make sure you get there early enough for Belle Haven’s set. If their nostalgic new single “Grimace” is an indicator, you won’t want to miss it. The song explores the insecurity and uncertainty that comes from working in the music industry.

“It is a brutal yet brilliant world to work in, and it takes a certain amount of resilience to be a part of sometimes which is something I think we’ve struggled with over the years.” explained vocalist David De La Hoz. “There’s a sort of irony to this song; we are more excited than ever to be releasing this music.”

If you haven’t got tickets for the Postcard From a Living Hell tour yet, what are you waiting for? Here are all the remaining dates for these massive shows featuring RedHook, Belle Haven, Bad Love, and Grenade Jumper.

11 May 2023 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Goomburrup/Bunbury
12 May 2023 – Amplifier, Boorloo/Perth
13 May 2023 – Enigma Bar, Tandanya/Adelaide
19 May 2023 – UC Hub, Ngunnawal/Canberra
20 May 2023 – The Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
25 May 2023 – La La La’s, Dharawal/Wollongong
26 May 2023 – The Cambridge, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
27 May 2023 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Oversimplified Complications

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley, Django Django, and More Join Wanderer Festival

With a brand-new lineup announcement this morning, this year’s Wanderer Festival is shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Ocean Alley, Django Django, Thelma Plum, and Gomez’s Ben Ottewell and Ian Ball are among the artists just announced. They join previously revealed acts including Spiderbait, Lisa Mitchell, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and The Jungle Giants.

“I’m thrilled with how Wanderer is shaping up this year. We’re curating a really strong program consistent with what Wanderer is all about. It is diverse in every sense and includes plenty of well-known favourites as well as amazing new talent,” confirmed the festival’s organiser, Simon Daly. “We are really proud to be delivering such a world-class event in the Sapphire Coast. It is really rewarding creating something so equally loved by both the local community as well as travellers coming from all over Australia for an unforgettable experience in this stunning part of the world.”

Wanderer Festival hits Yuin Country/Pambula Beach from September 29 to October 1. Tickets range from $50 and $320 and are available now through the Wanderer Festival website.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Siobhan Cotchin Gets Political With “If God Is a Man”

Siobhan Cotchin has returned with her defiant new single “If God Is a Man.” It’s got a fabulous country-rock sound, but make sure you tap into those lyrics. This is a passionate anthem of opposition to the discrimination she’s recently witnessed in the United States, including the banning of abortions across after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade and attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights. We haven’t heard Siobhan tackle such meaty political topics before, so it’s exciting to hear her delivering such powerful lyrics!

“‘If God is A Man’ is a song with a super strong message, and one that is important to me. It’s about rejecting forced conformity and celebrating who you are and not wanting to change for other people. It’s also a song about losing faith and hope, and I feel as though that’s extremely relevant to the times we are living in. I want to be on the right side of history and stand up for what I believe in. I’m grateful to have a platform like music to spread this message. There’s no room for hatred and discrimination at my shows, and I want people of all walks of life to know that my music is a safe place and they are heard.” Siobhan explained.

“I wrote this song with Dylan and Carmen from The Money War and Paige Valentine. Paige, Carmen, and Dylan came up with the concept of the song and I fell in love with it, especially that chorus. Dylan and I wrote the verses and bridge together, and we sat on it for a while. I left it on the back burner for about a year and waited until it was the right time. I knew I wanted to record this song when I revisited the song and showed it to the band. They got the vibe straight away and it all fell into place. I feel like this song is still super relevant to the times we’re living in, maybe now more than ever, so it felt right to record and release it.”

“If God Is a Man” is the third single lifted from Siobhan’s sophomore EP Miss Reckless, which drops on May 31. She’s about to start touring with Kingswood before headlining her own shows.

25 May 2023 – Dunsborough Tavern, Quedjinup/Dunsborough (with Kingswood)
26 May 2023 – Mojos Bar, Walyup/Fremantle (with Kingswood)
27 May 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth (with Kingswood)
28 May 2023 – The Carine, Mooro Country/Carine (with Kingswood)
1 June 2023 – Nannup Town Hall, Wardandi & Bibbulmun Country/Nannup (with Kingswood)
2 June 2023 – The River, Noongar Country/Margaret River (with Kingswood)
3 June 2023 – Six Degrees, Kinjarling/Albany (with Kingswood)
4 June 2023 – Farm Hotel, Binjareb & Wardandi Noongar Country/Treendale (with Kingswood)
7 June 2023 – Sound City, Galinyala/Port Lincoln (with Kingswood)
8 June 2023 – Sound City, Galinyala/Port Lincoln (with Kingswood)
9 June 2023 – Fat Controller, Tartanya/Adelaide (with Kingswood)
10 June 2023 – Western Hotel, Curdnatta/Port Augusta
11 June 2023 – Hotel Victor, Wirramulla/Victor Harbour (with Kingswood)
15 June 2023 – The Royal, Gadigal Country/Bondi
16 June 2023 – The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
17 June 2023 – Felons, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 June 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brad Cox Releases “Acres” Ahead of Largest Aussie Tour

I might be a little biased, but I think the country music scene in Australia is at least the equal to the scene over in the United States. It might not get the same international attention, but we’ve got so many superb artists telling authentic stories in this genre. The latest to really impress me is Brad Cox. Today he dropped his third studio album, Acres, and it’s an absolute cracker.

This is a guy with so much to say. The album features 17 songs, so you might expect a few filler tracks. Not even close. Every one is a winner. Trust me. Perhaps that’s because Brad took his time with this release, recording the songs after two years in Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie, Eora/Sydney, and Nashville. I encourage you to listen to the whole thing, because it’s just that good. But if you’re short on time, try the current single “Now She Ain’t.” As a bit of a grammar Nazi, the song title made me bristle. But it didn’t take long before I softened. It’s such a sweet song about stepping up and being the person someone else needs you to be.

“‘Now She Ain’t’ is “a song for the girls!,” Brad said. “Have hope and believe that person is out there. Stop crying into your pillow, strap on your can-do attitude, and get after it. We have been playing this one on the road for a few months now and it’s a super fun one to play live.”

Speaking of the road, Brad will be embarking on his biggest headline tour to date next month to support the release of Acres. Tickets are on sale now, so get onto it:

1 June 2023 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Tartanya/Adelaide
2 June 2023 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 June 2023 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi & Jinbara Country/Sunshine Coast
9 June 2023 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff
10 June 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 June 2023 – The Gateway Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
17 June 2023 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
22 June 2023 – The Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
23 June 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurraral Country/Thirroul

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia; credit: Brad Elder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaitlyn Thomas Releases Unapologetic New Single, “Pretty Little Thing”

I must say, I don’t quite remember Kaitlyn Thomas from this year’s Australian Idol Top 30. I think that’s a failing of the show’s rapid pace than on Kaitlyn though. I certainly won’t forget her after hearing her powerful new single “Pretty Little Thing.” This is country rock at its finest, a gutsy effort that takes its cues from Gretchen Wilson and Shania Twain.

“’Pretty Little Thing’ came about after being told I don’t fit the mould and what is typically expected as a female artist,” Kaitlyn revealed. “I wanted to write about embracing who I am and female empowerment.”

Kaitlyn cowrote the song with acclaimed duo MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis) who’ve previously penned hits for The Veronicas, Casey Barnes, and Aloe Blacc.

“Writing this song with Paynter and Delo was like a Nashville experience,” she said. “The song was written in a day, vocals laid the next and final production completed on the third day. Working with MSquared allowed me to dig deeper into who I am as an artist and really find my distinct sound that no one else is doing.”

The accompanying music video, shot by Benny Griggs at the Race Track Betting Shed, captures the fire Kaitlyn brings to the stage.

“I didn’t want to go down the storytelling road, I wanted to capture what it would look like live,” she said. “The live audience we had, had never heard the song until the day of filming.”

You can experience her live show for yourself at the following events:
3–5 November 2024 – Molesworth Music Festival, Taungurong Country/Molesworth
17–19 November 2024 – Camp for Cancer, Kulin Country/Darraweit Guim

Image source: Kaitlyn Thomas official website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall In Love With Franjapan

I love falling down a musical rabbit hole. I intend on listening to a band’s current single, but end up devouring their entire back catalogue. The latest band to fire me up that way is Franjapan. Trust me, if your Hump Day is anything like mine, they’ll give you the pick-me-up you need to make it through. Sitting somewhere between The Strokes and Sam Fender, they make some of the catchiest rock music I’ve heard in some time. Take a listen to their new single “Lucy,” but don’t be surprised if like me you find yourself tuning in to the rest of their songs.

“The song was written about a night I had at a party,” explained the Naarm/Melbourne band’s guitarist and vocalist, Rhys Fraser-White. “It’s simply an observation of the activities or values that are ever-present in the youthful nightlife. I believe the essence of the song is an attempt to capture the lustful innocence of our youth before its impending end. A snapshot of a moment in time.”

“The guitar riff and chord progression came first. They’re heavily inspired by Sam Fender’s guitar playing (very tasty). We love Sam and his band. The verse lyrics followed shortly after. Once I had the riff and verse lyrics down, I showed Spencer [Ward, guitar/vocals] the song and we constructed a chorus and bridge in a matter of minutes. We brought the finished song to Dennis [Sehovic, guitar], Oli [Collins, drums], and Oscar [Macalpine, bass] who each added their own unique touches. The finished product is ‘Lucy’.”

Franjapan are currently touring the East Coast, headlining shows for the very first time. You can still catch them at the following gigs:
28 April 2023 – The Barrie, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
30 April 2023 – The North Gong Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (FREE)

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jontee Langton