Jeremy Beggs has blown me away with his latest single “Hurtful Ways.” I’m not surprised though, as Jeremy cowrote the song with one of Sounds of Oz’s favourite local artists, Matt Joe Gow.
“I feel so fortunate to have met Matt and am grateful for all the things I have learnt from him so far,” Jeremy enthused. “Before being thrust up on stage with Matt & The Dead Leaves in Tamworth last year, my music was really just floating around like a dream. Sharing the stage and watching and meeting wonderful artists made me really understand what this journey is all about.”
He said they wrote “Hurtful Ways” about the search for balance as a travelling musician.
“My family always comes first but the reality is as a musician, sometimes we are taken away from the ones we love. I’m constantly trying to find and keep that balance but unfortunately that sometimes tilts too far one way and requires recalibration.”
You can see Jeremy perform “Hurtful Ways” at the following shows:
6 May 2023 – Daylesford Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Daylesford
13 May 2023 – Red Door Pizza, Wathaurrung Country/Buninyong
28 May 2023 – Cinnamon Grove Cafe and Catering, Nillumbik/Greensborough
4 June 2023 – Edinburgh Castle, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity
I’m convinced the Pierce Brothers can do no wrong. Their latest single “In the Water” is another stellar indie-folk track that perfectly showcases their gift for building melodies.
“As a major third wheel in the twin brother dynamic, we found pretty quickly that my main role was actually that of a casting vote between Pat and Jack,” said Dara Munnis, who played keys on and cowrote the song with the Pierce Brothers. “Whenever there were different options on the table for the direction the song was taken, I have 100% let this newfound power go to my head.”
Dara also co-directed the music video with Patrick Pierce, who said “I have wanted to shoot at these locations for a while, and I saw the work of Alicia Brown which got me thinking about using those designs and ideas in a music video about a child’s imaginary friend. Once that was in my head, I just began thinking of all the beautiful locations in Victoria and just wanted to get on the road to start filming them. I reached out to Maryanne Lea to help with the costuming and she took the idea and really ran with it!”
The concept was originally meant for another release, but due to lockdowns in 2020 the performance aspect become impossible. However, now the time is right.
“We had to shelve the project until a new project that fit the song came along. Since then Dara has become a keys player in the band and this was our first song we wrote together. It just made sense that we release this music video we’d worked on for so long together”
Pierce Brothers will celebrate the release of “In the Water” with long-awaited shows allong the East Coast.
“It’s been such a long time since we’ve played headline metro shows, so I’m just really excited to get back out there and play to some of our most excellent hometown fans,” Jack Pierce enthused. “Melbourne is where we honed our craft and where our oldest fans are from, so we’re just really excited to see them all again.”
Tickets are on sale now for all the Pierce Brothers’ single tour shows:
12 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
13 May 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 May 2023 – Corner Hotel, Quo-yung/Richmond
27 May 2023 – Tropic Sounds @ Reid Park, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
9 June 2023 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 June 2023 – Haba, Bunurong Country/Rye
11 June 2023 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
1 July 2023 – Western Port Hotel, Bunurong Country/San Remo
5 July 2023 – Big Red Bash @ Big Red Dune, Wirrarri/Birdsville
11 August 2023 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
12 August 2023 – Village Festival, Darumbal Country/Yepoon (FREE)
19 August 2023 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Mundi
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Dara Munnis
Nathan Seeckts delivers raw, alt-country music the way it’s supposed to be with his new single “The Wildest Thing.” It’s all heart that refuses to simply imitate American acts. I absolutely love Nathan’s husky, soulful tone.
“This song is about the wildest girl that I ever met,” Nathan said. “It was a whirlwind romance borne under neon and moonlight.”
“The Wildest Thing” is the first single from Nathan’s forthcoming 2023 album. Featuring many of the musicians that played on his 2019 debut, The Heart of the City, it seeks to capture the sound and energy he delivered with his first release. Expect a sneaky listen to more new material as Nathan tours “The Wildest Thing” all around the country. Here are the remaining dates:
22 April 2023 – Stars and Bars Festival, Nira-Balluk, Heathcote
23 April 2023 – Shiraz Republic, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta Country/Cornella
29 April 2023 – The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
6 May 2023 – Pistol Pete’s, Djilang/Geelong
Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity
DICE have already sold out plenty of shows on their upcoming tour, but the release of their fabulous new single “Stockholm” should move the rest of those tickets. You know what to do. Press play and enjoy three minutes of exquisite surf rock. Then point your browser to snap up tickets to a show near you, if you haven’t already done so!
“Our latest single, ‘Stockholm’ is a Gen-Z take on the concept of Stockholm Syndrome. The track’s lyrics delve into the intrusive thoughts that arise when you feel trapped within a group of people whose morals and values don’t align with yours and you feel unable to escape the situation yet are forced to be around them,” the band explained. “The process of making this track felt a lot more thought out and perfected than our previous songs. The foundation for the track was made 6 months ago while touring however we continued to work and refine the song to really hone in on the cohesiveness of all the parts. Taking more influence from Brit-Pop we are finding our sound is maturing with each release all while learning that sometimes overthinking parts of a song can hinder our momentum.”
“Stockholm” gives us another taste of DICE’s sophomore EP Time Will Tell, which drops on May 4. You can count on the band playing songs from that release and old favourites at the following gigs:
11 May 2023 – Burleigh Bazaar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (SELLING FAST)
12 May 2023 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
13 May 2023 – Spaced Out Festival, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 May 2023 – La La Las, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
18 May 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
19 May 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
20 May 2023 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulbinba/Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
25 May 2023 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
26 May 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 May 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Tartanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
28 May 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Tartanya/Adelaide
10 June 2023 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
It was the single release that had to happen. A month out from the start of their Way Out West tour, James Reyne and Ella Hooper have teamed up for a new version of The Dingoes track, “Way Out West,” which James famously covered in the ‘90s with James Blundell.
“When James came to me with this idea – I was like – hell yeah! I’ve always adored that song, it’s got such a lovely, laconic feel to it and it’s such a unique Australian song too,” Ella gushed. “I used to belt out this song growing up in the country, it’s a dream to be doing it for real with James! It definitely deserves another spin!”
They haven’t reinvented the wheel, but that’s as it should be. This take is pure nostalgia that’s bound to resonate with fans of the original and people like me who remember it from the ‘90s. If you haven’t jumped on tickets to James and Ella’s upcoming shows, let this release be a reminder to get onto it!
Tones and I may never have a hit as big as “Dance Monkey.” A song that cuts through like that all over the world is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. However, that doesn’t mean we should label Tones a one-hit-wonder. It also doesn’t mean that her best music is behind her. While “Dance Monkey,” was fun, it’s also a bit gimmicky. I much prefer more recent releases like her latest single “I Am Free.” With powerful lyrics and a soaring chorus, it’s an impressive song from this local talent.
“’I Am Free’ is a song about relationships in my life, that have ended,” Tones shared. “It’s about self-reflecting on those relationships, acknowledging that I still carry parts of them with me and taking my share of responsibility for what happened. I wrote the song, composed it, co-produced it and recorded it with my choir and an orchestra. I also wrote and co-directed the film clip and wanted it to be powerful, joyful and anthemic.”
Tones and I is supporting Macklemore on his UK and European headline tour. If you’re abroad, you can catch them both at the following international shows. Tones will also come back for a couple of local festivals before heading back to Europe for more festivals there.
21 April 2023 – Lanxess Arena, Cologne
22 April 2023 – Verti Music Hall, Berlin
24 April 2023 – Zenith, Munich
25 April 2023 – Stadthalle Offenbach, Offenbach AM Main
27 April 2023 – Edel-Optics.DE Arena, Hamburg-Mitte
29 April 2023 – Warsaw Expo XXI, Warsaw
30 April 2023 – Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna
2 May 2023 – The Hall, Dubendorf
3 & 4 May 2023 – Alcatraz, Milan
7 May 2023 – Vega, Kobenhavn
9 May 2023 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo
20 May 2023 – Bassinthegrass, Larrakia Country/Darwin
27 May 2023 – Tropic Sounds 2023, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
20 July 2023 – Das Fest 2023, Karlsruhe
23 July 2023 – Deichbrand Festival 2023, Cuxhaven
11 August 2023 – Stars in Town 2023, Schaffhausen
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
If Frank Ocean and Lenny Kravitz ever had a baby, they might sound a little something like Naarm/Melbourne act Forest Claudette. I think I’m a little late to the party, but the sexy new single “Mess Around”, featuring U.S. hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, has put Forest well and truly on my radar.
“Before anything else about the song, I need to acknowledge the EARTHGANG feature. I still can’t really believe it. I’ve been a fan of theirs for a hot minute, so for them to be a part of this track is just very special,” Forest gushed. “Around the time I wrote ‘Mess Around’ I was going on dates and exploring LA for the first time as an adult. I met some incredible people and they helped me learn a lot about myself. Even though it has this real f**k boy energy, to me the song is about feeling confident in what you want and feeling comfortable to communicate that with whoever, knowing they might not feel the same. But that’s life bbyyyy.”
EARTHGANG aren’t the only big-name talents Forest has worked with. The single was also produced by Paul Meany, known for his work with Yungblud, Twenty One Pilots, and LANY.
“Mess Around” is Forest’s first release of 2023, and a natural progression from their debut EP The Year of February. Forest is currently touring the country with Ruel. After that, they’ll join Lastlings on their Perfect World album tour. Make sure you arrive early if you’ve got tickets for any of these shows:
21 April 2023 – MCA, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ruel)
22 April 2023 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (supporting Ruel)
28 April 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ruel)
30 June 2023 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Lastlings)
1 July 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Lastlings)
8 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Lastlings)
15 July 2023 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Lastlings)
The Superjesus may be back touring together, but Sarah McLeod hasn’t closed the door on her solo career. Fresh from her tour with her bandmates, she’s announced she’s bringing back her One Electric Lady shows, which see Sarah performing with a special dual-output guitar.
“I designed a guitar that could play bass and guitar at the same time, so when I add beats I sound like a three-piece band,” she explained. She also plays many songs on the piano, which she only learned on the 2021 tour. I hear those shows were amazing, but we can probably expect even better this time around.
With her one-woman show, Sarah can deliver more intimate, stripped-back arrangements of her solo material. And yes, there’s also be acoustic versions of your Superjesus favourites and some choice covers. Put these dates in your calendar friends!
1 June 2023 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
2 June 2023 – Jindalee Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
3 June 2023 – The Royal Hotel, Turrbul Country/Nundah
10 June 2023 – The Grace Emily, Tartanya/Adelaide
15 June 2023 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
16 June 2023 – The Workers Club, Ngár-go/Fitzroy
22 June 2023 – The Brass Monkey, Tharawal Country/Cronulla
23 June 2023 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – The Heritage Hotel, Bulla/Bulli
25 June 2023 – Lizottes, Mulbinba/Newcastle
Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute
There’s no rest for the wicked, or the wicked talented. Fresh from shows with Lime Cordiale, Boorloo/Perth act COTERIE will keep the party going through winter with their own headlining gigs. Dubbed the “Honey Dance With Me,” after a fan-favourite track from COTERIE’s debut album, these concerts promise to get you moving and grooving.
“We’re so excited to be hitting the road again playing some of our favourite cities and towns in Australia, enjoying all the beautiful sights, and of course, hanging with our awesome fans,” says COTERIE. “We’re stoked knowing many of these fans will be seeing us live for the first time, so we want to make it really special for everyone who comes along!”
Here are all the dates you need. Tickets are on sale now.
1 June 2023 – Transit Bar, Ngunnawal/Canberra
2 June 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 June 2023 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
8 June 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi/Maroochydore
9 June 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
10 June 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 June 2023 – Lion Arts Factory, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 June 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
23 June 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
24 June 2023 – Be Social Festival, Yuwibara/Mackay
30 June 2023 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth
Tassie punk-rock act Luca Brasi announced their upcoming tour in style recently, appearing in the triple j studios for Like a Version. As a Goo Goo Dolls fan, I get a little protective over the band’s material, but Luca Brasi’s take on “Iris” is utter perfection.
Luca Brasi were joined in the studio by Naarm/Melbourne indie-folk act Eaglemont, who’ll not so coincidentally play support on all these upcoming shows. OK Hotel are also on the stacked bill. Luca Brasi should be in fine form, as they’ve just wrapped up shows with Canada’s Alexisonfire. Tickets are on sale now.
6 May 2023 – Du Cane Brewery, Launceston
12 May 2023 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 May 2023 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
19 May 2023 – Max Watt’s, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 June 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide
3 June 2023 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Tom Wilkinson
