Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joel Leggett Releases Gorgeous Acoustic Folk Ditty, “Love is So Easy”

Darkinjung Country/Central Coast indie folk artist Joel Leggett can help you wind down the working week with his easy, breezy new single “Love is So Easy.” I love the way Joel’s cool voice brings his sweet lyrics to life.

“It’s so easy to fall in love with how good life can look through other people’s screens. Staying off our phones these days seems to be a superpower. It feels like they have been stitched into our DNA and have been made so essential in this life. I believe we all need to support each other and spread love because that’s such an easy thing to do. In the end, all we really have is each other,” he said. “And dogs.”

Right? The video, filmed, directed, and edited by Search media’s Harry Wills and James Quigley at The Grove Studios, shows Joel enjoying the act of creating the music you hear.

“It shows the live and raw process of recording my single ‘Love Is So Easy’ from arrival to departure. I was so lucky to be creative with friends and managers visiting the studio and getting involved with the process.”

To celebrate the release of “Love is So Easy,” Joel has been playing a few shows around his home state. Here are the remaining dates.

31 March 2023 – The Cambridge, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
1 April 2023 – Flow Bar, Baara/Old Bar (FREE)
2 April 2023 – Last Rites, Yaegl/Yamba (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PRETTY BLEAK Drop Latest Banger, “spare room song”

It’s been far too long between new PRETTY BLEAK releases. I’m thrilled to hear the lads are back to their best with the release of “spare room song.” It starts small, but I know you’ll find yourself punching your fist in the air by the time that epic chorus drops.

“‘spare room song’ describes the difficulty of internally navigating the line between self-growth and the comfort of your previously destructive behaviours,” vocalist Sam Thomas explained. “I’ve been pretty consciously aware of a number of different periods like this throughout my life, and one of the more noticeable aspects of that process is the arguments I would have with myself to continue resisting growth and change. This is symbolised lyrically through a dialogue between two separate individuals.”

The music video sees PRETTY BLEAK collaborating again with Tom Thomas, who directed their videos for “other people’s heads” and “Living With Mice.”

“We thought it would be interesting for the majority of the video to be set in the wilderness, and that the photo frames would depict the comfort of a familiar room inside of a house, which metaphorically alludes to the themes presented in the lyrics of the song,”

Fresh from their stellar performance at Tasmania’s Great Escape festival, PRETTY BLEAK will play the following shows to support “spare room song”’s release.

31 March 2023 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong
7 April 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Loose Bricks)
22 April 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne (official single launch)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Tom Thomas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Release Your New Favourite Song, “Ever”

I still have The VANNS’ album Through The Walls on repeat, but I’m pretty excited about sinking my teeth into all their new music. Ahead of the release of their long-awaited follow-up Last of Your Kind, the band has dropped a fabulous new single “Ever.”

This track is so smart. It builds on their classic rock sound, with a few twists and turns that are going to keep you guessing. There’s everything we love about The VANNS, and a little something extra. I’m into it.

“Thematically, ‘Ever’ is about the breakdown of a relationship that seemed to have all the boxes ticked as it pertains to the future and longevity of it all. The assumption that you’ll be with a person for life after constantly being reassured that nothing will ever change between the two of you, and when it ends, you’re left with a bevy of questions why and suppressed emotions that you’re dying to express,” The VANNS explained. “It’s a desire for answers, understanding, and, if attainable, some kind of closure.”

The band filmed the music video for “Ever” in their hometown of Dharawal Country/Kiama, on location at Jimmy Vann’s old primary school. Everybody say aww!

“We filmed the ‘Ever clip’ in my hometown of Kiama and in my old primary school which I attended in 2001. Walking back into that old sandstone building was very nostalgic for myself and my long time friend Jules Bourne (tour manager) who also attended the school and helped out directing the clip,” Jimmy said. “We had Christopher Kidall Park filming and directing the clip on the day, he is a young gun!”

The VANNS will celebrate the release of Last of Your Kind with three shows in the East Coast capitals. They’ll play the new album top to bottom, so it’s a great opportunity for fans to get across their new material. Here are the dates you need, music lovers!

19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Senor Friday

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Celebrate Five Years of “Chiaroscuro” With Vinyl Release

How has it been five years since Ocean Alley released their breakthrough album Chiaroscuro? I have no idea, but hearing the news that they’re releasing an exclusive vinyl repress and some time capsule merch inspired me to give it another listen. Hearing it again, I still can’t believe it’s been five years. This album still sounds so fresh!

If you want one of the new vinyls, you’ll need to be quick. There are just 1000 copies of the pink and purple marble vinyl with bonus slipmat. On April 22, to coincide with Australian Record Store Day, the band will drop 1000 of the transparent orange vinyl. Both variants include a special edition postcard insert and inscription on the packaging and vinyl.

Featuring the massive single “Confidence,” which topped the Triple J Hottest 100, and “Knees” and “Happy Sad,” Chiaroscuro went gold and helped Ocean Alley play shows in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, and North America. Speaking of shows, they’re playing Groovin’ The Moo and BASSINTHEGRASS in the coming months before heading back to North America. Here are all the dates you need:

21 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Adelaide Showground, Kaurna Country/Wayville
22 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Maitland Showground, Minderibba/Maitland
23 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
29 April 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Country/Bendigo
30 April 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Kawana Sports Western Precinct, Kabi Kabi Country/Warana
6 May 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Hay Park, Noongar Country/Bunbury
20 May 2023 – BASSINTHEGRASS @ Mindil Beach, Larrakia Country/Darwin
11 August 2023 – Antone’s Nightclub, Austin
12 August 2023 – Granada Theater, Dallas
14 August 2023 – Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville
15 August 2023 – Variety Playhouse, Atlanta
16 August 2023 – The Beacham, Orlando
18 August 2023 – The Underground, Charlotte
19 August 2023 – The Fillmore, Silver Spring
20 August 2023 – Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
22 August 2023 – Webster Hall, New York
23 August 2023 – Royale, Boston
25 August 2023 – Corona Theatre, Montreal
26 August 2023 – The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
27 August 2023 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
29 August 2023 – Gothic Theatre, Englewood
30 August 2023 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City
1 September 2023 – Malkin Bowl, Chinatown de Vancouver
5 September 2023 – August Hall, San Francisco
7 September 2023 – The Observatory North Park, San Diego
8 September 2023 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; credit: The Sauce

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Between You & Me Drop New Single “Nevermind” Ahead of U.S. and Local Shows

Aussie pop-punk outfit Between You & Me are going from strength to strength, and it’s time for the world to know it. They’ve just dropped their fantastic new single “Nevermind” and announced U.S. dates with Real Friends and Knuckle Puck. After taking America by storm for the second time (they toured the country with State Champs in the back end of 2022), they’ll be back on local soil for their own shows.

“We knew that the next song we released after Armageddon was going to be tough because we put all that we had into the album and are very proud of what we were able to create together,” explained frontman Jake Wilson. “Since our band is now independent, there felt like a lot of added pressure to prove a lot of people wrong and remind everyone that we’re still here and we aren’t dropping off anytime soon.

“As we’re growing in our career and as individuals we’ve enjoyed playing with different genres and finding our niche. ‘Nevermind’ is the next chapter for BYAM that perfectly captures the spirit of our band and our live show.”

“Nevermind” is the first single lifted from Between You & Me’s EP, which will drop in September. They’ll announce dates for their world tour, including headlining shows around Australia, really soon, so keep an eye on their socials.

14 April 2023 – Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
15 April 2023 – The Waiting Room, Omaha (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
16 April 2023 – Beer City Music Hall, Oklahoma City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
18 April 2023 – Mohawk, Austin (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
19 April 2023 – Vibes, San Antonio (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
20 April 2023 – Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
22 April 2023 – Nile Theater, Mesa (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
23 April 2023 – House Of Blues, San Diego (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
25 April 2023 – The Observatory, Santa Ana (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
26 April 2023 – Tioga Sequoia Brewery, Fresno (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
27 April 2023 – The Ritz, San Jose (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
28 April 2023 – The Crocodile, Seattle (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
30 April 2023 – Hawthorne Theatre, Portland (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
2 May 2023 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
4 May 2023 – The Black Sheep, Colorado Springs (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
5 May 2023 – Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
6 May 2023 – The Truman, Kansas City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
7 May 2023 – The Riff, Springfield (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
9 May 2023 – The Castle Theatre, Bloomington (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
10 May 2023 – Elevation @ The Intersection, Grand Rapids (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
11 May 2023 – Bogart’s, Cincinnati (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
18 May 2023 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Slowly Slowly)
25 May 2023 – Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Slowly Slowly)
26 May 2023 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (with Slowly Slowly)
27 May 2023 – Roundhouse, Eora/Sydney (with Slowly Slowly)
10 June 2023 – EasyLover Fest @ Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Slowly Slowly)

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group; credit: Lars Juveland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Mastwyk Drops Original Country Single, “Actually”

Cosmic country act Ben Mastwyk has dropped his fabulous new single “Actually.” If ELO ever released a country track, it might sound a little like this.

“Performing is essential to my happiness, but it’s not always easy. Dressing up, standing out with flashy clothes and jewellery, gives me confidence and protects me from the dangers of the world. ‘Actually’ is a glimpse behind the armour of gold suits and rhinestones, reminding us that even the boldest of personas can be vulnerable,” Ben explained.

Ben is doing plenty of performing in the coming weeks. Here are all the places you can see him and his flashy clothes:

17 March 2023 – The Gem, Naarm/Melbourne
25 March 2023 – Union Hotel Newtown, Eora/Sydney
26 March 2023 – Grand Junction Hotel, The Junkyard, Minderibba/Maitland
1 April 2023 – Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival, Kanny-goopna/Shepparton

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordy Maxwell Releases Uplifting Folk Anthem, “Let Me Out”

Boorloo/Perth indie-folk act Jordy Maxwell will make your day better with his new single “Let Me Out.” It’s a textbook example of how you build a song. I love its gentle acoustic opening but really appreciate how it builds to this cathartic climax once the percussion and strings kick in.

“‘Let Me Out’ started as a phone recording and some seriously silly lyrics. After listening back, the chord progression and melody were kept, and the song evolved from a simple, sweet start, into a massive build-up and release,” Jordy explained. “With the help of the violins and drums, I wanted to create momentum in the back end of the song that inspires and motivates. The song is a journey of feeling so trapped in life, whether it be a location, a relationship, or work and eventually being able to release yourself from what’s dragging you away from what you love. It’s a song I hope can inspire people to make a change if they feel they need it in their life.”

Jordy will join fellow Aussie singer-songwriter Jack Botts on his national tour, which kicks off later this month in Tandanya/Adelaide.

31 March 2023 – Lion Arts Factory, Tandanya/Adelaide
1 April 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
14 April 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 April 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 April 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LOSER Drop Rocking New Single “The More I Know” Ahead of East Coast Tour

I’ve been really impressed watching Stadium Dreams On a Bedroom Budget, the new EP from LOSER, unfold. In case you missed it, these local rockers have opted to drop a new track every few weeks, giving us time to sit with each one, rather than just dumping them all at once. You might think that four tracks in the project might be losing steam, but the latest cut, “The More I Know” might just be my favourite. It’s giving me serious Foo Fighters stadium vibes. Crank it up and you’ll hear what I mean.

“After lockdown it was hard to get back to regular programming, I lost faith in playing music and I was questioning whether I wanted to do it anymore. Craig and I sat down and punched this song out in a day,” explained the band’s frontman, Tim Maxwell. “The lyrics are the most meaningful on the EP. It’s about getting out of that rut and wanting to succeed more than ever after spending so much creative energy trying to make ends meet.”

This would be a great time to let you know that LOSER will tour the East Coast in May to celebrate the release of Stadium Dreams On a Bedroom Budget. While you’re at the shows, you may be lucky enough to score one of the limited edition signed clear 12” vinyls. LOSER will randomly draw a ticket holder’s name in the middle of each set to score one of these babies, which are the only physical merch available for this release.

“Call it crazy, call it genius, call it something in between – either way we thought this was the best and coolest way to share something special for this EP with our fans,” the band said. “It’s a gift to the people who come to see us live and hopefully a cool collectible in the future as we won’t ever be pressing this release again in its current form. We’re yet to know if our signatures will actually de-value the vinyl or not.”

If you want one, you’re just going to have to get to one of these gigs!

4 May 2023 – Oxford Arts Factory Gallery Bar, Eora/Sydney
5 May 2023 – Cambridge Sideroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
6 May 2023 – Dicey Riley’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
11 May 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
12 May 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeajin/Brisbane
13 May 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dande and the Lion Release Indie-Pop Treat, “Children of the Hour”

I love a happy-sad song. You know those ones that get you up and dancing, but are a lot darker than they first appear once you start listening to the lyrics. So “Children of the Hour,” the latest single from Eora/Sydney act Dande and the Lion, has everything I’m looking for. Rest assured, it will get you up off your seat and grooving along to the beat. But once you tap into the words, you’ll start to fully appreciate this gem.

‘Children of the Hour’ was inspired by a play I read by Lilian Hellman – ‘The Children’s Hour’ – that was later adapted into a film starring Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine,” explained vocalist Natassa Zoe. “Hellman’s story played a part in helping to initiate my songwriting process and I started to reflect on how this related to experiences in my own life at that time. ‘Children of the Hour’ centres around the push and pull within an intimate relationship; meeting someone who takes you completely off-guard and shakes up your world in a totally unexpected way. So much so, that you start creating excuses to see them, thinking about a future with them, yet despite all those feelings it never quite matches up, for whatever reason you’re both just out of touch.

“The song itself is about being playful in the moment, following the feeling rather than over-thinking things. Yet, despite this, the ‘hour’ never being quite right and ultimately leading to the endless wondering of how things might have been under different circumstances, in another time.”

Dande and the Lion are current touring around the East Coast to support this single’s release. Here are all their remaining dates:
3 March 2023 – Oriental Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
25 March 2023 – The Jynx House @ Venue 114, Kabi Kabi and Jinibari Country/Sunshine Coast (supporting The VANNS)
5 April 2023 – Mumbo Jumbo’s, Darkinjung Country/Terrigal
14 April 2023 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal Country/Towradgi
21 April 2023 – The Gum Ball, Wonnarua Country/Lower Belford
28 April 2023 – Kelly’s on King, Eora/Newtown

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Saz Watson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MANE Wows Me With “Breathing Again”

LGBTQIA+ indie pop artist MANE has floored me with her beautiful new single “Breathing Again.” Giving us our first taste of her sophomore EP, this stunning track makes me pretty excited about what comes next. It’s anthemic and dramatic while being rooted in honest emotions.

“I distinctly remember writing this song with Charlie (McClean, cofounder of She Writes) at Kobalt studios in LA and feeling overwhelmed by a waterfall of happy/sad emotions … Charlie really gently helped coax them out of me in a way where I didn’t need to be specific or elaborate into any detail which was really nice,” she said. “The song to me is about a moment of clarity or relief in the midst of healing from something – the sometimes fleeting feeling that it is in fact going to be OK, for me those moments provide a lot of hope. It’s refreshing, relieving and sometimes exciting to feel, especially if it’s felt heavy and dark for so long. I think finding a space where you can genuinely smile, breathe and just exist after a grief is a testament to your own resilience, because even though you may still be going through it your finding room around it to seek hope and happiness and I think that’s brave as hell!”

A true creative, MANE also produced and edited the music video for her latest single.

“The footage of the dancer was filmed by Omri Ohana and although the choreography was not intended for my song it was really special editing it myself and seeing how well it came together,” MANE added. “The dilapidated settings of the dancing scenes had a real sense of finding beauty in the ugliness and heaviness that some of us face daily which is kinda what Breathing Again is about … so it just felt really right

The release of “Breathing Again” is the start of an exciting new chapter for MANE. Not only is her new EP on the way, she’s heading to the United States for festivals and a string of headlining shows. America, you are in for such a treat.

8-11 March 2023 – New Colossus Festival, New York City
12 March 2023 – Beerburg Brewery Festival, Austin
13-18 March 2023 – SXSW, Austin
19 March 2023 – New New Festival, Dallas
22 March 2023 – The East Room, Nashville
24 March 2023 – The Monarch, Louisville
25 March 2023 – TBA, Cincinnati
1 April 2023 – Plan 9 Records, Richmond (Acoustic Pop-Up Show)
4 April 2023 – The Camel, Richmond
12 April 2023 – TBA, Los Angeles

Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks; credit: Friends on Film