Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“What Rhymes With Christmas?” – Teeny Tiny Stevies

I said I was going to highlight some Christmas music. You were warned. If you’re not ready to go full-Mariah yet, the Teeny Tiny Stevies’ new EP What Rhymes With Christmas? might be the release to ease you into the festive season.

I know, I know, I’m not in the Teeny Tiny Stevies’ core demographic. I’m definitely not a kid, and I don’t have any around me. I don’t have to listen to “children’s music.” I’ve resisted previous Teeny Tiny Stevies releases because I’ve already learned those important lessons about sharing, using sunscreen, and sleeping through the night. But Christmas is a season that brings out the inner child in us all, so these songs are a little more accessible than their standard fare.

This EP is full of really lovely folky music. It makes such a change from hearing the big divas and crooners that dominate Christmas playlists. Some might say it’s the ideal summer music. That’s what we need for an Aussie Christmas. Speaking of, it’s still so refreshing to hear musicians singing about our unique experiences of Christmas. There are references to Paul Kelly music, cicadas, the heat, and even biscuits. No cookies here!

“As songwriters, we feel so lucky to be welcomed into families’ homes via our Teeny Tiny Stevies catalogue, and while we’re privileged enough to be there it feels like the right time to add our local voice to the mix of mostly international Christmas classics,” Beth and Byll Stephens explained.

“Like most Australians, while enjoying the classic Christmas carols on offer, there is this weird disconnect when we’re singing along to songs about roasting chestnuts & snow men. It was a satisfying challenge, when writing these new songs, to ask ourselves ‘what does it feel like and sound like at MY Christmas right here at home’. ”

“I also like the idea of Christmas songs that aren’t completely about Christmas, for example ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is actually a love song, and ‘How to Make Gravy’ is the story of a family, I mean they are about Christmas but there’s another narrative. And we’ve honed in on that idea with ‘Three’. ”

Teeny Tiny Stevies are a children’s act, and I know that little ones will embrace these songs that tell real Aussie Christmas stories. But I encourage all of the adults out there to give What Rhymes With Christmas? a listen too. Like me, you might be pleasantly surprised.

If you’re still searching for the perfect present for little ones in your lives, how about some Teeny Tiny Stevies tickets? They’re taking their How to Be Creative tour all over the country in the New Year.

6 January 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
7 January 2023 – Civic Theatre Auditorium, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
8 January 2023 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
13 January 2023 – HOTA Lakeside Room, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
14 January 2023 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Meeajin/Brisbane
15 January 2023 – Armitage Centre @ Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
17 January 2023 – Events Centre Playhouse, Kabi Country/Caloundra
19 January 2023 – Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
20 January 2023 – MECC, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
22 January 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
27 January 2023 – Dunstan Playhouse, Tarntanya/Adelaide
28 January 2023 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Boandik Country/Mt Gambier
3 February 2023 – Port Cygnet Cannery, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Cygnet
4 February 2023 – Earl Arts Centre, Therrernotepanner, Leterrermairrener and Panniher Country/Launceston
5 February 2023 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
12 February 2023 – Live at the Bowl @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne
4 March 2023 – Twilight at Taronga @ Taronga Zoo, Eora/Sydney

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nigel Wearne and Lauren Housley Release Brilliant Duet “To the Edge”

Victorian singer-songwriter Nigel Wearne has teamed up with UK songstress Lauren Housley for “To the Edge,” one of the coolest duets I’ve heard in some time. When I say cool, I mean cool. Smoky bars in the American Wild West kind of cool. Americana with a hint of jazz kind of cool. Horns, minor keys, and just the right amount of tension kind of cool. Just listen and you’ll hear what I mean.

The pair met in early 2019 at the Arts Café in Montreal when they were both in town for the Folk Alliance International. With a mutual respect for John Prine and some dry witty banter, they became firm friends. After reconnecting in New Orleans in early 2020, they began working together remotely during the pandemic and this fantastic song was born.

Nigel has a couple more Victorian dates before he flies out to the United Kingdom to play shows with Lauren. UK music lovers, you are in for a treat! Then he’ll jet to the US for the Folk Alliance International showcase MerleFest, the country’s top roots festival. Here are all the dates you need:

10 December 2022 – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Creswick
11 December 2022 – Union Hotel Brunswick, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
13 January 2023 – West End Centre, Aldershot (Lauren Housley)
14 January 2023 – Chapel Arts, Bath (Lauren Housley)
15 January 2023 – Edge of The Wedge, Portsmouth (Lauren Housley)
17 January 2023 – The Witham, Barnard Castle (Lauren Housley)
18 January 2023 – The Crescent, York (Lauren Housley)
19 January 2023 – The Met, Bury (Lauren Housley)
20 January 2023 – Philharmonic, Liverpool (Lauren Housley)
21 January 2023 – Alder Bar, Sheffield (Lauren Housley)
22 January 2023 – The Hive, Shrewsbury (Lauren Housley)
24–25 January 2023 – OFFICIAL SHOWCASE UK Americana Music Week, London
27 January 2023 – The Stables, Milton Keynes (Lauren Housley)
28 January 2023 – Thimblemill Library, Birmingham (Lauren Housley)
2-5 February 2023 – Folk Alliance Showcase, Kansas City
27-30 April 2023 – MerleFest USA, Wilkesboro

Image used with permission from I Hear Django; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission Covers Cold Chisel For Christmas

I love Christmas. While I don’t believe in decorating your tree before December 1, you also won’t catch me playing Whamageddon either, because I can’t imagine spending this month trying to avoid this and other glorious Christmas songs. So now that it’s December, I’m probably going to bring you plenty of new Christmas music. Deal with it. The first is Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission’s delightful cover of Cold Chisel’s “Home and Broken Hearted”. Lifted from Chisel’s debut album, it’s a track that many Aussies are unfamiliar with, so I’m thrilled that Mick and his crew are bringing it to audiences.

“Brooke [Taylor, who takes lead vocals on the song] wanted a Christmas song she could sing and I thought this is one people constantly overlook and one I was eager to have a crack at. And what a song it is. The first Cold Chisel album is one that had a major effect on me and one I think still stands up after all this time. So many good songs,” Mick enthused. “We toyed with the idea of changing the protagonist’s gender, or even name (‘Dear Jimmy it’s over, goodbye’), but there’s something timeless about the way the words cascade and people know it as it is, so we thought better of it. I guess the mandolin could never really replace Don Walker’s frantic piano in the chorus but you can’t say I haven’t given it my best shot.”

This song comes from Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission’s latest EP Back in the Day, which features some originals and other choice covers. They’re supporting its release with plenty of shows all around the country.

4 December 2022 – Leftys, Meeajin/Brisbane (with Full Power Happy Hour)
11 December 2022 – Longley International, Muwinina Country/Longley (with Teresa Dixon)
13 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Cookie Baker)
14 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Tom Redwood)
15 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Mark Curtis and the Flannelettes)
16 December 2022 – River Hotel, Kaartdijin Noongar/Margaret River (with Carla Geneve)
17 December 2022 – Navy Club, Waylyup/Fremantle (with Carla Geneve)
18 December 2022 – The Oxford Hotel, Boorloo/Leederville (with Carla Geneve)
21 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Skyscraper Stan)
22 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Alana Jagt and the Monotremes)
23 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Maggie Alley Band)
1 January 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek (with Sherry Rich and the Grievous Angels)

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out to The Velvet Club’s “Thinking Straight”

Naarm/Melbourne rock outfit The Velvet Club have got my toes tapping with their latest single “Thinking Straight.” This is a straight-up banger with totally relatable lyrics about escaping chaotic thoughts. Hot tip, turning a track like this up and just enjoying the music is the perfect way to get your head right!

“Lyrically, ‘Thinking Straight’ is about getting stuck in your own head and doubting yourself but at the same time recognising that you’re in your head and taking five to relax and reset,” explained lead singer AJ. “It’s just about recognising that at times things get overwhelming and to accept that and find ways to relax and get back on track when it happens instead of dwelling in it and trying to avoid it.”

The Velvet Club have been impressing crowds recently opening up for Ra Ra Viper. They’ve got just three shows for that tour left, plus some other gigs in the coming months. Here are all the places you can see them:

1 December 2022 – Liberty Alive, Boorloo/Perth (supporting South Summit)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (ALL AGES supporting Ra Ra Viper)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
4 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
18 February 2023 – Now & Again Festival @ Werribee Park, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tim Lambert

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yorke Drops Poptastic Single “when the honeymoon is over” Ahead of EP Release

Yorke has dropped another taste of her new EP which has me even more excited about its launch later this week. With the release of new single “when the honeymoon is over,” we’ve now heard three stellar pop gems from this five-track EP. While I’m really looking forward to hearing the final pieces of the puzzle, I’m also relishing this song for a little while.

I also love the video, the second Yorke’s created with her director and partner Kyle Caulfield. I hear it took a month of long days and nights, including countless trips to Bunnings, but it’s come together beautifully.

“Love can sort of just sneak up on you at the least expected of times, these heart balloons are the visual metaphor for those feelings of love starting to introduce themselves into life, in a way that can’t be ignored,” Kyle explained.

Yorke’s new EP ten feet tall drops on December 2. Fresh from supporting Peach PRC, she’ll play the following headlining shows along the East Coast in the New Year to support its release.

3 February 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 February 2022 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
10 February 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality” – Sick Visor

As if they understood just how challenging Thursdays can be, Naarm/Melbourne indie-punk duo Sick Visor have dropped their debut EP For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality, and yes, it’s every bit as fabulous as its title. In fact, it’s an absolute joy.

Indie-punk and joy don’t often go hand in hand, but this isn’t your average collection of punk songs. There’s the energy, driving drums, and big chords we associate with the genre, but these songs are more about celebrating life than complaining about what’s wrong with it. I’m not sure I’ve ever related more to a punk song than the opening track, “Happy Pessimistic People Person Introvert”. “My Legs Feel Good In My Pants” reminds us all to appreciate the now and all its little wins. Want more positivity? “Love is Free” brings it in spades. Not that Sick Visor view the world totally through rose-coloured glasses. “Shit for Brains” is a self-deprecating anthem for musos all too aware of their shortcomings. “Sticky Tape” rounds out the EP. If ever a song was the equivalent of a big warm hug, this is it. Again, it embraces the flaws, reminding us that while we might be holding ourselves together with sticky tape, we’re far from the only ones.

After supporting the likes of Bugs and TOWNS in Melbourne, Sick Visor have announced some headlining gigs to support today’s release of For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality. Catch them at one of the following shows:

25 November 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
2 December 2022 – Penny’s, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Simple Cider, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting the Sleepyheads)
5 December 2022 – MONA Lawns, Nipaluna/Hobart


Images used with permission from Habit Music Co; main image credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seb Szabo Releases Fantastic New Track, “Leading on You (Wrecking Ball)”

Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Seb Szabo has just dropped his funky new single “Leading on You (Wrecking Ball)”. If you know Seb’s material, I think this one might surprise you. It’s a world away from his folky singles, but I absolutely love its bold attitude.

“The song has had a long journey, but it’s evolved into something super polished without losing any of the teeth or groove it’s had since its raw beginning,” said Seb.

Seb is currently on the road supporting this single’s release. You can still catch him at one of the following venues:

12 November 2022 – O’Skulligan’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane
25-27 November 2022 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
3 December 2022 – The Toff In Town, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Lucinda Goodwin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LOSER Drops First Taste of New EP, “Heaven Can Wait”

Before you hit play on LOSER’s new single “Heaven Can Wait,” hit that volume. Crank it. Trust me. This is one of those killer rock cuts that deserves to be played loud.

“This song was written back in 2019 and was intended to make it on our first album Mindless Joy. It felt like too much of a leap forward for the sound at the time but now it’s making its debut finally!” enthused the band’s frontman Tim Maxwell. “The song’s lyrics portray my feelings towards the fear of death and anxiety, back then I was an anxious wreck and always thought of the worst-case scenario in my head.”

“Heaven Can Wait” is the first track lifted from LOSER’s EP Stadium Dreams on a Bedroom Budget. Rather than dropping it all at once, LOSER is releasing each song individually right through until May 19 next year.

“The whole idea with this EP was to switch up how we’ve released music in the past,” the band explained. “We’ve always been a traditional album band, but this new EP felt like a fresh direction for us musically, so we thought it could be fun to try something a little different in the way we presented it. It’s not a collection of singles, it’s more like a Netflix TV series, where the entire body of work is designed to flow as a whole, but is presented piece by piece.”

Give LOSER follow on Spotify to make sure you don’t miss one! In addition to the songs, LOSER will also drop limited edition merc, exclusive live performance vids, and a special Golden Backstage Pass. Just like Willy Wonka’s golden tickets, this pass will be randomly inserted into one lucky merch buyer’s parcel. The lucky winner will get free tickets to any show LOSER headlines for life. Unless you’ve got the golden ticket, you’ll need to click the links to get tickets for the following shows:

12 November 2022 – Unibar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
17 November 2022 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper Releases Fantastic New Single “Words Like These”

Ella Hooper has taken plenty of musical twists and turns through her career. I love that she keeps us guessing, but I kind of hope she stays in her current space for a little while. The country-rock vibes of her latest track “Words Like These” is right up my alley.

‘“Words Like These’ celebrates but also pokes fun at my lifelong obsession with language, poetry and communication, the world of words,” Ella admits. “A high-level communicator by day, sometimes in love and woo-ing is where the writer gets stuck, mixed messages, misunderstandings, promises are made and broken!”

“Words Like These” is the latest track lifted from Ella’s forthcoming album Small Town Template, which will be released on January 20. She’s currently playing songs from that record and some old favourites at shows all over the country. Here are the remaining dates:

11 November 2022 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
12 November 2022 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
17 November 2022 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
18 November 2022 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 November 2022 – Miami Marketta, Ngarangwal/Gold Coast
20 November 2022 – Brunswick Picture House, Durring/Brunswick Heads
25 November 2022 – Marys Underground, Eora/Sydney
26 November 2022 – Centro, Woolyungah/Wollongong

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Fitzgerald Continues His Winning Ways With “Long Way Home”

It’s starting to feel like Naarm/Melbourne-based indie-rock artist Jacob Fitzgerald can do no wrong. After wowing me with his previous singles “Muse” and “Shame on You,” he’s back with the earnest pop-rock gem, “Long Way Home.”

“It covers my own heartbreak and tells a story of loss. Basically, ‘Long Way Home’ is the song I wish I never had to write,”Jacoe admitted. “Essentially, LWH is about savouring the moment before the final goodbye. It follows the shock of heartbreak and captures the emotions of knowing that no matter what is said, the choice won’t be yours … they’ve made up their mind. It was a goal of the band and me to capture the intimacy and intensity of this track both lyrically and sonically. Overall, ‘Long Way Home’ was written to mend a broken heart, and with the help of my closest friends, we built a track that we just fricken love! I’m so proud of it as it captures a moment in time, I never knew I wanted to keep. It’s my silver lining and I can only hope it makes people feel something too!”

Jacob will play a string of shows to celebrate the single’s release. Catch him at the following venues:

25 November 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 November 2022 – Hiway Live, Eora/Sydney
16 December 2022 – Crown & Anchor, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 December 2022 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Good Intent