Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Real Love in Real Life” – Greta Stanley

Greta Stanley is an artist who refuses to be pigeonholed. Just when you think you’ve got her figured out, she takes a left turn. It’s exciting. She showcases the full breadth of her artistry on her sophomore album Real Love in Real Life.

Real Love in Real Life seems like a pop record at first. The upbeat vibes of tracks like “Plant My Feet” and “Keep My Cool” match the vibrant pinks and purples on the album cover. It’s incredible pop music, energetic and fun and fresh. And then just like that, we’re on track six, “Heartbeat Harbour”, and everything changes. It’s darker, bluesier, more raw. “Hold on You” brings back the pop beats, but doesn’t shake that darkness. We’re getting to know another side of Greta. It’s different but so compelling. As the album progresses, it seems like Greta Stanley peels back more layers. “Favourite Songs” and “Close Call” are some of my favourite songs. The instrumentation is pared back, giving the honest lyrics space to breathe. They’re confessional, like diary entries, giving us real insight into the artist and her experiences. The current single “Red Earth Dirt” sees Greta return to pop princess mode, bringing the album full circle … or so I thought. However, Greta leaves us with the title track, a beautiful country song that sounds like it’d be at home in a honky tonk bar.

I must admit, it took me a little time to warm up to Real Love in Real Life. All the twists and turns took me by surprise. While I heard flashes of brilliance on the first couple of listens, I needed a little time to embrace the album as a whole. However, by the third listen, I was hooked. This is an album that challenges the listener, but since when was that a bad thing?

Real Love in Real Life is out today. She’s giving us a couple of months to familiarise ourselves with the songs before she hits the road for her headlining tour. Check her out at the following venues:

7 July 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 July 2022 – Waghorn to West Festival, Ipswich
14 July 2022 – La La La’s, Wollongong
15 July 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
16 July 2022 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
22 July 2022 – Suburban Vibes, Western Australia
23 July 2022 – Four5Nine, Perth
30 July 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
5th August 2022 – Otherwise Bar, Townsville
6 August 2022 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns

Images used with permission from Six Boroughs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Are Back With Smashing New Single, “Give It Up For Yourself” & Midyear Tour

Pacific Avenue really impressed me with their single “Easy Love” last year. In fact, it was my most-streamed track on Spotify. But I think the Gerringong band might have topped it with “Give It Up For Yourself”. It’s a bright, shimmery indie-rock banger that somehow fuses psychedelic and Brit-pop vibes.

“’Give It Up For Yourself’ is a song that acknowledges and celebrates your life, everything that you are, and everything that you have overcome,” the band explained. “When I was writing the lyrics, I wanted to keep in mind the importance of taking a step back and appreciating how far you have come, no matter how far along you are in achieving your dreams. This song is about giving yourself some credit because if the younger version of yourself could see you today, I’m sure you would be proud.”

A song this good is only going to sound better live, so Pacific Avenue are taking it to capitals all around the country in the middle of the year. Catch them near you, supported by last year’s Unearthed High Competition winners, The Rions.

17 June 2022 – Mojo’s, Perth
18 June 2022 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
24 June 2022 – The Brightside, Brisbane
25 June 2022 – Howler, Melbourne
2 July 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kinder Drops Exciting New Single, “Rasta”

Ghanaian-Aussie sister duo Kinder are celebrating their culture with “Rasta”, a floor-filler that shares their father’s story.

“Rasta is the story about our dad Kofi and his journey to Australia, where he literally walked across a desert in search of a brighter future. From Ghana to Libya, Europe and finally here,” explained Savannah Osei. “The making of this song was a long process for us. It started off very simply with a vocal chant Briony [Savannah’s sister] came up with walking on the street and recorded it as a voice memo in 2019. We came up with the basic melody, lyrics and started working with a few different producers first with Tasker and Mickey Kojak, then with Kim Moyes of The Presets, the song kept developing further and further, it was an amazing experience to keep pushing the beat along to where it is now”.

They thought they’d finished the track, but then they came across demos from local MC Gold Fang. They knew he could take the song to the next level, so Gold Fang recorded a freestyle verse during last year’s lockdowns. The sisters enthuse that “it was really the last missing piece of the puzzle”.

If you love what Kinder are laying down, make sure you catch them at one of the following shows:

1 May 2022 – Big Gay Day, Brisbane
12 June 2022 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
17 June 2022 – Civic Underground, Sydney

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Release Nostalgic New Single Ahead of UK/EU Tour

Perth-born act The Faim have got me reminiscing with their nostalgic new rock track “ERA”. It’s a bit of a shift from the hard-hitting rock we’re used to from the band, but it’s great to hear them changing things up and showing a softer side.

“‘ERA’ is about closing one chapter of your life and beginning the next,” bassist and keyboardist Stephen Beerkens explained. “Reminiscent of our own journeys up until this point, the song touches on the trials and tribulations we face every day and the aspects in our lives we’re grateful for.”

The Faim will play major summer festivals and headlining gigs across the United Kingdom and Europe this summer. If you’re lucky enough to be soaking up a summer in the Northern Hemisphere, you can catch them at the following shows:

1 June 2022 – L’Etage, Rennes
2 June 2022 – Ninkasi, Lyon
3 June 2022 – La Laiterie Artefact, Strasbourg
3-5 June 2022 – Rock am Ring, Nurburgring
8 June 2022 – Tranbendo, Paris
9 June 2022 – The Black Lab, Wasquehal
10-12 June 2022 – Download Festival @ Donington Park, Castle Donington
11 June 2022 – Sin City, Swansea
13 June 2022 – Stereo, Glasgow
15 June 2022 – Northumbria Students Union, Newcastle Upon Tyne
16 June 2022 – Omeara, London
17 June 2022 – Engine Rooms, Southampton
21 June 2022 – Klub Hydrozagadka, Warsaw
22 June 2022 – Hole Berlin, Berlin
23 June 2022 – Logo Hamburg, Hamburg
25 June 2022 – Schwarzer Bar 2, Hannover
26 June 2022 – Felsenkeller Leipzig, Leipzig
27 June 2022 – Legend Club Milano, Milano
29 June 2022 – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl, Solothurn
30 June 2022 – La Nuit De l’Erdre @ Parc du Port Mulont, Nort-sur-Erdre
30 June – 3 July 2022 – Rock Werchter @ Festival Park, Werchter
7 July 2022 – Melkweg Amsterdam, Amsterdam
8 July 2022 – Musilac, Aix-Les-Bains

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Jake Crawford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yorke Takes Sound to Next Level With New Single “next life”

We’re only a quarter of the way in, but it looks like this year will be massive for Yorke. She’s just released a poptastic new single “next life” and announced some headlining shows in addition to some impressive support gigs.

Yorke’s debut EP Liberosis was one of my favourite releases of 2020. It perfectly showcased her introspective lyrics and knack for perfect pop melodies. But I feel Yorke has taken her sound up a few notches with “next life.” While it acknowledges dark feelings of denial and anger, there’s a euphoric optimism that I just can’t resist. Yorke penned the song in a single day with JIM ALXNDR (James Vincent).

“James really took the time to make sure that every word/melody was considered and purposeful allowing for a certain type of vulnerability that’s rare when you first meet someone. It felt like going back to my roots of pure storytelling and that’s why it came together so well,” Yorke explained. “When it was time for production, we already knew what we wanted and spent the rest of the day messing around with different equipment and warped effects. I’m a huge fan of James’ work and had goosebumps the entire day.”

Yorke also produced “next life’s” music video, working alongside director Kyle Caulfield.

“There was a spectacle about this video and the concept that we didn’t want to feel like a music video, we were really pushing for an international cinematic look,” he added. “We wanted it to feel more like a movie or movie trailer, to help the audience digest themselves in the story. It was important to create a new world with the locations, the styling, and other creative choices that help facilitate the story of the song. Exploring the five stages of grief was a big theme of the clip, and it was interesting to explore the representation of these feelings and emotions visually. I also had a lot of fun structuring the scenes and narrative around the arrangement of the song, both James and Grace have both really brought to light some very special sonic moments in this track.”

As I mentioned, Yorke has a stack of gigs on the horizon. She’ll support San Cisco in her hometown of Byron Bay before playing her own gigs and supporting Amy Shark on shows around regional Victoria.

29 April 2022 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (supporting San Cisco)
1 May 2022 – Golden Shores Festival, Gold Coast
26 May 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
27 May 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
12 July 2022 – Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, Wangaratta (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
14 July 2022 – Riverlinks, Shepparton (supporting Amy Shark)
16 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
17 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
19 July 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
20 July 2022 – Bendigo Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
21 July 2022 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Ballarat (supporting Amy Shark)
22 July 2022 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
23 July 2022 – Costa Hall, Geelong (supporting Amy Shark)
27 July 2022 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Velvet Club Release High-Energy Rocker, “Love Me The Same”

The Velvet Club offer the mid-week pick-me-up you’ve been searching for with their brand new single “Love Me The Same”. It’s a high-energy rock track with a raw, garage feel I can’t get enough of. It rocks hard, but its lyrics reveal the band’s softer side.

“Lyrically, the song is about the feeling of knowing you have people around you that support you and look after you, no matter what is going on in your life. It might not even be a person, it could be your dog!”, explained lead vocalist AJ Tilyard. “I guess it’s just about unconditional love and the feeling that comes with being loved unconditionally even if things aren’t going great at the time. It’s a comforting feeling to know you have support.”

The band recorded the song at Collingwood’s Sunset Pig Studios, determined to bring some of the spontaneity of their live shows to the track.
“Our main goal for this song was to encapsulate the live energy of it and I think with Sam [Swain] at the helm we were able to pull it off and make a really big, energetic live-sounding track!”, AJ explains.

Speaking of live energy, it’s not too long before you can soak it up for yourself. The Velvet Club will play shows in the East Coast capitals in June.
16 June 2022 – Frankies, Sydney
18 June 2022 – Leadbeater, Melbourne
24 June 2022 – Greaser, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Ben Chung

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow Releases Gorgeous New Single, “Sweet Collapse”

You can always trust Matt Joe Gow for classic Americana tunes that just make you feel good. There’s a quiet confidence about what he does that puts you at ease. His latest track “Sweet Collapse” is no exception.

This track ticks all the boxes for me. I’m going nuts for the exquisite three-part harmonies and that piano solo. The track is a sequel to Matt’s song “Georgia Rose”, from his 2016 album Seven Years. How exciting to catch up with the story so many years later!

“Sweet Collapse” is the latest single lifted from Matt’s upcoming fourth album, Between Tonight & Tomorrow. Expect to hear a few more new tunes and all your old favourites at his upcoming New South Wales shows.

20 Apr 2022 – Peel Inn, Nundle
21 Apr 2022 – Outlaw Luncheon At The Dag, Nundle
23 Apr 2022 – MJG & TDL Showcase @ Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth
24 Apr 2022 – The Railway Hotel, Cowra
29 Apr 2022 – Occasional Wine Bar, Boorowa
30 Apr 2022 – Tomerong Hall, Tomerong
1 May 2022 – Golden Barley, Sydney

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Cover Perry Keyes For Country Album

A friend introduced me to Perry Keyes’ “The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw” a few years back. My friends introduce me to a lot of songs, and most of them I probably forget before too long. But this song was different. It was so good that I wondered why we don’t all know it, the way we know “Khe Sanh” and “The Horses”. It’s so good that when you hear it, you wonder why it’s not more well-known. It feels familiar from the first play. Once you do hear it, it’s not easily forgotten. I’m hopeful that a few more people will fall in love with it now that The Whitlams have put their stamp on it.

It’s no accident that this cover has more of a country sound than we’re used to from The Whitlams. It came from an idea hatched by frontman Tim Freedman as he drove between regional stops on his 2021 solo tour. While travelling from Gunnedah to Mudgee, via Black Stump Way, he discovered country radio playing his band’s latest single, “Man About a Dog.”

“I must admit it was a surprise to be played on Kix Country and Triple A Murri Country, but it was very cool,” he said. And it got him thinking. In Mudgee, he called Matt Fell, who produced his solo effort Australian Idle, and said “Put together your dream band. I think I want to make a country album.”

And so, The Whitlams got together with the new Black Stump Band, featuring Rod McCormack (on banjo, papoose, and acoustic guitar), Ollie Thorpe (pedal steel and electric guitar), and Matt Fell on bass. And they made that country album, The Black Stump Sessions, featuring this song.

Sydney photojournalist and director Johnny Barker made the gorgeous black and white video. It features archival footage of Tim’s father, Barrie Freedman, tipping Souths to win that historic rugby league grand final, with captain John Sattler finishing the game despite breaking his jaw. Talk about grit and determination!

The Whitlams, Black Stump Band will play shows all around the eastern states to launch the single later this year.

22 April 2022 – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth
24 April 2022 – Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
28 July 2022 – The Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay
29 Jul 2022 – Mansfield Hotel, Townsville
30 Jul 2022 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
3 August 2022 – Gunnedah Town Hall, Gunnedah
4 August 2022 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
5 August 2022 – Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan
6 August 2022 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
7 August 2022 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo
12 August 2022 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
13 August 2022 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff
14 August 2022 – Burrinja Theatre, Upwey

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crank Up Country Sounds of Hurricane Fall’s Newie, “This Night Forever”

Hurricane Fall are back with “This Night Forever”, their first single for 2022. It’s an epic slice of country-rock that should have you singing along by the chorus and feeling nostalgic about the best nights of your life.

Hurricane Fall want to share some memorable nights with their fans, so they’re heading on the road later this month. These guys have earned a reputation for their live shows. If you caught them supporting Billy Ray Cyrus or The Wolfe Brothers, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Find out for yourself when they stop at one of the following spots near you:

22 April 2022 – Blazes Showroom @ Wests, Tamworth
23 April 2022 – Stroud Rodeo @ Stroud Showground, Stroud
7 May 2022 – Scone Rodeo @ Scone Showground, Scone
13 May 2022 – Brookfield Show, Brookfield
14 May 2022 – Hard Rock Café, Brisbane
27 August 2022 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
24 September 2022 – CMC Rocks, Ipswich
1 October 2022 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lyn Bowtell Touches on Toxic Social Media With “Woman to Woman”

Lyn Bowtell made a splash on The Voice in 2017, but she’s been far from idle since that show propelled her into the spotlight. While she plays to smaller crowds now, she’s been releasing some incredible music. Her latest single “Woman to Woman” is the perfect reintroduction to her talent.

When so many young starlets dominate the charts, it’s so exciting to hear music from a mature woman sharing her experiences. Diverse voices are so important. It’s a timely song which speaks of the importance of real human connection in the digital age.

“I hope listeners to ‘Woman To Woman’ might be a little less influenced by social media in their everyday life and consider going to the source of information before they cast judgment on people,” Lyn said. “It’s great to be able to reach out across boundaries and borders to talk to people, but social media does come with negative effects as well and we are understanding that more and more now. I’ve never had anything particularly damaging said to me on social media, although there were a few moments after The Voice, but I’m lucky in that respect. Country music people are usually friendly, supportive and good-natured. Words can be so hurtful, faceless lies are painful. Don’t fool yourself into think that it’s nothing when it might mean something to someone else.”

“Woman to Woman” comes from Lyn’s forthcoming album, appropriately titled Wiser. She’s touring all over the country at the moment to support its release. See her at one of the following gigs:

24 April 2022 – The Longyard, Tamworth
12 May 2022 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
14 May 2022 – Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi
15 May 2022 –Leichhardt Bowling Club, Lilyfield
26 May 2022 –The Front Gallery & Café, Lyneham
27 May 2022 – Tumut River Brewing Co, Tumut
28 May 2022 –Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
29 May 2022 – Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, Kiama
17 June 2022 – The Beer Shed Brewing Co, Leumeah
18 June 2022 – Muswellbrook RSL Club, Muswellbrook
19 June 2022 – Armidale City Bowling Club, Armidale
22 July 2022 – The Press, Tamworth
23 July 2022 – Glen Aplin Hall, Glen Aplin
24 July 2022 – Dalby Events Centre, Dalby
27 & 28 July 2022 – Oodies Café, Bundaberg North
29 July 2022 – Maleny Community Hall, Maleny
30 July 2022 – GTM Music Studios, Beaudesert
31 July 2022 – Cabarlah Hall, Cabarlah
4 September 2022 – Mantra, Yarraville
9 September 2022 – The Wesley Anne, Northcote
10 September 2022 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
11 September 2022 – The Old Church On The Hill, Quarry Hill
15 September 2022 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Goolwa
16 September 2022 – The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton
17 September 2022 – The Barn, Wombat Flat
14 October 2022 – Nethercote Hall, Nethercote
15 October 2022 – Murrah Hall, Murrah

Image used with permission from The Country Journo