Meadow Adds New Acts, Food and Drinks, and Glamping Packages for April Festival

If you’ve considered getting along to Meadow this year but haven’t got your tickets yet, you’d better stop procrastinating. The latest raft of announcements is sure to make them some of the hottest tickets around.

A stack of new bands, including Private Function, Prequel, King Stingray, C.Frim, Kult Kyss, Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 x Tim Shiel, and The Seven Ups have just joined the already stacked bill. They’ll play alongside already announced acts including King Gizzard and the Lizzard Wizzard and Angie McMahon.

All the great musical talent will be complemented by a top selection of local food and beverages. We’re talking tasty treats from Hulms Pies, Pete’s Woodfired Pizza, and Perla Tacos. Wash it all down with craft beers from Salt Brewing Company, gin from Great Ocean Road Gin, wines from Heroes Vineyard, Dinny Goonan Wines, and Livewire Wines. And that’s just for starters.

Meadow hits Bambra Bowl on Victoria’s surf coast from April 23 to 25. Tickets are on sale now. In addition to the regular general release tickets you can also buy new glamping packages, which include beds with linen, towels, rechargeable warm light USB lanterns, chairs, and more. Tickets are limited to keep the event COVID-safe, so don’t muck around or you just might miss out.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit Kayzar Bhathwalla

Guy Sebastian Spreads Good Vibes With “Only Thing Missing”

Guy Sebastian delivers another pop masterclass with the release of his latest single “Only Thing Missing.” Lifted from last year’s number one album T.R.U.T.H., it’s an effortlessly cool blend of pop and R’n’B, with a laidback funky groove and upbeat vibes. Just try listening to this one without a smile on your face.

“I wrote ‘Only Thing Missing’ on a songwriting camp in the thick of lockdown. It was one of the first virtual songwriting camps I had been a part of so it was a new way to write, which was actually exciting,” Guy explained. “For this session, I was in my home studio in Sydney and streaming online with Trevor and Zaire of The Orphanage, who were in LA. We started by building the track which was really fun, and we were loving the vibe and verses, but the chorus was taking time to come.”

Add the track to your Spotify or Apple Music library and you could win a signed Guy Sebastian puzzle. Guy will tour his T.R.U.T.H. album later this year. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows:

4 November 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
5 November 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
6 November 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast
10 November 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
12 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
13 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
14 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
17 November 2021 – Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo
19 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
20 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
21 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
22 November 2021 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
24 November 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
26 November 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
30 November 2021 – Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns
1 December 2020 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Ben Folds Heads to the Hunter for Cellar Door Series

If like me you were pretty bummed when tickets for Ben Folds’ Sunset Piazza show sold out quickly, listen up. Ben will head to the Hunter Valley on March 20 for a special intimate Cellar Door Series show at Bimbadgen Estate.

The Cellar Door Series is a day on the green scaled-down for the pandemic. In keeping with the intimate atmosphere, Ben and his support act Gordi will play stripped-back acoustic sets. Guests will bring their own chairs and watch the show in front of the winery’s cellar door. You can still expect great music, chilled vibes, top-shelf booze, and fine food in a picturesque winery setting.

“The Cellar Door Series will ease a day on the green fans back into live music safely without compromising on quality entertainment. The concept will look different – as well as the smaller capacity, the CELLAR DOOR SERIES will start and finish earlier, with the show ending before sunset and only two artists on the bill,” explained Roundhouse Entertainment promoter Michael Newton. “Twenty years and nearly 500 shows since we launched a day on the green, it’s exciting to announce something new that will complement the a day on the green experience. We’re thrilled to be launching the series with honorary Aussie Ben Folds and look forward to announcing more Cellar Door shows around the country soon.”

We can expect more Cellar Door Series shows and venues going forward. Until then, let’s focus on this one. Bimbadgen Club, AAMI Lucky Club, and Ticketmaster members get presale access ahead of the general sale at 1pm on Friday.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment; credit The National Symphony Orchestra

Baby Animals Celebrate 30 Years Since First Album With Aussie Tour

It’s been 30 years since Baby Animals burst onto our scene with their iconic eight-times platinum ARIA Award-winning self-titled debut album. I was just 11 years old when it dropped, and I was sure Suze DeMarchi was the coolest woman on the planet. I hit play on that album again today and all the admiration I had for the band came flooding back from those first chords of “Rush You.” How has this album remained timeless through three decades? If you haven’t listened for a while, do yourself a favour. Then buy yourself some tickets for the band’s 30th Anniversary tour.

These shows promise all your favourite cuts from that killer debut, including “Early Warning,” Painless,” and “One Word.” I’ve seen the band play a few times over the past few years, and rest assured they’ve still got it. These shows will be epic.

Baby Animals will hit the road with Kingswood and stop at several capitals and major regional centres this winter. Check them out at the following shows.

25 June 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane,
16 July 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 July 2021 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
24 July 2021 – Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast
6 August 2021 – The Corner, Richmond
7 August 2021 – The Croxton, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Pierce Brothers Drop Gorgeous New Single “Brother” Ahead of Album Release and Victorian Tour

I was already excited about the release of Pierce Brothers’ sophomore album Into the Great Unknown next month, but the release of a new single “Brother” has my anticipation at a fever pitch. It’s a gorgeous slow burner that explores the themes of being away from family. You can bet it’s hitting extra hard with the current Victorian lockdown in force.

The video adds some lightness to this powerful track, as Pat Pierce explains.

“We wanted to juxtapose the earnestness of the song with a bit of a piss-take,“ he said, “We went in there with the intention of playing the whole thing straight, but then when Justin (our older brother) said he could drop in, we thought it would just be way funnier if we tried to do an honest-to-God straight performance, and he just walks through and messes it up for us. We couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of it so we figured, why not?”

Pierce Brothers’ new album Into the Great Unknown drops on March 5. To celebrate its release, they’ve announced a string of shows around Victoria. With limited COVID-safe capacities, gigs are already selling out so get onto those tickets ASAP. If you’re in another state, don’t despair. The lads are planning on getting to you soon.

“In 2021 we’re planning on an entire regional Australia run!” Pat explained, “but the problem is that if we announce tickets too far in advance, there’s risk of border closures between the announce and the date of the gig. We want to avoid all postponing/cancellations of shows so this year it’s announce and GO!”

20 March 2021 – The Old Coal Mine “The Shed,” Wonthaggi (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2021 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
27 March 2021 – Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
23 April 2021 – The Espy, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Blake O’Connor Drops “Willin’ and Ready” Single, Touring Eastern States

Blake O’Connor has dropped his first new music since winning the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent last year. His new song “Willin’ and Ready” is a feel-good slice of country-rock. It instantly won me over with its infectious energy.

The single came out of songwriting sessions with Aussie country power couple, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont. Superstar producer Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Bruce Springsteen) and Adam Eckersley then produced the track at Nick’s Byron Bay studio. The song’s video clip features footage from that studio session.

“It has been an awesome journey to bring this song to life,” Blake said. “From writing to recording it has been a high-energy process that really comes out in the song.” Reflecting on the lyrics he explained, “This is where I am at right now. I’m young, ambitious and I’m always on the move with my music.”

Despite COVID restrictions, Blake has been busy touring as far as he can. He’ll soon wrap up the Silver Linings tour with Sinead Burgess before heading on the road with Diesel, then playing his own solo shows. Catch him wherever you can at the following gigs.

13 February 2021 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton (with Sinead Burgess)
5 March 2021 – Centro CBD, Wollongong (with Sinead Burgess)
23 April 2021 – Coffs Golf Club, Coffs Harbour (with Diesel)
24 April 2021 – Maclean Bowls, Maclean (with Diesel)
13 May 2021 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba
14 May 2021 – Fitzys Loganholme, Loganholme (with Diesel)
16 May 2021 – The Royal, Nundah (with Diesel)
21 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (with Diesel)
22 May 2021 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote (with Diesel)
28 May 2021 – Spring Lakes Hotel, Springfield Lakes (with Diesel)
29 May 2021 – Bribie Island Hotel, Bribie Island
11 June 2021 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay (with Diesel)
12 June 2021 – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville (with Diesel)
13 June 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with Diesel)
16 June 2021 – Allenstown Hotel, Rockhampton (with Diesel)
17 June 2021 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone (with Diesel)
18 June 2021 – Bay Central Tavern, Harvey Bay (with Diesel)
25 June 2021 – Moonshiners, Tamworth
26 June 2021 – Wauchope RSL, Wauchope
1 July 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
2 July 2021 – Windsor RSL, Windsor
3 July 2021 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Summer in the Domain Back on the Agenda

After a brief postponement, Summer in the Domain is back and ready to keep those good vibes rolling through March. This COVID-safe outdoor concert series staged in Sydney’s Domain has an impressive lineup, with Vera Blue, Ball Park Music, Mallrat, Thelma Plum, Hayden James, and Client Liaison all scheduled to appear. Add in bars and food markets and you’ve got a recipe for a great night out.

Music lovers and their concert crew will enjoy their very own picnic table (pod) on the grass, so you won’t need to worry about others encroaching on your space. Four and six-person pods are available for each show.

“The Domain has a rich history of hosting events and celebrations and we want to continue to host experiences that create lifelong memories and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Denise Ora, the chief executive of the Botanic Gardens Greater Sydney. “As an organisation we have grown accustomed to having a very robust program of festivals and iconic events so I can wholeheartedly say that everyone at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Domain are excited to help activate the CBD with the Summer in the Domain concert series as we emerge from the impacts of this pandemic and safely come together in Sydney’s public spaces.”

Each show is limited to 2000 ticketholders to keep things COVID-safe, so don’t hesitate when tickets for the following shows go on sale at midday on February 15 through Moshtix.

18 March 2021 – Ball Park Music and Thelma Plum
19 March 2021 – Hayden James, Mallrat, and Sycco
20 March 2021 – Client Liaison, Confidence Man, and Touch Sensitive
21 March 2021 – Vera Blue with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Image used with permission from Fuzzy Events

Meadow Back in April with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Angie McMahon

If you’ve been hanging out for a proper music festival, your prayers have been answered. Meadow is heading back to Bambra, in Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire, this ANZAC long weekend. The all-Aussie lineup is stacked, with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Angie McMahon, Close Counters, Surprise Chef, Elizabeth, and heaps more on the bill.

Organisers are taking every precaution to keep the festival safe without impacting on the fun. It’ll be a smaller event this year, with temperature checks and basic COVID screening on arrival. Coloured wristbands will indicate your designated viewing zone. The front, middle, and back zones will rotate at the end of each day, and once between Saturday daytime and night so all festivalgoers get some time at the front. Standing, sitting, singing, and dancing are all permitted within your zone.

Meadow will take over the Bambra Bowl from April 23 to 25. To keep the event COVID-safe, tickets are limited. Get yours for $189 plus booking fee, including your car pass, now. You can bring one teen for every paying adult and as many kids under 12 for free as you like to keep the family-friendly vibes flowing.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Pete Murray Strikes Gold With “If We Never Dance Again”

Pete Murray burst onto the music scene with the release of his debut album Feeler in 2003 and has earned acclaim from devoted fans and critics alike since that time. Except for this one. I’ve got to admit, I’ve just never warmed to his music. I’ve certainly been exposed to it; his tracks dominate radio and he’s supported my favourite singer Rob Thomas on a couple of tours. But I’ve always found his music a little pedestrian, until now. I was prepared to yawn through his latest single “If We Never Dance Again” too, but I’ve got to admit, I like it. A lot.

Pete wrote the track in Los Angeles in May 2019 with songwriter and producer Morgan Dorr.

“Morgan had the first line of the chorus written when I got to his place, which was, “If you never see my face again” and the three chords that played over this. We worked on the song all day and I even cancelled another session that I had booked in just so I could finish this song as it felt like this had so much potential,” he explained.

When Pete returned to Australia, they continued refining the track across continents to produce what you hear today. I’m so glad they stuck at it, because I honestly believe this is the best thing he’s ever done. It’s got real heart, and I love the piano instrumentation.

“If We Never Dance Again” comes from Pete’s forthcoming release, The Night EP. Will it contain more Pete Murray tracks that I actually enjoy? We’ll find out when it drops on March 5. Fans should hear some of the new material when Pete plays the following shows.

13 February 2021 – By the C @ Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
6 March 2021 – By the C @ Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla
14 March 2021 – By the C @ Catani Gardens, St Kilda
20 March 2021 – Crowd Surf @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
27 March 2021 – By the C @ City Beach Reserve, Perth

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

The Smith Street Band Goes Semi-Acoustic For COVID-Safe Shows

The last year has taught us all to pivot as we’ve attempted to thrive in this new normal. If you’ve had told me 12 months ago that The Smith Street Band were planning semi-acoustic seated shows I’d have laughed, and yet here we are. And funnily enough, it all makes perfect sense.

As soon as Victorian restrictions were eased, the band set about rehearsing and rewriting many of their songs to suit a more mellow, COVID-safe environment. The band will take these reworked tracks to fans across Victoria and New South Wales in the coming months.

The shows coincide with an album of those reworked tracks, Unplugged in Wombat State Forest. The first single, “It’s OK” isn’t too dramatic a departure from the original, but I expect we’ll hear a few left turns when the album drops on March 5. If you love what you see, you can also stream a video featuring all the songs here. And remember to get on to those The Smith Street Band Unplugged shows. With limited capacity in all venues and some shows already sold out, the remaining tickets won’t last long.

26 February 2021 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
27 February 2021 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
4 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2021 – The Enmore, Sydney
17 April 2021 – Yours + Owls Festival, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw