Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Celebrates “Parking Lots”‘ 15-Year Milestone

Mia Dyson is celebrating the 15th anniversary of her acclaimed album Parking Lots with a reissued vinyl release, a brand-new EP, called Parking Lots (Revisited) which reimagines some choice cuts, and a tour. All this excitement is a timely reminder of just how good that album is. While it was recorded so many years ago, the songs prove timeless. I found myself bouncing backwards and forwards between the original album and the new EP, marvelling at the way the different treatments brought out each song’s nuances. I encourage you to do the same.

The new white vinyl copies of Parking Lots were so popular that they sold out almost instantly, but you can stream the album and its companion EP now on your favourite platforms. There are still tickets left for her upcoming East Coast shows, but as COVID has reduced venue capacity, you’ll want to get in quickly to secure yours via her website.

12 March 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
13 March 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
19 March 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
20 March 2021 – TBA, Surf Coast
21 March 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon Ranges
26 March 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
27 March 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
28 March 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
1 April 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Full Steam Ahead for Pierce Brothers With New Single, Album & Tour

So many of us approached 2021 with a sense of optimism. The year might be looking like the same old shit, but I’m not ready to surrender just yet. So I’m seeking out music that puts a smile on my face, even as the world goes to hell in a handbasket. The latest track to get my toes tapping is “It’s Alright” from Pierce Brothers.

If any band will convince you it’s all going to be OK, it’s these guys. The song’s inception reminds us of the kind of world we’ll get back to. Jack Pierce penned the chorus in 2018, while he was trekking through the mountains of Switzerland. It sat in a drawer until brother Pat took it out recently, laid down the verses, and gave it a new bluesy feel. It’s got that upbeat, energetic folk feel that sweeps you along for the ride. If you’re into Nathaniel Rateliff or Mumford and Sons, you’ll love this.

Pierce Brothers are forging ahead and doing all the things the pandemic has made so difficult. “It’s Alright” comes from the band’s sophomore album Into the Great Unknown, which will drop on March 5. They recently cancelled NSW shows, but not to be deterred they’re forging ahead with the following dates, including a few new gigs in regional Victoria. All shows have limited COVID-safe capacity, so grab those tickets before they sell out!

16 January 2021 – Moonah Arts Collective, Rye
22 & 23 January 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
30 January 2021 – The Wedge, Sale
13 February 2021 – Marlo Pub, Marlo
20 March 2021 – The Sheds, Wonthaggi
2 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ali Barter Drops “Twisted Up” Single Ahead of Victorian Shows

Ali Barter wrote her latest single “Twisted Up” in a simpler time. It was February 2020, and she was in Los Angeles for her first American tour, “before the world fell down,” as she put it.

“I was feeling really weird, like I wanted to run away or blow something up and this song is about that feeling,” she explained. “It’s crazy to think what happened since this song was written and how timely it was.”

American producer Harlan Silverman (duckwrth) worked with Ali on the track before the pandemic forced her to head back to Melbourne. It’s got the local touch with a video created by Melbourne production team We Made That.

“We wanted to keep the video for ‘Twisted Up’ light, fun, and energetic” explained director Bryce Padovan. “The video explores the idea of waking up after a big night and then wandering around a beach town, dazed and confused. We wanted to steer clear of conventional “big night” tropes, so instead of the usual vices, Ali wakes up in a pile of hot chips and tries to retrace her steps.”

Ali has been busy during the pandemic, releasing the lockdown anthem “4 Days” with her main squeeze Oscar Dawson and playing a 10-date Live From Inside tour of her house. She also hosted a 14-week series of open mic nights on her Instagram page and began recording new material, like this song. In the last couple of months, she’s been able to get back in front of live audiences though. People of Victoria, at this point you can catch her at the following upcoming shows. Keep an eye on the venue pages though for the latest COVID measures.

8 January 2020 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
9 January 2021 – Pelican Bar, Queenscliff
15 January 2021 – Tanswells, Beechworth
16 January 2021 – Northern Republic, Euroa
20 January 2021 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
14 February 2021 – The Dart & Marlin Bar, Warrnambool

Image used with permission from Inertia Music; credit: Kane Hibberd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dreggs Soothe the Soul With “Keepsake”

Sunshine Coast duo The Dreggs have been spreading more good vibes of late. The release of their last single “Call Me Home” was one of the pandemic’s highlights, and now they’re one of the first bands taking their music to the masses with an extensive tour. Those shows coincide with the release of their latest single “Keepsake,” which has definitely won my heart. Those dreamy nostalgia-drenched lyrics, gorgeous vocals, easy acoustic guitar sounds, I’m all about it.

“Keepsake is a track touching on the beauty of vulnerability and the importance of allowing people into our lives, regardless of whether they bring us pain or joy,” the band explained. “The act of wearing someone’s heart ‘like a keepsake’ is playing on the idea of wearing a sentimental object, such as a pocket watch or a pendant from a loved one.”

There are still a few dates left on The Dreggs’ “Keepsake” tour. Catch them at the following venues. Make sure you call ahead to check tickets are still available given COVID restrictions.

4 December 2020 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
6 December 2020 – Miami Marketta, Miami
10 December 2020 – The Factory, Sydney
12 December 2020 – The Jive Bar, Adelaide
18 December 2020 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Ditto Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hoodoo Gurus Releases Trump Protest Song Ahead of Rescheduled U.S. Tour

Donald Trump may be the most polarising president in American history. Many Australians wondered how he ever became the leader of the free world, and we’ve been shaking our heads ever since. In November we should learn whether Americans will show him the door or he’ll clinch a second term. That moment can’t come soon enough for http://www.hoodoogurus.net. The band has returned to its punk roots for their latest single, the anti-Trump anthem “Hung Out to Dry.”

“He’s offended us for years and now we’re giving some back,” said the band’s lead singer Dave Faulkner. “If he’s looking for songs to play at his rallies he’s welcome to this one!”

“Hung Out to Dry” was never meant to be a single. But rather than bury it as a B-side, Hoodoo Gurus decided this track needed its own space in our current politically charged climate.

“Hung Out to Dry” comes from an album of new Hoodoo Gurus material, earmarked for a 2021 release. Hoodoo Gurus also rescheduled upcoming U.S. shows. The new 2021 dates are below.

13 September 2021 – Belly Up, Solana Beach
14 September 2021 – The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood
15 September 2021 – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
16 September 2021 – Aladdin Theater, Portland
18 September 2021 –Tractor Tavern, Seattle
20 September 2021 – Mercy Lounge, Nashville
21 September 2021 – Shank Hill, Milwaukee
22 September 2021 – City Winery, Chicago
24 September 2021 – Center Stage Theater, Atlanta
26 September 2021 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro
28 September 2021 – The Hamilton Live, Washington
30 September 2021 – Royale Boston, Springfield
1 October 2021 – Webster Hall, New York
2 October 2021 – Underground Arts, Philadelphia
3 October 2021 – The NorVa, Norfolk
7 October 2021 – River City Railyard, Jacksonville

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Releasing a Song a Month & New EP

The coronavirus pandemic may have halted touring plans, but Bootleg Rascal isn’t being idle. The Sydney duo is in the studio hard at work on a new EP, aptly titled Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents ’19. The band will release one track from the EP every month, starting with the very cool jam “We Independent.”

“’We Independent’ is a track we wrote inspired by starting to remove ourselves from a toxic situation,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “Initially, we were unsure how to break away from it, but sometimes you have to say enough is enough and follow your intuition. We’re so glad we took that leap of faith and couldn’t be heading in a better direction because of taking that risk.”

While Bootleg Rascal is having fun in the studio, the duo is also anticipating getting back among the fans. East Coast capital shows were pushed back to September while an appearance at Big Pineapple Musical Festival will now hopefully happen in November. Here are all the new dates for your concert calendar!

18 September 2020 – Howler, Brunswick
25 September 2020 – Marrickville Recreation and Bowling Club, Marrickville
26 September 2020 – Woolly Mammoth Alehouse, Fortitude Valley
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Music Festival, Woombye

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley’s New Album on the Horizon to Chase Away COVID Blues

With concerts scheduled for as far away as November now getting the COVID-19 axe, music lovers need some good news. A reminder that Ocean Alley’s new album Lonely Diamond is only weeks away should hit the spot.

Lonely Diamond will hit stores and streaming platforms on June 19. But you needn’t wait that long to hear new Ocean Alley tunes. Wrap your ears around the band’s funky new single “Hot Chicken.” It’s a little edgier than the Ocean Alley tunes we’re used to, but I’m here for it.

Ocean Alley’s rescheduled Aussie dates are also giving us something to look forward to. Catch one of Australia’s finest supported by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie at the following shows.

6 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
7 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
12 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
5 March 2021 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
12 March 2021 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 March 2021 – Melbourne Arena, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; photo credit: The Sauce/Kane Lehanneur

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Rocks Out With “Insecurities”

Ordinarily Saturday is a day of celebration, but right now it just reminds us that we’re all trapped without gigs waiting for musicians to stream online content. In these frustrating times, the raucous rock of Press Club really hits the spot. The Melbourne band’s latest single “Insecurities” gives voice to our frustrations with plenty of angst and energy.

The Melbourne band recently announced Australian and European dates and they haven’t been called off … yet. So I’m going to post them here, because none of knows what May will bring. Just keep your ears to the ground to see whether they go ahead!

7 May 2020 – The Chippo, Sydney
8 May 2020 – La La La’s, Wollongong
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (All Ages Matinee)
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ Evening Show)
15 May 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
16 May 2020 – Vinnies, Gold Coast
21 May 2020 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
22 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol
24 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
12 June 2020 – Download Festival, Donnington
14 June 2020 – Booze Cruise, Hamburg

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thelma Plum Returns For Homecoming Queen Tour

In case you missed it, Thelma Plum is hitting some of Australia’s most beloved venues mid-year to cap off a bumper 12 months. During that time she released her acclaimed debut album Better in Blak, placed second in the triple j album of the year poll, because the highest fan-voted Indigenous artist in the Hottest 100’s history, and earned nominations for the Australian Music Prize Album of the Year, ARIAs, and APRA Song of the Year. She’ll cap it off with the Homecoming Queen tour, which borrows its name from one of her album’s more poignant moments.

“The last year has been pretty crazy for me since people started to hear Better in Blak, both the song and the album, and it’s been amazing to have the stories which were inside my head resonate with so many people,” Thelma explained. “It’s given me the opportunity to do some travelling and touring overseas, but it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t celebrate where we are going, but more importantly where we have been, I cannot wait to return and take my little band family and the wonderful Kira Puru on the road for the Homecoming Queen Tour.”

With the superb Kira Piru coming along for the ride, these shows are sure to be stellar. Tickets are on sale for Thelma’s headlining Homecoming Queen shows and festival appearances.

28 May 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
29 May 2020 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
30 May 2020 – Big Pineapple Festival, Sunshine Coast
5 June 2020 – The Metro, Sydney
6 June 2020 – UC Refectory, Canberra
7 June 2020 – Deadly Hearts, Adelaide
11 June 2020 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
12 June 2020 – Astor Theatre, Perth
13 June 2020 – The River, Margaret River,
19 June 2020 – Forum, Melbourne
20 June 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
26 June 2020 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
27 June 2020 – NEX, Newcastle
3 July 2020 – Gilligan’s, Cairns
4 July 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24-26 July 2020 – Splendour in the Grass 2020, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Van Walker Drops First Tunes in a Decade

Van Walker hasn’t released a new album in a decade. But the wait is nearly over for dedicated fans, with the talented singer-songwriter preparing to release Ghosting, a collection of brand new material. The new single “Spirit World” gives us a taste of what we’re in for.

This is such a beautiful song, heartfelt and evocative. I’ve lost of the number of times I’ve listened to it today, marvelling in its lyrics and the deceptively simple folky melody. It’s something special. The song has hit your favourite streaming services accompanied by two B-sides: “Crystal Ball” and “I Gotta Worry.”

Ghosting will be released in August, but fans can look forward to hearing a few more new tunes when Van Walker plays single launch shows all around the country in the coming months.

18 March 2020 – The Welcome Swallow, Brunswick (FREE)
20 March 2020 – Altar, Hobart
21 March 2020 – Two Oaks, Somerset
3 April 2020 – The Wheatchief, Adelaide
11 April 2020 – The Eastern, Ballarat
12 April 2020 – Archie’s Creek, Gippsland (FREE)
17 April 2020 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
18 April 2020 – Major Toms, Kyneton
23 April 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 April 2020 – Marrickville Bowls Club
25 April 2020 – Gumball Festival, Dashville