Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Raise a Glass to New Material From Ella Fence

It’s Saturday, time to put the stresses of the working week and the woes of the world to the back of our mind and kick up our heels. For many of us, our merry-making might involve a cocktail or two. No judgement! However you’re celebrating, “Pink Mojitos” by Ella Fence goes down just as easy as the beverage it’s named after! Sublime vocals, an infectious groove, and the kind of NSFW lyrics that you can crank up now the office is a distant memory!

“Pink Mojitos” is the opening track from Ella’s new mini-EP All I Do is Think. With just three tracks it shows so many sides of this exciting singer-songwriter. “She’s Looking Pretty” is as poignant and heartbreaking as “Pink Mojitos” is frothy and feelgood. “Japan” rounds out the trio on a sombre, introspective note. It’s beautiful.

Ella will play a stack of gigs over the coming months to support her new material. Get out and support her at the following venues.

8 March 2020 – Southport Sharks, Gold Coast (2-6 pm)
14 March 2020 – Brisbane City Sounds, Queen Street (12-2:30 pm)
17 March 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
20 March 2020 – Post Office Hotel, Sandgate (6:30-9:30 pm)
22 March 2020 – Scottish Prince, Gold Coast (7 pm)
27 March 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 March 2020 – Rics Bar, Brisbane (supporting Cheeky Velvet @ 7 pm)
5 April 2020 – Brunswick Hotel, Brisbane (1-4 pm)
16 April 2020 – The Archive (7-10 pm)
17 April 2020 – Scottish Prince Friday (7 pm)
18 April 2020 – The End, Brisbane (7 pm)
25 April 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 April 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
3 May 2020 – Komune, Coolangatta (late afternoon, time TBC)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

WAAX Announces Big Tour For “Big Grief”

WAAX has had a massive 2019, playing shows from Melbourne to New York, including Aussie shows that sold out weeks in advance, and earning an Australian Music Prize nomination for their rocking album Big Grief. The Brisbane band is continuing its momentum with its biggest national tour to date kicking off next month.

Remember those Aussie shows sold out last time, so you don’t want to procrastinate and be disappointed. With Bugs filling the supporting duties, you shouldn’t expect anything different this time around. Get your tickets now to the following shows.

28 March 2020 – Rock River, Fremantle (18+)
29 March 2020 – Mojo’s, Fremantle (18+)
3 April 2020 – The Metro, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
4 April 2020 – Northern Beaches PCYC, Dee Why (All Ages Drug- and Alcohol-Free Event)
9 April 2020 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights (18+)
10 April 2020 – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong (18+)
11 April 2020 – Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury (18+)
16 April 2020 – Solbar, Maroochydore (18+)
17 April 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+)
18 April 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff (18+)
1 May 2020 – Uni Bar, Hobart (18+)
7 May 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (18+)

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Down With The Chris Commerford Band

Mornington Peninsula outfit The Chris Commerford Band has me grooving this morning with their stellar new single “The Way You Treat Me Right.” There’s an awesome rock-funk vibe that takes its cues from Lenny Kravitz and Prince. You’re going to love those down and dirty vocals, the killer guitar riffs, and those big bold horns.

“This song is about the way infatuation isn’t actually always bliss but instead can drive you to the point of feeling lost in your own kind of crazy,” Chris Commerford explained.

“The Way You Treat Me Right” gives us a delicious taste of what we can expect when The Chris Commerford Band drops its debut album later this year. You can hear a little more at the band’s upcoming shows.

28 February 2020 – Victoria Hotel, Woodend
29 February 2020 – Knox Festival @ Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully
7 March 2020 – Music on the Hill @ Red Hill Pavillion, Red Hill
8 March 2020 – The Catfish, Fitzroy
14 March 2020 – Bendigo Craft Beer & Cider Festival @ Tom Flood Sports Centre, Bendigo
15 March 2020 – Aireys Inlet Music Festival @ Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet
28 March 2020 – Dainton Brewery, Carrum Downs
5 April 2020 – The Heritage Balnarring, Balnarring
21 June 2020 – Acoustic Sessions @ Frankston Library, Frankston

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Perth Brother Act Coterie Stuns With “Salvation”

Perth act Coterie speaks to the heart with their moving sophomore single “Salvation.” This band of brothers was raised on a musical diet of R’n’B mixtapes and Jimi Hendrix, but this song reminds me of Hozier or Rag’n’Bone Man with its bluesy gospel feel.

The music video for “Salvation” was filmed at Fremantle Prison, and it has just the right mix of darkness and hope.

Coterie might be relatively new on the scene, but these guys have the kind of chemistry that comes from jamming together your whole life. Discover why they might just be your new favourite band at one of their upcoming shows.

26 February 2020 – El Grotto, Perth
16 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
17 April 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
19 April 2020 – Tattersalls Hotel, Goulburn
23 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
24 April 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
26 April 2020 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
30 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
1 May 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
7 May 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
8 May 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
10 May 2020 – Beach Road Hotel, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie & NZ Rock Legends Announce Neil Young Tribute Shows

Live Rust, one of the world’s greatest albums, turns 40 this year. To celebrate its anniversary, a supergroup of Aussies and talent from across the ditch will come together to honour the music of Neil Young, playing the album in its entirety and other choice cuts from his time with Buffalo Springfield to Crazy Horse and everything in between.

The supergroup will feature Sarah McLeod, Jon Toogood, Bob Evans, and more. Phil Jamieson will even join them for the Sydney date.

All shows are all ages, so it’s a great opportunity for Neil Young fans to introduce this music to the next generation. Celebrating Neil Young’s Live Rust 40th Anniversary Concert will play Sydney’s State Theatre on May 7 and Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on May 9. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature Return to Form With “Nobody Just Like You”

Most boy bands fade away but Human Nature have been killing it in recent years. They’ve chalked up their 2000th show in Las Vegas, been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, received the Medal of the Order of Australia, and celebrated three decades together. However, despite all the success, there’s been something missing for me in recent years. While those Motown hits sell, I’ve missed good original music from these guys who used to make teenage me squeal. They’ve released the occasional original song over the years, but it’s always felt stuck in the past. I almost didn’t listen to the new single “Nobody Just Like You” because I thought it’d be more of the same.

Surprisingly though, this track feels really fresh. I can imagine Ed Sheeran or Justin Bieber recording it and going right to the top of the charts. It’s the perfect songs to encourage lapsed fans like myself to snap up tickets to their forthcoming tour.

What’s more, there’s more where this came from. “Nobody Just Like You” comes from the band’s upcoming EP, Good Good Life, which features five new original songs. I can only hope the rest of the songs are of a similar calibre.

And then there’s that little matter of the tour. In case you missed it, these are all the places you can catch Human Nature mid-year. Local shows made up of predominantly original content have been few and far between, so if you’re a fan from way back you won’t want to miss these dates.

21 July 2020 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
24 July 2020 – Crown Theatre, Perth
29 July 2020 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Brisbane
31 July 2020 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
1 August 2020 – The Star Events Centre, Sydney
4 August 2020 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
6 August 2020 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
7 August 2020 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers Out on Debut Tour For “Desk Chair”

Canberra act Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers deliver plenty of angst and attitude with their new single “Desk Chair.” The press release calls is “a youthful, glittering anthem for the dramatic high school student in all of us” and I’m not sure any other description has felt more apt.

“’Desk Chair’ is a tribute to teenage feelings, and the problems that seem life-changing but turn out to be insignificant,” noted guitarist Scarlett McKahey. “It’s about self-sabotage and wanting what you don’t have.”

They’ve cut their eye teeth with support slots and key festival appearances, including sets at Groovin’ the Moo, Spilt Milk, and Falls Festival, and now Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers aren’t ready for the big stage. They’ve just kicked off their first national tour with a hometown show last night, so it’s about time the rest of the country discover what they’re all about. Check them out at the following shows.

28 February 2020 – Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Sydney
29 February 2020 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
6 March 2020 – Gasometer Upstairs, Melbourne
7 March 2020 – Exeter Beer Garden, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Habit Music; photo credit: Claire Warren

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Scrubs Up for New Single Ahead of SXSW

Melbourne singer-songwriter Alexander Biggs has dropped a new single to celebrate his forthcoming shows at Austin’s prestigious South by Southwest festival. “Laundromat” delivers more of the mellow vibes and sweet, poetic lyrics we’ve come to expect from Alexander.

Listening to “Laundromat” is the perfect antidote to the stress of the working week, with all its hustle and bustle. The single version is on your favorite digital streaming services, but I thought I’d share this live version with you. Recorded at Paste Studio in New York City, this video gives you a little taste of what you can expect at Alexander’s shows.

Alex will warm up for his next U.S. dates with a single launch show for hometown fans at Common Rooms on February 21. Americans and expats can catch him in Austin from March 16 to 22.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leif Vollebekk Heading Down Under for Shows With Ainslie Wills

When Montreal artist Leif Vollebekk collaborated with our own Angie McMahon on his 2019 album New Ways, we might have known it was only a matter of time before he’d head our way for some shows. Smart chap, he’s waiting until cooler autumn weather comes to arrive on our shores for a string of gigs.

I must admit, Leif wasn’t on my radar until the press release came through. But I took one listen to his single “Apalachee Plain” (the one Angie guests on) and I was hooked. I had to go back and listen to the rest of New Ways. I’m pretty sure I’ll slip on his other albums next. If you love indie-folk music that comes from an honest place, this will be right up your alley.

In the last couple of weeks Leif has sold out all his U.S. shows, including big dates at the Bowery Ballroom and Troubadour. Discover exactly why the crowds love him when he touches down in Australia in March for a Brisbane festival and coheadlining dates with our own Ainslie Wills.

1 March 2020 – Nine Lives Festival, Brisbane
2 March 2020 – Jet Black Cat, Brisbane (instore – coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
4 March 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
5 March 2020 – The Vanguard, Sydney (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meadow Ready to Hit Country Victoria for Bushfire Relief

Summer might be winding down, but festival season isn’t quite over just yet. If you prefer a festival that’s a little bit cooler, in more ways than one, check out Meadow in Bambra from March 27 to 29. Formerly By the Meadow, this boutique festival is headed up by exciting young acts including Angie McMahon, Sweet Whirl, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Close Counters, Emily Wurramara, Closes Counters, and a whole stack more.

The Victorian Otways provides the perfect backdrop across three days and two nights. It’s all BYO too, so you can forget about long bar lines and focus on seeing your favourite bands. Alternatively, enjoy bevvies from Salt Brewing, Great Ocean Road Gin, and local cool climate wineries. Local restaurants will also serve up tasty dishes to match the great booze on offer.

Meadow tickets, including add-ons like parking and glamping packages, are available now through the Meadow Festival website. With 20% of all ticket sale profits going to the CFA and a whole lot of great music to boot, you’ll want to get on this.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent