Jacob Fitzgerald Releases Atypical Love Song “Sophia”

We all know Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday and we should be keeping romance alive all year round, but I think it’s also kind of nice to take the day to celebrate love. In honour of February 14, Jacob Fitzgerald has released his brand new single “Sophia.” It starts as a classic tale of boy meets girl, but this is no ordinary love song.

“Sophia’ is a simple premise: a man falls in love with a woman, but the woman does not fall in love with the man. It’s the tale of a heartbreaker,” Jacon said. “After absorbing the Nashville music scene in early 2023, I came home with the original riff and hook for ‘Sophia’ tattooed on my mind. The enhanced blues-rock-inspired nature of my music consumption gave birth to a song I knew I NEEDED to write. As someone who feels deeply, in my mind, Sophia is distant, hurt and cautious with who she lets love her.”

Jacob has some choice supporting slots coming up. Make sure you arrive early enough for his set if you have tickets to any of these shows:

28 February 2024 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Struts)
9 March 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney (supporting Pacific Avenue)
22 March 2024 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Jack Botts)
23 March 2024 – Downtown Shepparton, Kanny-Goopna/Shepparton (supporting Jack Botts)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

THE VANNS Announce Mini-Festival As Part of Next Week’s Regional Tour

The VANNS’ regional tour just got even cooler. Fans in Woolyungah/Wollongong have just had their show upgraded to a mini-festival. Curated by The VANNS, the Bring it on Home Festival will feature some of their favourite local acts including Tyne-James Organ, The Moving Stills, Surely Shirly, The Colliflowers, and GOSH. And after all that fun, punters will still get a headlining set by hometown heroes, The VANNS!

“We’ve always wanted to put on a hometown mini-festival show in the Gong and have some of our best mates/favourite artists be apart of it, The VANNS enthused.

Tickets for that event and all the other shows on The VANNS’ upcoming tour are on sale now. This tour marks the first time The VANNS have played in many of these regional centres, so you won’t want to miss it.

22 February 2024 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
23 February 2024 – Westernport Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/San Remo
29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
2 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
8 March 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
9 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
10 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
15 March 2024 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
16 March 2024 – Moonshiners Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2024 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie
22 March 2024 – Basement, Ngambri/Canberra
23 March 2024 – Bring it on Home Festival @ Waves, Woolyungah/Wollongong
28 March 2024 – King St Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
4 April 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
5 April 2024 – Dalrymple Hotel, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
6 April 2024 – Edgehill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
18 April 2024 – Cleveland Sand Hotel, Quandamooka/Redlands
19 April 2024 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
20 April 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Photo credit: Jye Talbot

Oliver Cronin Drops Fire New Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

Following a massive 2023, Oliver Cronin looks set to do it all over again with the release of his latest single “Hello Goodbye.” The release of this dark pop banger comes ahead of his very first headline tour.

“’Hello Goodbye’” is the first song I linked with Nick and Skimmy on in LA. They saw something in me in that session that I hadn’t seen in myself,” Oliver shared. “It’s a song that is sonically in this early 00s alt pop space that I never would have thought of making if I hadn’t linked up with them. In the same room we wrote ‘Hello Goodbye’, the guys wrote ‘The Nights’ with Avicii. We talked about creating something like that track that became a timeless record, and capture the feeling that song gives you. Nick and Skimmy ended up playing a pivotal part in the album, so this track was the start of that journey together.”
Oliver will play all-ages shows in the East Coast capitals next month. Tickets are still available, but don’t be surprised if they don’t last long!

7 March 2024 – Marys Underground, Eora/Sydney
9 March 2024 – MIC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 March 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Satoru Takamatsu

Troy Cassar-Daley Previews New Album With “Let’s Ride” Single

You always know you’re in such good hands when Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Troy Cassar-Daley drops new music. In May he’ll release his 12th studio album Between The Fires, but he’s giving us an early taste with the release of a new single “Let’s Ride.” Featuring guest vocals from Kasey Chambers, it celebrates Troy’s love of cars and the freedom the open road provides. Like the other songs from Between The Fires, Troy wrote this song after the loss of his parents, when he found himself as a personal and professional crossroads.

“The new album was recorded at my late mum’s old place at Halfway Creek and is incredibly special on many levels. It’s the place I moved to when my Nan Daley died in 1979 and where I lived for many years,” Troy explained. “The reason I wanted to record there was that after losing Mum and going back with a very heavy heart, I started to write songs. I started to feel that this was the centre of my musical universe again, just like it was growing up. I came to realise that I still have music in me. All I had to do was return to the well and that record collection in our old house on beautiful Gumbaynggirr country which soothed me during my sorry business. I want this album to reflect that there isn’t a more powerful place in the world than a childhood home. To know Mum was there in spirit to help guide this record was a true gift.”

Between The Fires is slated for release on May 10. Troy’s got a couple of festival appearances coming up before its release, when he’ll embark on a national tour.

16 – 18 February 2024 – Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Bibbulmun Country/Boyup Brook
16 April 2024 – QMF Outback Trails, Kunja Country/Cunnamulla
30 May 2024 – RSM Club, Djanangmum/Casino
31 May 2024 – Twin Towns, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
6 June 2024 – Country Club, Dunghutti Country/South West Rocks
7 June 2024 – CEX, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
8 June 2024 – Yamba Bowls, Yaegl Country/Yamba
9 June 2024 – Coronation Hall, Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl Country/Coutts Crossing
13 June 2024 – Gulgong Bowling Club, Wiradjuri Country/Gulgong
14 June 2024 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
15 June 2024 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
28 June 2024 – Boab Festival, Nyiginka Country/Derby
29 June 2024 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Rubibi/Broome
12 July 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 July 2024 – Old Mill, Bukartilla/Hahndorf
14 July 2024 – Big Easy Radio, Kaurna Country/Aldinga Beach
19 July 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
2 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
3 August 2024 – The Factory, Eora/Sydney
9 August 2024 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
10 August 2024 – Milton Theatre, Yuin Country/Milton
16 August 2024 – Commercial Club, Bungambrawatha/Albury
17 August 2024 – Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
11 – 13 October 2024 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
18 October 2024 – The River Hotel, Wooditup/Margaret River
19 October 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
20 October 2024 – Bridgetown Pottery, Geegelup/Bridgetown
8 November 2024 – Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 November 2024 – Butter Factory, Bunurong Country/Kingston
10 November 2024 – The Dag Pub, Turrbal, Garumngar and Jinibara Country/D’aguilar
21 November 2024 – Bairnsdale RSL, Gunaikurnai Country/Bairnsdale
22 November 2024 – Noojee Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Noojee
23 November 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
24 November 2024 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Anglesea

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Pierce Brothers & LULLANAS Team Up For “Wilder”

Our own Pierce Brothers have teamed up with another sibling duo, Philadelphia-based LULLANAS, for their latest single “Wilder.”

“’Wilder’ is a track that I have been so excited about for such a long time. I knew we could make something special with it! It’s a song about the passing of time while looking in the eyes of your child, and I wanted the vibe and energy to build up to the very best of what Pierce Brothers can do,” said Jack Pierce. “Taking the song from a quiet, thoughtful place to a rambunctious and raucous indie folk explosion was always the plan, but bringing in LULLANAS was an absolute game changer! Their spectacular vocals really added something that I didn’t know I was missing! They’ve been the best to work with!”

“Being able to collaborate with The Pierce Brothers all the way from Pennsylvania felt like crossing oceans without actually crossing them, making this collaboration extra special,” LULLANAS added. “We were so excited when Pierce Brothers invited us to collaborate on this track! Working with another twin duo was a unique experience. Hearing their voices blend seamlessly, and adding our layers to it, was truly cool. We adore the infectious energy and uplifting vibes of this song. The combo of upbeat melodies and positive tones really makes us want to hop in the car and drive for miles!”

“Wilder” is the fourth release from Pierce Brothers’ upcoming studio album Everything is Bigger Than Me, and it’s certainly ramping up the anticipation. The brothers recorded and co-produced the release (with Phil Threlfall) at Jack’s home studio, a process which provided some real perks.

“Being able to bring the team out to us and set up shop for a month without having to do setups each day or even really travelling to the studio was so freeing!” said Pat. “We were really able to dig into so many cool ideas and then sit with them over dinner, then get back into the studio to break them down and tear them apart! It was the best way for us to explore what we wanted to share!”

Everything is Bigger Than Me drops on March 28. Pierce Brothers will embark on a massive eight-month national tour with headlining shows and festival appearances to celebrate its release.

2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
3 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
14 March 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston
15 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 March 2024 – Hobart Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
30-31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
11 April 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
12 April 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
13 April 2024 – Riverview Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Tarwin Lower
14 April 2024 – Live in the Glen, Brayakaulung Country/Glengarry (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

FISHER’S OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL Set to Bring the Heat This May

The summer months tend to be stacked with shows, but our calendars look a little bare once the mercury dips. However, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast-raised international superstar DJ FISHER thinks any time of year is right for a beach party, so he’s launching FISHER’S OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL this May.

Curated and headlined by FISHER, the show will also see Brazil-based DJ Vintage Culture, Flight Facilities, Little Fritter, and Shimmy entertaining the crowds til late.

“Guys, I’m coming down under! Are you kidding? We’re on the beach, we’re going mad, get your tickets and get ready to rock & roll. See you on the dance floor!” FISHER promised.

The party happens on Coolangatta Beach on May 4. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, February 9. All tickets include access to a free shuttle which will take you to and from the event, which access points at Broadbeach Light Rail Station, Varsity Lakes Railway Station, Cavanbah/Byron Bay and Durring/Brunswick Heads.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Kita Alexander and LAUREL Join Forces for “All Night”

Our own Kita Alexander has teamed up with UK pop starlet LAUREL for “All Night,” a feelgood track that’s bound to put a smile on your face. If there was ever a perfect pop song, this might be it.

“I honestly feel so privileged that LAUREL wanted to come into the studio with me on one of her only days off during her Aussie tour,” Kita enthused. “We’ve always been fans of each other’s music, so to meet for the first time while writing together was really cute. This song is about having that one friend who is always there for you and can pull you out of dark places. We really play on this sentiment as we alternate line for line in the chorus. On the first listen back we realised our voices actually have a really similar tone, but if you focus you can definitely differentiate us as we tag team the lyrics.”

“I have been a huge fan of Kita for a long time so it is such a dream to collaborate,” LAUREL added. “This track is so summery and playful, it’s actually my first duet. The chorus gives me a real Spice Girls vibe as we’re singing about leaning on our friends. It came about really naturally when I popped into one of Kita’s sessions, in the middle of my Australian tour. We only had four hours but the song kind of fell out of us really quickly! They’re always the best ones.”

“All Night” comes from Kita’s debut album Young in Love, which will hit the streaming services on March 22. To celebrate its release, Kita will hit the road with Jem Cassar-Daley and San Joseph. Talk about a stacked lineup! That’s in addition to a bunch of festival appearances in the lead up to those headlining shows. Here are those all-important dates!

10 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka Country/Carrick
9 March 2024 – Play on the Plains, Wamba Wamba and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin
10 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Stuart Park, Woolyungah/Wollongong
16 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ M.O. Moran Park, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
17 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Victoria Park, Ballaarat/Ballarat
20 March 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
23 March 2024 – Summersalt Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Sandstone Point
24 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Seppeltsfield Wines, Peramangk Country/Seppeltsfield
12 April 2024 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
13 April 2024 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 April 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
26 April 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
27 April 2024 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Tsarina Merrin

Rise Up With Stellar Moon’s Transcendent New Soul Single

Wednesdays can put you in a bit of slump, but proud Nyikina Jarndoo (woman) and First Nations artist Stellar Moon’s latest single “Rise” has just the right energy to get you over the hump. It’s an infectious funk-soul ditty with empowering lyrics that might just have you believing that you can accomplish anything. “Rise” comes from Stellar Moon’s forthcoming album PHASES, slated for release on March 7.

Speaking of the album’s inspiration, Stellar Moon says, “Just like the Moon, we all go through patches of both darkness and luminance in life, sometimes we bask in the light and sometimes we hang out in the shadow. It’s all needed and important. No matter what phase we are in, like the Moon, we are still always whole.”

This single celebrates that concept, with Stellar Moon noting that, “No matter what ‘phase’ you’re going through in life, just like the Moon, you’re always whole and just like the Moon, you too will RISE again!”

I don’t know about you, but reading Stellar Moon’s wise, positive words and how they relate to her music just makes me want to spend time basking in her aura. Stellar Moon has plenty of upcoming shows, so you might just get that chance!

8 February 2024 – Gallery Gardens, Kariyarra, Ngarla and Njamal Country/Port Hedland (FREE @ 6pm)
9 February 2024 – The Tambrey, Ngarluma/Karratha (FREE @ 7pm)
11 February 2024 – The Mermaid Hotel, Maurjuga/Dampier (FREE @ 5:30pm)
14 February 2024 – Regional Sounds, Yamatji/Geraldton (6:30pm)
16 February 2024 – Cutler & Smith, Yamatji/Geraldton (8pm)
17 February 2024 – Kakka Alley Brewing Co, Jurien Bay Yamatji (6pm)
18 February 2024 – Jurien Beach Café, Yamatji/Jurien Bay (FREE @ 2pm)
22 February 2024 – One L of a Good Feed, Yamatji/Carnamah (FREE @ 8:30pm)
23 February 2024 – King Road Brewery Co, Noongar Boodja/Oldbury (FREE @ 7pm)
24 February 2024 – The Fremantle Fibonacci Centre, Walyalup on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja/Fremantle (6:30 pm)
25 February 2024 – The Rosemount, Boorloo on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja/North Perth (6pm)
29 February 2024 – The River Hotel, Wardandi Boodja/Margaret River (7pm)
1 – 4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup
7 March 2024 – Porongurups Hall, Minang Country/Porongurup (6:30pm)
8 February 2024 – Stirling Club Albany, Menang Noongar Boodja/Albany
9 March 2024 – The Dam, Menang Noongar Boodja/Denmark (FREE @ 1pm)
10 March 2024 – Wilsons Brewery Bar @ Menang Noongar Boodja/Albany (FREE @ 1pm)
14 March 2024 – Gatsbys Skyline, Murram Noongar Boodja/Manjimup (6:30 pm)
15 March 2024 – Brewhous, Margaret River/Wardandi Boodja (FREE @ 4:30pm)
16 March 2024 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River/Wardandi Boodja (FREE @ 9:30pm)
17 March 2024 – Caves House, Wardandi Boodja/Yallingup (FREE @ 6pm)
27 April 2024 – Convention Centre Chinatown, Rubibi/Broome (ALBUM LAUNCH)

Photo credit: Hazel Blake

Sir Archer Give Me Chills With “Heed the Call”

I can’t remember the last time I heard a song as cool as “Heed the Call,” the latest track from Eora/Sydney act Sir Archer. The press release bills them as an indie-rock band, but there’s a whole lot of soul about what they do here.

“‘Heed The Call’ was inspired by an interaction we had with a stranger late one night who, in a moment of vulnerability, told us about the recent loss of his father. This moment formed the realisation that life happens quickly and time is fleeting,” the band explained. “This song is our statement to listen to those around you. Through experiences, we grow and sometimes we wish we could teach our younger selves or even send a message of hope that time heals.”

Sir Archer have just announced their biggest East Coast tour to date, so if you’re as into this song as I am, you know what to do. Get those tickets pronto!

16 February 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Warrang/Wollongong (FREE)
24 February 2024 – Felons Brewery Co, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
25 February 2024 – Hound & Stag Brewing Co, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE)
3 March 2024 – Brunswick Hotel, Durring/Brunswick Heads (FREE)
8 March 2024 – The Polo, Ngunnawal/Canberra
10 March 2024 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubimba/Newcastle
14 March 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne
15 March 2024 – The Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong
21 March 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Whitlams Black Stump Flips “You Sound Like Louis Burdett”

As a longtime Whitlams fan, I’ve really enjoyed hearing what the new Whitlams Black Stump act does with the band’s classic songs. Seeing them live in late 2022 was brilliant, and the releases just keep on coming. The latest is actually a revamped version of my all-time favourite Whitlams track, “You Sound Like Louis Burdett.” The Spaghetti Western style is a world away from the sound that made me fall for this song, but it surprisingly works!

This latest cut comes from the Whitlams Black Stump’s debut album Kookaburra, which is out on March 8. There are also plenty of full band gigs and shows with Tim and Ollie performing as the Black Stump Duo. If the date you’re interested in isn’t on sale yet, you’ll be able to get tickets from February 8.

8 March 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 March 2024 – Blazes @ Wests Tamworth, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
10 March 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
25 April 2024 – Hotel Victor, Ramong/Victor Harbour (Black Stump Duo)
26 April 2024 – Hopgood Theatre, Tainbarang/Noarlunga
27 April 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 May 2024 – Playhouse, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra (Black Stump Duo)
2 May 2024 – Springlake Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Black Stump Duo)
3 May 2024 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
4 May 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 May 2024 – Piano Room, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (Black Stump Duo)
8 May 2024 – Piano Room, Ballaarat/Ballarat (Black Stump Duo)
9 May 2024 – Piano Room, Djilang/Geelong (Black Stump Duo)
10 May 2024 – Kindred Bandroom, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Yarraville
11 May 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
16 May 2024 – Wilder, Palawa Country/Gowrie Park (Black Stump Duo)
17 May 2024 – Royal Oak, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston (Black Stump Duo)
18 May 2024 – Forth Pub, Tommeginne Country/Forth
19 May 2024 – Longley International Hotel, Palawa Country/Longley
23 May 2024 – Resin Brewery, Bulla Bulla/Bulli (Black Stump Duo)
24 May 2024 – Tallagandra Hill, Candariro/Gundaroo (Black Stump Duo)
25 May 2024 – Qirkz in the Hunter, Wonnarua Country/Abermain (Black Stump Duo)
26 May 2024 – Dangar Island Bowling Club, Darug and Darkinjung Country/Dangar Island (Black Stump Duo)
30 May 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
31 May 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
1 June 2024 – Avalon RSL, Guringai Country/Avalon

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity