Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Oh My God”, Owen Rabbit Has an Amazing New Single!

Owen Rabbit has just dropped his brand new single “Oh My God,” and it’s really something special.

I must admit, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with Owen Rabbit’s music. I always admire his ambition, but when you take as many musical risks as he does the results won’t always resonate. He’s certainly got it right with his new single though, which infuses Owen’s iconic electronic soundscapes with real heart.

It’s given me high hopes for Owen’s long-awaited debut EP One, which is scheduled for a late November 2016 release. Owen Rabbit will tour the EP with shows in Europe and here at home.

29 November 2016 – Popanz, Cologne
3 December 2016 – FTT, Düsseldorf
4 December 2016 – Auster Club, Berlin
6 December 2016 – München, Feierwerk
7 December 2016 – Singerhaus, Basel
8 December 2016 – Wintercamp Festival, Bordeaux
9 December 2016 – Wintercamp Festival, Paris
14 December 2016 – Amboss Rampe, Zürich
30 December 2016 – Jimmys Den, Perth
25 January 2017 – The Milkbar, Brisbane
27 January 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
28 January 2017 – Lass O’ Gowrie, Newcastle
3 February 2017 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Blues Arcadia” EP – The Blues Arcadia

Ordinarily I find myself dragging my feet on a Monday, lamenting how quickly the last two days have whizzed by and the deadlines I have looming. However, this week I’ve got a spring in my step thanks to Blues Arcadia’s new self-titled debut EP.

I instantly connected with the music from this soul act from Brisbane. While it’s a debut, these guys, including past members of The Bella Reunion, are no strangers to the music scene. Listening to the seven tracks that make up this EP, you feel you’re in good hands. The numbers were recorded live to tape at The Barn Studios, giving them an energy and emotional intensity other studio recordings often lack.

I love the melancholy of “Corner Girls.” I can imagine hearing it in a smoky jazz club late at night after one too many glasses of scotch. After the raw ache of that song, the easy, playful groove of “Take the Money” gives the heart some respite. “Miss Lonely” is pure joy, the kind of track that gets everyone in a club up on their feet and dancing. “Here Comes the Rain” sees Blues Arcadia in performers its most sombre mode. It’s heartbreaking, with crying guitars adding pathos to Alan Boyle’s stunning vocals. The upbeat “Operator Please” brings the mood up before “Time and Again” reminds listeners just how good this band is at crafting a song about loss. It’s a powerhouse, with a rollicking piano, driving drums, and those meaty vocals. The upbeat “Rockin’ Chair” closes the EP with a bang. It’s got a great political message, but with its beefy sax line and danceable beat that message goes down easy.

I don’t ordinarily write about every song on a recording, but there are no filler tracks here. Blues Arcadia has such a great sound, with all the players pulling their weight. Big brass sounds meld beautifully with more delicate instruments like the guitars and piano. Everything works. And with Alan Boyle’s soulfully raw vocals on top, it’s heaven. I’m so glad this is a longer-than-average EP, because I didn’t want it to end. Excuse me while I hit play again.

Blues Arcadia’s self-titled EP drops on November 14. They’re playing the following shows around Queensland in the coming months. Hopefully they won’t leave the rest of Australia waiting too long, because I need to hear these guys live!

12 November 2016 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
13 November 2016 – Secret Show – email thebluesarcadia@gmail.com for details
18 November 2016 – The Walrus Club, Toowong (FREE)
19 November 2016 – BASEQ 21st Birthday Bash @ Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE for BASEQ members)
26 November 2016 – Sonny’s House of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
2 December 2016 – Sonny’s House of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
3 December 2016 – The Walrus Club, Toowong (FREE)
10 December 2016 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
31 December 2016 – The Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna
14 January 2017 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
21 January 2017 – Wolvi Heads Shed, Wolvi
27 January 2017 – Queen Street Mall, Brisbane (FREE)
28 January 2017 – Sonny’s House Of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
17 February 2017 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane (FREE)
25 February 2017 – Sonny’s House Of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
10 March 2017 – Sonny’s House Of Blues, Brisbane (FREE)
11 March 2017 – Palmwoods Hotel, Palmwoods

Image source: Blues Arcadia Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Lee Kicks Off Tour This Week

Ben Lee kicks off his latest lap of the country this week. He’s playing shows in the capitals to promise the recent release of his brand new album Freedom, Love & the Human Mind.

This collection of songs sees Ben contemplating the human condition and his own experiences with characteristic eloquence and heart. The single “The Enemy Within” is an excellent example of the way Ben speaks for all of us who’ve ever wrestled with our emotions and place in the world. It features the talents of celebrated American folk artists Grant Lee Phillips and Sara Watkins.



“Like all the songs on the album, this recording began at my home studio in Laurel Canyon, CA, with a live guitar and vocal – no click track, no tuning, no funny business. Just me singing this song, from my heart,” Ben explained. “It was a beautiful thing to see it take life as I brought in other musicians to add to it, culminating in the incredible Sara Watkins adding her harmonies.”

There are still limited tickets for his shows available, but I wouldn’t wait too long to get yours!

10 & 11 November 2016 – One Space HQ Bondi, Sydney
16 & 17 November 2016 – Wired for Wonder, Melbourne (Speaking)
18 November 2016 – The Caravan Music Club, Melbourne
19 November 2016 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
25-27 November 2016 – Whole Life Expo, Adelaide Showgrounds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Central Coast’s Elliot the Bull Unleashes “Beast”

The Central Coast punches above its weight when it comes to music. In recent years we’ve seen Coasties like Ellie Drennan and Fletcher Pilon take out national talent competitions, but the Coast has also been the breeding ground for acts like Pepa Knight, Something With Numbers, and Winterbourne. The Coast is also home to Elliot the Bull, an unassuming indie-rock quartet that has consistently delivered quality tunes over the years. The latest is “Beast,” the title track from the band’s forthcoming EP.

I love this song’s passion. Jake Dobson’s vocals are endearingly raw and the guitars and rhythm section are beautifully layered. It’s emotive and honest, another solid cut from this talented act.

Elliot the Bull will travel around the country next month. The tour almost didn’t happen after the band’s home studio was robbed and thousands of dollars of equipment stolen recently. While crowdfunding has helped them replace most of what was taken, these guys could probably use your support right now!

1 December 2016 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
2 December 2016 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
9 December 2016 – The Croxton (Front Bar), Melbourne
16 December 2016 – The Factory Floor, Sydney
21 January 2017 – Long Jetty Hotel, Long Jetty

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tiny Little Houses Kicks Off National EP Tour Tonight

Melbourne band Tiny Little Houses has loaded up the bus and set off on their very first national tour as headliners. The occasion commemorates the recent release of the Snow Globe EP, which features five killer cuts including the single “Song Despite Apathy.”

The EP shows Tiny Little Houses’ sonic and lyrical development since the release of You Tore Out My Heart. The songs are energetic and raw, the perfect indie-pop anthems to enjoy at these shows.

5 November 2016 – Republic Bar, Hobart
11 November 2016 – The Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Adelaide
12 November 2016 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
18 November 2016 – Plan B Small Club, Sydney
25 November 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
26 November 2016 – The Workers Club, Geelong
8 December 2016 – Woolly Mammoth Alehouse, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Zealand’s Shapeshifter Announces Headline Shows

It seems Subsonic won’t be the last we’ll see of Shapeshifter. The soulful Kiwi drum and bass act will return to our shores early next year to headline shows celebrating the recent release of album number six, Stars.

The album features the single “Her” and 10 other tracks which push the band’s stadium-sized sound to new heights. You can hear its tracks and plenty of old favourites at the following shows.

31 March 2017 – Metro City, Perth
1 April 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 April 2017 – Parkwood, Gold Coast
6 April 2017 – Triffid, Brisbane
7 April 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
8 April 2017 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Wise Drops Single Ahead of “Silver Birch” Release

Little Wise transports us to the quiet towns of regional Australia with her delicate folky new single “Don’t Hurry Back.” It’s a beautiful slow burn complemented perfectly by this video directed by Agostino Soldati.

“Don’t Hurry Back” gives us a taste of Little Wise’s debut album Silver Birch, which drops on November 11. She split the recording time between Woodstock Studios and her empty childhood home. Talented Aussies including Megan Bernard, Rosie Burgess, and Ben Franz from the Waifs also make appearances on this nostalgic collection of songs.

Clearly Little Wise and Rosie had an exceptional time together, because Ms Burgess will perform as a special guest artist at many of the following Silver Birch shows.

11 November 2016 – The Treehouse, Byron Bay (FREE)
12 November 2016 – Sheoak Shack, Fingal Head (FREE @ 2pm – with Rosie Burgess)
12 November 2016 – Padre, Brisbane (FREE)
13 November 2016 – Black Bunny Kitchen, Alexandra Headland (FREE @ 3:30pm – with Rosie Burgess)
15 November 2016 – House Concert, Nambucca Heads
17 November 2016 – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney (with Rosie Burgess)
18 November 2016 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra (with Rosie Burgess)
19 November 2016 – Commonground Festival, Seymour
24 November 2016 – The Bella Union, Melbourne (with Rosie Burgess)
25 November 2016 – Martians Café, Deans Marsh (with Rosie Burgess)
27 November 2016 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (4pm – with Rosie Burgess)
9 December 2016 – Basement Discs, Melbourne (FREE @ 12:45pm)
10 December 2016 – Brookfield Shed, Margate (with Rosie Burgess)
11 December 2016 – Marakoopa Café, Mayberry (2pm with Rosie Burgess)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Releases “Catch 22” Ahead of Album Launch Shows

After the success of “Swear Jar” and “Papercuts,” Illy’s next album Two Degrees was already destined to become one of the biggest sellers of 2016. But he’s just guaranteed that it’ll fly off the shelves with the release of another stellar single, “Catch 22.” Featuring guest vocals from British singer Anne-Marie, this is another insightful feel-good from one of Australia’s favourite hip-hop acts.

“Sometimes life isn’t about always making the ‘right’ choices. Some of the best times are when you do the opposite. Catch 22 is about knowing that,” Illy explained.

Two Degrees hits stores on November 11 and is currently available for pre-order. Illy will bring its songs to the people with some intimate launch shows in the largest capitals. In addition, Illy will play a bunch of summer festivals. Here are all the places you can catch him in the coming months.

29 October 2016 – Banana Fields Music & Arts Festival, Coffs Harbour
15 November 2016 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
16 November 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
17 November 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
29 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Lorne (SOLD OUT)
30 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Marion Bay
31 December 2016 – NYE Street Party, Newcastle
1 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Byron Bay (SOLD OUT)
7 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Fremantle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Outdoor Type Speaks for a Generation with “Rumination”

Melbourne troubadour The Outdoor Type has really impressed me with the release of his brand new single “Rumination.”

The song has such a great spontaneous energy, a result of The Outdoor Type’s old school decision to record the track live with a band. I also love its relatable lyrics which speak of rejecting the confines of the nine-to-five life meant to pay off a mortgage you’ll have until you die with your picket fence, dog, and two kids, yet still wanting to prove you’re capable of attaining it.

Having supported the likes of Vera Blue, Tiny Little Houses, and Alex Lahey, The Outdoor Type is ready to play his own shows to support the release of “Rumination.”

28 October 2016 – Rare Finds @ OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney (FREE)
29 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
4 November 2016 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Middle Kids Squeeze in Local Gigs Before Icelandic Adventures

Fresh from their appearance at Bigsound and gigs supporting City Calm Down, Middle Kids are wasting no time getting back on the road.

The Sydney musos are playing a couple of local shows to promote the release of their gorgeous new single “Your Love” before heading to Reykjavik to play alongside PJ Harvey, Warpaint, and other hot acts. After a brief European stint, they’ll be back to play a local festival in Port Macquarie.

With Middle Kids generating some serious buzz abroad, something tells me our local gigs might be fewer and farther between in the coming years. See them while you can at the following shows.

21 October 2016 – Plan B, Sydney
26 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne
2-6 November 2016 – Iceland Airways, Reykjavik
9 December 2016 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company