Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobby Alu Serves Up Classic Reggae with “Ready For Your Love”

Bobby Alu is spreading summer vibes with his cool new single “Ready For Your Love.” This is classic “lovers rock” reggae, the kind of music that luminaries like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and Horace Andy used to make in the late 70s. If you’re a fan of the genre or you just want to feel good, make sure you turn this one up.

“The band and I love reggae from the 70’s and 80’s,” Bobby said. “This song was never planned. We were at the studio working on some other tracks. After dinner we weren’t quite ready to finish. I showed them a chorus idea and we all jumped in bouncing ideas off one another. I had recently had a conversation with a stranger about how they were looking for love desperately and this exchange inspired the lyrics. Hours went by and we left that night with a new track in the bag. Spontaneous creative moments like this are some of my absolute favourite times in the studio. Time goes and you find your flow.”

Bobby will make the most of the summer sunshine with plenty of shows this month. But that’s not all; a tour with online personality Breakfast Shirts, which will see Bobby playing morning shows in regional cafes, is also in the works. If you know the perfect place for one of those shows, make sure you share on Bobby’s Instagram page. For now, here are all the places you can see him play:

8 February 2024 – Golden Vine Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (supporting Ash Grunwald)
9 February 2024 – The Yarraville Club, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Yarraville (supporting Ash Grunwald)
11 February 2024 – The Memo, Wurundjeri Country/Healesville (supporting Ash Grunwald)
17 February 2024 – URBNSURF, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
18 February 2024 – SoFar Presents, Wadawurrung and Gadubanud Country/Anglesea
22 February 2024 – Maleny Community Centre, Nalbo and Dallambara Country/Maleny (featuring Foloi Iulia)
22 February 2024 – Majestic Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Pomona (featuring Foloi Iulia)
24 February 2024 – Coolum Civic Centre, Inabara Country/Coolum (featuring Foloi Iulia)
25 February 2024 – Eudlo Hall, Kabi Kabi Country/Eudlo (featuring Foloi Iulia)
27 February 2024 – City Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Free lunchtime show featuring Foloi Iulia)

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Skies Release Emotional New Single, “Don’t Let Me Go”

Eora/Sydney emo rockers Sienna Skies have just dropped their latest single “Don’t Let Me Go,” a killer song which the press release describes as the band’s “most emotional and heartfelt track to date. It’s certainly hit me in the heart.

“From the last time we released music to now, we have been through one of the toughest periods of all our lives. We lost family, best friends, pets, and more. It felt like there was just one heartbreak after another,” recalled Sienna Skies frontman Thomas Perozzi. “We sat on the chorus for a long time. It was a tough song to write, and was something we couldn’t rush. I had tears in my eyes when we finally finished the song, and when I looked around the room, I wasn’t the only one.”

“Don’t Let Me Go” is the latest single released from Sienna Skies’ forthcoming EP Only Change is Permanent, which drops on March 8. Its release will coincide with plenty of local shows, including gigs supporting metalcore legends Of Mice and Men and headlining dates. Catch them anywhere you can.

23 February 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney
25 February 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
27 February 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 April 2024 – Crown & Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 April 2024 – Bergy Band Room, Naarm/Melbourne
3 May 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 May 2024 – The Burdekin, Eora/Sydney
18 May 2024 – Amplifier Bar, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shotgun Mistress Release Rocking New Single “Jude Judas” Ahead of Glam Fest

If you long for the good old days when Aussie pub rock ruled the airwaves, “Jude Judas,” the latest track from Shotgun Mistress, will be right up your alley. This is a balls to the wall rocker that sounds best turned up to 11.

“Jude Judas” gives us our first taste of Shotgun Mistress’ sophomore album, due for release in June. They’ll also tour the East Coast as part of Glam Fest Australia 2024 with Slaughter, Lynch Mob, H.E.A.T., and Vixen’s Janet Gardner. You can check out that stacked line-up at one of the following venues:

16 February 2024 – Melbourne Pavilion, Naarm/Melbourne
17 February 2024 – Mansfield Tavern, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alana Wilkinson Releases Beautiful Modern Lullaby, “Dream Big”

I barely have a maternal bone in my body, but I feel there are few things more pure and beautiful than the love a mother has for her child. So while I’m never going to have my own kids, I’ve found totally and utterly captivated by Alana Wilkinson’s new single “Dream Big.” Alana wrote the song in the neonatal intensive care unit as her new son Rafferty slept on her chest.

“Raffy was born extremely prematurely at 24 weeks and put up a big fight for 92 days in hospital until he was finally big and strong enough to come home,” she recalled. “Throughout the terrifying experience I found solace in daydreaming of our future together; wishing on birthday cakes, singing to the trees and exploring the beauty and the chaos of the world waiting just beyond the hospital window.”

She might have a little one now, but Alana is not slowing down. Catch her at one of the following shows in the coming months.

25 January 2024 – Bobin School of Arts Hall, Birbay Country/Bobin (with Ryan Young – SOLD OUT)
26 January 2024 – Coramba Community Hall, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coramba (with Ryan Young)
27 January 2024 – Whiporie Community Hall, Badjalang Country/Whiporie (with Ryan Young – SOLD OUT)
28 January 2024 – Wardell Memorial Hall, Badjalang Country/Wardell (with Ryan Young)
9 February 2024 – Cardinia Cultural Centre, Kulin Country/Pakenham (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
10 February 2024 – COPACC, Gulidjan Country/Colac (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
11 February 2024 – Kyneton Town Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Kyneton (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
23 February 2024 – Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International @ Pershing Stage, Kansas City
1 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
15 March 2024 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
16 March 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
17 March 2024 – Forge Theatre, Wy-Yung/Bairnsdale (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)

Photo credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Claire Anne Taylor Floors Me With “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground”

Claire Anne Taylor has one of those female voices that you just don’t hear in 2024. It’s raw, earthy, weathered. Richly textured, hinting at a life that’s been lived. Above all, it’s utterly unforgettable. The press release describes it as “the voice of Tasmania.” If that’s the case, I’ve got to listen to more of the women making music in Tassie. Take a listen to her latest song “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground” and you’ll hear exactly what I mean.

This song comes from Claire’s album Giving It Away, set for release on February 16. “This album is a deeply personal one for me, and comes from a huge time in my life; following my son’s diagnosis with Angelman Syndrome. I guess you could say I took all my grief and anger and put it into my music and this has been my therapy and an escape of sorts.”

Claire will give music lovers plenty of opportunities to see her play in the coming months. Make sure you catch her when she’s in your hometown.

27 January 2024 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2024 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
16 February 2024 – Three Brothers Arms, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
17 February 2024 – Allendale East Hall, Boandik Country/Allendale East
18 February 2024 – The Dart & Marlin, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
22 February 2024 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
23 February 2024 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
24 February 2024 – Archies Creek Tavern, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
25 February 2024 – Sedgwick Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Sedgwick
28 February 2024 – The Ellington, Boorloo/Perth
29 February 2024 – The Buffalo Club, Walyalup/Fremantle
1-4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
16 March 2024 – Sandy Point Community Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point
17 March 2024 – The Old Gaol, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 March 2024 – Tomerong Hall, Yuin Country/Tomerong
23 March 2024 – Frank’s Wild Years, Dthirrawell/Thirroul
24 March 2024 – Petersham Bowls Club, Eora/Sydney
30 March – 1 April 2024 – National Folk Festival, Ngambri/Canberra
18 April 2024 – Upper Lansdowne Hotel, Upper Lansdowne
20 April 2024 – Lowanna Community Hall, Burgong/Lowanna
26-28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
3 May 2024 – Jetty Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
4 May 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Brunswick
5 May 2024 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin
10 May 2024 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah
11 May 2024 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 May 2024 – The Majestic Theatre, Karura/Pomona

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hello Sunshine Announces Eclectic 2024 Lineup

I’ve seen some eclectic lineups in my time, but the bill for 2024’s Hello Sunshine festival, hitting Naarm/Melbourne in March, might just take the cake. Where else can you rock out to Grinspoon, dance to the pop hits of The Veronicas, and embrace your inner child with a set from The Wiggles? Add indie-rock luminaries The Temper Trap, chill vibes from Pete Murray, the hip hop stylings of Bliss N Eso, country tunes from Brad Cox, and heaps more and you’ve got yourselves a party!

If that’s not enough to tempt you, there’ll be carnival rides, market stalls, food trucks, kids entertainment, and fireworks when the sun goes down.

“Hello Sunshine was such a runaway success in early 2023 – we knew we were on to something special, and couldn’t wait to bring it back bigger and better in 2024,” shared Lucky Group partner Keiran Dole. “We are proud to be putting on a supersized showcase of the best Aussie talent with everyone from Grinspoon to The Wiggles Sound System performing – so there’s certainly something for everyone in the family at Hello Sunshine 2024. We’ll see you at Caribbean Gardens on March 2nd!”

Hello Sunshine tickets are on sale now. Family days out are usually expensive, but you can bring kids under five for free and enjoy discount tickets for anyone under 18. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Imogen Clark Impresses With “All Hard Feelings”

It’s Imogen Clark’s birthday today but she’s giving us a gift: a brand new single. I feel like this every time I hear new Imogen Clark material, but “All Hard Feelings,” might just be her best one yet. It’s so relatable and catchy, I’ve already played it several times this morning. It sounds incredible, and well it should given her superstar collaborators. Imogen penned the track in Nashville with Sinead Burgess and Blake O’Connor, then recorded it with Grammy-winning bassist Davey Faragher and Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer Pete Thomas on drums, who were both part of Elvis Costello’s band The Imposters.

“When I rocked up at Sinead and Blake’s apartment to write this song, I’d had a bit of a week. Someone had fucked me over and I resented how much it was getting to me,” Imogen recalls. “We decided to put that energy into a song about how I have never really gotten over anything in my whole life. I saw a meme once that said ‘Taylor Swift has never shaken anything off’ and I thought ‘Same queen’. It’s a really fun tune that also lets me burn off some of that bitter energy in a cathartic way”.

There are plenty of opportunities to see Imogen in the coming months as she’s landed some plum supporting slots. Once she wraps up her shows with BOWEN * YOUNG, she’ll warm up crowds for Andrew Farris and Steve Poltz. If you have tickets to any of these shows, make sure you get there early enough for her set.

19 January 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting BOWEN * YOUNG)
20 January 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting BOWEN * YOUNG)
21 January 2024 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (supporting BOWEN * YOUNG)
27 January 2024 – IMB Theatre, Woolyungah/Wollongong (supporting BOWEN * YOUNG)
28 January 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting BOWEN * YOUNG)
9 February 2024 – The Beer Shed, Dharawal Country/Campbelltown (supporting Andrew Farriss)
10 February 2024 – Astor Hotel, Gandangara Country/Goulburn (supporting Andrew Farriss)
11 February 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Andrew Farriss)
16 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave (supporting Andrew Farriss)
17 February 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (supporting Andrew Farriss)
23 February 2024 – Wilder Tasmania, Palawa Country/Gowrie Park (supporting Andrew Farriss)
24 February 2024 – Clarendon Arms, Palawa Country/Evandale (supporting Andrew Farriss)
25 February 2024 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting Andrew Farriss)
8 March 2024 – Imperial Hotel, Ngumundi/Eumundi (supporting Andrew Farriss)
9 March 2024 – Old Museum, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Andrew Farriss)
15 March 2024 – Heritage Hotel, Bulla/Bulli (supporting Andrew Farriss)
16 March 2024 – Brass Monkey, Kurranulla/Cronulla (supporting Andrew Farriss)
23 March 2024 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Steve Poltz)
28 March 2024 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney (supporting Steve Poltz)

Photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham Release Title Track From Duets Album “Birdsong”

Country is one of those genres that elicits pretty strong reactions in me. I either love it or hate it: there is no in between. That’s the reason I didn’t review Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham’s collaborative album Birdsong last year. While there were songs I loved, there were plenty that also weren’t my cup of tea. It’s also why I’m excited that they’ve released the title track, one of my favourite cuts from this release. The song was inspired by an ancient Chinese proverb, “Always keep a green branch in your heart so a singing bird may come.”

“It’s easy to die inside and become unwilling to keep your branch outstretched,” Felicity added. “When you’ve suffered it can make you untrusting and protective.”

Speaking of his musical partner, Josh said “I was inspired by her resilience and openness in the wake of recent personal tragedy. When I encountered that proverb, I felt that she was its living embodiment. Not only was her branch green and outstretched – she was the singing bird too! I wrote the song by a river in the golden glow of a late summer evening with a chorus of cicadas swelling and pulsing in harmony.”

Felicity and Josh are bringing the music from Birdsong to the following cities in the coming months.

24 January 2024 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
22 March 2024 – St. Brigids Church Crossley, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
23 March 2024 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
24 March 2024 – Watchem Church, Watchupga/Watchem
31 March – 1 April 2024 – National Folk Festival, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & The Giants Bring Summer Vibes With “Good Time” Single

Joan & The Giants have just dropped their latest single “Good Time”, and it’s an absolute summer anthem. It’s an easy, breezy number that has me thinking of carefree moments like highway drives and bonfires on the beach.

“‘Good Time’ is about being madly in love and letting go of control,” said the band’s frontwoman, Grace Newton-Wordsworth. “This indie guitar-soaked summer song is a sexy ride, and it’s the first time I’ve let myself get sexy and feel sexy in a song. I just love the way it makes me feel, and I hope it brings some good times to people.”

Joan & The Giants will play a few shows this month to warm up for their massive slot supporting P!NK in March. If you don’t have tickets to the stadium shows, make sure you catch them at one of their free gigs!

19 January 2024 – Froth Craft Brewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury (FREE)
20 2024 – Settlers, Wooditup/Margaret River (FREE)
21 2024 – Caves House Hotel, Wooditup/Yallingup (FREE)
1 March 2024 – Optus Stadium, Perth (supporting P!NK)
2 March 2024 – Optus Stadium, Perth (supporting P!NK)

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Talk Heavy Release “Fun Dumb Song”, “The Montreal Screwjob”

Hit the volume, because Meeanjin/Brisbane punksters Talk Heavy have just released a fabulous new single, “The Montreal Screwjob,” and it’s best played loud. And often. After the emo vibes of their last two tracks, “The Montreal Screwjob” is a bit of a change of pace. Rather than going deep and dark, the lads retell the story of ‘90s wrestling icon Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart.

“We’d been sitting on this instrumental song for a time trying to find the right lyrics. When I was talking to our guitarist Pat about it, he suggested to just try writing about something silly or non-personal instead of our usual personal existentialism,” explained Matt Cochran, the band’s vocalist and guitarist. “We’re both 90’s wrestling nerds so we ended up settling on The Montreal Screwjob. I’ve always wanted to write about wrestling because it’s something I obsessed over as a kid and I was inspired by the way that The Mountain Goats channeled that in their own way for their 2015 album ‘Beat The Champ’. We’re super proud of how it turned out, it’s just a fun dumb song and I can’t wait to play it live.”

Talk Heavy are celebrating the release with the announcement of a brand new East Coast tour. Catch them anywhere you can this February.

9 February 2024 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Melaleuca and Upsetter)
16 February 2024 – Burdekin Hotel, Eora/Sydney (with Great Job! and Hugs)
17th February 2024 – Dicey Riley’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (supporting Raised As Wolves and Jayhawks)
23rd February 2024 – The Presynct, Naamba/Nambour (supporting City Council with Robbie Thunder and Electric Prawns 2)

Photo credit: Will Johnstone