Rob Thomas Tour On Sale Soon

I’ve been bouncing off the walls this week with the news that Rob Thomas is finally touring this country again. It’s been too many years since he was here with Matchbox Twenty, and even longer since we were treated to solo shows. But finally, fans like me have some dates to start looking forward to.

Rob’s heading our way to promote The Great Unknown, a fantastic album that really should have lingered longer in the charts. Hopefully his recent promo tour can put it back in the top 50, because it really deserves to be heard. I’ve been playing it most days since its release and while my husband’s probably over it, I’m still not sick of it.

Rob seems to love a winery as much as I do, so there are a few winery shows as with his tours in the past. He’s playing traditional entertainment centres as well, but the real pick of them is bound to be his show on the steps of the Opera House. During his promo tour this week I’ve heard him talking about the fond memories he has of that Crowded House farewell show on the steps, and how consequently that gig has some real significance for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear a Crowded House cover on the night.

As a member of the fan club, I’ve already got my tickets, but there’s a Live Nation presale on November 23 ahead of the general sale on November 25. To get you in the mood, here’s the charming video for his new clip “Hold On Forever.”

20 February 2016 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
22 February 2016 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
24 February 2016 – ‘On The Steps’ Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney
27 February 2016 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
28 February 2016 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton
2 March 2016 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth
5 March 2016 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
6 March 2016 – Clipsal 500, Adelaide

Archie Roach Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Charcoal Lane

Archie Roach is one of Australia’s most beloved artists, a veteran of the industry after 25 years in the business. Charcoal Lane is the album that kicked it all off, and a quarter of a century after its release Archie is celebrating with a reissued album and shows all around the country.

The new deluxe edition of Charcoal Lane features new versions of the songs with guest vocals from some of Archie’s best mates including Paul Kelly, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, Gurrumul, and Dewayne Everett-Smith. His 1990 Triple J Live at the Wireless records are also included, along with a booklet full of previously unseen images from the era and insightful liner notes. Isn’t it exciting to get a CD with decent liner notes these days? I think so.

The reissued version of Charcoal Lane is in stores now. Tickets are still available for the following shows.

21 November 2015 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
22 November 2015 – Homeground 2015 @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney (FREE)
3 December 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
4 December 2015 – The Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury
6 December 2015 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
11 December 2015 – Fremantle Arts Centre Front Garden, Fremantle

The Vernons Touring Single and Snappy EP

I’ve always had a soft spot for bluesy Gold Coast act The Vernons. So even though I didn’t get to the press release spruiking their new single “Keep On Dreaming” and EP Snap until the launch tour was well and truly underway, I couldn’t resist posting it. Because whether you wanted to get to the shows or not, this song is one of those songs that you should hear. It’s a break-up song the way it should be done, so raw that it bleeds.

And if you’re living in Melbourne or Sydney, you’re in luck, because they haven’t visited your town yet. Tickets are still available for the shows at The Grace Darling on November 13 and Brighton Up Bar on November 14.

Villainy Announce Aussie Shows

Kiwi rockers Villainy have been dominating across the ditch, selling out shows and shooting to number four on the charts with their new album Dead Sight, which features the ballsy new single “Safe Passage.” Now it’s time for Australia to see what the buzz is all about.

Villainy will join our own Jerrico and Sydonia for shows in the major capitals this November. This is the first time the quartet’s been in Australia since Bigsound in 2013, and who knows how long it’ll be before they make it to our shores again. If you like your music loud, make sure you don’t miss these shows.

13 November 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
14 November 2015 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville (with Majora)
20 November 2015 – Prince Bandroom, St Kilda (with Majora and Gatherer)
21 November 2015 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Colibrium and Baltimore Poet. Sydonia now appearing)

Nakatomi Take it Back to the 80s with “The Knife”

There’s nothing like a little 80s inspired electro-pop to wake me up in the morning. This Humpday slice comes courtesy of Adelaide duo Nakatomi and their latest single “The Knife.”

“The Knife is about the downward spiral of bad experiences or relationships, but choosing to see some beauty in the fall rather than getting consumed by it,” lead vocalist Emily Smart explained in the press release. “We worked with Badcop (Tkay Maidza) on the sound design and sought out Melbourne producer-engineer, Jimi Maroudas (Kimbra, Bertie Blackman) to produce and mix, and tracking was done at the amazing Chapel Lane Studios in Adelaide.”

She also explained a little about the very cool retro film clip.

“We had this idea to go with a sci-fi 80s vibe for this clip, so we contacted a great local film director named Aaron Schuppan and set him the challenge to create something inspired by movies such as Blade Runner,” she said. “Thankfully Aaron was just as excited about this idea as we were and proposed that our film clip take the form of a movie trailer for an amazing, lost tech-noir film from the 80s, but something with genuine emotion at its core. Aaron threw together a crazy script, and our only thought was, if he can pull this off, this is going to be epic!”

And epic it is! Now given their love for all things 80s, it’s hardly surprising that Nakatomi took their name from Nakatomi Plaza in the Die Hard flicks. However, the duo’s quick to point out that it’s also the ancestral name of the great Fujiwara clan.

Nakatomi will be hitting the road in just a couple of days to promote “The Knife.” Here are all the places you can see them do their thing.

30 October 2015 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
20 November 2015 – Pow! @ Mynt Lounge, Werribee
22 November 2015 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
26 November 2015 – Oxford Art Gallery Bar, Darlinghurst

Patrick James Announces Album Tour

Patrick James is currently keeping company with The Paper Kites, but it won’t be too long before we see him headlining his own shows around the country. It’s all in support of Outlier, Patrick’s brand new LP which features the fantastic singles “California Song” and “Bugs.”

This tour will be James’ first largescale headline tour in almost two years, so it’s a real must-see for fans. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

19 February 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
25 February 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
26 February 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
27 February 2016 – Anita’s  Theatre, Wollongong
4 March 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
5 March 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
12 March 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
18 March 2016 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide
19 March 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth

Wes Carr Plays George Harrison Shows Around Oz

It’s a bit controversial, but I was raised to believe George Harrison was the best Beatle. Dad told me All Things Must Pass is one of the greatest albums ever released, and that love songs didn’t come better than “Something.” It sounds like Wes Carr might have something like the upbringing I did, because he’s bringing a tribute show, Here Comes the Sun, to intimate venues around the country next year.

“To me, George was a spiritual leader in his own way, as he was a guiding light for so many. Through his music he questioned life and challenged modern day thought,” Wes explained in a press statement. “I believe George’s music has more relevance now than it ever did – for all of these reasons, I knew I had to pay tribute to the life and work of George Harrison through a live show.”

Tickets are on sale now for these special performances.

1 April 2016 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
2 April 2016 – Capitol Theatre, Tamworth
8 April 2016 – Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo
9 April 2016 – Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
15 April 2016 – Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford
16 April 2016 – Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville
22 April 2016 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula
23 April 2016 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong
24 April 2016 – Milton Theatre, Milton
29 April 2016 – Jetty Theatre, Coffs Harbour
30 April 2016 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
6 May 2016 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
7 May 2016 – Young Ex Services Club, Young
13 & 14 May 2016 – Sydney Opera House Studio, Sydney
20 & 21 May 2016 – Judith Wright Centre, Brisbane
25-29 May 2016 – Chapel Off Chapel, Melbourne
3 June 2016 – Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine
4 June 2016 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
9 June 2016 – Burnie Arts Theatre, Burnie
10 June 2016 – Launceston Country Club, Launceston
11 June 2016 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
17 June 2016 – Empire Church Theatre, Toowoomba
18 June 2016 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
24 June 2016 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta
25 June 2016 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
30 June 2016 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
1 July – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
2 July 2016 – Heath Ledger Theatre, Perth
8 July 2016 – Prince Of Wales Opera House, Gulgong
9 July 2016 – Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
15 July 2016 – Wonthaggai Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
16 July 2016 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
22 July 2016 – Wesley Performing Arts Centre, Horsham
23 July 2016 – Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale
29 July 2016 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
30 July 2016 – The Q Theatre, Queanbeyan
5 August 2016 – Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide
6 August 2016 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier
12 August 2016 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark
13 August 2016 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
19 August 2016 – Keith Michell Theatre, Port Pirie
20 August 2016 – Middleback Arts Centre, Whyalla
26 August 2016 – The Cube, Wodonga
27 August 2016 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Citizen Kay Tours New Album “With the People”

As I browsed through the list of ARIA nominees a couple of days ago, there wasn’t too much that got me really excited. The usual suspects were represented, and there were very few curveballs. However, when I spied Citizen Kay’s nomination for Demokracy, I broke into a wide smile. The best urban album category is incredibly competitive, but I’d love if this talented act came away with the win.

While ARIA is acknowledging his last body of work, Citizen Kay is looking forward with the release of With the People, his first long-player, which hits stores on October 16. The album features the killer new single “Wax On Wax Off.” You can hear this song and other choice cuts from the new album, as well as some old favourites, when Citizen Kay kicks off his national tour later this month.

22 October 2015 – Bar on the Hill, Newcastle
23 October 2015 – Shebeen, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
30 October 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra
6 November 2015 – Cats, Adelaide
11 November 2015 – Sosueme @ Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)
13 November 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
14 November 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
26 November 2015 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney
5 December 2015 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth

Bad Pony Release New Single Ahead of EP Tour

When I want to feel good lately, I find myself going to the music of Bad Pony. They’re one of those bands that produces music that’s so funky and fun, it always puts a smile on my face. Their latest single “Michael Moore” is no different.

The song’s the latest killer cut lifted from Bad Pony’s Limbo EP, which they’re touring all around the country over the coming months. I hear these guys are even more amazing in the flesh, so if you get the chance make sure you check out one of the following shows. And wear some comfy shoes, because I have a feeling you’ll be dancing all night!

3 October 2015 – Red Deer Festival, Brisbane
8 October 2015 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
9 October 2015 – The Workers Club, Geelong
10 October 2015 – Baha Tacos, Rye
14 October 2015 – SOSUEME @ The Valley, Bondi
16 October 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
17 October 2015 – The Farm, Byron Bay
18 October 2015 – Sounds of Sunday @ Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast
6 November 2015 – Moonshine Bar, Manly
19-22 November 2015 – Australian Music Week, Cronulla
28 November 2015 – The Roxbury Hotel, Glebe
4 December 2015 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
5 December 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
31 December 2015 – New Year’s Eve, Sydney Harbour

Image used with permission from Bad Pony

Ian Moss Celebrates “Six Strings Anniversary” With Acoustic Tour

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since Ian Moss recorded his Six Strings album, a brilliant bluesy acoustic album with cuts from his Cold Chisel days and solo work, as well as some choice covers. We’re all used to seeing Mossy plugged in and rocking out, but that album and the accompanying tour showed us all a new side to this true Aussie legend.

To celebrate the album’s anniversary, Ian will tour some of Australia’s most intimate venues in stripped back mode.

“Doing these shows remind me time and time again that it’s all about how you play. I’m amazed at how much colour and variation and emotion I’ve been able to get with just voice, guitar and a foot tapping on the floor,” he explained. “Less is more.”

If you’ve never seen Mossy playing acoustically, you shouldn’t miss these shows. And if you have, well you know for sure you shouldn’t miss these shows!

26 February 2016 – The Palms At Crown, Melbourne
27 February 2016 – Theatre Royal, Hobart
4 March 2016 – Street Theatre, Canberra
5 March 2016 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong
11 March 2016 – The Events Centre – Playhouse, Caloundra
12 March 2016 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
18 March 2016 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
19 March 2016 – Astor Theatre, Perth
24 March 2016 – Laycock Street Theatre, North Gosford
26 March 2016 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
2 April 2016 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment