Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emma Donovan Preaches Self Love With “Lovin’ Looks Like” Ahead of Aussie Tour

Absolute force of nature Emma Donovan is back with a beautiful new soul single “Lovin’ Looks Like.” But don’t mistake this beautiful ballad for just another love song.

‘“Lovin Looks Like’ is a healing song about learning to love yourself again. It’s about taking a good look in the mirror and seeing who you are and knowing and learning about all your worth,” Emma explained. “After being broken from a relationship, learning to love yourself can be hard but over the years I’ve taken good advice. I’ve learned that putting myself first isn’t a bad thing and that I should never be made to feel bad about that focus.”

“Lovin’ Looks Like” is the latest track from Emma’s forthcoming new album, which Emma said further explores the concept of “not being afraid to do this on my own and walking strong through everything”. Emma will bring her new music and plenty of old favourites to the people on her upcoming shows. She’ll return to Tamworth, where she began playing with her family band The Donovans at the tender age of 11, before embarking on a national tour with Charley Crockett. These shows will be the only place you can get your hands on a limited-edition double A-side 7” single featuring “Lovin’ Looks Like” and previous release “Blak Nation,” so make sure you stop by the merch stand!

25 January 2024 – TRECC, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with Troy Cassar-Daley 4pm)
25 January 2024 – Tamworth Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with Kevin Bennett 7pm)
25 January 2024 – Aboriginal Cultural Showcase @ Fanzone Stage, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (9pm)
27 January 2024 – Tamworth Town Hall, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with Charley Crockett 4pm)
28 January 2024 – Bar on the Hill, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Charley Crockett)
30 January 2024 – The Events Centre, Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara Country/Caloundra (with Charley Crockett)
31 January 2024 – The Green Room, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (with Charley Crockett)
1 February 2024 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Charley Crockett)
2 February 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal, Yuin and Wadi Wadi Country/Thirroul (with Charley Crockett)
4 February 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (with Charley Crockett)
6 February 2024 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngambri/Canberra (with Charley Crockett)
8 February 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Charley Crockett)
9 February 2024 – Civic Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Ballarat (with Charley Crockett)
10 February 2024 – Coal Creek Community Park & Museum, Bunurong Country/Korumburra (with Charley Crockett)
12 February 2024 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (with Charley Crockett)
14 February 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Charley Crockett)

Photo credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Fabulous Front Bottoms Heading Down Under

Sometimes it takes a band announcing a tour to put them on my radar. When I heard New Jersey rock act The Front Bottoms were making their “long-awaited return” in April, I wondered who’d been waiting for them! That’s on me though. After hearing their 2023 release You Are Who You Hang Out With, I’m a fan. And I’m kicking myself that I’ll have to miss them due to a holiday in April!

I don’t want you to though. Take a listen. Trust me, you don’t want to find that you were sleeping too once everyone tells you how great these shows were. And I have no doubt that they will be.

Handsome Tours is running a presale tomorrow at 10 am before tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday January 18 at 10 am.

12 April 2023 – Roundhouse, Eora/Sydney
14 April 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 April 2023 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
19 April 2023 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
20 April 2023 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophisticated Dingo Announce Aussie Tour For “I Don’t Mind” Single

One of the hardest working bands in the country, Sophisticated Dingo, are hitting the road again. The band will tour the country to celebrate the recent release of their latest single “I Don’t Mind.” We’re used to these guys going full throttle, but this beautiful track shows the duo’s softer side.

Vocalist and guitarist Lewis Matte says “I Don’t Mind” is “a reminder not to take any moment for granted. No one knows how long they have left. Nothing is perfect. Embrace imperfection. Embrace growth through learning from the outcomes of your actions. Be malleable, open to compromise and to building dreams together with the ones you love. Let them inspire you. Speak simply. Embrace what you have. Don’t overcomplicate it. Enjoy the ride.”

Amen! Sophisticated Dingo have sold out headlining shows before, so don’t go sleeping on these dates. Tickets are available for all shows right now.
8 March 2024 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
9 March 2024 – Bootleggers, Eora/Sydney
22 March 2024 – Four5Nine, Boorloo/Perth
23 March 2024 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
29 March 2024 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 March 2024 – The Gaso Upstairs, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Crowd Favourite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hollow Coves Drop Nostalgic New Single, “Photographs”

Hollow Coves are making me nostalgic for a time gone by with their latest single “Photographs.” This charming folk song takes us back to a simpler time before mobile phones, when we’d only capture special moments and we’d have those physical images to proudly display. The song was inspired by Matt Carins’ mum and her collection of carefully curated family photo albums.

“This was the first song we wrote during our writing sessions with Matt Corby and Alex Henrikkson. We ended up having a conversation in the studio about how photographs use to be something special that people would keep in a photo album. However, now that we can take photos with our phones, it seems like photos will most likely just get lost amongst the sea of photos,” the band explained. “Matt (Carins) brought up that his mum has kept a photo album for him and his siblings since they were born. We all thought that was pretty special and kind of a lost art in this day and age. So we decided to write a song about her and the lost art of the photograph.”

“Photographs” is the first track lifted from Hollow Coves’ sophomore album Nothing to Lose. International fans can expect to hear more new music and their old favourites from the duo plays shows in Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America in the coming months.

26 March 2024 – Gebäude 9, Cologne
28 March 2024 – Muziekgieterij, Maastricht
29 March 2024 – TivoliVredenburg – Ronda, Utrecht
30 March 2024 – Zeche Carl, Essen
31 March 2024 – Uebel & Gefährlich, Hamburg
2 April 2024 – Columbia Theater, Berlin
3 April 2024 – MeatFactory, Prague
4 April 2024 – Simm City, Vienna
5 April 2024 – Technikum, Munich
7 April 2024 – Magazzini Generali, Milan
8 April 2024 – Komplex 457, Zurich
9 April 2024 – Les Docks, Lausanne
11 April 2024 – Halle02, Heidelberg
12 April 2024 – Opderschmelz, Dudelange
13 April 2024 – Le Trabendo, Paris
14 April 2024 – AB Ballroom, Brussels
16 April 2024 – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
17 April 2024 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
18 April 2024 – Academy 2, Manchester
5 June 2024 – Union Stage, Washington DC
6 June 2024 – The Foundry, Philadelphia
8 June 2024 – Warsaw, New York City
10 June 2024 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
11 June 2024 – MTELUS, Montreal
12 June 2024 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
14 June 2024 – Lincoln Hall, Chicago
15 June 2024 – Fine Line, Minneapolis
17 June 2024 – Gothic Theatre, Denver
19 June 2024 – The Grand at the Complex, Salt Lake City
22 June 2024 – El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
23 June 2024 – Venture Music Hall, Ventura
24 June 2024 – Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco
26 June 2024 – Aladdin Theater, Portland
27 June 2024 – The Crocodile, Seattle
29 June 2024 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver
30 June 2024 – Capital Ballroom, Victoria

Photo credit: Catherine Bernier

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band Announce Victorian and Tasmanian Shows

Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band were thrust into the spotlight when they were handpicked by their heroes KISS to support them on Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast in 2022. The schoolkids from the tiny Northern Territory community of Akaye (Mulga Bore) made the long trek to Queensland to support their idols on the biggest stage of their lives. Since then they’ve been capitalising on their success, opening Australia’s largest First Nations festival Yirramboi last May and releasing quality tracks like “Big Train” and “Let Me Rock N Roll.”

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out Mulga Bore Hard Rock at one of their upcoming shows:

19 January 2023 – Cherry Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
26 January 2023 – Share the Spirit Festival @ Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
27 January 2023 – Brunswick Ballroom, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (supporting No Fixed Address)
18 February 2023 – St Kilda Festival, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda (FREE)
2 March 2023 – Mona Foma Festival @ Cataract Gorge Reserve, Kanamuluka/Launceston (FREE)

Photo credit: Ivan Trigo Miras

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Jayne Releases Girl Power Anthem “Booty Call”

Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley country starlet Katie Jayne shows she’s no doormat with her sassy new single “Booty Call.” It’s a fun slice of girl power that’s going to resonate with anyone who’s tired of the games and situationships.

“Booty Call will have your boots dancing, your body moving and your voice raised high, singing the lyrics like a crazy woman!” Katie enthused.

Katie is enjoying some downtime for the holidays, but she’ll be back in action for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. If you’re heading to Kamilaroi Country for the festival, here are all the places you can see her play

19 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
20 January 2024 – Tamworth Shopping World (acoustic @ midday)
20 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
21 January 2024 – The Atrium Arcade Stage (acoustic @ 11:30am)
22 January 2024 – Longyard (full band show @ 8:30pm)
24 January 2024 – The Atrium Arcade Stage (acoustic @ 10am)
25 January 2024 – Moonshiners (full band show @ 10pm)
26 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
27 January 2024 – Tamworth Shopping World (acoustic @ 11:15am)
27 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
28 January 2024 – Longyard (full band show @ 5pm)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

HERE COMES THE SUN Back Bigger and Better for 2024

Most of us have a crowded concert calendar in the summer months, but things tend to peter out once autumn hits. If you’re keen to keep the party going, make sure you snag some tickets for HERE COMES THE SUN, a cool music festival that runs alongside some of the nation’s biggest surfing events.

It’s bigger than ever in 2024, with organisers adding a Victorian date alongside the Bells Pro. This complements the flagship event in Western Australia, which has run alongside the World Surf League Margaret River Pro for the last four years. Next year’s lineup is also stacked, with Ocean Alley, Ball Park Music, Ruby Fields, Jack Botts, South Summit, and Clews all gracing the HERE COMES THE SUN stage. Tickets are on sale now.

30 March 2024 – Torquay Common, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
13 April 2024 – 3 Oceans Winery, Wooditup/Margaret River

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Raise a Glass to Pierce Brothers’ “Bottle”

The Pierce Brothers might be one of the most consistent bands on the Aussie music scene. I fall instantly in love with everything they release, and their latest single “Bottle” is no exception. Often their tracks are slow burners, but this one brings the party vibes from the jump. And it’s got horns! Yes please.

“We really wanted to give the song a blues, almost Motown feel. Kicking things off with the horns gave it such a vibe, and we absolutely love it!” Jack Pierce enthused. “When I wrote the track, I knew the exact part the horns were going to play, but when we got into the studio, it was Phil [Threlfall, the band’s longtime collaborator] who pitched that opening, and I‘m so happy he did!”

The video, filmed at the King of Tonga Bar in Euro-Yroke/Elwood, shows you how much fun seeing the Pierce Brothers can be.

“It’s a pretty heavy subject matter, but I wanted to use a dark moody setting and have a bit of levity in there. We liked the idea of Jack going hell for leather, while I was slowly coaxed into the song,” explained Jack’s brother and band mate, Pat Pierce. “Much like a night at a pub can be. It was such a quick shoot and edit, and came together really well! Just vibes for days!”

Pierce Brothers have a couple of local dates before they jet off to Europe for their Studio tour. Catch them anywhere you can:

13 January 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wada Wurrung Country/Queenscliff
25 January 2024 – Oak & Anchor Hotel, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy
27 January 2024 – Westernport Hotel, Bunurong Country/San Remo
13 February 2024 – The Garage, London
15 February 2024 – Reflektor, Liege
16 February 2024 – Badehaus Szimpla, Berlin
17 February 2024 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
18 February 2024 – Artheater, Cologne
20 February 2024 – Rotown, Rotterdam
21 February 2024 – Vera, Groningen
22 February 2024 – Soornroosje, Nijmegen
23 February 2024 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
25 February 2024 – Strom, Munich
27 February 2024 – Supersonic Records, Paris
28 February 2024 – PAARD, The Hague
2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Wadawarrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
30-31 March 2024 – Byron Bay Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
2-4 July 2024 – Birdsville Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15-17 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Xavier Rudd Charms With “High Times”

Xavier Rudd turns the romance all the way up to 11 with his new single “High Times.” It’s a tender acoustic guitar ballad which celebrates the beauty of long-term love.

“I’m stoked to release this song for summer,” Xavier enthused. “No matter what’s going on in our lives we can be thankful for the natural beauty that surrounds us and the freedom to take a breath in those spaces when we can find a little time. The high times.” 

After recently touring around Europe, Xavier is back on home soil. Make sure you catch him at one of his local shows before he jets off again.
6 January 2024 – Ocean Sounds Festival, Moonahmia/Churchill Island
1 March 2024 – Fremantle Prison, Walyalup/Fremantle
2 March 2024 – SummerSalt @ Castelli Estate, Koorabup/Denmark
3 March 2024 – SummerSalt @ Castelli Estate, Koorabup/Denmark

Photo credit: Nathan Hughes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Here They Come” – Eliza Hull

When you put your heart into music, when you lay your soul bare and let your listeners see all parts of yourself, I don’t think you can ever go wrong. That’s exactly what Eliza Hull has done with her new EP, Here They Come. You might remember me raving about the single “Running Underwater.” It set my expectations high, but the songs that support it on this five-track EP are every bit as strong.

It’s no coincidence that Eliza released Here They Come a few weeks ago on December 1, to coincide with International Day of People With Disability.

“I wanted to release the EP during the week of International Day of People With Disability because this record is about celebrating my disabled identity; it’s about all the parts of myself I hid away for so long because of stigma,” Eliza explained. “I also want to be the representation I was seeking as a disabled emerging musical artist.”

While these songs are bound to connect with listeners with disabilities who may have felt underrepresented or marginalised, I connected with this music on a purely human level. These are songs of struggle and strength, of acceptance and liberation. Eliza is a superb songwriter with an incredible voice, and that combination is showcased so powerfully here. She keeps the instrumentation simple, ensuring we can catch every important word she sings. Every song is a triumph, from the gentle piano ballad “Stay” to the epic slow burner, “Lilac Dreams.”

I’ve sat with this EP for a few days and I am falling more in love with every listen. It really is such a special release. I’ve been a fan of Eliza’s work for many years. It feels like everything she’s done before has been building towards this. Here They Come is out now. She’ll play the following shows next year to support its release.

20 January 2024 – Sydney Festival @ ACO Pier 2/3, Eora/Sydney
17 February 2024 – Town Folk Festival @ The Bridge Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
23 February 2024 – Malthouse Theatre Outdoor Stage, Naarm/Melbourne
24 February 2024 – Cube Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wodonga
3 March 2024 – Mordi Festival @ Peter Scullin Reserve, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc

Main photo credit: Simon Browne