Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shameem Plays Plenty of Free Gigs

You might remember soulful Perth songstress Shameem from her single “Under One Sun” which I wrote about last year. I can barely believe how much time has gone by, because hearing that song is still so fresh in my mind. It was just that good.

So I was excited to hear she’s hitting the road again to promote her album The Second City, a collection of songs she either wrote or co-wrote and co-produced. Along with “Under One Sun,” the album features “Beautiful Soul,” another killer track with standout vocals and lyrics that really cut through. I could show you the album version, but in light of her upcoming tour I figured sharing this stripped back performance was probably more appropriate.

I know it can be difficult to rouse yourself when the weather’s dark and dreary, but Shameem’s gigs are all free or close to it, so please get out and support this talented independent Aussie act.

1 October 2015 – Since I Left You, Sydney (18+ FREE)
2 October 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (18+ FREE)
3 October 2015 – The Thornbury Local, Melbourne (18+ FREE)
4 October 2015 – The Basement, Canberra (18+ $5)
7 October 2015 – The Menagerie, Brisbane (ALL AGES; FREE)
8 October 2015 – Treehouse, Byron Bay (ALL AGES; FREE)
9 October 2015 – The Loft, Gold Coast (18+ FREE)
10 October 2015 – The Upfront Club, Sunshine Coast (ALL AGES; ENTRY BY DONATION)
11 October 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane (18+ $10)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack Mounting Comeback

An awful lot of time has passed since Short Stack first burst onto our scene and made all the girls squeal as they’re doing over 5SOS right now. So you might not realise that these Central Coast lads are only getting better. Their new single “Gravity” shows a maturity that only comes with a few more years out in the world.

“Gravity” is the first cut from Short Stack’s new album Homecoming (currently in stores), which has a fitting title considering it coincides with their return to the Australian scene after they relocated to London in late 2014. That decision saw them connecting with legendary British producer Chris Kimsey [The Rolling Stones, Peter Frampton, The Cult].

“We wrote this for about three years, and it’s the record that we’ve always wanted to make,” Shaun Diviney said in a press release. “It’s really raw, it’s really live, there’s not much production, and that means that when we play it live, it comes to life, translates.”

Given the lack of flashy production, we can expect the songs to sound amazing in the live arena. We’ll get a chance to do just that when Short Stack play shows all around the country this summer.

11 December 2015 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns (ALL AGES)
12 December 2015 – The Venue, Townsville (ALL AGES)
13 December 2015 – Mackay Entertainment Centre Foyer, Mackay (ALL AGES)
13 January 2016 – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
14 January 2016 – HQ, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
16 January 2016 – Astor Theatre, Perth (ALL AGES)
30 January 2016 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
6 February 2016 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loren Kate Wows Me with “When You Leave”

I’m making a point of getting a little blogging done today. After a week of early starts and late finishes, of a workload that always seems insurmountable, I needed a little music therapy. I found it in the form of Loren Kate’s song “When You Leave.”

I was actually sent the presser of this song back in September, but I firmly believe that the right song finds you at the right time. “When You Leave” is just the kind of mellow I need to relax right now. And the song, which was actually inspired by Loren losing a loved one, is just the kind of thing I needed to hear to remind me to just be here now, and not stress about what’s to come.

This is just stunning. What a special song. It comes from Loren’s EP Til Night Meets the Sun, which is now on my “must hear” list. After playing shows in Nashville this month, she’ll return home for the following dates.

10 October 2015 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton (18+)
14 October 2015 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne (18+)
23 October 2015 – Red Mill Store, Bunbury (ALL AGES)
24 October 2015 – House Concert, Fremantle (PRIVATE CONCERT)
25 October 2015 – Kidogo Arthouse, Fremantle (ALL AGES)
31 October-1 November 2015 – Maldon Folk Festival, Maldon (ALL AGES)
7 November 2015 – Vegan Festival, Adelaide (ALL AGES; FREE)
8 November 2015 – The Cheese Factory Studio Gallery, Meadows (ALL AGES)
19 November 2015 – No.5, Bellingen (ALL AGES)
21-22 November 2015 – Mullum Music Fest, Mullumbimby (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dylan Joel Announces First Solo Tour

If you’re a hip hop fan you might have caught Dylan Joel supporting Seth Sentry on his recent Aussie tour. You might think after that playing more than 40 shows with Seth he’d be tired of life on the road, but he’s ready to get back out there for his first solo tour of the country.

Dylan’s set to tour this fair land in support of his debut album Authentic Lemonade, which is in stores now. It features the current single “Blank,” which has a great soulful sound which has really won me over. That’s Dylan singing too, proving he can do a lot more than laying down rhymes.

I’ve been told these shows are going to break the mould of any other gig you’ve seen this year. Expect the unexpected at the following shows.

2 October 2015 – Wrangler, Melbourne (Under 18s)
15 October 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
16 October 2015 – Boardriders, Gold Coast (FREE)
21 October 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
23 October 2015 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney
24 October 2015 – Rad, Wollongong
30 October 2015 – The Workers Club, Geelong
7 November 2015 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
8 November 2015 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
13 November 2015 – Howler, Melbourne
27–28 November 2015 – Gorgeous Festival, McLaren Vale

Image used with permission from Flagrant Artist Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“In Purple” – Ocean Alley

I hear an awful lot of music in my line of work, so when something different hits my inbox my ears prick up. That’s why I’m really responding to Ocean Alley and their sophomore EP In Purple.

They first caught my attention with the recent single “Muddy Water,” the final track of the EP. This strong track makes the ideal closer to this six-track collection, but there’s plenty to delight before it hits.

“Muddy Water” had a surf rock sound which only hinted at reggae and psychedelic sounds. They’re much more prominent on the other tracks, and I don’t just mean because one’s called “Space Goat” (despite seemingly having little to do with livestock). The songs are full of sexy grooves and infectious hooks. I appreciate party songs like “Twisted” and “Those Daze” most, but couldn’t help appreciating the daring of the epic “Sleepwalking.”

In Purple is a little rough around the edges, but I think its rawness is endearing. It adds a sense of authenticity that’s missing in many more polished recordings. Ocean Alley are currently touring the EP around the country. You can catch them at the following venues.

17 September 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane
19 September 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
20 September 2015 – Sounds of Sunday, Gold Coast (FREE)
25 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
2 October 2015 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
15 October 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Doctor Goddard Channel The Doors with “Without Love”

I almost dismissed Doctor Goddard as a bunch of Doors wannabes. The comparisons between the music they’re producing and the work of the legendary rock band are inescapable. But then I got to thinking and decided I might have been a little hasty.

Because the thing is, we don’t have The Doors anymore. Or at least, we don’t have the Jim Morrison fronted Doors, and anything that follows is never going to compare. Remaining members might tour from time to time, but they’re a band frozen, trying to recapture a time when they had one of the greatest lead singers the world had ever seen. But Blue Mountains outfit Doctor Goddard are here, making new music like their latest single “Without Love.” And if I’d never heard of The Doors, I would have judged this song on its own merits as something, dark, brooding, and really interesting.

If you dig what they do, make sure you get along to the single launch at Sydney’s Goodgod Small Club on October 2.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Stories” – At the Dakota

I rarely hear music coming out of the Northern Territory. I’m not sure whether that’s because there aren’t enough musicians up there, or because they just don’t filter down to us here in the southern states. But either way, I’m really glad I have been able to listen to one of the few bands bucking the trend, At the Dakota. This Northern Territory outfit have just released their debut EP Stories, and it’s one of the coolest recordings I’ve heard in some time.

It opens with “Peach Hat,” a summery, breezy song with rapid-fire vocals. I instantly warmed to its cool quirkiness. “Jonestown” showcases a mellower side of At the Dakota. I love its sexy blues groove. The title track “Stories” is another solid indie pop ditty, with some of the EP’s best lyrics. The EP closes with “Stumptail,” which won the People’s Choice – NT Song of the Year 2015. I can understand why. It’s got some of the most impassioned vocals on the EP, and a great sing-along chorus.

At the Dakota have a great energy, with a fantastic pop sensibility that never strays into the predictable. In just four songs they’ve won me over.

Stories is out now. To celebrate its release, At the Dakota are touring around the country next month. Catch them at the following venues.

1 October 2015 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
2 October 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
3 October 2015 – Shamrock Hotel, Toowoomba
9 October 2015 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
17 October 2015 – Hotel Metropolitan, Adelaide
23 October 2015 – Four5Nine Bar, Perth
24 October 2015 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury
31 October 2015 – Epilogue Lounge, Alice Springs
13 November 2015 – Discovery Darwin, Darwin (supporting The Rubens)

Image used with permission from RISH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hands Like Houses Ready for First World Tour

Aussie rock act Hands Like Houses are preparing to kick off their very first world tour to celebrate their upcoming third studio album Dissonants. Australia will get to see the lads first, followed by fans in the United States and the United Kingdom.

“We are unbelievably excited to announce our very first world tour! We’re hitting the roads and skies in support of our brand new album Dissonants this October-December in Australia, the US and UK,” the band’s frontman Trenton Woodley said in a statement. “Even better, we’re dragging a whole bunch of friends, old and new, along for the ride!” Those friends include British rock act Lower than Atlantis and openers Far Away Stables.

Details of the new album are still a little thin on the ground, but it will see them reuniting with producer James Paul Wisner, who worked with Hands Like Houses on their 2013 album Unimagine. Fans will get to hear the new songs at the following shows. Tickets are on sale through the Hands Like Houses website, except for the all ages shows which are available through Oztix. These drug- and alcohol-free events are a bargain for students at $10 plus booking fee.

25 September 2015 – Campbelltown Civic Hall, Campbelltown (ALL AGES)
26 September 2015 – Orange Function Centre, Orange (ALL AGES)
27 September 2015 – Scone High School, Scone (ALL AGES)
2 October 2015 – Basketball Stadium, Bateman’s Bay (ALL AGES)
3 October 2015 – St Joseph’s School Hall, Goulburn (ALL AGES)
4 October 2015 – Giant Dwarf, Sydney (ALL AGES)
9 October 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
15 October 2015 – Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
16 October 2015 – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
17 October 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (18+)
18 October 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+)
23 October 2015 – Soma, San Diego
24 October 2015 – Pub Rock, Scottsdale
26 October 2015 – Korova, San Antonio
27 October 2015 – Trees, Dallas
28 October 2015 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2015 – Backbooth, Orlando
31 October 2015 – Epic Problem, Tampa
2 November 2015 – Masquerade, Atlanta
3 November 2015 – Greene Street, Greensboro
4 November 2015 – Canal Club, Richmond
5 November 2015 – Marlin Room @ Webster Hall, New York
6 November 2015 – Croc Rock Café, Allentown
7 November 2015 – The Palladium Upstairs, Worcester
8 November 2015 – Gamechanger World, Howell
10 November 2015 – Beachland, Cleveland
11 November 2015 – Pike Room @ Crofoot, Pontiac
12 November 2015 – Emerson Theatre, Indianapolis
13 November 2015 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
14 November 2015 – The Rave/Eagles Club, Milwaukee
15 November 2015 – The Firebird, St Louis
17 November 2015 – Marquis Theater, Denver
18 November 2015 – In The Venue, Salt Lake City
20 November 2015 – El Corazon, Seattle
21 November 2015 – Analog Café, Portland
23 November 2015 – The Boardwalk, Orangevale
24 November 2015 – Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco
27 November 2015 – Glass House, Pomona
30 November 2015 – Key Club, Leeds
1 December 2015 – Think Tank, Newcastle
2 December 2015 – Cathouse, Glasgow
3 December 2015 – Sound Control, Manchester
4 December 2015 – Arts Centre Loft, Liverpool
5 December 2015 – Bodega, Nottingham
6 December 2015 – Temple @ Institute, Birmingham
8 December 2015 – Clwb lfor Bach, Cardiff
9 December 2015 – Fleece, Bristol
10 December 2015 – Joiners, Southhampton
11 December 2015 – Electric Ballroom, London

Image used with permission from Paris is Patient

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Impress with “Muddy Water”

Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it’s only right that Ocean Alley should be influenced by the surf rock music of the past. Throw in some reggae and psychedelic sounds and you might have some indication of what their new single “Muddy Water” is all about.

However, those genres don’t quite manage to capture the whole story. I can hear all those influences shining through, but the song has a darkness that I don’t often associate with surf rock or reggae. It’s really intriguing, and I can’t wait to hear more.

“Muddy Water” comes from Ocean Alley’s forthcoming second EP In Purple. You can hear songs from it when the band kicks off their EP tour this Friday in front of a hometown crowd. It’ll make stops in the East Coast capitals and key regional destinations before arriving back in Sydney in October.

28 August 2015 – Rare Finds #5 @ Oxford Art Factory Gallery, Sydney (FREE)
6 September 2015 – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney (ALL AGES)
11 September 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 September 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane
19 September 2015 – Great Northern, Byron Bay (FREE)
20 September 2015 – Sounds of Sunday, Gold Coast (FREE)
25 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
2 October 2015 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
15 October 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Safia Deliver Cute Amish Inspired Clip

I’ve long been fascinated with the Amish, so I was thrilled to see Safia’s looked to this religious sect to inspire their new clip for “Embracing Me.” It tells the story of the star-crossed relationship of two ridiculously good-looking Amish folk beautifully, and the song’s not bad either just quietly. Look out for the Canberra trip amongst the clip’s cast.

Safia are currently promoting “Embracing Me” with shows all around the country which are selling out at a great rate of knots. These will be Safia’s last shows for the year, and looking at the number of sold out dates they’re bound to be big.

15 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, Darwin
20 August¬ 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
21 August 2015 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
22 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
23 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 August 2015 – Wollongong Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
29 August 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
30 August 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
2 September 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
3 September 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2015 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
9 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
10 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
11 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
12 September 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra
18 September 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
19 September 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (SOLD OUT)
20 September 2015 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
21 September 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth