Tour Announcements – Page 10

Posted on 23/09/202305/10/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Gregory Alan Isakov Announces Aussie Tour

I intended to write about Gregory Alan Isakov’s upcoming Australian tour a little earlier, but his music took me down a streaming rabbit hole. I hadn’t heard of this South African-born, American-based folk artist until I saw his press release, so I had to check out his latest album Appaloosa Bones. And it was so beautiful that I had to fire up Spotify’s “This is Gregory Alan Isakov” playlist to get across some of his earlier material. And before I knew it, hours had passed, my heart was full with his music but I was no closer to writing this article. So here we are.

If like me you weren’t already across his music, fire up Appaloosa Bones, pronto. It’s the sort of dreamy folk music that is so good for the soul. Just don’t be surprised if it inspires you to listen to more and seriously contemplate nabbing some tickets for that tour. Here are all the dates you need!

27 January 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 January 2023 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
29 January 2023 – The Gov, Tartanya/Adelaide
31 January 2023 – Freo Social Club, Walyup/Fremantle
1 February 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 February 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Glenn Ross

Posted on 22/09/202319/09/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Shangrila Drop Fantastic Rock Single, “Afterlife”

Boorloo/Perth alt-rock act Shangrila have release their hard-hitting new single, “Afterlife”. It’s an epic track with stellar vocals from Devyn Jupp, thumping bass and drums, bold guitars, and powerful, personal lyrics.

“Afterlife is a track about struggling with your direction in life, feeling as though you are existing but not truly living,” Devyn explained. “The song explores apprehension towards change, and the ultimate realization that often we are standing the way of our own growth, and need to go through uncomfortable moments and hard work to realise the best version of ourselves and enjoy the rewards that life has to offer.”

Fresh from playing the Winter DRPØUT Festival in Tartanya/Adelaide and shows with American post-hardcore act Thrice, Shangrila will kick off a new tour with Young Lions tonight. Make sure you arrive early enough for their sets!

22 September 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 September 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
29 September 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Jess Wharehinga

Posted on 21/09/202319/09/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Andy Penkow Releases New Local Anthem, “Aussie Rain”

“Aussie Rain,” the latest single from 2023 Golden Guitar nominee Andy Penkow, is one of those truly great Australian songs. It’s heartfelt and honest, with lyrics that speak of local small towns and the characters in it.

“As a full-time musician, I get the amazing opportunity to travel across Australia and visit some pretty neat places”, Andy explained. “I first visited a small town in outback New South Wales called Coonabarabran a few years back and I felt an instant connection. There was something so special and unique about it. The people, the land, the history, the nighttime stars, it really moved me. ‘Aussie Rain’ is a love letter to the town, to thank them for being part of my journey as an artist, singer and songwriter”.

When Andy says he’s a full-time musician, he’s not kidding. He’d booked more than 100 shows this year and there’s more to come. Next year he plans to head overseas to play gigs abroad and release his fourth studio album. You can see Andy at one of these upcoming shows:

6 October 2023 – Romano’s Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (with Alan Fletcher)
7 October 2023 – Dundallimal Homestead, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo (with Alan Fletcher)
14 October 2023 – The Barn at Hibbards, Guruk/Port Macquarie (with TC Cassidy)
19 October 2023 – Metro Bakery, Berrin/Mount Gambier (with Anne Fraser)
20 October 2023 – Raidis Estate Coonawarra, Bindjali Country/Penola (with Anne Fraser)
21 October 2023 – Shotgun Willie’s, Tartanya/Adelaide
26 October 2023 – GPO Bendigo, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
28 October 2023 – Brycee’s Tavern Café & Bar, Wurundjeri Country/Mooroolbark (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
4 November 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
8 December 2023 – The Ophir Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
9 December 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
23 January 2024 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with TC Cassidy and Donella)

Image used with permission from Red Rebel Music

Posted on 13/09/202313/09/2023 by Lauren Katulka

“Sunsoli” – Sunsoli

Rebranding after eight years performing together is a risky move. But that’s exactly what Darkinjung Country/Central Coast act The Sea Gypsies did when they became Sunsoli earlier this year. Risky or not, the move seems to have revitalised this band who with the release of their self-titled album prove they’re making some of the best music of their career.

Sunsoli says their music is inspired by the sun and its ever-present influence on our lives. I can hear that inspiration in these new tunes. The album opens with “Some Kind of Light,” an atmospheric slow burner. It’s a moment of calm stillness before the energetic single “Time and Place” kicks in. “Wayward” brings more good vibes. I can imagine blasting these songs on my next road trip. There’s a beautiful freedom about them, and their driving beats are sure to keep me energised as the road stretches out ahead of me. Love songs with an easy groove like “Dancing Slowly,” featuring gorgeous guest vocals from Ashrae, and “Sunlight” are real charmers. It’s unclear whether the central relationships will be summer flings or something more, but they’re so much fun that it barely matters. Most of this album feels fresh, so the ‘80s nostalgia of “In the Middle” comes as a little bit of a curveball. I never mind a throwback when it’s done this well though. “Where We Left Off” is a beautiful love letter to the fans, a celebration of this band, no matter what they’re called. Closing track “Colours” is such a powerful love song, heartfelt without a hint of schmaltz, an anthemic number that I can already tell will be even better live. What a way to end this excellent album.

I’ve always liked the music the band made as the Sea Gypsies but the tracks I loved in their back catalogue were a bit rarer. However, I’m in love with this album. Every song is a stand-out. It’s everything I liked about the Sea Gypsies but better. I was skeptical about the band’s decision to rebrand so far into their career, but if it’s inspired them to make great music like this I’m all for it. Sunsoli’s debut album is out today. Their East Coast album launch tour starts Friday. Limited tickets are still available for these shows.

15 September 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (with Brandon Duff & Georgia-Jean)
16 September 2023 – Live at the Polo, Ngambri/Canberra (with Kopasetic & Eden Plenty)
6 October 2023 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong (with This Way North & Gabby Steel)
8 October 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (with This Way North & Anna Smyrk)
27 October 2023 – Sol Bar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore (with Flaskas & Sundaze)
29 October 2023 – Lefty’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Flaskas & Tjaka)
11 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (with The Toothpicks & Southwest Corduroy)
25 November 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (with Tyrants & Tiali)
1 December 2023 – The Federal, Baligin/Bellingen

Image used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Jordan Cortti

Posted on 07/09/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Ghost Care Release Fun New Synth-Pop Single, “Arcade”

I didn’t expect indie-pop act Ghost Care to get turned on by classic rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival, but inspiration often comes in the most unlikely of places. Their latest single “Arcade” is more synth-driven pop than swamp rock, but Ghost Care found themselves inspired by the lyrical content of the classic band.

“The original idea was named ‘Dance’ on our voice memos, but when we dove into the lyrics we found that the name ‘Arcade’ fit the theme of love and a relationship being likened to a game. Inspired by a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, I loved the idea of not wanting to be on the bench and that if you want to win you have to feel like everyone is giving their all and that you are working as a team,” explained the band’s vocalist and guitarist, Beau Torrance. “We were playing this song originally as a guitar heavy driven song and it felt like it could stay there or we could take it somewhere we haven’t really been before. When we got to the studio, our producer Dave Parkin had the exact same mindset and it was then decided we should take it into the synth world.”

The music video, directed by fellow Western Australian Stephanie Senior, sees Beau and fellow vocalist Tanaya Harper duking it out in a video game arcade.

“We love this video clip so much! We knew we wanted fun whilst not being too funny, and Steph totally nailed the vibe,” Tanaya said. “We really had this idea of making a video that had this funky, neon atmosphere. Steph really took it to another level for us and we feel like we chose the perfect person for capturing the song’s energy!”

After recently touring in support of Spacey Jane, Ghost Care are packing up their tour bus and playing shows that kick off in their hometown tomorrow night. Catch them where you can:

8 September 2023 – Badlands, Boorloo/Perth
21 September 2023 – Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 September 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Aref Rashidan

Posted on 31/08/202329/08/2023 by Lauren Katulka

The Sunday Estate Release Epic Rock Single, “What’s the Rush”

If you find yourself wishing the working week away as you anticipate the weekend, take a listen to “What’s the Rush.” The latest single from Eora/Sydney indie-rock act The Sunday Estate, it’s a heartfelt reminder to live in the moment.

“’What’s The Rush’ is about slowing down and savouring life. Learning to love the mundane, the amazing, the depressing, the good, and the bad,” explained frontman Conor O’Reilly. “The song was written in response to some personal challenges I experienced and served as the only way I could articulate how I was truly feeling at the time. Life’s too short to be wasted, spend it with the people you love, those are the moments that stick with us forever.”

Savour listening to this one, but by all means add some of their upcoming dates to your calendar. Just don’t spend your time counting down the days, because they’ll be here soon enough!

1 September 2023 – The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Camperdown (FREE)
18 September 2023 – Social Sanctuary @ Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
8 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Sundays @ North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
31 January 2024 – Crown & Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
2 February 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Jess Gleeson

Posted on 27/08/202325/08/2023 by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston and Zac & George Team Up For “Some Things Never Change”

James Johnston has just dropped his latest country charmer, and he’s got some friends along for the ride. “Some Things Never Change” features Zac & George, a country duo from Eora/Sydney who now split their time between Australia and Nashville. James teamed up with Zac & George in the final hours of a songwriting pilgrimage to America’s country capital, and the rest is history.

“Listening back to the demo on the plane ride home, I knew we had captured something special,” James said. “I wanted to record and release it in a way I had never seen anyone do before.”

So he produced the song in secret with just one thing missing: Zac & George’s vocals, which they recorded during their next visit home. The day after laying down the tracks, they were heading to James’ hometown of Dharawal Country/Wingham to shoot the music video.

“The video was truly special, to be back in my hometown with the boys at the local pub I used to go to every Friday night, it just felt right that the video for ‘Some Things Never Change’ was captured there,” James said. The people you see in the video are also James’ fans, who descended on the pub to create the right party atmosphere after he put the call out on social media.

Riding high on the release of “Some Things Never Change,” James will start touring with another friend, Morgan Evans. He’ll also appear at some choice festivals in the coming months. Catch him anywhere you can!

31 August 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans)
2 September 2023 – Canberra Theatre, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
5 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
7 September 2023 – The Powerstation, Auckland (with Morgan Evans)
9 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
14 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans)
15 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
17 September 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tartanya/Adelaide (with Morgan Evans)
19 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
20 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans)
30 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Barababaraba Country/Deniliquin
6 October 2023 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
1–8 December 2023 – Cruisin’ Country

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on 26/08/202325/08/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Celebrate Growing Older With “I Used to Be Fun”

Are you planning a big night tonight or like me are you getting excited about a home-cooked meal? If your weekend looks a little bare and you’re secretly thrilled about that, I know you’re going to relate to “I Used To Be Fun,” the rocking new single from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

“‘I Used To Be Fun’ is about getting older and redefining the way you have fun,” the band confirmed. “We have all noticed in the past year or so, going from 22 to 23, that fun looks really different sometimes when you start to get older. It’s about missing your past self who would go out every night and have a fully charged social battery, rather than seeing the fun in staying home alone.”

“I Used To Be Fun” comes from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teaser’s highly anticipated debut album, I Love You, which drops on October 6. Fresh from Les Escales Festival in France, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers will launch the album with shows all around the country. Catch them at the following local venues:

20 September 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Camperdown
13 October 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul (supporting DMA’s)
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
27 October 2023 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)
2 November 2023 – UniBar, Tarndanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
3 November 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The River, Wadandi Boodja/Margaret River
11 November 2023 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
17 November 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
4 December 2023 – AAMI Stadium, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Foo Fighters)

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: @sheisaphrodite

Posted on 25/08/202325/08/2023 by Lauren Katulka

“All These Walls” – Gretta Ziller

When Gretta Ziller released her sophomore album Judas Tree, she declared “I don’t want to do the same thing twice.” She stays true to her resolve with the release of her third album All These Walls, an eclectic collection of songs that challenge our perceptions of the alt-country genre.

Gretta might have been nominated for a Golden Guitar, but she’s so different from so many of the artists who make their names at Tamworth. As with her last album she plays with genre, dabbling in pop, soul, blues, and roots. She lays her feelings bare with stunning country ballads like “Dear Damascus” and “Golden Days, encourages us to dance along with bops like “Ain’t Even Your Lover” and “St Louis”, and makes us pause to take in every note of poignant soul-stirrers like “Here I Am” and “Who Knows.” While the album takes us on a sonic journey, Gretta’s beautiful warm voice and knack for storytelling are ever-present forces that unite the material. You always feel like you’re in good hands as you listen, no matter the twists and turns.

I’ve been listening to All These Walls for the last week or so, and honestly, I enjoy it more with every listen. Every song stands up in its own right, but together they beautifully reflect an artist exploring her space in the world, her relationships with others and herself. All These Walls is out today. Gretta Ziller is currently touring, playing mostly acoustic solo shows that really allow her to connect with her audience and the audience to connect with these songs. You can still catch her at the following gigs:

25 August 2023 – The Noojee Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/Noojee
26 August 2023 – George Lane, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
27 August 2023 – Bayview Country Arts Club, Bunurong Country/Bittern
19-23 September 2023 – Americana Fest, Nashville
29 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Barababaraba Country/Deniliquin
16 November 2023 – Qirks, Wanaruah Country/Kurri Kurri
17 November 2023 – Wingham House, Birrbay Country/Wingham
19 November 2023 – Can You Keep a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 December 2023 – The Palais, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
26 January 2024 – Moonshiners, Kamilaroi/Tamworth

Images used with permission from On the Map PR; main image credit: Noah Sole

Posted on 16/08/2023 by Lauren Katulka

The Sea Gypsies Become Sunsoli

Darkinjung Country/Central Coast band The Sea Gypsies are ushering in a new creative chapter under a new name Sunsoli. If their latest single “Time and Place” is any indication, they’re going from strength to strength. This feel-good song is a deeply personal one from the band. Lead guitarist Dan Hoolihan wrote it, with the help of keyboardist Joseph Smith, to celebrate the way his past anxieties and mistakes seemed to fade away after the birth of his song.

“’Time and Place’ is one of the last songs we wrote on the album. It was actually one of Dan’s demos that we put to the side for years until we were looking for the right song to complete the album. Once Dan had refined the music and structure the rest of the song was basically written in a 40-minute drive to rehearsal one evening by Joe,” the band said. “Having a son recently felt like the missing piece of the puzzle for him. Any wrongdoings of the past, or anxieties he had, melted away since bringing that perfect little human into the world.”

There’s more new music where this came from, with Sunsoli promising to drop their self-titled album on September 13. To celebrate its release, Sunsoli will play shows all over the eastern states.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jordan Cortti