Nathan Seeckts Drops Soulful Alt-Country Single, “The Wildest Thing”

Nathan Seeckts delivers raw, alt-country music the way it’s supposed to be with his new single “The Wildest Thing.” It’s all heart that refuses to simply imitate American acts. I absolutely love Nathan’s husky, soulful tone.

“This song is about the wildest girl that I ever met,” Nathan said. “It was a whirlwind romance borne under neon and moonlight.”

“The Wildest Thing” is the first single from Nathan’s forthcoming 2023 album. Featuring many of the musicians that played on his 2019 debut, The Heart of the City, it seeks to capture the sound and energy he delivered with his first release. Expect a sneaky listen to more new material as Nathan tours “The Wildest Thing” all around the country. Here are the remaining dates:

22 April 2023 – Stars and Bars Festival, Nira-Balluk, Heathcote
23 April 2023 – Shiraz Republic, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta Country/Cornella
29 April 2023 – The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
6 May 2023 – Pistol Pete’s, Djilang/Geelong

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

DICE Drop “Stockholm” Single Ahead of EP Release and East Coast Tour

DICE have already sold out plenty of shows on their upcoming tour, but the release of their fabulous new single “Stockholm” should move the rest of those tickets. You know what to do. Press play and enjoy three minutes of exquisite surf rock. Then point your browser to snap up tickets to a show near you, if you haven’t already done so!

“Our latest single, ‘Stockholm’ is a Gen-Z take on the concept of Stockholm Syndrome. The track’s lyrics delve into the intrusive thoughts that arise when you feel trapped within a group of people whose morals and values don’t align with yours and you feel unable to escape the situation yet are forced to be around them,” the band explained. “The process of making this track felt a lot more thought out and perfected than our previous songs. The foundation for the track was made 6 months ago while touring however we continued to work and refine the song to really hone in on the cohesiveness of all the parts. Taking more influence from Brit-Pop we are finding our sound is maturing with each release all while learning that sometimes overthinking parts of a song can hinder our momentum.”

“Stockholm” gives us another taste of DICE’s sophomore EP Time Will Tell, which drops on May 4. You can count on the band playing songs from that release and old favourites at the following gigs:

11 May 2023 – Burleigh Bazaar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (SELLING FAST)
12 May 2023 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
13 May 2023 – Spaced Out Festival, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 May 2023 – La La Las, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
18 May 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
19 May 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
20 May 2023 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulbinba/Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
25 May 2023 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
26 May 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 May 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Tartanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
28 May 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Tartanya/Adelaide
10 June 2023 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive

Ella Hooper & James Reyne Cover “Way Out West” Ahead of Tour

It was the single release that had to happen. A month out from the start of their Way Out West tour, James Reyne and Ella Hooper have teamed up for a new version of The Dingoes track, “Way Out West,” which James famously covered in the ‘90s with James Blundell.

“When James came to me with this idea – I was like – hell yeah! I’ve always adored that song, it’s got such a lovely, laconic feel to it and it’s such a unique Australian song too,” Ella gushed. “I used to belt out this song growing up in the country, it’s a dream to be doing it for real with James! It definitely deserves another spin!”

They haven’t reinvented the wheel, but that’s as it should be. This take is pure nostalgia that’s bound to resonate with fans of the original and people like me who remember it from the ‘90s. If you haven’t jumped on tickets to James and Ella’s upcoming shows, let this release be a reminder to get onto it!

26 May 2023 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
27 May 2023 – Adelaide Festival Centre, Tartanya/Adelaide
1 June 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 June 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 June 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
9 June 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural Country/Thirroul
10 June 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
17 June 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
23 June 2023 – Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
30 June 2023 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
1 July 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
15 July 2023 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Country/Bendigo
22 July 2023 – Ballarat Civic Hall, Wadawurrung /Ballarat
4 August 2023 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Larrakia Country/Darwin
11 August 2023 – Townsville Regional Entertainment Centre, Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville
12 August 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
18 August 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
19 August 2023 – Toronto Hotel, Awabakal Country/Toronto

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Forest Claudette Drops Cool Single, “Mess Around”

If Frank Ocean and Lenny Kravitz ever had a baby, they might sound a little something like Naarm/Melbourne act Forest Claudette. I think I’m a little late to the party, but the sexy new single “Mess Around”, featuring U.S. hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, has put Forest well and truly on my radar.

“Before anything else about the song, I need to acknowledge the EARTHGANG feature. I still can’t really believe it. I’ve been a fan of theirs for a hot minute, so for them to be a part of this track is just very special,” Forest gushed. “Around the time I wrote ‘Mess Around’ I was going on dates and exploring LA for the first time as an adult. I met some incredible people and they helped me learn a lot about myself. Even though it has this real f**k boy energy, to me the song is about feeling confident in what you want and feeling comfortable to communicate that with whoever, knowing they might not feel the same. But that’s life bbyyyy.”

EARTHGANG aren’t the only big-name talents Forest has worked with. The single was also produced by Paul Meany, known for his work with Yungblud, Twenty One Pilots, and LANY.

“Mess Around” is Forest’s first release of 2023, and a natural progression from their debut EP The Year of February. Forest is currently touring the country with Ruel. After that, they’ll join Lastlings on their Perfect World album tour. Make sure you arrive early if you’ve got tickets for any of these shows:

21 April 2023 – MCA, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ruel)
22 April 2023 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (supporting Ruel)
28 April 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ruel)
30 June 2023 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Lastlings)
1 July 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Lastlings)
8 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Lastlings)
15 July 2023 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Lastlings)

Sarah McLeod Back in Solo Mode With One Electric Lady Tour

The Superjesus may be back touring together, but Sarah McLeod hasn’t closed the door on her solo career. Fresh from her tour with her bandmates, she’s announced she’s bringing back her One Electric Lady shows, which see Sarah performing with a special dual-output guitar.

“I designed a guitar that could play bass and guitar at the same time, so when I add beats I sound like a three-piece band,” she explained. She also plays many songs on the piano, which she only learned on the 2021 tour. I hear those shows were amazing, but we can probably expect even better this time around.

With her one-woman show, Sarah can deliver more intimate, stripped-back arrangements of her solo material. And yes, there’s also be acoustic versions of your Superjesus favourites and some choice covers. Put these dates in your calendar friends!

1 June 2023 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
2 June 2023 – Jindalee Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
3 June 2023 – The Royal Hotel, Turrbul Country/Nundah
10 June 2023 – The Grace Emily, Tartanya/Adelaide
15 June 2023 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
16 June 2023 – The Workers Club, Ngár-go/Fitzroy
22 June 2023 – The Brass Monkey, Tharawal Country/Cronulla
23 June 2023 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – The Heritage Hotel, Bulla/Bulli
25 June 2023 – Lizottes, Mulbinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

COTERIE Promise to Get You Dancing With Winter Tour

There’s no rest for the wicked, or the wicked talented. Fresh from shows with Lime Cordiale, Boorloo/Perth act COTERIE will keep the party going through winter with their own headlining gigs. Dubbed the “Honey Dance With Me,” after a fan-favourite track from COTERIE’s debut album, these concerts promise to get you moving and grooving.

“We’re so excited to be hitting the road again playing some of our favourite cities and towns in Australia, enjoying all the beautiful sights, and of course, hanging with our awesome fans,” says COTERIE. “We’re stoked knowing many of these fans will be seeing us live for the first time, so we want to make it really special for everyone who comes along!”

Here are all the dates you need. Tickets are on sale now.

1 June 2023 – Transit Bar, Ngunnawal/Canberra
2 June 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 June 2023 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
8 June 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi/Maroochydore
9 June 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
10 June 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 June 2023 – Lion Arts Factory, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 June 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
23 June 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
24 June 2023 – Be Social Festival, Yuwibara/Mackay
30 June 2023 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Luca Brasi Announce Tour, Play Goo Goo Dolls For “Like a Version”

Tassie punk-rock act Luca Brasi announced their upcoming tour in style recently, appearing in the triple j studios for Like a Version. As a Goo Goo Dolls fan, I get a little protective over the band’s material, but Luca Brasi’s take on “Iris” is utter perfection.

Luca Brasi were joined in the studio by Naarm/Melbourne indie-folk act Eaglemont, who’ll not so coincidentally play support on all these upcoming shows. OK Hotel are also on the stacked bill. Luca Brasi should be in fine form, as they’ve just wrapped up shows with Canada’s Alexisonfire. Tickets are on sale now.

6 May 2023 – Du Cane Brewery, Launceston
12 May 2023 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 May 2023 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
19 May 2023 – Max Watt’s, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 June 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide
3 June 2023 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Tom Wilkinson

Joel Leggett Releases Gorgeous Acoustic Folk Ditty, “Love is So Easy”

Darkinjung Country/Central Coast indie folk artist Joel Leggett can help you wind down the working week with his easy, breezy new single “Love is So Easy.” I love the way Joel’s cool voice brings his sweet lyrics to life.

“It’s so easy to fall in love with how good life can look through other people’s screens. Staying off our phones these days seems to be a superpower. It feels like they have been stitched into our DNA and have been made so essential in this life. I believe we all need to support each other and spread love because that’s such an easy thing to do. In the end, all we really have is each other,” he said. “And dogs.”

Right? The video, filmed, directed, and edited by Search media’s Harry Wills and James Quigley at The Grove Studios, shows Joel enjoying the act of creating the music you hear.

“It shows the live and raw process of recording my single ‘Love Is So Easy’ from arrival to departure. I was so lucky to be creative with friends and managers visiting the studio and getting involved with the process.”

To celebrate the release of “Love is So Easy,” Joel has been playing a few shows around his home state. Here are the remaining dates.

31 March 2023 – The Cambridge, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
1 April 2023 – Flow Bar, Baara/Old Bar (FREE)
2 April 2023 – Last Rites, Yaegl/Yamba (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

PRETTY BLEAK Drop Latest Banger, “spare room song”

It’s been far too long between new PRETTY BLEAK releases. I’m thrilled to hear the lads are back to their best with the release of “spare room song.” It starts small, but I know you’ll find yourself punching your fist in the air by the time that epic chorus drops.

“‘spare room song’ describes the difficulty of internally navigating the line between self-growth and the comfort of your previously destructive behaviours,” vocalist Sam Thomas explained. “I’ve been pretty consciously aware of a number of different periods like this throughout my life, and one of the more noticeable aspects of that process is the arguments I would have with myself to continue resisting growth and change. This is symbolised lyrically through a dialogue between two separate individuals.”

The music video sees PRETTY BLEAK collaborating again with Tom Thomas, who directed their videos for “other people’s heads” and “Living With Mice.”

“We thought it would be interesting for the majority of the video to be set in the wilderness, and that the photo frames would depict the comfort of a familiar room inside of a house, which metaphorically alludes to the themes presented in the lyrics of the song,”

Fresh from their stellar performance at Tasmania’s Great Escape festival, PRETTY BLEAK will play the following shows to support “spare room song”’s release.

31 March 2023 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong
7 April 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Loose Bricks)
22 April 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne (official single launch)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Tom Thomas

The VANNS Release Your New Favourite Song, “Ever”

I still have The VANNS’ album Through The Walls on repeat, but I’m pretty excited about sinking my teeth into all their new music. Ahead of the release of their long-awaited follow-up Last of Your Kind, the band has dropped a fabulous new single “Ever.”

This track is so smart. It builds on their classic rock sound, with a few twists and turns that are going to keep you guessing. There’s everything we love about The VANNS, and a little something extra. I’m into it.

“Thematically, ‘Ever’ is about the breakdown of a relationship that seemed to have all the boxes ticked as it pertains to the future and longevity of it all. The assumption that you’ll be with a person for life after constantly being reassured that nothing will ever change between the two of you, and when it ends, you’re left with a bevy of questions why and suppressed emotions that you’re dying to express,” The VANNS explained. “It’s a desire for answers, understanding, and, if attainable, some kind of closure.”

The band filmed the music video for “Ever” in their hometown of Dharawal Country/Kiama, on location at Jimmy Vann’s old primary school. Everybody say aww!

“We filmed the ‘Ever clip’ in my hometown of Kiama and in my old primary school which I attended in 2001. Walking back into that old sandstone building was very nostalgic for myself and my long time friend Jules Bourne (tour manager) who also attended the school and helped out directing the clip,” Jimmy said. “We had Christopher Kidall Park filming and directing the clip on the day, he is a young gun!”

The VANNS will celebrate the release of Last of Your Kind with three shows in the East Coast capitals. They’ll play the new album top to bottom, so it’s a great opportunity for fans to get across their new material. Here are the dates you need, music lovers!

19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Senor Friday