Melody Pool on Tour to Promote “Changing” Single

If the working week has ground you down, you’ve got to press play on Melody Pool’s gorgeous new single “Changing.” Listening to this uplifting folk track and its beautiful lyrics about evolution and growth, I instantly felt lighter.

Melody said the song “is really mostly about accepting that the only constant in life is change. ‘Changing’, to me, is about finding a way to make the heavy stuff worth it, allowing it to change you. And allowing the darkest parts of yourself their time in the light so you can hear their needs and shift them into a healthier space in your life.”

Melody embraced old-school techniques, recording “Changing” live as a band, to tape, with no isolation.

“The process seems to make everyone a little more on edge, which ups everyone’s game,” she enthused. “It’s a special thing to rely on each other throughout a take when you are all in the same room, but it helps you lean into everyone’s energy and I believe that’s where the magic happens.”

Fans living abroad can expect a little more of that magic when Melody kicks off a string of shows in Germany and England today. But don’t worry Aussie fans. She’ll be back with some local shows in Setepmber and October as she works towards the release of her third studio album.

23 August 2024 – Klein Klang Festival, Eisenach
24 August 2024 – Folk Im Viertel Festival, Osnabrück
30 August 2024 – Wohnzimmer Live I’m Piepenstock, Dortmund
1 September 2024 – Litfass, Bremen
3 September 2024 – Tonfink, Lübeck
4 September 2024 – MALT, London
6 September 2024 – Zur Scharfen Ecke, Sande
7 September 2024 – Filou Die Kneipe, Steinhude
25 September 2024 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
27 September 2024 – The York Festival, Ballardong Nyoongar Country/York
9 October 2024 – Jazzlab, Naarm/Melbourne
11 October 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 October 2024 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
25-27 October 2024 – Nimbin Roots Festival, Whiyabul Country/Nimbin

Photo credit: Madeleine Becker

Georgia Lines Ready for First Aussie Shows

Kiwi singer-songwriter Georgia Lines is making her visit to Australia next week to support her beautiful debut album The Rose of Jericho. I’ve returned to this album so many times since its release, and I fall a little more in love with it every time I hear it. Take a listen if you’re not already across it, because you don’t want to discover how good she is once she’s gone home!

“A few of you have been wondering when I’m coming across to finally play some shows in Australia,” she said. “I’m verrrryyyy excited to announce I’ll be jumping across the ocean and playing two shows for you very soon!”

In addition to those two headlining shows, Georgia will also appear at BIGSOUND. Check her out anywhere you can.

30 August 2024 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney
31 August 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
4 and 6 September, BIGSOUND, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive

Toby Mobbs Announces In Between The Words Album Tour

Fresh from the release of his fabulous sophomore album In Between The Words, Toby Mobbs is hitting the road. His national album tour will see Toby play some of the country’s most charming venues, including art galleries and bookstores, in every one of the country’s states and territories.

Toby will start the tour in October playing duo shows with his mate Matt Cross before going it alone for the bulk of these dates. He’ll close things out with a big full band gig in Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga this November. Visit Toby’s website or simply click the links below for all the details on these events and tickets.

2 October 2024 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (duo show with Matt Cross)
3 October 2024 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra (duo show with Matt Cross)
4 October 2024 – The Press Book House, Mulubinba/Newcastle (duo show with Matt Cross)
8 October 2024 – Elixir Music House, Gimuy/Cairns
13 October 2024 – Godinmayin Rijard Rivers, Emungalan/Katherine
18 October 2024 – Regional Arts Gallery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
23 October 2024 – 5290 Bar, Berrin/Mount Gambier
25 October 2024 – Beav’s Bar, Djilang/Geelong
27 October 2024 – Valentino Safe Co, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston
3 November 2024 – The Lincoln, Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wondonga (full band)

Image used with permission from Toby Mobbs

NYC Sensation Infinity Song Heading to Australia

New York act Infinity Song have come a long way since busking around Central Park, Times Square, and Grand Central Station. Jay-Z handpicked them for his label Roc Nation, they’ve made appearances on shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The View, and they’re making their way to Australia for the first time this December. The group will play three intimate shows in the East Coast capitals.

If you’re not already across Infinity Song’s music, it’s time to fire up your preferred streaming platform. They make beautiful nostalgic music with rich harmonies and soul. They’ve been likened to everyone from the Fifth Dimension to ABBA, yet they count contemporary artists like Doja Cat and Keke Palmer among their fans.

Trust me, you don’t want to learn about this act after tickets sell out. Catch Infinity Song at one of the following shows:

6 December 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 December 2024 – Nightcat, Naarm/Melbourne
8 December 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive

Bad Neighbour Drop “Heart Pumps Blood” Ahead of Album and Tour

2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Meeanjin/Brisbane-based alt-rockers Bad Neighbour. They’ve already toured with American acts Hot Mulligan and Free Throw and just dropped a fantastic new single “Heart Pumps Blood.” That track gives us our latest taste of the band’s debut album Millions, which drops on September 20. But before that they’ll hit the road with another choice American act, Badflower.

“We’re incredibly excited to share this release with the world,” the band said in a press statement. “Writing this record was very cathartic for us and to have something palpable we can share with people is very special to us.”

If you want an early listen to some more new tunes, make sure you see Bad Neighbour supporting Badflower next month. Some shows have already sold out, and the others aren’t too far behind!

6 August 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
8 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
9 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
10 August 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
11 August 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth

Teenage Wrist Ready to Rock Aussie Capitals

In just a few weeks, Los Angeles duo Teenage Wrist will play their first Australian shows. The band will showcase songs from their three studio albums, including 2023’s Still Love.

“Honestly Australia is a place we never thought we’d make it to,” said the band’s vocalist and guitarist Marshall Gallagher. “But we keep getting all these comments and messages about coming, and somehow we have a listener base there and will be fairly close by in Asia, so we figured this was our opportunity! We can’t wait, it’s a literal dream come true!”

Tickets for all shows are still available, but I wouldn’t wait too long. These venues are so intimate, I wouldn’t be surprised if some sell out.

1 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
2 August 2024 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
3 August 2024 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
4 August 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

GRAACE Stuns With “Her” Ahead of EP Release

After impressing me with upbeat numbers, GRAACE is stripping things back with her latest single “Her.” It’s a vulnerable ballad about the challenging feelings that can surface when your ex moves on.

“After a breakup, it’s common to feel the need to check in on your ex as they move on, eventually realising you’ve been replaced,” she said. “Comparing yourself to their new partner, you might view them through rose-tinted glasses, leading to a mix of jealousy, self-doubt, and infatuation. Unsure if you’re jealous, aspire to be like her, or desire to be with her, this universal experience often results in becoming more invested in her than your ex”.

“Her” comes from GRAACE’s new EP afterimage, which drops on August 16. She explained the EP’s concept, noting “Just as an afterimage is the lingering impression of an object seen after closing your eyes, afterimage captures the essence of carrying past relationships into new experiences, incorporating the lessons, heartbreak, and love from those encounters”. Fresh from supporting The Dreggs, she’ll play a string of headlining shows in the capitals to promote its release.

16 August 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
17 August 2024 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 August 2024 – Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
30 August 2024 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
31 August 2024 – Milk Bar, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

“The Art of Getting Through” – Imogen Clark

After wowing me with singles like “All Hard Feelings” and “If I Want In,” Imogen Clark raised my expectations for her latest album The Art of Getting Through. Those singles were so well-written, with insightful lyrics and impeccable melodies. Happily, the release of the album shows they were no fluke.

This album sounds so polished, but we’d expect nothing else of a collection of songs recorded in the legendary Abbey Road studios in London, Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix in Nashville, and EastWest Studios in Los Angeles, where the Beach Boys recorded Pet Sounds and Michael Jackson recorded Thriller. But it doesn’t matter how acclaimed the studios are if you don’t have the goods. Imogen does. Her songs unfold like diary entries, revealing her distrust of men in “Natural Predator,” her battles with an eating disorder in “Silhouette,” and her struggles and strength in “The Last of Me.” They’re big topics. Imogen is an artist with plenty to say, and listening to her catchy melodies and rich voice, you want to hear it.

“These songs are about the messiness of life, the layers of injury and hurt that build resilience and how you never really get a clean slate or a fresh start,” Imogen explained. “There is no starting over, there is only getting through.”

Most of the tracks on The Art of Getting Through sit in the pop-rock space. It’s a place where Imogen excels. These songs feel classic on the first listen. Not just the singles, but every track feels radio-ready. She could have sat in that space for the whole album and I don’t think anyone would complain, but she shows us we shouldn’t pigeonhole her music with the devastating closer, “If Your Heart Never Breaks.” It feels like a standard, beautiful, and cinematic, with hints of jazz. Can Imogen do it all? Quite possibly.

With the release of The Art of Getting Through, Imogen shows she’s blossoming into one of our best artists. Now she’s living in Nashville opportunities to see her live in our part of the world are becoming rarer, so make sure you don’t miss her when she visits in November after some UK shows.

10 July 2024 – The Green Note, London
12 July 2024 – Last Drop Inn, York (FREE)
14 July 2024 – Running Horse Live, Nottingham
14 November 2024 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
16 November 2024 – Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne

Images used with permission from Chinwag PR; main photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

King Stingray Celebrate “Best Bits” Release With Regional Tour

King Stingray are bringing all the good vibes with their latest single, “Best Bits.”

“‘Best Bits’ is a song about all the best parts of life all poured into one moment”, the band explained. “Inspired by a particular moment in time, a particular day that had all the right ingredients. It’s about those ripper-of-a-day type moments, those warm days in the sunshine with your mates, with your family or a loved one. The memorable days that just seem to stick with you. It’s about simple living in a complex digital world, and although it can be hard to articulate in just a few words, a feeling that is so massive and profound. Sometimes all the best bits of life are already all around us! Yo manymak!”

King Stingray will be making more memories when they play shows through regional Australia in July and August with Jem Cassar-Daley warming up the crowds. Then they’re off to the United States to support King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard. Exciting times ahead for one of the Territory’s finest acts.

18 July 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
19 July 2024 – Pier Bandroom, Kulin Country/Frankston
20 July 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
21 July 2024 – Whalers Hotel, Peek Woorroong Country/Warrnambool
8 August 2024 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
9 August 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambah Country/Gold Coast
10 August 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore
14 August 2024 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
15 August 2024 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
16 August 2024 – Waves, Woolyungah/Wollongong
17 August 2024 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra
31 August 2024 – East Arnhem Live @ Hindle Oval, Yolŋu Country/Nhulunbuy (FREE)
2 November 2024 – The Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park, San Diego (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
9 November 2024 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
15 November 2024 – Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
16 November 2024 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
19 November 2024 – Fox Theatre, Atlanta (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Fanning Dempsey National Park’s “Disconnect” is Brilliant

I know I’m a bit late to the party, but have we all listened to Fanning Dempsey National Park’s debut single “Disconnect” yet? The brainchild of Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey, I thought this new act was likely to be good, but I didn’t quite prepare myself for how good. Clearly, because otherwise I absolutely would have listened sooner! I’m going to be bold and say it might just be better than anything either of them have released before.

“We agreed straight away there’s no point doing something together if it’s going to be what people think it’s going to be,” Paul explained. “It’s not the two of us with acoustic guitars singing campfire songs.”

Bernard says “Disconnect” is about “The idea of having to walk away from something that you love because it’s become unmanageable. ‘Disconnect’ always had a lot of ‘serious moonlight’ energy, right from its beginnings. The swapping lead vocal plays with the idea of connecting and disconnecting by juxtaposing the confidence/ indecision with each consecutive line. We originally wanted to use sax on everything. After we roughly finished a demo we’d say, ‘What else does it need?’ The answer was inevitably more sax.”

That fantastic saxophone comes courtesy of Ron Dziubla, one of the world’s best session musicians. If that name doesn’t mean anything to you, just take a look at some of the music he’s played on. Tracks from Chris Isaak, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, George Benson, The Crystal Method, and heaps more.

This is just a taster of all the exciting stuff in store for Fanning Dempsey National Park. They’ll release an album, The Deluge, on August 2, which I can’t wait to hear after playing this single obsessively (seriously, I’ve played nothing else since I started writing this article). They’re also heading around the country playing capital city shows in intimate theatres. Tickets are on sale now and probably won’t last long once everyone hears this track!

11 October 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 October 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 October 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 October 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
20 October 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
1 November 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Cybele Malinowski