Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Bad Dad Orchestra Wow Me With “Birds of Prey”

The Bad Dad Orchestra are a bit of a local secret, beloved in their native Lutruwita/Tasmania but largely unknown on the mainland. Listening to their latest single “Birds of Prey,” which features Julian Moss, the song of living legend Ian Moss, I’m convinced they should be every bit as big as the Teskey Brothers. They’ve got a similar classic soulful sound, but for some reason they just haven’t broken through.

They’re hardly newcomers either. They’ve released three EPs since 2016 and received extensive support from community radio and ABC’s regional channels. They’ve even played top national festivals like Blues on Broadbeach, Caloundra Music Festival, and Queenscliff Music Festival.

The Bad Dad Orchestra deserve all the accolades. We’ve all been sleeping on them. That’s on us. I’m not sure when we’ll see them on the mainland next, but they’ve got a stack of gigs booked in their home state. Catch them anywhere you can:

9 December 2023 – Forth #151, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 December 2023 – Royal Oak, Kanamuluka/Launceston
31 December 2023 – Beerfest NYE, Royal Park, Kanamuluka Country/Launceston
21 January 2024 – Tamar Valley Festival, Kinimathatakinta/George Town
28 January 2024 – Mona Lawns @ Mona, Nipaluna/Hobart
2 February 2024 – Festival of King Island, Erobin/Currie
8-11 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamuluka Country/Carrick
24 February 2024 – Love It Music Festival, Kanamuluka Country/Sassafras
2 March 2024 – Spoke Music Festival, Paredarerme Country/Swansea
3 March 2024 – Shearwater Resort, Tommeginne/Shearwater (supporting Rose Tattoo)
16 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Martin Charms With “I Don’t Wanna Go Out”

Andy Martin has just dropped his fabulous new single “I Don’t Wanna Go Out” It’s an upbeat indie-pop earworm that should strike a chord with anyone who’s felt hibernating at home was the best option!

“I wrote ‘I Don’t Wanna Go Out’ back in February last year. Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, I began getting more and more socially anxious and I wrote this song around that central theme,” Andy recalled. “I’m constantly stuck in my head and when I wrote this, I felt stuck in my house as well (but didn’t know what to do). I feel like some people will be able to relate to this one closely. It’s hooky, fun, and playful, and Aidan [Hogg, producer] and Brock [Weston, mastering] really brought this one to life!”

Fresh from supporting PAIGE and Pacific Avenue, Andy will embark on a quick tour to support the recent release of “I Don’t Wanna Go Out”. All shows are free, so there’s no excuse for staying home in your PJs!

8 December 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast (FREE)
9 December 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
17 December 2023 – Hotel Brunswick, Durring/Brunswick Heads (FREE)

Photo credit: Darcy Goss

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRXCE Drop Dark Pop Banger, “What U Want”

Eora/Sydney band GRXCE have really impressed me with their latest single “What U Want.” The press release bills them as a pop act, and they’re certainly producing the kind of catchy music associated with the genre. But it’s a little darker and grungier than you might expect. This is pop music with edge, and it’s awesome.

“‘This is the first time I’ve written from someone else’s perspective,” admitted GRXCE frontwoman Jamila Grace. “A friend sent me a song he’d written about a date he went on and this one line about the girl asking to take herself home, rather than be driven by someone else really stuck out to me. I almost immediately started writing the juxtaposing perspective to the story, which eventually transformed it from a song about a bad date into a cautionary tale of bad habits and finally being able to put your foot down to someone who isn’t clear about their intentions.”

This hardworking outfit will continue getting in front of crowds right up until Christmas. Catch them supporting some of the country’s best and brightest at the following venues:

1 December 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (supporting Mid City)
2 December 2023 – King St Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Mid City)
14 December 2023 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie (supporting Pacific Avenue)
15 December 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (supporting Pacific Avenue)
21 December 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (supporting The Terrys & Beddy Rays)

Photo credit: Sevin Pakbaz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Future Static Drop Electric New Single “Chemical Lobotomy”

Naarm/Melbourne metal act Future Static have blown me away with their latest single “Chemical Lobotomy.” It hits hard, with big thrashing drums and furious guitar riffs, and lead singer Amariah Cook has never sounded better. At times powerful, at times angelic, her voice can do absolutely anything.

“It’s no mystery that this song is about getting a little too excited with substances during lockdown. It was a boring time and, apart from writing music, there really wasn’t much else to do,” Amariah said. “I had a massive bout of inspiration and decided to start writing the vocals to the instrumental (written by Ryan) when I was suffering from a massive hangover. I got up out of bed and decided to write about my lack of control in the hopes it would help me understand why I was putting myself through this and how to get out of it. As the song developed, I realised that if I just sang the chorus a third time at the end, it would allude to nothing changing, whereas I wanted to write something ending on the positive side of these experiences: the connection with my friends and how we were all in this situation together.”

“Chemical Lobotomy” comes from Future Static’s upcoming debut album Liminality, which drops on November 24. It’ll be an exciting time for Future Static, who will kick off their sold-out national tour with Electric Callboy the next day. Here are all Future Static’s upcoming shows.

25 November 2023 – Metropolis Fremantle, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Electric Callboy)
27 November 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarndanya/Adelaide (supporting Electric Callboy)
29 November 2023 – PICA, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Electric Callboy)
30 November 2023 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (supporting Electric Callboy)
1 December 2023 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Electric Callboy)
5 April 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting CLOWNS)
26 July 2024 – Radar Festival @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

Photo credit: Beth Morrison

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Palace of the King Rock Out With “Tear it Down”

Australia has a proud tradition of Aussie pub rock acts. You know the type: big crunchy guitar riffs, bold drums, singers with powerful vocals and an “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. It’s a classic recipe, but one that always worked. And we don’t have enough of it these days. That’s why I’m so excited to hear “Tear it Down,” the latest track from Palace of the King.

I saw these guys supporting the Screaming Jets a few years back, and if this song is any indication, they’re making even better music today. I appreciated their artistry back then, but this track is much more accessible than the psychedelic numbers they performed in 2018. Keen music fans might recognise those vocals, as singer Tim Henwood fronted The Androids back in the day. You might also know him as The Superjesus’ guitarist back in the 2000s or Jon Stevens’ current axe man.

If you love this song, there’s more where that came from Palace of the King will release their new album in December. They’re also wasting no time heading out on the road to promote it. Here are all the dates you need:

14 December 2023 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
15 December 2023 – King Lear’s Throne, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 December 2023 – The Duke of Enmore, Eora/Sydney (FREE ENTRY)
17 December 2023 – The Basement Canberra, Ngambri/Canberra
18 December 2023 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boo Seeka Drops “Come With Me” Ahead of Album Release and Tour

Boo Seeka has just released his hypnotic new single “Come With Me,” and I just know you’re going to love it. It’s such a cool slow burner, the kind of song that sneaks up on you as it builds so beautifully. It’s got a great chill vibe that makes me think of kicking back with drinks and friends by a pool or on some happening rooftop bar.

“Come With Me” will feature on Boo Seeka’s new album Midnight Highlight, which drops on January 19.

“Midnight Highlight means a new chapter has been written for me personally, and I can’t wait to go share it with people who want to be part of it,” Boo Seeka said. “I’m not saying we are reinventing the wheel here, but I don’t think anyone can say we sound exactly like any other artist, which is what I think any creative person should strive for. Each album (and each track to be honest) will change, and we are not going to put ourselves in a box for the years to come. What sounds good to us in that moment is what we write and record!”

After playing a bunch of summer festivals and supporting Boy and Bear around Europe and the United Kingdom, Boo Seeka will head out on a massive Aussie tour. I know that sounds like ages away, but the shows are in such small venues I’d probably grab my tickets now while you still can.

16 February 2024 – Solbar, Jinbara Country/Maroochydore
17 February 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 February 2024 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
24 February 2024 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
25 February 2024 – Miami Marketta Laneway, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
1 March 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
2 March 2024 – HABA, Bunurong Country/Rye
3 March 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
8 March 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
9 March 2024 – Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 March 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
16 March 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
17 March 2024 – Freo.Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
21 March 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
22 March 2024 – Otherwise Bar, Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville
23 March 2024 – Gilligans, Gimuy/Cairns

Photo credit: Ned Kelly

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Releases Smooth Summer Anthem, “Desert Land”

Matt Corby is bringing some serious summer vibes with his latest track “Desert Land.” It’s a cool, breezy number that makes me think of sipping cocktails and relaxing in the sun. It takes its cues from classic yacht rock, but there’s a modern freshness that I know you’re going to love.

Matt says the song was “inspired by the close relationships we have that operate in tandem with our vices and addictions, and how both of those things influence each other”.

Matt wrote this one with his good friends and regular collaborators Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Middle Kids, Skegss) and Nat Dunn (Rita Ora, Charli XCX, Tkay Maidza). Matt and Chris also produced “Desert Land.”

Following recent shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America, Matt should be in fine form when he plays some solo shows and festivals here and in New Zealand in the coming months.

1 December 2023 – Powerstation, Auckland
2 December 2023 – Anderson Park, Wellington (with Allen Stone)
8 December 2023 – Fremantle Prison, Walyup/Fremantle
10 December 2023 – Fremantle Prison, Walyup/Fremantle
14 January 2024 – SummerSalt @ Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington
28 March – 1 April 24 – Bluesfest 2024, Cavanbah/Byron Bay

Photo credit: Matt & Madeline Johnson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Never Thought of Growing Up” – Loretta

Loretta have put a big smile on my face today with the release of their long-awaited debut EP, Never Thought of Growing Up. Featuring the brilliant singles “All My Friends (Are Your Friends)” and “Wish I Could Show You,” it’s some of the best and most uplifting indie-pop you’ll hear.

When you introduce an EP with such good songs, sometimes the rest of the recording can fall flat. But Loretta have a real knack for creating anthemic, optimistic music that gets stuck in your head and under your skin. The Eora/Sydney-based band could easily have released “Hope You’re Happy” and “How to Swim” as singles, because they’re every bit as good. Clocking in at around a minute and a half each, Loretta also show versatility with the introductory track “What Do We Become” and the beautiful instrumental interlude, “Halfway Home”. Everything works so beautifully together here, like the pieces of a technicolour jigsaw.

I have been a Loretta fan for a while, and I love to see the way they’re evolving. Notice that I very carefully avoided the word maturing there, because this is a band that retains its youthful energy. This EP is called Never Thought of Growing Up for a reason! They may have a few years on the clock these days, but they still make music that feels so fresh and fun. Right now they’re just doing it better than ever.

After waiting so long for an EP, I just wish there was a little more here. At around 15 minutes, it’s definitely one of the shorter EPs I’ve listened to. However, as more artists start extending the format into mini-albums, it’s probably not a bad thing that Loretta leaves us wanting more. Never Thought of Growing Up certainly delivers quality over quantity. I just hope a full-length album isn’t too far away.

Never Thought of Growing Up is out today. Loretta are wasting no time and kicking off a national tour to celebrate its release tomorrow. There are still some tickets available, so what are you waiting for?

4 November 2023 – Yah Yah’s, Naarm/Melbourne
9 November 2023 – Stranded Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 November 2023 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong
23 November 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 November 2023 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anberlin, Hawthorne Heights, and The World Alive Join Forces for Massive Aussie Shows

Anberlin vocalist Stephen Christian recently announced he’s taking an indefinite break from touring, but not before he brings his band to Australia one last time. Hitting Australia in January, Anberlin will play shows with their very special guests Hawthorne Heights and The Word Alive. If you believe that alt-rock’s not dead, you’ll want to get your hands on some tickets.

“There is not a country outside the United States that Anberlin is more connected to or embraced as much as Australia, and this will be our 12th trip to this incredible country,” Stephen confirmed. “From our first show in Adelaide, to then writing a song about it, and years later having a 9-year-old girl named Adelaide come on stage and sing that very song with us to a massive sold-out show in Sydney we have SO many core memories created on that soil. It is absolutely fitting that I am taking a final bow in Australia before taking a long hiatus from touring. I appreciate you Australia and can’t wait to sing along one final time.”

This will be the first time that Anberlin have visited Australia since 2019 and their first opportunity to play music from their EPs Silverline and Convinced, which dropped in 2022 and 2023 after the band’s reformation. And that’s to say nothing of Hawthorne Heights, who proved with the release of The Rain Just Follows Me in 2021 that they’ve still got plenty left in the tank. The World Alive also just dropped a new album, Hard Reset, in August, their first in three years.

Expect to hear plenty of the new material and classics when Anberlin, Hawthorne Heights, and The World Alive hit Australia this January. Tickets are on sale now.

21 January 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23 January 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
25 January 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
26 January 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 January 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Concrete Gold Rock Out With “Over the Edge”

Concrete Gold are ushering in a new era with the release of their latest single “Over the Edge.” It sounds good on them.

““Over The Edge” is the first song that we wrote with our current band lineup, and is the mark of a new era of exploration for us,” they explained. “This song was an idea that Cameron brought into our rehearsal (conjured by watching videos of Nirvana as inspiration) and was then fleshed out by the band together in our first rehearsal with Will [Bainbridge] as our drummer – the result was a more alive and nuanced sound than our previous creative efforts.”

The track was also self-produced by the band at SSL Studio at Cavanbah/Byron Bay. Frontman Cameron Lockwood engineered all but the vocals, which Sam Harris of Elaborate Productions handled. Cameron also took care of the mix before Sam mastered it.

Concrete Gold will take their new lineup on the road next week when they play a string of East Coast shows supporting the release of “Over the Edge.”

2 November 2023 – Australian Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Ballina
3 November 2023 – Greaser Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 November 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE SHOW; Doors open 1 pm)