Tag: acoustic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Woodshed Sessions” – Matt Joe Gow

While his next official studio album is some time away, Matt Joe Gow has dropped a special treat for his fans online. Exclusively available online, The Woodshed Sessions is a beautiful collection of Matt’s best loved songs stripped back to their very essence.

This is a live album with a difference. Instead of recording it in front of an audience, Matt recorded the stripped back, acoustic versions of these songs in the studio in just one take. It’s a brilliant idea. While I love the energy of live recordings, the crowd noise can get distracting and the sound quality is often poor. There’s an energy to these songs too, but that comes from the dynamic between Matt and the members of his long-time band The Dead Leaves. You can feel the chemistry as their voices combine in beautiful three-part harmonies. Hearing the way the vocals sat alongside the piano and strumming of an acoustic guitar, I thought this is what music should be. It’s organic and pure, coming from the soul so naturally, free from studio “enhancements” like autotune and drum machines.

If you’ve listened to Matt’s music before, you know these songs are ripe for this kind of treatment. In acoustic mode, their introspective lyrics and perfect melodies come to the fore. If you’re new to Matt’s music, this compilation of career highlights makes the perfect introduction. It’s really like a greatest hits with a beautiful acoustic twist. I can’t wait to hear new music from Matt, but this release will keep me satisfied until that time comes. I’m going to leave you with this video of “Grand Ambition” from The Woodshed Sessions; check it out and I’m sure you’ll want to discover the rest of the tunes. You’ll find The Woodshed Sessions on all your favourite streaming services. If you’d like to purchase a physical CD copy, head to Matt’s Bandcamp page.

Main photo credit: Lucas Packett

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tia Gostelow Takes Acoustic Album Launch Online

The COVID-19 pandemic put the pin in the concert experience as we knew it, and even here in Australia where cases are relatively low, the industry is still getting back on its feet. I miss the rush of being in a crowd, but I have loved coming together with music fans around the world for virtual gigs. Sharing that online space with fans I wouldn’t normally see shows with has been really special. I thought as the local industry recovered, those gigs would go by the wayside, but I’m thrilled to see Tia Gostelow allowing fans to enjoy the best of both worlds next month.

Chrysalis dropped back in October, but Tia’s virtual acoustic launch show is an exciting chance for people all around the world to hear its songs in a more stripped back, organic way. Tia is also promising some old and new fan favourites and a few surprises too. Tickets for the livestream are available here. The Aussie stream happens on February 5 at 7pm AEST (that’s 8pm in New South Wales and Victoria). The ticket website also has separate stream times for Europe and the United States.

If you happen to be in Brisbane, you can see Tia that same night in full-band mode at Fortitude Music Hall’s A Carry 4 Coins show. Featuring the likes of Camp Cope, WAAX, Emily Wurramara, and Mo’ju, this year’s event raises funds for Black Rainbow. Check out more about this organisation, which looks to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ individuals, here. And as for the tickets, you can get those here!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Augie March Reprises On the Quiet Tour 10 Years Later

In 2019, Augie March stripped their music back to its roots for their acclaimed On the Quiet tour. The largely acoustic shows were the talk of the town, the kind of events that you wished you got tickets for. Now 10 years later, Augie March are giving us the chance to do it all again.

“The On The Quiet format allows us to interpret the songs in their most direct and potent form … minimal instrumentation and 4 voices … It’s like the audience is sitting in on a stripped back rehearsal in our studio space … intimate and homespun… performing this show to audiences around Australia back in 2009 was a fun and inspiring experience for us … it promises to be an equally exciting prospect in 2019,” said drummer Dave Williams.

Augie March’s brand new On the Quiet tour will visit their favourite venues in and around Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Brisbane. Along the way they’re revisit tunes from their esteemed 23-year back catalogue, playing crowd pleasers and rarities for keen punters. It could be another 10 years or more before you experience Augie March quite like this. Tickets are on sale now.

8 August 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
9 August 2019 – The Espy, St Kilda
10 August 2019 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
15 August 2019 – Transit Bar, Canberra
16 August 2019 – Paddo RSL, Sydney
17 August 2019 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
25 August 2019 – Howler, Brunswick

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The McClymonts Announce Acoustic Tour

Beloved country trio The McClymonts are stripping things back for their upcoming One Acoustic Night tour. Expect to hear Brooke, Sam, and Mollie’s harmonies come to the fore when they perform acoustic arrangements of all their most popular songs.

The tour has been a long time coming for the sisters, and they can’t wait to get out there and share their stripped back songs with fans.

“It’s been five years since we’ve done an acoustic tour,” Sam commented. “We’re looking forward to taking the songs back to where they started, as ideas on acoustic guitars and bringing a different level of intimacy between the audience and us.”

Before these acoustic shows, you can see The McClymonts at several upcoming festivals. Where will you catch them?

27 July 2019 – QLD Music Festival, Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane
3 August 2019 – Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races, Tara
24 August 2019 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
28 September 2019 – C2C Festival, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
29 September 2019 – C2C Festival, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
31 Oct 2019 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton
1 November 2019 – United Services Club, Laurieton
2 November 2019 – Ex Services Club, Armidale
15 November 2019 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
16 November 2019 – Workmens Club, Wonthaggi
29 November 2019 – Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, Dubbo
30 November 2019 – Wenty Leagues Club, Wentworthville
6 December 2019 – Young Services Club, Young
7 December 2019 – Bargo Sports Club, Bargo

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Heading to Regional Venues for Acoustic Shows

I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to listen to Ian Moss’ most recent album. He released the self-titled work in March, yet it’s taken me until now to give it a spin. I blame the lack of fanfare, but that’s kind of the way this unassuming Aussie artist prefers thing. If like me it passed you by, do yourself a favour and fire it up on your streaming service of choice. With bluesy tracks filled with melodic hooks and sublime guitar parts, it’s classic Mossy, just the way you like him.

Mossy will bring songs from the new album and all your old favourites to regional venues all around the country next year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates on the National Solo Intimate and Acoustic Regional Tour.

8 February 2019 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
9 February 2019 – Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
22 February 2019 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta
23 February 2019 – Paramount Theatre, Echuca
1 March 2019 – Goldfields Art Centre, Kalgoorlie
3 March 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
6 March 2019 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
8 March 2019 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
9 March 2019 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
15 March 2019 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
16 March 2019 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
20 March 2019 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier
22 March 2019 – Northern Festival Centre, Keith Michell Theatre, Port Pirie
23 March 2019 – Barossa Arts and Convention Centre, Barossa Valley
27 March 2019 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
29 March 2019 – Ipswich Civic Theatre, Ipswich
30 March 2019 – Empire Theatre, Heritage Bank Auditorium, Ipswich
3 April 2019 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
5 April 2019 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
6 April 2019 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
26 April 2019 – Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford
27 April 2019 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
3 May 2019 – SkyCity Darwin Concert Lawns, Darwin
4 May 2019 – Araluen Centre, Alice Springs

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM/Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jarryd James Joins Betty Who for Acoustic “Human Touch” Performance

When I first heard Betty Who’s new single “Human Touch,” I wasn’t that impressed. It was one of those tracks I could imagine getting played on radio, but while it was catchy I found it ultimately forgettable. I didn’t really get it. It’s amazing what happens when you strip away some production though. In this acoustic version she recorded with Jarryd James, I feel like we finally get to see what this song is all about.

“I write so many of my of my songs on guitar or piano – it seemed only fitting to showcase the way this song came to be,” she explained. And having Jarryd sing it with me is a dream come true, the first time I heard his voice on the radio I knew I just had to sing with him. So I am so honoured to share this performance with him.”

“Human Touch” comes from Betty Who’s sophomore album, which will be released early next year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas @ State Theatre, Sydney – 26 February 2016

When I was in my late teens and early 20s, one Matchbox Twenty or Rob Thomas show was never enough. I’d see multiple gigs, never wanting the tour to be over. They were so much fun, but the sets rarely changed from night to night. I’d get excited about the odd cover that was different and insist that was worth the price of admission alone.

So when I bought tickets for Rob Thomas’ State Theatre show, despite having plans to catch him at the Opera House Forecourt, I expected a similar scenario. What I got was two completely shows this tour, both wonderful in their own way. After the party atmosphere of the Opera House show, it was wonderful to have a quieter night and enjoy the intimate and personal vibe of the State Theatre show.

Rob downsized his band to a trio and delivered stripped back versions of songs, ensuring their lyrics came to the fore. It was so exciting to hear a new complexion to upbeat tracks I’d heard a couple of nights before like “This Is How a Heart Breaks” and “Lonely No More.” I also loved the chance to hear the songs that didn’t make Wednesday night’s performance. “Heaven Help Me” from The Great Unknown probably would have been lost in the electric set, but it was perfect for this more intimate evening. “Sunday Morning, New York Blue,” a track lifted not from an album but the Someday EP, was another welcome new addition.

But for a girl whose love for Rob’s music began with Matchbox Twenty, the number of tracks that came from his band was really exciting. Ordinarily Rob plays just a couple of Matchbox songs, preferring to stick to the solo material. However, the stars aligned on Friday night and we heard everything from hits like “Bright Lights,” “Disease,” and “Bent” to the moody “You Won’t Be Mine,” an album track from Mad Season.

Anyone who’s read this blog for a while knows I love an acoustic show. Jumping around and dancing to a band turned up to 11 is a blast, but it rarely moves me as much as sitting down listening to songs stripped back to their core. Add in personal stories about the origin of those songs and I’m sold. I’ve seen Rob Thomas perform many times, and I’m sure I’ll see him many more, but Friday night’s acoustic show is the one that will stand out from the rest. It was perfection.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin Announces Acoustic Shows

Reece Mastin sent a clear message that his days of throwaway pop are far behind him with the release of Change Colours earlier this year. So it’s only fitting that he’s doing what all serious musicians do and playing acoustic on his next tour. The Down to Earth tour will take in coastal New South Wales towns over the festive season.

Reece will be joined by Nashville-based, Sunshine Coast-born singer-songwriter Alys Ffion. The pair met earlier this year for a songwriting session, which actually produced the ballad “Down to Earth” featured on Change Colours. They’ve performed the song together at instores around the country, so hopefully we’ll see them playing it together again the following intimate and acoustic shows. All gigs are all ages, although people under 18 must be with a parent at all times.

27 December 2015 – Ballina RSL Club, Ballina
28 December 2015 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (FREE)
29 December 2015 – Club Forster, Forster
30 December 2015 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
3 January 2016 – Batemans Bay Soldier’s Club, Batemans Bay
8 January 2016 – Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail
9 January 2016 – Toukley RSL Club, Toukley
10 January 2016 – Ettalong Digger’s Club, Ettalong Beach

Image used with permission from Ferris Davis PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Celebrates “Six Strings Anniversary” With Acoustic Tour

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since Ian Moss recorded his Six Strings album, a brilliant bluesy acoustic album with cuts from his Cold Chisel days and solo work, as well as some choice covers. We’re all used to seeing Mossy plugged in and rocking out, but that album and the accompanying tour showed us all a new side to this true Aussie legend.

To celebrate the album’s anniversary, Ian will tour some of Australia’s most intimate venues in stripped back mode.

“Doing these shows remind me time and time again that it’s all about how you play. I’m amazed at how much colour and variation and emotion I’ve been able to get with just voice, guitar and a foot tapping on the floor,” he explained. “Less is more.”

If you’ve never seen Mossy playing acoustically, you shouldn’t miss these shows. And if you have, well you know for sure you shouldn’t miss these shows!

26 February 2016 – The Palms At Crown, Melbourne
27 February 2016 – Theatre Royal, Hobart
4 March 2016 – Street Theatre, Canberra
5 March 2016 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong
11 March 2016 – The Events Centre – Playhouse, Caloundra
12 March 2016 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
18 March 2016 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
19 March 2016 – Astor Theatre, Perth
24 March 2016 – Laycock Street Theatre, North Gosford
26 March 2016 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
2 April 2016 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Carty and Jordan Miller Reunite for National Tour

Jack Carty and Jordan Millar enjoyed playing shows together in March so much that they’re set to do it all again with an acoustic tour this August.

Jack should be in fine form because he’s currently touring his latest album Esk across the United Kingdom and Europe. Meanwhile, Jordan will be taking a break from recording his next album for this tour. After time spent in the studio, he’s probably itching to get back out on stage!

If you’re on the fence about the shows, take a look at this video capturing one of their performances together in March. Do you really want to miss two singer-songwriters of this calibre playing together? I think not!

It’s also worth pre-ordering your tickets, as every one bought on presale comes with an 11-track digital live album Jack Carty & Jordan Millar – Live @ The Front Gallery. Tickets are available from Jack Carty’s website.

1 August 2015 – The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
6 August 2015 – The Commons, Newcastle
7 August 2015 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
8 August 2015 – Venue 505, Sydney
14 August 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
15 August 2015 – Rous Mill Hall, Rous Mill
20 August 2015 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
21 August 2015 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
22 August 2015 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart