Tag: Montaigne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne and Tom Thum Join Hilltop Hoods for Latest Banger, “A Whole Day’s Night”

The quality collaborations from Hilltop Hoods just keep on coming. Fresh from their pairing with Eamon, they’ve enlisted old friends Montaigne and Tom Thum for their latest track “A Whole Day’s Night”. As you might imagine, it’s pretty brilliant.

“‘A Whole Day’s Night’ is a response to our own song, ‘What a Great Night’. It’s a reflection on how we look at the same situation 15 years later. How what we considered a celebration back in the day, could be considered a regret in the present,” they said. “The song had a real ‘1955’ feel to it, so we decided to get the line-up of Hoods, Montaigne, Tom Thum and One Above back together. And it feels like we found that same chemistry again.”

In case you missed it, Hilltop Hoods have been playing sold out shows all around the country on their first national tour in three years. There are still a few tickets for the remaining shows, but they won’t last long. You have been warned!

10 September 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
17 September 2022 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth
24 September 2022 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarndanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Off to Eurovision

We’ve had time for the glitter to settle on the news that Montaigne will head to Rotterdam in May to represent the nation in Eurovision with her song “Don’t Break Me.” It’s been a polarising decision, with many online comments I’ve read bemoaning the choice, insisting Casey Donovan or Vanessa Amorosi were worthier picks.

Of course, the very best art is often polarising. If everyone loves what you do, you’re probably not pushing the boundaries. I personally advocated for Montaigne years ago, when she first burst onto the scene, insisting her artistry and sense of theatre would be perfect for the big stage. However, when it came to watching the Australia Decides show, it was Casey Donovan and Didirri that stole my heart. However, that doesn’t mean I think Montaigne was the wrong choice. After all, Electric Fields was my favourite act in last year’s event, yet when it came time for the big show I felt Kate’s act was the strongest. It was the first time I could cheer wholeheartedly for my country rather than feeling someone else was doing Eurovision better. So I trust this process works.

Having said that, I would have liked to see more transparency in the voting process. When it comes to Eurovision, it’s all very clear. The top pick from the public gets the douze points, all the juries vote in a similar fashion, and we get our result. However, from where I sat, the numbers assigned to each act seemed arbitrary. Could the people’s choice, Casey, have ever represented us if the jury didn’t agree? I’m not sure, and I think that needs to be clarified.

When all is said and done though, I think it’s time to get behind our winner, even if it wasn’t our personal pick. I’ve listened to “Don’t Break Me” again this morning and it’s a fab song. With the full budget behind it, I think it’ll be spectacular. Montaigne might even win Eurovision for us.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Releases “Ready” Ahead of New Album & Tour

It feels like far too long since the ever-fabulous Montaigne graced us with new music. So I was thrilled to wrap my ears around her latest track “Ready.”

“Ready” is a stirring call to arms, a heady pop anthem about taking part in social change, come what may.

“To me the song is about this political moment, where humanity is starting to realise how actually cooked this planet is, that it never had to be like this, and that we have the power now to overthrow those who’ve forced us into this corner,” Montaigne explained. “It’s music that I’m proud of representing, because I think that it reflects the feelings swirling around the current political shitfest my generation is facing, and it attempts to transform the anxiety amongst those feelings into angry power. It’s like a fuel source.”

The good news for Montaigne is that there’s more where this came from. “Ready” is the first track lifted from Montaigne’s brand-new album Complex, which hits stores on August 30. Along with the CD, a spiffy limited-edition red vinyl version will also be available. Get them both and you’ll score a free eco-friendly tote bag. Fans who pre-order Complex will also score an illustrated poster.

With the album dropping in late August, Montaigne will give us just the time to familiarise ourselves with the new material before she sets off on her national tour in November. Montaigne has teamed up with PLUS1 to make sure a dollar from every ticket supports Bush Heritage Australia’s efforts to conserve the nation’s biodiversity. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from Oztix for the following dates.

7 November 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
8 November 2019 – Badlands, Perth
9 November 2019 – Mojo’s Fremantle
14 November 2019 – Solbar, Maroochydore
15 November 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
16 November 2019 – The Northern, Byron Bay
17 November 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
21 November 2019 – Tap House, Bendigo
22 November 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
23 November 2019 – The Croxton, Melbourne
28 November 2019 – UC Hub, Canberra
29 November 2019 – The Metro, Sydney
30 November 2019 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Cribb Recruits Famous Friends For Pop-Punk Simpsons Tribute

The Worst Tribute Ever is the tribute album I didn’t know I needed: a pop-punk tribute to the music of The Simpsons. Conceived by Dan Cribb, the star-studded album sees WA’s punk prince working with a who’s who of Aussie artists including Guy Sebastian, Montaigne, Kram, and countless others.

“This project has evolved into more than I could have imagined,” Dan said. “Not only have I had the opportunity to work alongside some of my musical heroes, I’ve also made a stack of new friends and learnt a lot about songwriting, performance and collaboration. I can’t thank everyone involved enough, especially Troy Nababan, who played about half the record’s instrumentation and mixed and mastered each song to perfection.”

Honestly, The Worst Tribute Ever just needs to be heard to be believed. You can stream it here. It’s far from the worst tribute. In fact, the world is probably a better place simply because this exists.

Image used with permission from Write Timing

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Stars Cover “You’re The Voice” For Domestic Violence Charities

Domestic and family violence are some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. A host of talented local musicians are doing the bit to raise awareness with the release of a cover of John Farnham’s smash “You’re The Voice.”

The track features some of the biggest names in music today: Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Isaiah, Troy Cassar-Daley, Montaigne, and Archie Roach.

“I’m so proud of the positive response from the Australian community and music industry in rallying together to support this initiative. It is a testament to the power of music being able to make a difference,” Katie said. She’s the artistic director of this year’s Queensland Music Festival. As part of the program, a 2000-strong choir will come together to sing “You’re The Voice” at South Bank Piazza. It happens at 5 pm on July 29, so check it out if you’re in the area.

All money raised from iTunes sales of the “You’re The Voice” single benefits the Sony Foundation and DV Connect, a Queensland-based 24/7 crisis response group. One thing I personally like about DVConnect is that it doesn’t discriminate. It understands that people of both genders can be victims of domestic violence, so it has a womensline (1800 811 811) and a mensline (1800 600 636). After watching The Red Pill this week, that sort of real gender equality matters to me. If you want to support it to, you know where to find the single!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Akouo Teams Up With Montaigne For New Single “Feel That”

Tasmanian producer Akouo has played it smart, teaming up with one of Australia’s most exciting, dynamic vocalists Montaigne for his new single “Feel That.” Her voice is just sublime, and her passionate performance on this gives the track real heart which is often missing in the electronic genre.

Montaigne doesn’t just sing on the track; she’s also responsible for its lyrics.

“It’s a rare occurrence to have a chance to work with people who are rich in artistic ability but also have a strong passion for the entire creative process from start to finish,” Akouo explained. “True to the nature of art, the lyrics came to Montaigne very quickly and naturally, but it took months to wrap them carefully into this cosy blanket of sound that we both love. ‘Feel That’ is about a yearning for love, and the hopeful uncertainty that comes with it.”

Do you think Akouo and Montaigne have a hit on their hands?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Turns Superhero in “What You Mean to Me” Video

Montaigne shows why she was named this year’s breakthrough artist at the ARIA Awards, with another incredible single, “What You Mean to Me.” She truly is one of the most fascinating artists on the music scene at the moment, with a natural indie pop sensibility and one of the most interesting voices I’ve heard in some time.

The clip, directed by Guy Franklin and John Gavin, sees Montaigne realising her superhero fantasies.

“Guy Franklin and Pixel, have always been able to extract what’s in my heart and put it on screen! Shooting this video helped me realise my true dream: to become a parkour master,” she gushed in a press release. “My body double recently shot as stuntman on Ghost In The Shell. For the clip we put my face on his body, he got his hair shaved to my cut and everything! In the end, I got to be the video game hero I’ve always wanted to be. I want to properly be able to do what a game protagonist does physically now though. #Strongtaine2k17.”

Montaigne will pop up at the following festivals this summer.

27-29 December 2016 – Southbound, Busselton
28 December 2016 – 1 January 2017 – Beyond the Valley, Gippsland Parklands
29-31 December 2016 – Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wildwood Music Festival Brings Musical Magic to Port Macquarie

For some amazing Australian music in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, look no further than the Wildwood Music Festival, which is hitting Port Macquarie this October.

Now in its third year, this boutique festival boasts an exciting line-up featuring Blue King Brown, Montaigne, Claude Hay, The Lyrical, Mar Haze, and heaps more. The musical acts will be complemented by market stalls and children’s activities.

“Last year we knew we had reached new heights with the festival which has traditionally been attended by local folks. It’s been so well received we decided to ramp it up a notch and encourage like-minded festival people from Brisbane to Sydney to come,” explained Simon Leigh, the man behind Wildwood.

“At the conclusion of last year’s event, the whole forest filled with fireflies as punters were leaving the venue and adults and kids alike were covered from head to toe illuminated in their sparkling aurora. It was truly a magical ending to a really special day.”

Wildwood Music Festival is at Cassegrains Winery in Port Macquarie on October 2. Tickets are available from the LiveTix website.

Image used with permission from RAWR Music PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Releases Killer New Single Ahead of Album Tour



I think Montaigne is one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Australia in recent times. I must admit, some of her singles haven’t been to my tastes. But true artists don’t just create songs that please everyone all of the time. They push the boundaries and dare to be different. When her songs have connected with me, I’ve fallen head over heels. That’s the case with Montaigne’s latest single, “Because I Love You.”

It’s as catchy as any pop song, but under its upbeat tune there’s the dark postmortem of a relationship gone wrong. And Montaigne’s voice, always on point, is shown off to full effect here.

“Because I Love You” is the latest cut from Montaigne’s debut album Glorious Heights. She’s hitting the road next month to bring its songs to fans around Australia.

13 September 2016 – The Spiegeltent @ Brisbane Festival, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
16 September 2016 – Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba (ALL AGES)
23 September 2016 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
24 September 2016 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
1 October 2016 – Beyond Festival, Canberra (ALL AGES)
2 October 2016 – Wildwood Festival, Port Macquarie (ALL AGES)
3 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra (ALL AGES)
7 October 2016 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
8 October 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 October 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 October 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
15 October 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Blows Me Away with “A Cinematic Plea for an End”

I am feeling so privileged to come across some gorgeous music from incredible female performers of late. A day after discovering Alanna Eileen, I’m now about to wax lyrical about Montaigne and her stunning song “A Cinematic Plea for an End.”

This is truly incredible. It’s dramatic without being overblown, so honest and angsty and real. I’m really glad that she chose to release a live video, because it captures the emotion so much better than something that’s been tamed in the studio might.

“Cinematic the song basically expresses several issues with idealism, both in platonic and romantic relationships,” Montaigne explained. “It is pretty much a letter to myself which is me trying to ensure that I don’t create unreasonable and idealistic expectations of situations and relationships, so that I don’t hurt myself nor others.”

Do you love it as much as I do?