Tag: Pete Murray

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunset Sounds Announce Amazing Bill for Hunter Valley and Mornington Shows

With all of New South Wales either under stay-at-home orders or facing other restrictions and Victoria still smarting from countless lockdowns, I think we could all do with something to look forward to. Thank god for the team, from Sunset Sounds who promise to bring great music to outdoor venues in both states this summer.

The line-up is stacked with Kasey Chambers, Pete Murray, Xavier Rudd, Ben Lee, and Josh Pyke all on the bill. Expect laidback vibes and a whole lot of fun, with music scheduled from the afternoon through the evening.

“I’m stoked to join the lineup for Sunset Sounds festival on Wonnarua Country (Hunter Valley) and to share some new music on stage. It’s an exciting time for people, a time to reset, a time for gratitude, a time to remember how lucky we are that we can celebrate life, love, music etc so freely in this magical country that we get to call home. And it’s been a very long time since I’ve been to the Mornington Peninsula and I’m stoked to be traveling there for Sunset Sounds festival. This is gonna be special day on magical Bunurong country, let’s light it up!! Can’t wait!” said Xavier Rudd.

Sunset Sounds hits Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley on November 20 before travelling to Hastings Foreshore Reserve in the Mornington Peninsula on November 28. Tickets for both shows are available now through Ticketek. These will be COVID-safe, over 18s shows. If organisers need to postpone, all ticket holders can transfer their tickets to the new date or claim a full refund.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Murray Strikes Gold With “If We Never Dance Again”

Pete Murray burst onto the music scene with the release of his debut album Feeler in 2003 and has earned acclaim from devoted fans and critics alike since that time. Except for this one. I’ve got to admit, I’ve just never warmed to his music. I’ve certainly been exposed to it; his tracks dominate radio and he’s supported my favourite singer Rob Thomas on a couple of tours. But I’ve always found his music a little pedestrian, until now. I was prepared to yawn through his latest single “If We Never Dance Again” too, but I’ve got to admit, I like it. A lot.

Pete wrote the track in Los Angeles in May 2019 with songwriter and producer Morgan Dorr.

“Morgan had the first line of the chorus written when I got to his place, which was, “If you never see my face again” and the three chords that played over this. We worked on the song all day and I even cancelled another session that I had booked in just so I could finish this song as it felt like this had so much potential,” he explained.

When Pete returned to Australia, they continued refining the track across continents to produce what you hear today. I’m so glad they stuck at it, because I honestly believe this is the best thing he’s ever done. It’s got real heart, and I love the piano instrumentation.

“If We Never Dance Again” comes from Pete’s forthcoming release, The Night EP. Will it contain more Pete Murray tracks that I actually enjoy? We’ll find out when it drops on March 5. Fans should hear some of the new material when Pete plays the following shows.

13 February 2021 – By the C @ Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
6 March 2021 – By the C @ Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla
14 March 2021 – By the C @ Catani Gardens, St Kilda
20 March 2021 – Crowd Surf @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
27 March 2021 – By the C @ City Beach Reserve, Perth

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas – Sydney and Hunter Valley, 13 and 16 November 2019

Live music always makes my heart beat faster. However, there is one artist on the planet that takes my excitement to the next level: Rob Thomas. Whether he’s fronting Matchbox Twenty or playing solo, he is the performer who has the largest piece of my heart. His Chip Tooth Tour was a long time coming, nearly four years since his last Australian dates, so by the time last week rolled around I was more than ready.

One Rob Thomas show isn’t enough for me. I considered writing two reviews, one for Sydney and another for the Hunter Valley, but frankly the week passed in a whirlwind and now here I am, basking in the afterglow. Sydney was the perfect warm-up. First State Super Theatre strikes the right balance; it’s small enough to feel intimate but not so tiny that it can’t attract big acts for their only gigs in the NSW capital. The Hunter Valley show was part of the Day on the Green series. These events always seem so leisurely and relaxed, with so many good vibes. Sorry Sydney, but it also seemed to have the best crowd. Maybe I was just unlucky with seating in Sydney, but it was so nice to travel up the freeway to be amongst fans who seemed to care more about the music than making trips to the bar!

I’m glad that Daryl Braithwaite was the support act we doubled up on. I’ve made mention in the past of his voice fading, but I think he was in the best form I’ve seen in a while. You can still hear the limitations at time, but it’s a minor quibble from an artist who delivers so much. His set was packed with his Sherbet and solo hits, although an unexpected cover of The Kinks’ “All Day and All Of The Night” was a welcome addition in Sydney. What a shame the Hunter Valley security decided to try to make everyone sit down just before “The Horses.” Thank you, Daryl, for insisting it wouldn’t hurt us to rise to our feet for a couple of minutes! Staying seated for this unofficial anthem just wouldn’t have felt right!

The Hunter Valley’s extended line-up saw Russell Morris and Pete Murray joining us. I raved about Russell when I saw him at the same venue a couple of years ago and he was every bit as appealing this time around. His voice shows no sign of fatigue, impressive at the age of 71. He has so many hits to his name and they came thick and fast, rewarding those of us who arrived early enough to catch his set. He really deserved better than so many vacant seats. He was excellent.

I wish I could get as excited about Pete Murray, but for not the first time I just wasn’t feeling it. Ordinarily I can’t get enough of good-looking men who play guitars, but his songs never seem to get out of second gear for me. He performs them well, sounding virtually identical to the way he does in the studio, but I just can’t muster any kind of enthusiasm for them. Putting Pete after Daryl Braithwaite, who had me and so many of the folks around me, so fired up also seemed a bit cruel.

Whether I couldn’t wait for the support act to vacate the stage (sorry Pete) or I embraced their set (love your work Dazza!), I was primed for Rob Thomas. Opening with a new album track like “I Love It” was a risky move, but it was really the perfect introduction to Rob’s set; upbeat, engaging, and sexy as hell. It might have been called the Chip Tooth Tour, but Rob knows how to strike the right balance for serious fans and casual listeners. I would have liked to hear more from the new album, Chip Tooth Smile, but the four or five songs he played from it made space in the set for more songs from the back catalogue. The solo hits and Matchbox cuts came thick and fast, along with a smattering of lesser known songs for the diehards like me. I was thrilled to hear “Sunday Morning New York Blue,” an EP track, and fan favourite “Pieces” make the cut in the Hunter, while “Heaven Help Me” was an unexpected delight in Sydney. “Fire on the Mountain isn’t one of my favourite album tracks, but it really gets a new power on the stage. Adding Indigenous dancers to the mix in Sydney brought some extra gravitas.

Speaking of surprises, they don’t get much bigger than Andrew Farriss from INXS gracing the stage for a cover of “Never Tear Us Apart” in the Hunter. The chemistry between the longtime friends and the quality of this Aussie classic made it a real moment to remember. If you can’t get Santana out here for “Smooth,” then 10-year-old guitar prodigy Taj Farrant makes an impressive substitute.


It seems to me like Rob is aging in reverse. I think it’s the only reasonable explanation for his boundless energy. He put on a rock star performance, without the bells and whistles of so many modern rock shows. Without projections or pyrotechnics, the focus was squarely on the music and the way Rob delivered it. Most of his band has been with him since his first solo tour, and it shows. However, as much as I appreciate the big full-band numbers, it was the quieter, more reflective times in the set that really got me. I don’t mind saying that I found myself wiping away tears in acoustic performances of “Ever the Same” in Sydney and “Bent” in the Hunter. With an acoustic guitar and Rob’s voice, supported by a choir of enthusiastic fans, those songs were as raw as the emotions they stirred in me.

When you anticipate a tour as much as I did this one, it can sometimes be hard for the performer to meet your expectation. But I know Rob never lets me down. Like a fine wine, he only seems to get better with age. The dust may still be settling on my recent shows, but I’m already hanging out for the next tour. Rob Thomas plays Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne tonight before concluding the Chip Tooth Tour at Perth’s Kings Park on November 23.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas @ Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney – 24 February 2016

It’s been six long years since Rob Thomas graced us with a solo tour. That time around he was promoting his sophomore solo album Cradlesong and the heavens opened up, making Hope Estate a soggy muddy mess. Yesterday couldn’t have been more different, a steamy summer’s day that made me worry about getting burned even with a wide-brimmed hat and healthy helping of 50+ sunscreen. Those weather extremes aren’t ideal for an outdoor show, but when I know Rob Thomas will soon be in front of me I’m always willing to grin and bear it.

But first I had to make it through Pete Murray. I don’t know what it is about Pete Murray. He’s a good-looking guy who sings folky acoustic guitar driven music. On paper, he’s exactly what I like. However, I’ve just never been able to engage with him. Probably those moments anticipating a performance from my very favourite singer in the world weren’t the ones I’d suddenly develop an appreciation for Pete. I will say that he performed very well. He joked about the men a little less reluctant to embrace his set, and encouraged them to sing along as well. He sounded just as he does on the radio and he has a really tight band. His lead guitarist was particularly impressive. He played all the hits, although hearing them one after another only reinforced my idea that his music is a little samey. I couldn’t fault what he did. It just still wasn’t for me.

Rob Thomas on the other hand …

I wondered whether in a week that was sadly shrouded in controversy I could expect the same energy and fun from Rob, but as he burst out with “Give Me the Meltdown,” a high-energy number from Cradlesong. It left no doubt that we were all there to have a good time, and that’s just what we did. In fact, I think I might have had the most fun I’ve ever had at a Rob Thomas show, and believe me there have been a few. Rob kept the energy up with “Fallin’ to Pieces,” “Lonely No More,” and “Her Diamonds.” I marvelled at the song choices, a wonderful mix of the numbers everyone knew and the tracks near and dear to the heart of the fans who buy the albums.

A stripped back, raw performance of “Ever the Same” had me choked up. It was as near to perfection as I think I’ve ever heard. “Pieces,” another ballad and one of the rare songs from the new album The Great Unknown to make the set, was so powerful. His lively cover of “Let’s Dance” was a fitting tribute to Bowie. “Streetcorner Symphony,” with its lyrics of being there for one another, sisters and brothers of every different colour, was the most delightful way of putting all of the media muckraking to rest.

Rob’s banter with the crowd might have got him in trouble last week, but he wasn’t about to stop giving of himself that way. I love that. For me it’s the stories that make a concert. Moments like hearing about the admiration he has for his wife’s strength, and how that inspired him to write the album’s title track, “The Great Unknown.” Moments like listening to him speak about living in the moment and appreciating the beauty in it, even if it’s something as seemingly insignificant as standing around while your dog defecates, made a song like “Little Wonders” resonate a little more deeply.

There’s a line in that song that says “I cannot forget the way I feel right now.” Standing there, watching my very favourite singer, a person who has such a special place in my heart, I thought about just how I felt, how wonderful that very moment was.

You know the best thing about it all though? For the last few tours I’ve scaled back my concert activities. When I was in my late teens and early 20s, I’d always see two or three shows on Rob’s solo or Matchbox Twenty tours. Then I got older and married and reasoned I needed to be responsible, that I had other priorities in my life. I was still committed to this notion until Rob announced a State Theatre show. The allure of seeing my favourite singer in such a small venue was so strong that I snapped up tickets.

So as I watched the show last night, there was none of that sadness I usually get, because this tour’s not over for me. Tomorrow night I get to do it all again, with Rob playing a more intimate, stripped back set, so he informed us. I am so thrilled that this concert high gets to last a little longer. Rob’s going to have to pull out something special to top last night’s gig, but I’m sure he’s up to the task.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Top Aussie Acts Fundraise for Anti-Fracking Initiative

Some of Australia’s most eco-friendly musicians are joining forces for Rock the Gate, a massive fundraising effort for Lock the Gate, the alliance behind Australia’s anti-fracking movement. The Rock the Gate show will see the diverse talents of Pete Murray, The Herd, Ash Grunwald, Tex Perkins and the Dark Horses, Natalia Pa’apa’a Trio, Diesel n’ Dub, Nahko, Trevor Hall, and heaps more rocking Sydney’s Enmore Theatre to support this important cause.

If you don’t know, fracking is unsafe coal seam gas mining. More than half of Australia is under fracking exploration license, despite the international community condemning the practice. But this isn’t the sort of thing archvillain Tony Abbott’s going to worry about, is it? Thankfully we’ve got awesome musos and lobby groups that can shine a light on this important issue.

Tickets are dirt cheap at $75 a pop and all proceeds go directly to Lock the Gate, so snap yours up and support this great cause.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Murray Rerecords “Blue Sky Blue”

Pete Murray is back with The Byron Sessions, a reimagining of his last album Blue Sky Blue.

It might seem a bit superfluous to rerecord the album that only hit stores in 2011, but I think there’s method in the madness. While the album got to number six on the Aussie charts, it certainly didn’t make the impact of Feeler or even See the Sun. Whatever he did the first time didn’t resonate, but this new recording might thanks to some well selected special guests.

The lead single “Blue Sky Blue” features a great rap bridge from up and coming urban act Fantine. I love the edge it brings to Pete Murray’s gentle song. Other tracks on the album feature Ash Grunwald, Busby Marou, Bernard Fanning, and Katie Noonan. Rather than feeling like he’s relying on big names to sell the songs, the rerecordings feel like spontaneous jam sessions, so much richer than the originals.

“The Byron Sessions is about community, from the original idea jamming at home with mates, right through to its realization as an album, so it makes sense to get out there and see the people that have really supported me over the years, no matter what corner of Australia they’re from,” Pete explained. “It’s about celebrating the last decade coming full circle and sharing it with a community of people around the country who have all had their own journeys and life experiences at the same time.”

He’s clearly proud of The Byron Sessions, which hits stores on February 1, because he’s taking it just about everywhere starting with a show in Byron tonight. Seriously, can you believe how many gigs he’s doing? Here are all the places you can see Pete Murray play over the coming months.

24 January 2013 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
14 February 2013 – The Spirit Bar & Lounge, Traralgon
15 February 2013 – The Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale
16 February 2013 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong
17 February 2013 – Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca
20 February 2013 – Yamba Bowls Club, Yamba
21 February 2013 – Lismore Workers Club, Lismore
22 February 2013 – Armidale Ex Services Club, Armidale
23 February 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
27 February 2013 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
28 February 2013 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance
1 March 2013 – Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie
2 March 2013 – Capitol, Perth
3 & 4 March 2013 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
7 March 2013 – Commercial Hotel, South Morang
8 March 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
9 March 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
10 March 2013 – Pier Hotel, Frankston
14 March 2013 – Regent Multiplex, Ballarat
15 March 2013 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
16 March 2013 – The Depot, Adelaide
17 March 2013 – Nautilus Theatre, Port Lincoln
21 March 2013 – Port Macquarie Panthers, Port Macquarie
22 March 2013 – Club Forster, Forster
23 March 2013 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
24 March 2013 – West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
4 April 2013 – Orange Ex Services Club, Orange
5 April 2013 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
6 April 2013 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
7 April 2013 – Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
9 & 10 April 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
11 April 2013 – The Abbey, Canberra
12 April 2013 – The York Theatre, Sydney
13 April 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
14 April 2013 – Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, Batemans Bay
18 April 2013 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone
19 April 2013 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach
20 April 2013 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
21 April 2013 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
23 April 2013 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
24 April 2013 – Hi-Fi, Brisbane
26 April 2013 – Villa Noosa, Noosaville
27 April 2013 – The Northern, Byron Bay
28 April 2013 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gotye On Top Again

Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” is proving unstoppabable, taking out the number one possie on the ARIA charts for an incredible seventh consecutive week. It’d be getting boring if he wasn’t an Aussie with the support of the country behind him. His album Making Mirrors is also performing impressively, slipping down one to land at number three this week.

I’d bitch and moan about the slide if an Aussie band wasn’t behind it. The Jezabels have zoomed into the charts with a number two debut for their first album, Prisoner. Pete Murray is also hanging on to the top ten. His newie Blue Sky Blue has dropped from six to nine this week.

Click below to see what else has been happening in the ARIA top ten.
Continue reading “Gotye On Top Again” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gotye Still on Top of Singles Charts

Gotye has done it again, taking the top spot on the ARIA Singles Charts for an amazing sixth consecutive week with “Somebody That I Used To Know.” That makes it the longest reigning local chart topper since Savage Garden racked up eight weeks with “Truly Madly Deeply in 1997. It’s also deservedly earned triple platinum status.

His album Making Mirrors isn’t doing too badly either, holding steady at number two. Pete Murray’s Blue Sky Blue has also stayed the course and remained at number six for a second week. Sadly Icehouse’s greatest hits compilation White Heat: 30 Hits slipped down to number eight, but I predict it’ll jump back up once that Hall & Oates tour kicks off.

Click below for this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Gotye Still on Top of Singles Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gotye Makes It Five in a Row

Gotye’s made it five in a row after retaining the top spot on the ARIA Singles Charts again this week. In doing so “Somebody That I Used to Know” has enjoyed the longest stay at the top of any Aussie single since Gabrielle Cilmi clocked up five weeks with “Sweet About Me” in 2001. The last act to better the feat was Savage Garden who spent eight weeks on top in 1997 with “Truly Madly Deeply.” Can Gotye better the Brisbane duo?

The single’s success has also helped Gotye’s album Making Mirrors jump back to number two this week, up one spot from last week. He’s sharing time in the top 10 with fellow Aussies Pete Murray, who sits at number six with Blue Sky Blue, and Icehouse who’ve slipped only a couple of spots to number seven with White Heat: 30 Hits.

Click below for this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Gotye Makes It Five in a Row” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Artists Play Clipsal 500

The Clipsal 500 isn’t just about the cars. It’s also a great opportunity to indulge in some home-grown music. The line-up for this year’s Jim Beam TrackSounds On-Circuit Concert has just been announced, and it’s one of the best yet.

The March 20 show will include The Presets, Pete Murray, Faker, Operator Please, and local five-piece Delamare.

“Delamare is a great group and given that the Clipsal 500 Adelaide is not only South Australia’s largest annual sporting event, but also one of our biggest music festivals, it’s great to present emerging local talent to such a large audience,” said Jason Allen, Clipsal 500 Adelaide’s chief executive.

Tickets for the massive show are currently available through Ticketek.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment