South Summit Announce Album Tour

South Summit are one of the coolest bands out of Boorloo/Perth, and that’s saying something. They just released their long-awaited debut album The Bliss, and they’re preparing to take their music around Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia next year.

I encourage you to dive into the album, but if you’re short on time make sure you check out the band’s incredible version of “Roxanne” recording for Triple J’s Like a Version. A band as iconic as The Police set the bar so high, but these guys weren’t afraid of the challenge. It might be that new sound energy talking, but I think this fresh take might even be better than the original.

South Summit are psyched to hit the road with their new material, noting “We’re super looking forward to our AUS/NZ Album Tour next February/March! These are by far the biggest headline shows we’ve ever played, and we can’t wait to get out there and see everyone again. These shows feel a little extra special though, it’s been a while since we’ve toured the whole country, and showcasing our debut album is something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. We’ve got a brand new live show for you guys, and plenty more treats for ya! See you guys on the road.”

Before that happens, this hardworking band also have plenty of summer festival appearances. Tickets are on sale now for all these shows:

22 November 2024 – The Push AA Tour @ Maydale Pavillion, Wopetbungundilar/Horsham (with The Rions + Jem Cassar-Daley)
24 November 2024 – Live at the Gardens @ Royal Botanic Gardens, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Tash Sultana)
7 December 2024 – Rolling Sets Festival @ The Entrance Memorial Park, Darkinjung Country/The Entrance
14 December 2024 – Changing Tides Festival @ Kiama Showgrounds, Kiaram-a/Kiama
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – Great Escape Festival @ Redbanks, Larapuna/Nugent
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – NYE on the Hill @ The Farm, Brataualung Country/Loch Valley
4-5 January 2025 – Good Gumnuts Festival @ Agriplex, Pataway/Burnie
14 February 2025 – San Fran, Wellington
15 February 2025 – Double Whammy, Auckland
16 February 2025 – Loons, Christchurch
21 February 2025 – Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 February 2025 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
23 February 2025 – Over The Ditch Festival @ The Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 February 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
1 March 2025 – Jive Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
8 March 2025 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
14-17 May 2025 – The Great Escape Festival, Brighton

Photo credit: Cedric Tang

South Summit On the Rise With “Givin’ It Up”

I’ve been following South Summit’s music journey for a couple of years now, and it’s been pretty exciting watching them go from strength to strength. As their new single “Givin’ It Up” shows, their music is maturing, without losing the easy, breezy surf vibes we all know and love. They’re also playing some pretty iconic venues on their upcoming tour. Hello Opera House! But more about that later.

The band says their latest single “tells the story of South Summit! Illuminating the everyday life for us, Sharing the best of times where we as a band, find ourselves at our happiest. We cherish blissful vibes and whanau, and really capture the feeling of sharing stories and having a jam in the backyard over a couple drinks and a bbq. This is elevated through reggae chops and singalong melodies where everyone can feel a part of what makes us, South Summit. The things we give up and the sacrifices we make to reap certain rewards, come in all different shapes and sizes. But at the end of the day, we can all relate to what we are sacrificing for.”

South Summit have built a reputation as one of the best touring acts in the country, and they can’t wait to get back in front of audiences.

“Playing the iconic Sydney Opera House is a huge milestone achievement for the band, we’re so stoked to be given the opportunity! We’ll also be heading back to our favorite spots Brisbane and Melbourne, while finishing off the run with an Indi Bar show in our hometown of Perth. We’ve got a lot of new music coming out soon, and we can’t wait for you all to hear them. These will be some of the biggest shows we’ve ever done around the country, and we can’t wait to see you all there.”

South Summit will play the following shows later this month:

23 May 2024 – Valley Loft, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 May 2024 – The Espy, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
25 May 2024 – Opera House (Vivid Festival), Eora/Sydney
31 May 2024 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough

Image used with permission from beehive

South Summit Release Doco Ahead of EP Tour

Boorloo/Perth band South Summit have just released a new documentary video that takes fans behind the scenes of their success. Called Climbing the Summit, the 10-minute vid was filmed between Eora/Sydney and Naarm/Melbourne while the band was on tour with Beddy Rays. It serves as a time capsule of this young band on the verge of big things.

“The band were a pleasure to work with,” said producer Vincent Trease. “It’s been such a great experience creatively and we got to witness South Summit at a pivotal time in their career as musicians. In such a time of division the message of unity that runs through this doco is in my eyes a great example of reconciliation.”

“I wanted to capture the way that music brings people together, and show that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe in, it’s all about just playing some tunes and having a good time,” added director Elliott Brown. “I firmly believe that South Summit will one day stand among the greatest Australian artists. I aimed to capture their beginnings, a moment I hope people will look back on in the future.”

“This documentary gives us an opportunity to tell our stories, share our messages, and showcase what we do behind the scenes on this crazy journey. We feel like this documentary lets people understand our journey with music, and what we want to be known for. We represent proud cultures throughout the band, but this is not the reason why we are here today. We are here for the love of music. The process was made super cruisy for us by the two guys who made it all happen. Big shoutout to Vince and Elliott for having the vision for the doco and all their hard work to make it happen!”

South Summit will be back doing what they do best next week playing shows in support of their fabulous third EP Tales of the Yeti. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait too long to get yours.

2 November 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
3 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
4 November 2023 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 November 2023 – Whammy Bar, Auckland
18 November 2023 – The Loons, Christchurch
19 November 2023 – Meow, Wellington
24 November 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Andrew Briggs

“Tales of the Yeti” – South Summit

South Summit are one of the most consistent and criminally underappreciated bands in the country at the moment. If this Western Australian act isn’t on your radar yet, their latest EP Tales of the Yeti is bound to make you sit up and take notice.

This EP shows a real evolution for the band as they play with different genres and sounds. They’ve always had a cool surf sound, but I’ve never heard them leaning into reggae as much as they do in the opening track “I Feel It.” The good vibes continue with “Sidelines,” a straight up indie-rock charmer that I can imagine blasting on my next road trip, and “Just Like You” a sunshine-infused gem that will have you singing along with its infectious chorus. I can imagine tracks like “Tuned In” and “Dreaming” going off at the live shows. They’re a little more anthemic and epic, with big chords and defiant lyrics. “Fallen Friend” is such a strong closer, with powerful, poignant lyrics that speak straight to the heart.

What a journey Tales of the Yeti takes listeners on. With six songs, it’s a little longer than most EPs, but I still find myself wanting more. Like when you have a really amazing main meal, and although it’s totally satisfying you can’t resist peeking at the dessert menu to see how good that’ll be. If you’re digging this EP too, make sure you get to one of South Summit’s headlining shows in Australia or New Zealand this November. They’re also playing the Odyssea – Headland Music & Arts Journey festival this weekend.

19 August 2023 – Odyssea – Hedland Music & Arts Journey, Marapikurrinya/Port Headland
2 November 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
3 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
4 November 2023 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 November 2023 – Whammy Bar, Auckland
18 November 2023 – The Loons, Christchurch
19 November 2023 – Meow, Wellington
24 November 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth


Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Mark Francesca

South Summit Announce Biggest Aussie Tour

I’m always a bit torn about how to mark Australia Day. This blog has always been about celebrating the fabulous music that breathes life into this country, but January 26 isn’t a day that feels right for celebration. However, simply going quiet on the day doesn’t feel right either. So I choose to elevate Indigenous voices to balance out all the chest-beating patriotism. South Summit really impressed me last year with singles like “Promise Me” and “Tired of Waiting.” Featuring Josh Trindall, a proud Kamilaroi/Yuin man, Nehemiah Reuben and Isaiah Reuben, who are Torres Strait Islanders, and their pals Nathan and Finn, this Western Australian act have just dropped their sophomore EP Creatures and announced dates for their largest Aussie tour to date.

“We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be heading back for our next tour around Australia in March. We had such a good time on our last tour that we had to come back as soon as we could,” the band said. “There are so many exciting shows lined up, including completely new places for us like Newcastle and Hobart. And of course, all the other great cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay and Wollongong. We can’t wait to put on a good show for you, see ya there!”

Tickets are available now for all these shows:

3 March 2023 – The Newcastle Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
4 March 2023 – VANFEST @ Mount Panorama, Wahluu/Bathurst
10 March 2023 – The Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
11 March 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 March 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney
18 March 2023 – Shellharbour Rocks Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
31 March 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
1 April 2023 – A Day On The Lawn, Nipaluna/Hobart
4 April 2023 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth
15 April 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Sarah Haleem

South Summit Drop New Single and Tour Dates

South Summit have only recently wrapped up their first headlining national tour, but they’re itching to get back in front of crowds again. They’ve just announced a slew of East Coast dates in September to celebrate the release of their brand new single “Promise Me.” This is another cool cut from the band which showcases Isaiah Reuben’s soulful vocals beautifully. If you love your rock music with a side order of reggae, you’re going to dig this one.

“‘Promise Me’ is about falling for the rebelliousness of someone and hoping they will give you that part of them,” Isaiah explained. “It’s about having an itch to be different from everyone else. A side that gives us adrenaline only makes things exciting.”

“Recording ‘Promise Me’ started from a jam us boys had back in 2021,” added his younger brother and the band’s rhythm guitarist, Nehemiah. “All of us love that soul rock and groove feel and I think that’s what we aimed for in this song. Writing a tune for people to dance to is something we considered when in the process of making it, having groovy rhythms and a soulful voice played a major part in this one. We were so stoked to have Dave Parkin (Blackbird Studio) bring it to life, we all enjoyed recording this one and I think you guys will like it.”

They’ve only just been on the road, but South Summit are ready to do it all again this September.

“This trip over east is definitely the most exciting thing that we have booked so far and we are keen to get back on the road,” they confirmed. “We are all stoked to go on another one after our recent Tired of Waiting Australia Tour in May/June. We are returning to Sydney, Melbourne and Byron, but adding debut dates in Sunshine Coast, Wollongong and Caringbah, with new venues in all cities. We are also playing at Springtime Festival in the Gold Coast, another huge achievement as it’s another festival in 2022 with some of Aussie’s best live acts.”

South Summit are keen; are you? Here are all the dates you need:

3 September 2022 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
4 September 2022 – Springtime Festival, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
9 September 2022 – Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Byron Bay
10 September 2022 – Huxley’s, Gweagal Country/Caringbah
11 September 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
16 September 2022 – Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Eora/Sydney
17 September 2022 – Yah Yah’s, Naarm/Melbourne
24 September 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Sarah Haleem

South Summit Releases Stellar New Single, “Tired of Waiting”

South Summit never seem to put a foot wrong. New single “Tired of Waiting” is another high-quality rock track from the Perth act. Frontman Isaiah Reuben’s heartfelt vocals are the perfect foil for the quality musicians he surrounds himself with.

“The meaning of the song itself is about the realisation that this person you thought you needed to depend on to be loved, was actually dragging you down and keeping you lost in a state of confusion through their manipulation and unreliability,” explained lead guitarist Fynn Samorali. “The progression of the song then continues to a point where enough is enough, it’s time to take a stand and distance myself from this situation that is holding me back from independence, because I’m tired of waiting. This independence then gives you the ability to achieve a happiness that comes from self-love and the freedom it brings.”

South Summit have spent the past six months selling out shows at iconic Perth venues like Jack Rabbit Slims and Badlands. Now that borders have opened up, they can’t wait to share their live show with punters all around the country.

“Our upcoming tour is definitely one of the highlights of our career so far,” enthused drummer Nathan Osbourne. “Travelling to play a show has always been a dream of ours and it all seems a bit surreal. Due to current COVID restrictions, it’s actually easier to play a gig over East than Perth, giving us a really good opportunity to play around the country and get our name out there.”

Discover what all the fuss is about at one of the following gigs.

20 May 2022 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (FREE)
21 May 2022 – The Fire Station, Busselton (FREE)
27 May 2022 – Penny’s Bandroom, Melbourne (FREE)
28 May 2022 – Vic On The Park, Sydney (FREE)
3 June 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
4 June 2022 – Festival of The Stone, Byron Bay
10 June 2022 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
11 June 2022 – The River, Margaret River
17 June 2022 – Froth Craft Brewing, Exmouth
25 June 2022 – Leederville HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

South Summit Drops Summery New Single “River Days”

If you weren’t already convinced summer is just around the corner, South Summit’s new single “River Days” might get you over the line. This is a cool indie surf-jam that gets me in the mood for coastal getaways and lazy evenings watching the sun set over the waves. This Perth band reminds me a little bit of hot Aussie acts like Ocean Alley and Lime Cordiale, and with songs like this in their catalogue they deserve to be every bit as big.

“When we first wrote it, we knew it had potential and did not want to rush the writing process,” explained the band’s frontman and songwriter Zaya. “We didn’t plan on recording ‘River Days’ this early as we didn’t think it was ready, but we took a leap of faith. We came out with a song that was completely different to what we came in with, which retained the elements of the original demo, but truly captured the meaning behind the words.

“‘River Days’ is a story about the abuse of alcohol and how it can change the people closest to you. It is drawn from many personal experiences and deep emotions. The song is an attempt to show the very personal journey I have taken. ‘Save me from the river’ is a cry for help. Help to be spared from seeing those closest to me change for the worse, help to save them from alcohol and help to stop me from treading the same path.”

If you’re around Perth, there are plenty of opportunities to catch South Summit in the flesh in the coming months. Check them out at the following shows:

19 November 2021 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (supporting LATE 90s)
2 December 2021 – Perth Music Night @ The Sewing Room, Perth
3 December 2021 – Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Perth (supporting Young Robin)
11 December 2021 – The YMCA HQ, Leederville (ALL AGES)
12 December 2021 – Sunday Music @ Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Beehive PR