Tag: The Smith Street Band

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Maintain the Rage With “Everyone Is Lying to You For Money”

If you weren’t already excited about the next album from The Smith Street Band, wrap your ears around their latest single “Everyone Is Lying to You For Money”. The robot voices threw me for a second, but before too long it becomes the explosively angry track I hoped for.

While I love the clip, you’re going to want to head to the streaming services as this single comes packaged with three killer live cuts from the band’s appearance at the Forum last year. If that doesn’t get you excited about seeing The Smithies live, I don’t know what will. Here are the remaining dates on their current Aussie tour!

26 August 2022 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney
27 August 2022 – UOW, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2022 – The Croxton, Naarm/Melbourne (with Bodyjar)
17 September 2022 – Kambri, Ngambri/Canberra
22 September 2022 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
23 September 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Kabi Kabi Country/Maroochydore (SOLD OUT)
7 October 2022 – The Gov, Tarndanya/Adelaide
8 October 2022 – The Gov, Tarndanya/Adelaide
21 October 2022 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
22 October 2022 – Forth Pub, Palawa Country/Forth
28 October 2022 – Astor Theater, Borloo/Perth
29 October 2022 – Wintersun, Amangu Country/Geraldton

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Return to Scene With “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever”

Listening to The Smith Street Band’s first new music in two years has made me realise how much I’ve missed them. Don’t think they’ve mellowed in time. The new single “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever” is a passionate call to arms encapsulating the mixed feelings many of us have in these crazy pandemic times.

“A song about all the excitement and anxiety felt re-entering the world, what we’ve lost over the last few years and most importantly what we’ll gain when we finally get through everything we’ve all had to endure! This song is the first single off our upcoming record, we’ve been working hard and cannot wait to share everything with you!” said lead singer Wil Wagner.

The single comes bundled with a couple of choice live tracks on all the major streaming services. If they’ve got you nostalgic for the band’s gigs, you’re in luck. The Smith Street Band are preparing to visit most of the capitals and major regional centres with a brand new tour. Here are all the dates you need:

10 June 2022 – Volta, Ballarat
11 June 2022 – The Torquay Hotel, Torquay
24 June 2022 – The Westernport, San Remo
16 July 2022 – Beer & BBQ Festival, Adelaide
24 August 2022 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
25 August 2022 – Entrance Leagues Club, Central Coast
26 August 2022 – The Metro, Sydney
27 August 2022 – UOW, Wollongong
16 & 17 September 2022 – Kambri, Canberra
22 September 2022 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast
23 September 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore
7 & 8 October 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 October 2022 – The Forth Pub, Forth
28 October 2022 – Astor, Perth
29 October 2022 – Wintersun, Geraldton

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Goes Semi-Acoustic For COVID-Safe Shows

The last year has taught us all to pivot as we’ve attempted to thrive in this new normal. If you’ve had told me 12 months ago that The Smith Street Band were planning semi-acoustic seated shows I’d have laughed, and yet here we are. And funnily enough, it all makes perfect sense.

As soon as Victorian restrictions were eased, the band set about rehearsing and rewriting many of their songs to suit a more mellow, COVID-safe environment. The band will take these reworked tracks to fans across Victoria and New South Wales in the coming months.

The shows coincide with an album of those reworked tracks, Unplugged in Wombat State Forest. The first single, “It’s OK” isn’t too dramatic a departure from the original, but I expect we’ll hear a few left turns when the album drops on March 5. If you love what you see, you can also stream a video featuring all the songs here. And remember to get on to those The Smith Street Band Unplugged shows. With limited capacity in all venues and some shows already sold out, the remaining tickets won’t last long.

26 February 2021 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
27 February 2021 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
4 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2021 – The Enmore, Sydney
17 April 2021 – Yours + Owls Festival, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Earn First Number One Album

Music has been a lifeline for so many of us during the coronavirus pandemic. So it’s thrilling to see the nation embracing one of our own and giving The Smith Street Band their first number one album this week. Don’t Waste Your Anger is the perfect isolation soundtrack, with all the angst you need for such a difficult time in history. The new single “The End of the World” is a case in point.

The Smith Street Band’s album is keeping company on the ARIA albums charts with Artists Unite for Fire Fight, which sits at number six, and Calm from 5 Seconds of Summer, which is at number eight.

Over on the singles charts Tones and I is our lone representative in the top 10. Her monster smash “Dance Monkey” is heading back up the charts and currently sits at number 10.

Here are this week’s complete top 10s. What have you been listening to?

Top 10 Albums

1. Don’t Waste Your Anger – The Smith Street Band
2. Future Nostalgia – Dua Lipa
3. After Hours – The Weeknd
4. Fine Line – Harry Styles
5. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? – Billie Eilish
6. Artists Unite For Fire Fight – Various
7. Blame it On Baby – DaBaby
8. Calm – 5 Seconds of Summer
9. Hollywood’s Bleeding – Post Malone
10. Diamonds – Elton John

Top 10 Singles

1. “Roses” – SAINt JHN
2. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
3. “Toosie Slide” – Drake
4. “Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
5. “death bed” – Powfu
6. “Intentions” – Justin Bieber feat. Quavo
7. “Break My Heart” – Dua Lipa
8. “Say So” – Doja Cat
9. “Supalonely” – Benee feat. Gus Dapperton
10. “Dance Monkey” – Tones and I

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Releases “Suburbia” Ahead of Smith Street Band Support

For a rough and raw slice of Australiana, look no further than “Suburbia,” the latest single from Brunswick band Press Club.

The third single lifted from the band’s forthcoming debut album Late Teens, “Suburbia” explores our need for belonging and search for self-identity. Plaintive vocals from Natalie Foster bring this powerful track to life.

Press Club is one of those bands that works hard to maintain creative control of its sound. “Suburbia” was recorded in just one day, the self-produced by the band and engineered by its guitarist Greg Rietwyk.

Press Club will launch the single this week before joining The Smith Street Band for their national tour.

16 March 2018 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne (single launch)
21 March 2018 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle (with The Smith Street Band)
22 March 2018 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong (with The Smith Street Band)
23 March 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra (with The Smith Street Band)
24 March 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
25 March 2018 – Long Jetty Hotel, Central Coast (with The Smith Street Band)
29 March 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough (with The Smith Street Band)
31 March 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth (with The Smith Street Band)
1 April 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle (Under 18s with The Smith Street Band)
5 April 2018 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool (with The Smith Street Band)
6 April 2018 – Shadows, Mount Gambier (with The Smith Street Band)
7 April 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
11 April 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with The Smith Street Band)
12 April 2018 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (with The Smith Street Band)
13 April 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (with The Smith Street Band)
14 April 2018 – The Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (with The Smith Street Band)
18 April 2018 – Giddy Goat Hotel, Rockhampton (with The Smith Street Band)
19 April 2018 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach (with The Smith Street Band)
20 April 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville (with The Smith Street Band)
21 April 2018 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with The Smith Street Band)
27 April 2018 – Discovery, Darwin (with The Smith Street Band)
28 April 2018 – Gap View Hotel, Alice Springs (with The Smith Street Band)
4 May 2018 – Saloon Bar, Launceston (with The Smith Street Band)
5 May 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
9 May 2018 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (with The Smith Street Band)
10 May 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave (with The Smith Street Band)
11 May 2018 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights (with The Smith Street Band)
12 May 2018 – Hawthorne Arts Centre, Hawthorn (Under 18s with The Smith Street Band)
13 May 2018 – Theatre Royale, Castlemaine (with The Smith Street Band)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Says Goodbye to “Throw Me In the River”

The Smith Street Band has crossed this wide brown land many times since releasing their third album Throw Me in the River. Now before they head into the studio to record its follow-up, they’re planning on touring the album across Australia and New Zealand one last time.

The album’s earned praise from punters and critics alike. The single “Surrender” made it to number 69 on the Hottest 100 and the band were named Best Live Band at The Age Music Victoria Awards. Showing their altruistic side, the Melbourne punk act also donated profits raised from the release of “Wipe That Shit-Eating Grin off Your Punchable Face” to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

The Smith Street Band is sending Throw Me in the River off with a bang. The talented Luca Brasi, Joelistics, and Jess Locke Band will play at all Aussie shows. Sorry New Zealand!

3 June 2016 – Metro, Sydney
4 June 2016 – Max Watts, Brisbane
10 June 2016 – Capitol, Perth
11 June 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 June 2016 – Max Watts, Melbourne
23 June 2016 – Kings Arms, Auckland
24 June 2016 – Great Job, Palmerston North
25 June 2016 – Moon 1, Wellington

Photo credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Sticks it to Tony Abbott

I generally have a bit of an aversion to songs with title containing profanity. Call me old-fashioned, but I generally feel like it’s unwarranted and uncreative, just there to shock rather than really making any clever point. So any song with bad language in the title has a hard time convincing me it deserves a place on this blog. The Smith Street Band’s latest single “Wipe That Shit-Eating Grin Off Your Punchable Face” did just that.

This is just the sort of thought-provoking music I love to hear. The true spirit of punk music runs through the lyrics which criticise Tony Abbott and his policies on asylum seekers. It all needed to be said. And it’s not just paying lip service to the issue either. All of the digital sales until the end of February and a large part of the physical sales will benefit the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, the country’s leading organisation for asylum seekers.

Digital copies are available now, and you can pre-order the 7” single through the Poison City Records store. This is one song worth supporting.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Frenzal Rhomb, Saskwatch, The Smith Street Band & More Play Australia Day Fundraisers

Now that those New Year shenanigans are behind us, we can start looking forward to the next big public holiday, right? Melbournians have their plans sorted with the fifth annual Australia Day weekend fundraiser concerts.

The first show, on January 25, will see Frenzal Rhomb, Saskwatch, Hoodlum Shouts, Hawaiian Islands, Rob Muinos, Have/Hold, Outright, and heaps more take the stage at Footscray’s Reverence Hotel. Then on January 26 The Smith Street Band, The Bennies, MC Joeslistics, Curse Ov Dialect, Fear Like Us, and others will play The Corner Hotel. These events look to fight ignorance, celebrate diversity, and rage against the negative attitudes so often exhibited on our national day.

The annual Australia Day weekend fundraisers have so far raised more than $25,000 for worthy charities. This year all profits will be shared amongst The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, The Refugee Council, and Oxfam.

Image source: The Global Panorama @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Tour New Album

I just love the honesty of The Smith Street Band. Every time I hear one of their songs I’m struck by its raw power. “I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore” is another one of those tracks that just floors me with its gutsiness. It’s just one of the many songs on the band’s newly released album Throw Me in the River.

There’s no smoke and mirrors here, so you know they’ve got to have a killer live show. And they’re aiming to bring it to as many people as possible in the New Year. Not people on the oft-neglected Central Coast mind you, but most Aussies will have a chance to see The Smith Street Band play classic cuts like this and so much more at the following gigs.

24 January 2015 – Railway Hotel, Darwin
28 January 2015 – Musicman, Bendigo
29 January 2015 – Barwon Club, Geelong
30 January 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
31 January 2015 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
1 February 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (Under 18s)
4 February 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
5 February 2015 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
6 February 2015 – The Hi Fi, Brisbane
7 February 2015 – Crowbar, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)
8 February 2015 – The Northern, Byron Bay
11 February 2015 – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
12 February 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
13 February 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
15 February 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (ALL AGES)
17 February 2015 – Mariners, Batemans Bay
18 February 2015 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
20 February 2015 – Party in the Paddock, Burns Creek
21 February 2015 – Railway Hotel, Fremantle
26 February 2015 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
27 February 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 February 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
1 March 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Remedy PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Reveals Recording Process in Behind-the-Scenes Clip

The Smith Street Band wrote songs for their new album Throw Me in the River in far-flung places including Winnipeg, Salt Lake City, London, New York, Calgary, and North Melbourne. But when it came to putting those tracks down, they looked to the solitude of the small Victorian town of Forrest.

Forrest has just 170 people, and many of them turned out to the local pub The Wonky Donkey to check out a surprise solo set from frontman Wil Wagner. On October 31, we’ll finally get to hear what they heard as Throw Me in the River hits stores. This video gives us a little sneak peek at the recording process.

I love the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle to record an album. They’ll be back in the thick of it in November though when they showcase Throw Me in the River at the following gigs.
19 November 2014 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
20 November 2014 –The Gov, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
21 November 2014 –The Hi-Fi, Brisbane (18+)
22 November 2014 –Manning Bar, Sydney (18+)
23 November 2014 – Zierholz @ UC, Canberra (18+)
28 November 2014 –Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
29 November 2014 –Rosemount Hotel, Perth (18+)