Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits Blow Me Away With “Paper Boats”

I’ve got chills listening to “Paper Boats,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based country-soul duo Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits. It offers a delicious taste of what’s in store when the pair drop their sophomore album, Say What You Mean, next month.

I can’t stress how good this is. I’m not sure why they’ve slipped under my radar, but after hearing “Paper Boats” I’m not going to forget them in a hurry. The vocals are so strong, and Jessie-Lee’s distorted Gretsch guitar is absolutely epic. Honestly, I’ve listened to it four times in a row and I’m just about to press play again. We’ll hear more new music from Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits’ when Say What You Mean drops on April 12. They’ll play the following shows around the country to support its release.

7 April 2024 – Summer Sapphic @ Little Foot, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Footscray
24 April 2024 – TBA, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
3 May 2024 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat
4 May 2024 – Trashcult Records, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
9 May 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston (FREE)
10 May 2024 – TBA, Nipaluna/Hobart
11 May 2024 – MONA, Nipaluna/Hobart (FREE)
17 May 2024 – The Grace Emily, Tarntanya/Adelaide
18 May 2024 – The Stone Pony, Wirruwarrungga/Willunga
24 May 2024 – Tanswells, Baarmutha/Beechworth (FREE)
25 May 2024 – The Old Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
30-31 May 2024 – Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, Gweagal Country/Cronulla
1 June 2024 – The Golden Barley, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
2 June 2024 – The Junkyard, Wonnarua Country/Maitland (FREE)
15 June 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
22 June 2024 – Odessa Leavers Hotel, Dja Dja Warrung Country/Creswick

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

King Ibis Start “Cooling Embers” Single Tour Tonight

Boorloo/Perth-based indie-pop/rock act King Ibis have got my toes tapping with their latest single “Cooling Embers.” This song is just so effortlessly cool, with killer vocals from Nadene Burchell.

She says “‘Cooling Embers’ is about feeling disillusioned with pursuing a career as an artist and the moments of uncertainty. It also is about the drive to continue finding the things that make me feel inspired and connected to the people I get the opportunity to share the experience with.”

King Ibis have been doing big things in their home city, including opening for Coldplay late last year. Now music lovers on the other side of the country get the chance to see what they’re all about with their first East Coast tour kicking off tonight. That’s right Meeanjin/Brisbane, cancel all your plans because you won’t want to miss them!

14 March 2024 – Stranded Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 March 2024 – Booty Block Party @ The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Camperdown
17 March 2024 – Y&O Sundays X GSN @ North Gong Hotel, Dharawal/Wollongong (FREE)
21 March 2024 – Espy Basement, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda (FREE)
20 April 2024 – Mojos Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle (official single launch)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Grace Cummings Wows Me With “Common Man”

Absolute force of nature Grace Cummings has just released “Common Man,” a fantastic bluesy number about daring to be different.

“This song is about being a colourful bird and never, ever wanting to be a pigeon,” she said. “Somebody I used to know wrote a song called common man about working nine to five and coming home and having a cup of tea and going to bed and it made me want to have a fucking panic attack. I wish I could tell people it was about riding off into the distance on the back of a white horse with a Cowboy in Austin Texas, but it’s not.”

“Common Man” is the latest single from Grace’s new album Ramona, which will be released on April 5. She’s just announced a string of headlining shows in the United States. After that she’ll head to the United Kingdom and Europe to play her own dates and support King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, but hopefully she’ll be back on home soil really soon.

1 May 2024 – Gold Diggers, Los Angeles
4 May 2024 – Shaky Knees Music Festival @ Central Park, Atlanta
5 May 2024 – Cat’s Cradle Back Room, Carrboro
7 May 2024 – DC9, Washington
8 May 2024 – Arden Gild Hall, Wilmington
9 May 2024 – Public Records, Brooklyn
15 May 2024 – Forest National, Brussels (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
16 May 2024 – Stadthalle, Offenbach (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
18 May 2024 – Forum Karlin, Prague (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
19 May 2024 – Arena Wien, Vienna (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
20 May 2024 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
21 May 2024 – Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
23 May 2024 – AFAS Live, Amsterdam (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
24 May 2024 – The Lexington, London
25 May 2024 – Wide Awake Festival @ Brockwell Park, Herne Hill
26 May 2024 – Olympia, Liverpool (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
27 May 2024 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh (SOLD OUT – supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
29 May 2024 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
30 May 2024 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
31 May 2024 – We Love Green @ Bois de Vincennes, Paris
2 June 2024 – Maifeld Derby @ Maimarktgelände Mannheim, Mannheim
3 June 2024 – Import Export, Munich
4 June 2024 – Unaltrofestival @ Circolo Magnolia, Milan (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
7 June 2024 – La Boule Noire, Paris
7-9 June 2024 – Best Kept Secret Festival, Hilvarenbeek
12 June 2024 – Bergenfest @ Bergenhus Festning, Bergen

Photo credit: Tajette O’Halloran

You & Me Drop “In the Middle” Ahead of EP Release and Aussie Tour

I’m buzzing over the release of Between You & Me’s latest single “In the Middle.” This pop-rock ticks all the boxes, delivering big chords, relatable will-they-won’t they relationship lyrics, and a hook that refuses to quit.

“In the Middle” is the latest single from Between You & Me’s forthcoming EP, SH!T YEAH, which drops on April 5. The lads are currently wowing crowds across North America, but they’ll be back to play headlining shows on home soil in May. Make sure you see them anywhere you can!

13 March 2024 – Marquis Theatre, Denver
15 March 2024 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
16 March 2024 – The Loving Touch, Ferndale
17 March 2024 – Ace of Cups, Columbus
18 March 2024 – Mahall’s, Lakewood
20 March 2024 – Hard Luck, Toronto
21 March 2024 – Empire Underground, Albany
22 March 2024 – Brighton Music Hall, Boston
23 March 2024 – Le Poisson Rouge, New York
24 March 2024 – Ottobar, Baltimore
25 March 2024 – Foundry @ The Fillmore, Philadelphia
27 March 2024 – Canal Club, Richmond
28 March 2024 – Amos South End, Charlotte
29 March 2024 – The Masquerade (Hell), Atlanta
30 March 2024 – The Abbey, Orlando
2 April 2024 – Sons of Hermann Hall, Dallas
3 April 2024 – Paper Tiger, San Antonio
5 April 2024 – Rebel Lounge, Phoenix
6 April 2024 – Chain Reaction, Anaheim
17 May 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
18 May 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 May 2024 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
24 May 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Max Pasalic

Flight Path Theatre Hosts Theatre and Bands for Broke Down Music Box

For nine days this month, the Flight Path Theatre in Bulanaming/Marrickville will host an arts festival with a difference. Each night of Broke Down Music Box, which runs from March 21 to 30, will see a performance of “Cowboy Mouth”, a one-act play from Sam Shepard and punk trailblazer Patti Smith, followed by live music from some of the area’s best independent bands.

“Cowboy Mouth” is an urban fable about a woman who kidnaps a young man at gunpoint to make him a pop prophet, “like a rock-and-roll Jesus with a cowboy mouth.” Critics have described it as “a sizzling, surrealistic 70 minutes”, and “weird, wild, and rather wonderful.” Directed by Anna Houston, Natassa Zoe and Austin Hayden star in the production. Then each show will close out with one of the following acts.
21 March 2024 – Dande and The Lion (Preview)
22 March 2024 – Dande and The Lion (Opening Night)
23 March 2024 – Day Release
24 March 2024 – The Bernies
26 March 2024 – Georgie Jones
27 March 2024 – Locked in Lummo
28 March 2024 – The Polymics
29 March 2024 – Dear Scarlett
30 March 2024 – Elysae

Flight Path Theatre is at Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Bulanaming/Marrickville. Tickets for the Broke Down Music Box events are on sale now from the theatre’s website.

James Reyne Guitarist Josh Owen Impresses With “Hold Your Breath”

As a keen James Reyne fan, I’ve been impressed by the guitar prowess of Josh Owen for some time. So my hopes were high for the release of his new solo single, “Hold Your Breath.” Believe it or not, this bluesy rock is even better than I imagined.

If you like what you hear, strap yourself in for plenty more from Josh. He’ll release his debut album, As the Night Falls, in August. Before that he’s got a couple of headlining shows to support the singles. He’ll also play a solo set before rejoining James Reyne Band at all the upcoming Crawl File tour shows. Here’s everywhere you can see Josh in the coming months.

8 March 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting James Reyne)
9 March 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting James Reyne)
11 March 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (supporting James Reyne)
23 March 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting James Reyne)
7 April 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote (1pm single launch with Nick Barker)
11 April 2024 – Vanguard, Eora/Newtown (single launch)
12 April 2024 – Sunken Monkey, Darkinjung Country/Erina (supporting James Reyne)
13 April 2024 – Toronto Hotel, Awabakal Country/Toronto (supporting James Reyne – SOLD OUT)
27 April 2024 – The Forth Pub, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth (supporting James Reyne)
28 April 2024 – Longley Hotel, Muwinina Country/Longley (supporting James Reyne)
10 May 2024 – Dee Why RSL, Gadigal Country/Dee Why (supporting James Reyne)
11 May 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (supporting James Reyne)
24 May 2024 – Corowa RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Corowa (supporting James Reyne)
25 May 2024 – SS&A, Bungambrawatha/Albury (supporting James Reyne)
7 June 2024 – The Charles, Boorloo/Perth (supporting James Reyne)
8 June 2024 – The Charles, Boorloo/Perth (supporting James Reyne – SOLD OUT)
19 July 2024 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Kabi Kabi Country/Bundaberg (supporting James Reyne)
20 July 2024 – Brolga Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Maryborough (supporting James Reyne)
26 July 2024 – Twin Towns, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads (supporting James Reyne)

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Joe Mungovan Critiques Modern Life With “Cyclone”

Joe Mungovan continues his musical evolution with the release of “Cyclone.” It’s a world away from the laidback romantic tunes that turned me on to his music, but it’s so cleverly written and sonically interesting that I just don’t care. I’m sure it’ll turn off some of the fans he made in the start of his career, but I love listening to the twists and turns his career’s taking.

“Cyclone” comes from Joe’s forthcoming album SUGAR, CANDY, LIPS, which drops on March 15. He’ll waste no time taking these songs on the road.

“We knew (the band and I) that we couldn’t wait to get these songs in front of a crowd as soon as we were recording them – they’ve got big, electric energy that screams for a live audience to get amongst it and have a boogie,” Joe enthused. “We’re stoked to return to some old haunts on this East Coast line up, and play some new venues too. The boys in the band absolutely kill it and while this is our most ambitious headline tour yet, and we are itching to get on the road and bring the show to a city near you.”

Joe will play a string of shows with The VANNS before kicking off his headlining tour. Here are all the dates. You know what to do!

29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
5 April 2024 – Stag and Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
6 April 2024 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
19 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
20 April 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne
28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley
3 May 2024 – It’s Still A Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo Credit: Ben Develin

Sophian Get the Party Started With “Dance With Me”

Friday might be still too far away, but I think it’s always a good time for dancing. If you agree, you’ll want to take some time to cut loose listening to Sophian’s new track “Dance With Me.” This is an irresistible cut from a band that’s quickly establishing themselves as one of Boorloo/Perth’s hottest up-and-coming acts.

“When I started to write this song, I had just come out of deep conversations with two people I really love, about their feelings of their own self-worth and how they were struggling to see that,” explained frontman Sophian Manik of the song’s inspiration. “I wanted them to know how amazing and special they are and how they just needed a little push to know this.”

Sophian have some big things in the pipeline, with some choice local supports, slots at Nannup Music Festival and Booty Block Party, their first East Coast tour, and a big single launch party all happening over the next few weeks. Get out and support them anywhere you can.

22 February 2024 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth (supporting No Cigar)
24 February 2024 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough (supporting RubyHoo)
1-3 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup
14 March 2024 – The Royal Bondi, Eora/Bondi (FREE – RSVP at OzTix)
16 March 2024 – Booty Block Party @ The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Camperdown
17 March 2024 – North Gong Hotel, Dharawal/Wollongong
21 March 2024 – Espy Basement, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
6 April 2024 – Mojos Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle (single launch)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Between You & Me Coming in Hot With “In the Middle” Single

Between You & Me are one of the best pop-punk acts around, so I’m pretty psyched to hear they’ve got a whole bunch of new music coming our way. They’ve just dropped their latest single “In the Middle,” which offers a taste of what’s in store when they release their new EP SH!T YEAH on April 5.

“‘In The Middle’ is about the realisation that your relationship is over,” said vocalist JT. “The strong joy and excitement you once brought to each other’s lives had been replaced with fighting, bitterness and a complete breakdown in communication. Even despite this, you both yearn for it to work out and dream of the better times. You break up, you get back together, and the cycle continues, despite both recognising you had grown apart as people and the trust for each other was irreparable. The song encapsulates the slow breakdown of a relationship and the acceptance in moving on.”

Between You & Me seem set for global domination. They’re currently playing gigs in the United Kingdom and will head to North America in March to headline shows on the continent for the very first time. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them back on Aussie soil. Until then, international readers, make sure you check them out at a venue near you.

22 February 2024 – Joiners, Southampton
23 February 2024 – Underworld, London (SOLD OUT)
24 February 2024 – Asylum, Birmingham
7 March 2024 – SOMA Sidestage, San Diego
8 March 2024 – Echoplex, Los Angeles
9 March 2024 – Cornerstone, Berkeley
11 March 2024 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City
13 March 2024 – Marquis Theatre, Denver
15 March 2024 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
16 March 2024 – The Loving Touch, Ferndale
17 March 2024 – Ace Of Cups, Columbus
18 March 2024 – Mahall’s, Lakewood
20 March 2024 – Hard Luck, Toronto
21 March 2024 – Empire Underground, Albany
22 March 2024 – Brighton Music Hall, Boston
23 March 2024 – Le Poisson Rouge, New York
24 March 2024 – Ottobar, Baltimore
25 March 2024 – Foundry @ The Fillmore, Philadelphia
27 March 2024 – Canal Club, Richmond
28 March 2024 – Amos South End, Charlotte
29 March 2024 – The Masquerade, Atlanta
30 March 2024 – The Abbey, Orlando
2 April 2024 – Lone Star Room, Dallas
3 April 2024 – Paper Tiger, San Antonio
5 April 2024 – The Rebel Lounge, Phoenix
6 April 2024 – Chain Reaction, Anaheim

Photo Credit: Max Pasalic

“Giving It Away” – Claire Anne Taylor

Claire Anne Taylor may just be the greatest singer you haven’t heard of yet. I know that sounds like an incredibly bold claim, but press play on her latest album Giving it Away and see if you don’t agree with me.

I’ve had this album on repeat since its release on Friday, and I think I love it a little more each time. It’s such a strong collection of songs. Each one is well-crafted, skillfully written with turns of phrase that speak to the heart and bring you to your knees. They come from such an honest place. You can hear the connection between Claire Anne and her musicians. This isn’t music made to sell records or promote a brand. It’s authentic, organic, raw, and real. And then there’s Claire Anne’s voice, like cigarettes and whiskey, so textured and compelling, full of soul and passion.

Giving it Away is an album that explores love, loss, grief, and acceptance. Writing and recording this material became a kind of therapy for Claire Anne as she struggled to process her 14-month-old son’s recent diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome. Others might retreat after such a blow, but not Claire Anne. This album bears the scars of that tumultuous period, but also her warrior spirit.

Giving it Away doesn’t shy away from the darkness. Tracks like “Lay You Down In the Cold Hard Ground” and “Giving It Away” are heart-breaking. But they’re balanced so well with lighter fare like “Dance With Death” and “Keep on Truckin’.” This album takes you on a journey through the entire human experience, and it’s beautiful.

I haven’t heard an album like this, or a voice like Claire Anne Taylor’s, in such a long time. It’s special. Take a listen, and if she’s anywhere near you, make sure you get out and see her play. Something tells me she might be even more amazing live.

22 February 2024 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
23 February 2024 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
24 February 2024 – Archies Creek Tavern, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
25 February 2024 – Sedgwick Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Sedgwick
28 February 2024 – The Ellington, Boorloo/Perth
29 February 2024 – The Buffalo Club, Walyalup/Fremantle
1-4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
16 March 2024 – Sandy Point Community Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point
17 March 2024 – The Old Gaol, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 March 2024 – Tomerong Hall, Yuin Country/Tomerong
23 March 2024 – Frank’s Wild Years, Dthirrawell/Thirroul
24 March 2024 – Petersham Bowls Club, Eora/Sydney
30 March – 1 April 2024 – National Folk Festival, Ngambri/Canberra
18 April 2024 – Upper Lansdowne Hotel, Upper Lansdowne
20 April 2024 – Lowanna Community Hall, Burgong/Lowanna
26-28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
3 May 2024 – Jetty Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
4 May 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Brunswick
5 May 2024 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin
10 May 2024 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah
11 May 2024 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 May 2024 – The Majestic Theatre, Karura/Pomona

Images used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity