Aussie pop-rock wild child Abbe May is celebrating the recent release of her Kiss My Apocalypse album with her national tour.

The follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut Design Desire, the follow-up sees Abbe moving from retro, reverb-drenched music to a more stripped back approach. The guitars are turned down and the vocals move to the fore. However happily the attitude that made us sit up and take notice remains.

“Pop is sexy when done well and it’s incredibly difficult to do it well if you try too hard,” says Abbe. “We wanted to get away from music that took itself too seriously. I’m so tired of this whole shoe gaze – it-cost-a-lot-of-money-to get-a-haircut-that-looks-like-I-haven’t-brushed-my-hair-in-months type shitt. “Artists” in denial that they are basically just entertainers. Being an entertainer is more meaningful if you ask me. It’s not such a selfish pursuit.”

Expect plenty of entertainment and sass when Abbe embarks on her Kiss My Apocalypse tour.

1 June 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
2 June 2013 – State of the Art @ Perth Concert Hall, Perth
13 June 2013 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane
14 June 2013 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
15 June 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide
21 June 2013 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
22 June 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

You probably couldn’t find more different acts than Erykah Badu and Suicidal Tendencies, yet the musicianship of bassist Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner has been an integral part of both of their sounds. He’s also an accomplished solo performer, and on the eve of the release of his sophomore album Apocalypse, he’ll bring his smoking live show to his Australia.

That album won’t hit stores until July, but we get a taste of what’s in store with the silky smooth single “Heartbreaks + Setbacks”. Its easy groove and those sexy vocals have totally won me over.

If you love what you hear, make sure you catch this stellar artist on his all too brief Aussie tour this June.

7 June 2013 – The Forum, Melbourne
8 June 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
9 June 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Niche Productions

Allow yourself to be charmed by the simplicity of Tom West’s debut single “Jonathan’s Farm.” Head over to Triple J’s Unearthed page where you can stream it, and download a free copy.

This is music as it should be, with expert fingerpicking of an acoustic guitar and lyrics that set such a vivid scene. If this single’s any indication, Tom’s album A Spark in the Dark will be a real treat when it hits stores in August.

Fans can get a sneak peek of some of the songs when Tom tours the single around the country. That launch tour kicks off for his hometown fans in Adelaide this Sunday night.

19 May 2013 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
5 June 2013 – The Front Bar, Canberra
6 June 2013 – Dowse Bar, Brisbane
7 June 2013 – The Newsagency, Sydney
8 June 2013 – The Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
4 July 2013 – Ya Ya’s, Perth

Image source: Tom West website

It’s taken a little time to reenter the limelight, but Adam Martin’s determined that he won’t be forgotten once the new Voice finalists are named. The season one graduate is making his mark with a new single “In My Dreams”.

The husky tone and unique delivery that turned Keith Urban’s chair and inspired millions of us to vote shines through this song. If you think this pop-rock ditty sounds a little Evermore-esque, you’d be right. Adam penned the song in collaboration with the band’s Jon Hume.

It seems Adam’s found a fan in the Kiwi-born singer, as Jon’s also taken Adam on the support act for Evermore’s latest tour. A few dates have passed, but you can still catch Adam and Evermore at the following shows.

15 May 2013 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
16 May 2013 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
17 May 2013 – Players Bar, Mandurah
18 May 2013 – The Charles, North Perth
23 May 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
24 May 2013 – Revesby Workers Club, Revesby
25 May 2013 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
26 May 2013 – Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
29 May 2013 – ANU Bar, Canberra
30 May 2013 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
31 May 2013 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
1 June 2013 – Waves, Wollongong

I can scarcely believe it’s been almost two years since I reviewed Owls of the Swamp’s stellar album Go With River. I hadn’t realized how much I missed his gentle folky tunes until I heard the man his mum calls Pete Uhlenbruch is back!

I don’t just mean with a new single either, although “The Hypnotist” is gorgeous. What an apt name for a song that serves as a kind of modern lullaby. It’s made even sweeter with heavenly guest vocals from Marketa Irglova, who folk fans will know from her time working with Glenn Hansard on The Swell Season.

No, I mean Owls of the Swamp is planning to be back on home soil by the end of the month. “Owls” spends most of his time in Europe, but he’ll return to Australia for a quick tour to celebrate the single release. Here are all the places folks in the major capitals can see him play!

30 May 2013 – The Newsagency, Sydney
31 May 2013 – The Hideaway, Brisbane
2 June 2013 – The Workers Club, Melbourne (afternoon show)

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

If you thought the retro surf rock celebrated by The Break had a limited shelf life, think again. The band featuring former members of Midnight Oil, The Violent Femmes, and Hunters & Collectors are hitting the road to showcase the songs from their recently released second album, Space Farm.

They’ve honed these songs on the live stage with sets at Bluesfest and supporting Rodriguez, so they should be in fine form when they kick off the following headlining shows.

30 May 2013 – Caravan Music Club @ Oakleigh RSL, Oakleigh
31 May 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury
1 June 2013 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
2 June 2013 – The Studio @ Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
22 June 2013 – The Standard, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Inland Sea cofounder Jeremy Hunter is stepping out on his own with the recent release of his debut self-titled EP. The EP is a collection of acoustic guitar-driven folk-rock tunes that should delight fans of the genre. It includes this gorgeous single, “Picking Up the Pieces”.

Less than a month after touring the United Kingdom with Inland Sea mid-2012, Jeremy holed himself up in the mountains outside Brisbane with his pal and producer Konstantin Kersting. They spent three days out of the bustle of the city, crafting the five songs that would become this release. Jeremy impressively played every instrument on the recording to ensure the tracks captured exactly what he hoped to express. Some might call him a control freak; I think the approach is genius.

Jeremy will launch the EP with a show for hometown fans at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge on May 26, and another at St Kilda’s Prince Public Bar on May 31.

Do you remember when the word punk was never paired with the word pop? Do you long for the days when this genre of music was all about expressing social upheaval and political unrest? If you do, then chances are you’re going to care that punk pioneers MDC (Millions of Dead Cops) are heading to Australia for the very first time.

This tour is long overdue. MDC formed way back in 1979, and self-released their self-titled debut album in 1982. They raged about Reagan-era America and fought for freedom and equality until they split in 1995. They took a few years off before regrouping in 2000 to continue the fight.

The current lineup includes founding members David Dictor and Ron Poser, the band’s bassist since 2008 Mike Smith, and brand new drummer Jesse Cobb. See them celebrating their legacy at the following shows.

13 August 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane
14 August 2013 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
15 August 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 August 2013 – Hermann’s Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer Todd Rundgren will celebrate four decades of hits with a string of shows in Australia this winter.

As well as honouring his extensive back catalogue, Todd will also introduce fans to his latest work State, which will hit stores in May. This is Todd’s 24th solo album, and it proves he’s not fading away.

Todd’s assembled a stellar collection of musicians to join him on stage including keyboardist John Ferenzik (Jefferson Starship), guitarist Jesse Gree, drummer Prarie Prince (Jefferson Starship, The New Cars), and bassist Kasim Sultan (Blue Oyster Cult, Utopia). Enjoy a night of true musicianship at the following shows.

17 July 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide
19 July 2013 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights
20 July 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Hotel
21 July 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
23 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
25 July 2013 – Bridge Hotel, Balmain
26 July 2013 – Whitlam Theatre @ Revesby Workers, Revesby
27 July 2013 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Did you know the legendary Bobby Womack is heading to our shores? After playing guitar for Sam Cooke and collaborating with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sly & The Family Stone, Janis Joplin, and George Benson, Bobby’s announced his first headlining shows Down Under.

It’ll be a case of blink and you’ll miss him, but these shows have all the majesty you’d expect from someone of such class. Bobby and his thirteen-piece backup band will play Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on May 21 before heading to the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid LIVE on May 24 and 25.

Image used with permission from Niche Productions