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

“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

Vaultboy Announces First Aussie Tour

Whenever I get a press release about an up-and-coming artist touring, I love to fire up Spotify and listen to their music. If I’m not into it, I won’t write about it. You all deserve better than that. Imagine my surprise when I entered in vaultboy’s name into my search to discover I’d already “liked” one of his songs. As I pressed play on “everything sucks,” it all came back to me. As I type, I’m listening to more of his music and getting incredibly tempted to snap up a couple of tickets to his upcoming shows.

After all, you can guarantee that when he comes back he won’t be playing the intimate bars he’s gracing this time around. He’s generating some serious buzz at the moment. Rolling Stone named him the King of Sad Songs while SiriusXM’s Hits 1 said he was “one to watch.” He’s also notched up more than 250 million streams across all platforms. Nearly 3.5 million people listen to him every month on Spotify and he’s got close to 2 million followers on TikTok.

Which all means that if you want tickets to vaultboy’s first Australian tour, you’d better get onto it when they go on sale on Tuesday at 11 am. They will not last.

6 June 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney (18+)
8 June 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (ALL AGES)
9 June 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Angus & Julia Stone Celebrate Love With “The Wedding Song”

Valentine’s Day may be behind us for another year, but I’m a firm believer that you should keep romance alive every day. So on that note, I wanted to bring you Angus & Julia Stone’s latest single “The Wedding Song.” The single is so charming, but then you add in the music video, which features footage from their fans’ weddings … let’s just say it’ll warm even the coldest of hearts.

“‘The Wedding Song’ was originally written for a friend’s wedding years ago. Since then, we’ve been honoured to play it at several friends’ and family’s weddings, including our mum’s, and we received so many requests from fans for a proper recording to use on their special day, so we decided to make that happen,” the siblings shared. “We chose it as the first single from our upcoming record because it’s all about love. The song is a celebration of love and human connection. In a world that can feel disconnected and frightening, we want to share something that reflects the beauty of how humans choose to treat each other, love each other, and make promises to build something beautiful together.”

“The Wedding Song” is the first track lifted from Angus & Julia Stone’s sixth album Cape Forestier, which will be released on May 10. It sees the duo going back to basics with songs that focus on storytelling and simple arrangements. They’ll support its release with the Living Room Sessions tour, a series of intimate shows in beautiful theatres all around the world which let the new music and old favourites shine.

12 April 2024 – Zermatt Unplugged, Zermatt
14 May 2024 – Palau de la Musica, Barcelona
15 May 2024 – Kursaal, San Sebastian
17 May 2024 – Palacio Municipal de Ifema Madrid, Madrid
20 May 2024 – Philharmonie, Cologne
21 May 2024 – Den Atelier, Luxembourg
22 May 2024 – Theatre Sebastopol, Lille
23 May 2024 – Cite des Congres, Nantes
26 May 2024 – Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin
27 May 2024 – Beacon, Bristol
28 May 2024 – Royal Albert Hall, London
31 May 2024 – Spardawelt Freilichtbuhne, Stuttgart
1 June 2024 – Laeiszhalle, Hamburg
3 June 2024 – Cirque Royal, Brussels (SOLD OUT)
4 June 2024 – Cirque Royal, Brussels
6 June 2024 – Le CEPAC Silo, Marseille
9 June 2024 – Admiralspalast, Berlin (SOLD OUT)
10 June 2024 – Admiralspalast, Berlin
11 June 2024 – Carre, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT)
12 June 2024 – Carre, Amsterdam
14 June 2024 – L’Olympia, Paris (SOLD OUT)
15 June 2024 – Grand Rex, Paris
21 June 2024 – Place des Arts – Theatre Maisonneuve, Montreal
22 June 2024 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
23 June 2024 – The Town Hall, New York
26 June 2024 – The Centre, Vancouver
27 June 2024 – Fox Theatre, Oakland
29 June 2024 – Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles
3 August 2024 – Kiri Te Kanawa, Auckland
6 August 2024 – QPAC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 August 2024 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
9 August 2024 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
15 August 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

“Yours Forever” – Jessica Mauboy

Jessica Mauboy has one of the best voices in the country. It’s undeniable. She’s been wowing us since she stepped out in front of the Australian Idol judges as a shy teen in Alice Springs. But what isn’t said enough is what a talented songwriter she is. Yet that’s what really struck me on listening to her latest album Yours Forever.

“Yours Forever is me at my truest self, comfortable in my skin, not comparing myself or trying to be someone or something that anyone expects me to be,” Jess says. “When you strip it all back, musically it’s beautiful melodies, storytelling lyrics, rhythms that connect with the soul, and it has a depth that I’ve never gone to or shared before.”

She wrote and recorded these songs on home soil, and perhaps that’s helped her better connect to the music. Perhaps she’s just a bit older and wiser these days. Either way, it works. This album has the floor fillers that Jess is famous for but these fierce anthems have a lot more depth than most of the music that tops the dance charts. “Never Giving Up” is a powerful call to arms in the wake of last year’s No vote. “The Loneliest I Ever Was” is such a poignant look back at the wrong relationship. Hindsight is always 20/20, but it’s rarely brought to life in such technicolour detail. Those high-energy numbers are perfectly balanced with gentle ballads. The past also inspires “Whitney,” a gorgeous song which recalls the power of the musical icons who lifted her up through hard times. “I’m Sorry” is such a beautiful love song which acknowledges that a good relationship isn’t always easy. This is really Jess’ album, with Jess’ stories, but there’s a little space for some choice collaborations. “Give You Love”, featuring fellow Voice judge Jason Derulo, is undoubtedly catchy, but it’s not as moving as “Little Too Late,” featuring Miiesha. The chemistry of these two powerhouse First Nations women is off the charts. There are so many brilliant moments on this album though, it almost feels unfair to single any of them out.

Jess Mauboy has an incredible voice, but plenty of people have incredible voices. What sets her apart is the way that she can share her stories through incredibly crafted songs. That’s what makes Yours Forever a great album, one that has encouraged me to keep listening.

Jess wraps up a string of instores today before embarking on her Yours Forever national tour next month. Limited tickets are still available, but I wouldn’t wait too long before securing yours. Once everyone hears this album, they’ll want them too!

14 February 2024 – Westfield Fountain Gate instore, Boonwurrung Country/Narre Warren (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunai Country/Traralgon (SOLD OUT)
13 March 2024 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul (SOLD OUT)
15 March 2024 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
16 March 2024 – Palais Theatre, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
17 March 2024 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Country/Bendigo
21 March 2024 – West Tamworth League Club, Kamilaroi Country/West Tamworth
22 March 2024 – Newcastle Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
23 March 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
5 April 2024 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
6 April 2024 – MECC, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 April 2024 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
9 April 2024 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Kabi Kabi Country/Bundaberg (SOLD OUT)
11 April 2024 – Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
12 April 2024 – HOTA Theatre, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
13 April 2024 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
18 April 2024 – Crown Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
20 April 2024 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Garramilla/Darwin
24 April 2024 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 April 2024 – Princess Theatre, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston (SOLD OUT)
27 April 2024 – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Nipaluna/Hobart
2 May 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury (SOLD OUT)
3 May 2024 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
4 May 2024 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Wandi-Wandandian Country/Nowra (SOLD OUT)

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Jacob Fitzgerald Releases Atypical Love Song “Sophia”

We all know Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday and we should be keeping romance alive all year round, but I think it’s also kind of nice to take the day to celebrate love. In honour of February 14, Jacob Fitzgerald has released his brand new single “Sophia.” It starts as a classic tale of boy meets girl, but this is no ordinary love song.

“Sophia’ is a simple premise: a man falls in love with a woman, but the woman does not fall in love with the man. It’s the tale of a heartbreaker,” Jacon said. “After absorbing the Nashville music scene in early 2023, I came home with the original riff and hook for ‘Sophia’ tattooed on my mind. The enhanced blues-rock-inspired nature of my music consumption gave birth to a song I knew I NEEDED to write. As someone who feels deeply, in my mind, Sophia is distant, hurt and cautious with who she lets love her.”

Jacob has some choice supporting slots coming up. Make sure you arrive early enough for his set if you have tickets to any of these shows:

28 February 2024 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Struts)
9 March 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney (supporting Pacific Avenue)
22 March 2024 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Jack Botts)
23 March 2024 – Downtown Shepparton, Kanny-Goopna/Shepparton (supporting Jack Botts)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

THE VANNS Announce Mini-Festival As Part of Next Week’s Regional Tour

The VANNS’ regional tour just got even cooler. Fans in Woolyungah/Wollongong have just had their show upgraded to a mini-festival. Curated by The VANNS, the Bring it on Home Festival will feature some of their favourite local acts including Tyne-James Organ, The Moving Stills, Surely Shirly, The Colliflowers, and GOSH. And after all that fun, punters will still get a headlining set by hometown heroes, The VANNS!

“We’ve always wanted to put on a hometown mini-festival show in the Gong and have some of our best mates/favourite artists be apart of it, The VANNS enthused.

Tickets for that event and all the other shows on The VANNS’ upcoming tour are on sale now. This tour marks the first time The VANNS have played in many of these regional centres, so you won’t want to miss it.

22 February 2024 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
23 February 2024 – Westernport Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/San Remo
29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
2 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
8 March 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
9 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
10 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
15 March 2024 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
16 March 2024 – Moonshiners Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2024 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie
22 March 2024 – Basement, Ngambri/Canberra
23 March 2024 – Bring it on Home Festival @ Waves, Woolyungah/Wollongong
28 March 2024 – King St Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
4 April 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
5 April 2024 – Dalrymple Hotel, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
6 April 2024 – Edgehill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
18 April 2024 – Cleveland Sand Hotel, Quandamooka/Redlands
19 April 2024 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
20 April 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Photo credit: Jye Talbot

Oliver Cronin Drops Fire New Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

Following a massive 2023, Oliver Cronin looks set to do it all over again with the release of his latest single “Hello Goodbye.” The release of this dark pop banger comes ahead of his very first headline tour.

“’Hello Goodbye’” is the first song I linked with Nick and Skimmy on in LA. They saw something in me in that session that I hadn’t seen in myself,” Oliver shared. “It’s a song that is sonically in this early 00s alt pop space that I never would have thought of making if I hadn’t linked up with them. In the same room we wrote ‘Hello Goodbye’, the guys wrote ‘The Nights’ with Avicii. We talked about creating something like that track that became a timeless record, and capture the feeling that song gives you. Nick and Skimmy ended up playing a pivotal part in the album, so this track was the start of that journey together.”
Oliver will play all-ages shows in the East Coast capitals next month. Tickets are still available, but don’t be surprised if they don’t last long!

7 March 2024 – Marys Underground, Eora/Sydney
9 March 2024 – MIC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 March 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Satoru Takamatsu

Troy Cassar-Daley Previews New Album With “Let’s Ride” Single

You always know you’re in such good hands when Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Troy Cassar-Daley drops new music. In May he’ll release his 12th studio album Between The Fires, but he’s giving us an early taste with the release of a new single “Let’s Ride.” Featuring guest vocals from Kasey Chambers, it celebrates Troy’s love of cars and the freedom the open road provides. Like the other songs from Between The Fires, Troy wrote this song after the loss of his parents, when he found himself as a personal and professional crossroads.

“The new album was recorded at my late mum’s old place at Halfway Creek and is incredibly special on many levels. It’s the place I moved to when my Nan Daley died in 1979 and where I lived for many years,” Troy explained. “The reason I wanted to record there was that after losing Mum and going back with a very heavy heart, I started to write songs. I started to feel that this was the centre of my musical universe again, just like it was growing up. I came to realise that I still have music in me. All I had to do was return to the well and that record collection in our old house on beautiful Gumbaynggirr country which soothed me during my sorry business. I want this album to reflect that there isn’t a more powerful place in the world than a childhood home. To know Mum was there in spirit to help guide this record was a true gift.”

Between The Fires is slated for release on May 10. Troy’s got a couple of festival appearances coming up before its release, when he’ll embark on a national tour.

16 – 18 February 2024 – Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Bibbulmun Country/Boyup Brook
16 April 2024 – QMF Outback Trails, Kunja Country/Cunnamulla
30 May 2024 – RSM Club, Djanangmum/Casino
31 May 2024 – Twin Towns, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
6 June 2024 – Country Club, Dunghutti Country/South West Rocks
7 June 2024 – CEX, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
8 June 2024 – Yamba Bowls, Yaegl Country/Yamba
9 June 2024 – Coronation Hall, Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl Country/Coutts Crossing
13 June 2024 – Gulgong Bowling Club, Wiradjuri Country/Gulgong
14 June 2024 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
15 June 2024 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
28 June 2024 – Boab Festival, Nyiginka Country/Derby
29 June 2024 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Rubibi/Broome
12 July 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 July 2024 – Old Mill, Bukartilla/Hahndorf
14 July 2024 – Big Easy Radio, Kaurna Country/Aldinga Beach
19 July 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
2 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
3 August 2024 – The Factory, Eora/Sydney
9 August 2024 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
10 August 2024 – Milton Theatre, Yuin Country/Milton
16 August 2024 – Commercial Club, Bungambrawatha/Albury
17 August 2024 – Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
11 – 13 October 2024 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
18 October 2024 – The River Hotel, Wooditup/Margaret River
19 October 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
20 October 2024 – Bridgetown Pottery, Geegelup/Bridgetown
8 November 2024 – Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 November 2024 – Butter Factory, Bunurong Country/Kingston
10 November 2024 – The Dag Pub, Turrbal, Garumngar and Jinibara Country/D’aguilar
21 November 2024 – Bairnsdale RSL, Gunaikurnai Country/Bairnsdale
22 November 2024 – Noojee Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Noojee
23 November 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
24 November 2024 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Anglesea

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia