Pierce Brothers & LULLANAS Team Up For “Wilder”

Our own Pierce Brothers have teamed up with another sibling duo, Philadelphia-based LULLANAS, for their latest single “Wilder.”

“’Wilder’ is a track that I have been so excited about for such a long time. I knew we could make something special with it! It’s a song about the passing of time while looking in the eyes of your child, and I wanted the vibe and energy to build up to the very best of what Pierce Brothers can do,” said Jack Pierce. “Taking the song from a quiet, thoughtful place to a rambunctious and raucous indie folk explosion was always the plan, but bringing in LULLANAS was an absolute game changer! Their spectacular vocals really added something that I didn’t know I was missing! They’ve been the best to work with!”

“Being able to collaborate with The Pierce Brothers all the way from Pennsylvania felt like crossing oceans without actually crossing them, making this collaboration extra special,” LULLANAS added. “We were so excited when Pierce Brothers invited us to collaborate on this track! Working with another twin duo was a unique experience. Hearing their voices blend seamlessly, and adding our layers to it, was truly cool. We adore the infectious energy and uplifting vibes of this song. The combo of upbeat melodies and positive tones really makes us want to hop in the car and drive for miles!”

“Wilder” is the fourth release from Pierce Brothers’ upcoming studio album Everything is Bigger Than Me, and it’s certainly ramping up the anticipation. The brothers recorded and co-produced the release (with Phil Threlfall) at Jack’s home studio, a process which provided some real perks.

“Being able to bring the team out to us and set up shop for a month without having to do setups each day or even really travelling to the studio was so freeing!” said Pat. “We were really able to dig into so many cool ideas and then sit with them over dinner, then get back into the studio to break them down and tear them apart! It was the best way for us to explore what we wanted to share!”

Everything is Bigger Than Me drops on March 28. Pierce Brothers will embark on a massive eight-month national tour with headlining shows and festival appearances to celebrate its release.

2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
3 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
14 March 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston
15 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 March 2024 – Hobart Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
30-31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
11 April 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
12 April 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
13 April 2024 – Riverview Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Tarwin Lower
14 April 2024 – Live in the Glen, Brayakaulung Country/Glengarry (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Kita Alexander and LAUREL Join Forces for “All Night”

Our own Kita Alexander has teamed up with UK pop starlet LAUREL for “All Night,” a feelgood track that’s bound to put a smile on your face. If there was ever a perfect pop song, this might be it.

“I honestly feel so privileged that LAUREL wanted to come into the studio with me on one of her only days off during her Aussie tour,” Kita enthused. “We’ve always been fans of each other’s music, so to meet for the first time while writing together was really cute. This song is about having that one friend who is always there for you and can pull you out of dark places. We really play on this sentiment as we alternate line for line in the chorus. On the first listen back we realised our voices actually have a really similar tone, but if you focus you can definitely differentiate us as we tag team the lyrics.”

“I have been a huge fan of Kita for a long time so it is such a dream to collaborate,” LAUREL added. “This track is so summery and playful, it’s actually my first duet. The chorus gives me a real Spice Girls vibe as we’re singing about leaning on our friends. It came about really naturally when I popped into one of Kita’s sessions, in the middle of my Australian tour. We only had four hours but the song kind of fell out of us really quickly! They’re always the best ones.”

“All Night” comes from Kita’s debut album Young in Love, which will hit the streaming services on March 22. To celebrate its release, Kita will hit the road with Jem Cassar-Daley and San Joseph. Talk about a stacked lineup! That’s in addition to a bunch of festival appearances in the lead up to those headlining shows. Here are those all-important dates!

10 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka Country/Carrick
9 March 2024 – Play on the Plains, Wamba Wamba and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin
10 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Stuart Park, Woolyungah/Wollongong
16 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ M.O. Moran Park, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
17 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Victoria Park, Ballaarat/Ballarat
20 March 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
23 March 2024 – Summersalt Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Sandstone Point
24 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Seppeltsfield Wines, Peramangk Country/Seppeltsfield
12 April 2024 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
13 April 2024 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 April 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
26 April 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
27 April 2024 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Tsarina Merrin

Rise Up With Stellar Moon’s Transcendent New Soul Single

Wednesdays can put you in a bit of slump, but proud Nyikina Jarndoo (woman) and First Nations artist Stellar Moon’s latest single “Rise” has just the right energy to get you over the hump. It’s an infectious funk-soul ditty with empowering lyrics that might just have you believing that you can accomplish anything. “Rise” comes from Stellar Moon’s forthcoming album PHASES, slated for release on March 7.

Speaking of the album’s inspiration, Stellar Moon says, “Just like the Moon, we all go through patches of both darkness and luminance in life, sometimes we bask in the light and sometimes we hang out in the shadow. It’s all needed and important. No matter what phase we are in, like the Moon, we are still always whole.”

This single celebrates that concept, with Stellar Moon noting that, “No matter what ‘phase’ you’re going through in life, just like the Moon, you’re always whole and just like the Moon, you too will RISE again!”

I don’t know about you, but reading Stellar Moon’s wise, positive words and how they relate to her music just makes me want to spend time basking in her aura. Stellar Moon has plenty of upcoming shows, so you might just get that chance!

8 February 2024 – Gallery Gardens, Kariyarra, Ngarla and Njamal Country/Port Hedland (FREE @ 6pm)
9 February 2024 – The Tambrey, Ngarluma/Karratha (FREE @ 7pm)
11 February 2024 – The Mermaid Hotel, Maurjuga/Dampier (FREE @ 5:30pm)
14 February 2024 – Regional Sounds, Yamatji/Geraldton (6:30pm)
16 February 2024 – Cutler & Smith, Yamatji/Geraldton (8pm)
17 February 2024 – Kakka Alley Brewing Co, Jurien Bay Yamatji (6pm)
18 February 2024 – Jurien Beach Café, Yamatji/Jurien Bay (FREE @ 2pm)
22 February 2024 – One L of a Good Feed, Yamatji/Carnamah (FREE @ 8:30pm)
23 February 2024 – King Road Brewery Co, Noongar Boodja/Oldbury (FREE @ 7pm)
24 February 2024 – The Fremantle Fibonacci Centre, Walyalup on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja/Fremantle (6:30 pm)
25 February 2024 – The Rosemount, Boorloo on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja/North Perth (6pm)
29 February 2024 – The River Hotel, Wardandi Boodja/Margaret River (7pm)
1 – 4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup
7 March 2024 – Porongurups Hall, Minang Country/Porongurup (6:30pm)
8 February 2024 – Stirling Club Albany, Menang Noongar Boodja/Albany
9 March 2024 – The Dam, Menang Noongar Boodja/Denmark (FREE @ 1pm)
10 March 2024 – Wilsons Brewery Bar @ Menang Noongar Boodja/Albany (FREE @ 1pm)
14 March 2024 – Gatsbys Skyline, Murram Noongar Boodja/Manjimup (6:30 pm)
15 March 2024 – Brewhous, Margaret River/Wardandi Boodja (FREE @ 4:30pm)
16 March 2024 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River/Wardandi Boodja (FREE @ 9:30pm)
17 March 2024 – Caves House, Wardandi Boodja/Yallingup (FREE @ 6pm)
27 April 2024 – Convention Centre Chinatown, Rubibi/Broome (ALBUM LAUNCH)

Photo credit: Hazel Blake

Sir Archer Give Me Chills With “Heed the Call”

I can’t remember the last time I heard a song as cool as “Heed the Call,” the latest track from Eora/Sydney act Sir Archer. The press release bills them as an indie-rock band, but there’s a whole lot of soul about what they do here.

“‘Heed The Call’ was inspired by an interaction we had with a stranger late one night who, in a moment of vulnerability, told us about the recent loss of his father. This moment formed the realisation that life happens quickly and time is fleeting,” the band explained. “This song is our statement to listen to those around you. Through experiences, we grow and sometimes we wish we could teach our younger selves or even send a message of hope that time heals.”

Sir Archer have just announced their biggest East Coast tour to date, so if you’re as into this song as I am, you know what to do. Get those tickets pronto!

16 February 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Warrang/Wollongong (FREE)
24 February 2024 – Felons Brewery Co, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
25 February 2024 – Hound & Stag Brewing Co, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE)
3 March 2024 – Brunswick Hotel, Durring/Brunswick Heads (FREE)
8 March 2024 – The Polo, Ngunnawal/Canberra
10 March 2024 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubimba/Newcastle
14 March 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne
15 March 2024 – The Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong
21 March 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Whitlams Black Stump Flips “You Sound Like Louis Burdett”

As a longtime Whitlams fan, I’ve really enjoyed hearing what the new Whitlams Black Stump act does with the band’s classic songs. Seeing them live in late 2022 was brilliant, and the releases just keep on coming. The latest is actually a revamped version of my all-time favourite Whitlams track, “You Sound Like Louis Burdett.” The Spaghetti Western style is a world away from the sound that made me fall for this song, but it surprisingly works!

This latest cut comes from the Whitlams Black Stump’s debut album Kookaburra, which is out on March 8. There are also plenty of full band gigs and shows with Tim and Ollie performing as the Black Stump Duo. If the date you’re interested in isn’t on sale yet, you’ll be able to get tickets from February 8.

8 March 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 March 2024 – Blazes @ Wests Tamworth, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
10 March 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
25 April 2024 – Hotel Victor, Ramong/Victor Harbour (Black Stump Duo)
26 April 2024 – Hopgood Theatre, Tainbarang/Noarlunga
27 April 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 May 2024 – Playhouse, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra (Black Stump Duo)
2 May 2024 – Springlake Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Black Stump Duo)
3 May 2024 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
4 May 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 May 2024 – Piano Room, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (Black Stump Duo)
8 May 2024 – Piano Room, Ballaarat/Ballarat (Black Stump Duo)
9 May 2024 – Piano Room, Djilang/Geelong (Black Stump Duo)
10 May 2024 – Kindred Bandroom, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Yarraville
11 May 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
16 May 2024 – Wilder, Palawa Country/Gowrie Park (Black Stump Duo)
17 May 2024 – Royal Oak, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston (Black Stump Duo)
18 May 2024 – Forth Pub, Tommeginne Country/Forth
19 May 2024 – Longley International Hotel, Palawa Country/Longley
23 May 2024 – Resin Brewery, Bulla Bulla/Bulli (Black Stump Duo)
24 May 2024 – Tallagandra Hill, Candariro/Gundaroo (Black Stump Duo)
25 May 2024 – Qirkz in the Hunter, Wonnarua Country/Abermain (Black Stump Duo)
26 May 2024 – Dangar Island Bowling Club, Darug and Darkinjung Country/Dangar Island (Black Stump Duo)
30 May 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
31 May 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
1 June 2024 – Avalon RSL, Guringai Country/Avalon

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Bobby Alu Serves Up Classic Reggae with “Ready For Your Love”

Bobby Alu is spreading summer vibes with his cool new single “Ready For Your Love.” This is classic “lovers rock” reggae, the kind of music that luminaries like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and Horace Andy used to make in the late 70s. If you’re a fan of the genre or you just want to feel good, make sure you turn this one up.

“The band and I love reggae from the 70’s and 80’s,” Bobby said. “This song was never planned. We were at the studio working on some other tracks. After dinner we weren’t quite ready to finish. I showed them a chorus idea and we all jumped in bouncing ideas off one another. I had recently had a conversation with a stranger about how they were looking for love desperately and this exchange inspired the lyrics. Hours went by and we left that night with a new track in the bag. Spontaneous creative moments like this are some of my absolute favourite times in the studio. Time goes and you find your flow.”

Bobby will make the most of the summer sunshine with plenty of shows this month. But that’s not all; a tour with online personality Breakfast Shirts, which will see Bobby playing morning shows in regional cafes, is also in the works. If you know the perfect place for one of those shows, make sure you share on Bobby’s Instagram page. For now, here are all the places you can see him play:

8 February 2024 – Golden Vine Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (supporting Ash Grunwald)
9 February 2024 – The Yarraville Club, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Yarraville (supporting Ash Grunwald)
11 February 2024 – The Memo, Wurundjeri Country/Healesville (supporting Ash Grunwald)
17 February 2024 – URBNSURF, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
18 February 2024 – SoFar Presents, Wadawurrung and Gadubanud Country/Anglesea
22 February 2024 – Maleny Community Centre, Nalbo and Dallambara Country/Maleny (featuring Foloi Iulia)
22 February 2024 – Majestic Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Pomona (featuring Foloi Iulia)
24 February 2024 – Coolum Civic Centre, Inabara Country/Coolum (featuring Foloi Iulia)
25 February 2024 – Eudlo Hall, Kabi Kabi Country/Eudlo (featuring Foloi Iulia)
27 February 2024 – City Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Free lunchtime show featuring Foloi Iulia)

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Sienna Skies Release Emotional New Single, “Don’t Let Me Go”

Eora/Sydney emo rockers Sienna Skies have just dropped their latest single “Don’t Let Me Go,” a killer song which the press release describes as the band’s “most emotional and heartfelt track to date. It’s certainly hit me in the heart.

“From the last time we released music to now, we have been through one of the toughest periods of all our lives. We lost family, best friends, pets, and more. It felt like there was just one heartbreak after another,” recalled Sienna Skies frontman Thomas Perozzi. “We sat on the chorus for a long time. It was a tough song to write, and was something we couldn’t rush. I had tears in my eyes when we finally finished the song, and when I looked around the room, I wasn’t the only one.”

“Don’t Let Me Go” is the latest single released from Sienna Skies’ forthcoming EP Only Change is Permanent, which drops on March 8. Its release will coincide with plenty of local shows, including gigs supporting metalcore legends Of Mice and Men and headlining dates. Catch them anywhere you can.

23 February 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney
25 February 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
27 February 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 April 2024 – Crown & Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 April 2024 – Bergy Band Room, Naarm/Melbourne
3 May 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 May 2024 – The Burdekin, Eora/Sydney
18 May 2024 – Amplifier Bar, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Shotgun Mistress Release Rocking New Single “Jude Judas” Ahead of Glam Fest

If you long for the good old days when Aussie pub rock ruled the airwaves, “Jude Judas,” the latest track from Shotgun Mistress, will be right up your alley. This is a balls to the wall rocker that sounds best turned up to 11.

“Jude Judas” gives us our first taste of Shotgun Mistress’ sophomore album, due for release in June. They’ll also tour the East Coast as part of Glam Fest Australia 2024 with Slaughter, Lynch Mob, H.E.A.T., and Vixen’s Janet Gardner. You can check out that stacked line-up at one of the following venues:

16 February 2024 – Melbourne Pavilion, Naarm/Melbourne
17 February 2024 – Mansfield Tavern, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Alana Wilkinson Releases Beautiful Modern Lullaby, “Dream Big”

I barely have a maternal bone in my body, but I feel there are few things more pure and beautiful than the love a mother has for her child. So while I’m never going to have my own kids, I’ve found totally and utterly captivated by Alana Wilkinson’s new single “Dream Big.” Alana wrote the song in the neonatal intensive care unit as her new son Rafferty slept on her chest.

“Raffy was born extremely prematurely at 24 weeks and put up a big fight for 92 days in hospital until he was finally big and strong enough to come home,” she recalled. “Throughout the terrifying experience I found solace in daydreaming of our future together; wishing on birthday cakes, singing to the trees and exploring the beauty and the chaos of the world waiting just beyond the hospital window.”

She might have a little one now, but Alana is not slowing down. Catch her at one of the following shows in the coming months.

25 January 2024 – Bobin School of Arts Hall, Birbay Country/Bobin (with Ryan Young – SOLD OUT)
26 January 2024 – Coramba Community Hall, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coramba (with Ryan Young)
27 January 2024 – Whiporie Community Hall, Badjalang Country/Whiporie (with Ryan Young – SOLD OUT)
28 January 2024 – Wardell Memorial Hall, Badjalang Country/Wardell (with Ryan Young)
9 February 2024 – Cardinia Cultural Centre, Kulin Country/Pakenham (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
10 February 2024 – COPACC, Gulidjan Country/Colac (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
11 February 2024 – Kyneton Town Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Kyneton (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
23 February 2024 – Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International @ Pershing Stage, Kansas City
1 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
15 March 2024 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
16 March 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
17 March 2024 – Forge Theatre, Wy-Yung/Bairnsdale (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)

Photo credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Claire Anne Taylor Floors Me With “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground”

Claire Anne Taylor has one of those female voices that you just don’t hear in 2024. It’s raw, earthy, weathered. Richly textured, hinting at a life that’s been lived. Above all, it’s utterly unforgettable. The press release describes it as “the voice of Tasmania.” If that’s the case, I’ve got to listen to more of the women making music in Tassie. Take a listen to her latest song “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground” and you’ll hear exactly what I mean.

This song comes from Claire’s album Giving It Away, set for release on February 16. “This album is a deeply personal one for me, and comes from a huge time in my life; following my son’s diagnosis with Angelman Syndrome. I guess you could say I took all my grief and anger and put it into my music and this has been my therapy and an escape of sorts.”

Claire will give music lovers plenty of opportunities to see her play in the coming months. Make sure you catch her when she’s in your hometown.

27 January 2024 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2024 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
16 February 2024 – Three Brothers Arms, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
17 February 2024 – Allendale East Hall, Boandik Country/Allendale East
18 February 2024 – The Dart & Marlin, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
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

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity