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

Kate Miller-Heidke is preparing to travel around Australia in her most extensive tour since 2009. The shows will see Kate playing tracks from her most recent album Nightflight as well as everyone’s old favourites.

Music lovers in the capital cities are in for a real treat as Kate will play churches and cathedrals as part of the Heavenly Sounds initiative. These intimate venues lend themselves to stripped back performances, so it’s exciting to hear Kate’s ditching a full band for shows with her long-time collaborator Keir Nuttall.

“I’m very much looking forward to being a part of Heavenly Sounds. It’s such a beautiful concept,” said Kate. “I haven’t sung in a church since high school, but they do tend to have very gorgeous voice-friendly acoustics.”

Fans in the regional centres aren’t missing out too much though. The venues aren’t quite as cool, but they’re still small and intimate. Kate is also visiting many towns she hasn’t played in for years.

“Of course I love playing in the capital cities, but there is something very special about the audiences in regional areas. It has been more than three years since my last big regional tour, so this one is long overdue,” Kate said. “These fans are hugely important to me, and I can’t wait to see them!”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

26 May 2013 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
28 May 2013 – St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane
30 May 2013 – Empire Church Theathre, Toowoomba
31 May 2013 – Gold Coast Arts Centre Theatre, Gold Coast
1 June 2013 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
5 June 2013 – St Joseph’s Subiaco, Perth
6 June 2013 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
7 June 2013 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
8 June 2013 – Margaret River Cultural Centre, Margaret River
11 June 2013 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
12 June 2013 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark
14 June 2013 – Flinders Street Baptist Church, Adelaide
15 June 2013 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
16 June 2013 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
18 June 2013 – GPAC Drama Theatre, Geelong
21 June 2013 – St Michael’s Church, Melbourne
22 June 2013 – The Capital, Bendigo
23 June 2013 – Westside Performing Arts Centre, Shepparton
25 & 26 June 2013 – Street Theatre, Canberra
27 June 2013 – St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Sydney
28 June 2013 – Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle
29 June 2013 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree

Image source Dan Gray, Graynoise / Used with permission from Jones PR

After warming up with gigs supporting Matchbox Twenty last year, Evermore are ready to headline their own national tour. It’s no small endeavour either, with the band planning to take in more than 30 locations across Australia during April, May, and June.

The Kiwi-expats will be taking songs from their new album Follow the Sun to fans around their adopted homeland. They’ll start the tour in their home base of Victoria before travelling around to music halls, band rooms, and iconic concert venues around the country.

“It’s the first time in nearly four years that Evermore has toured Australia to this extent; it’s long overdue!” exclaimed Jon Hume. “Peter and I are looking forward to playing this album live, along with the old favourites such as ‘Running’ and ‘Light Surrounding You’, to audiences all over the country.  We’re visiting places on this tour that we’ve never been before!”

With Evermore booked in to play American shows in July, this tour will be your last chance to see Evermore for a little while. Don’t miss out!

17 April 2013 – Star Bar, Bendigo
18 April 2013 – Trak Live,  Melbourne
19 April 2013 – Mac’s Hotel, Melton
20 April 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
21 April 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury
24 April 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 April 2013 – Yarra Hotel, Geelong
26 April 2013 – SSA Club, Albury
27 April 2013 – Mulwala Waterski Club, Mulwala
2 May 2013 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone
3 May 2013 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach
4 May 2013 – The Dalrymple, Townsville
5 May 2013 – The Jack,  Cairns
8 May 2013 – Noosa Surf Club, Noosa
9 May 2013 – Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton
10 May 2013 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
11 May 2013 – Spring Lakes Hotel, Brisbane
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

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

The patience of Something for Kate fans has been rewarded, with the band announcing their first extensive Australian tour in more than six years. In May and June they’ll play larger venues in the capitals than they have in ages, and make their long-awaited return to key regional destinations.

The Star-Crossed Cities tour will see Something for Kate showcasing material from their most recent album Leave Your Soul to Science and playing plenty of old favourites.

Something for Kate tours are known for selling out, so I wouldn’t hesitate too long before snapping up tickets to one of the following shows.

10 May 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
11 May 2013 – Pier Live, Frankston
16 May 2013 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
17 May 2013 – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi
18 May 2013 – Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane
24 May 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
25 May 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide
29 May 2013 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong
30 May 2013 – Bar on the Hill, Newcastle University
31 May 2013 – University of Canberra, Canberra
1 June 2013 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
7 June 2013 – Astor Theatre, Perth

Image used with permission from IMC Music

Jordie Lane isn’t a performer that does anything by halves. On his return to Australia next month he’ll play plenty of shows all over the country, including a string of folk festivals, gigs supporting Ruthie Foster, and his own headlining dates. In short, he’s going to be one busy boy!

The Movement tour comes after Jordie’s spent time regrouping in the recording studios of Los Angeles.

“It’s really good to stop for once,” he said. “I’ve been touring straight for two years and this few months off has got me understanding where I’m headed next. I’m taking my time to work out what I’m saying and how I’m trying to say it on this next record. ”

Hopefully fans will get a sneak peek at some material from Jordie’s new album at the upcoming shows.

8 March 2013 – Harvester Moon, Bellarine (with The Yearlings)
9 March 2013 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh
11 March 2013 – Moomba Festival, Melbourne
13 March 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide (with Ruthie Foster)
15 March2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (with Ruthie Foster)
16 March 2013 – Meeniyan Hall, Meeniyan (with Ruthie Foster)
17 March 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Ruthie Foster)
21 March 2013 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (with Ruthie Foster)
22-23 March 2013 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Yackandandah
24 March 2013 – Hills Are Alive Festival, South Gippsland
26 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber (with Ruthie Foster)
27 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton (with Ruthie Foster)
28 March 2013 – Memorial Hall, Bellingen (with Ruthie Foster)
29 March – 1 April 2013 – National Folk Festival, Canberra
13 April 2013 – The Four Leaf Sessions, Melbourne
14 April 2013 – Burke & Wills Winery, Mia Mia
18 April 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart
19 April 2013 – Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston
20 April 2013 – A Band On Boat, Adelaide
21 April 2013 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
25 April 2013 – Secret Show, Sydney
26 April 2013 – Gumball, Belford
27-28 April 2013 – Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay
1 May 2013 – Jet Black Cat Music in-store, Brisbane
2 May 2013 – The End, Brisbane
3 May 2013 – Live Lounge Series (Private), Brisbane
4 May 2013 – Planting Festival, Woodfordia
5 May 2013 – Coorabell Hall, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Jordie Lane Music

Madchester legends Happy Mondays are finally making their first visit to Australia.

It should be worth the wait for fans, as we’re getting the original line-up and the promise of plenty of classic tracks. While nostalgia is sure to abound we’re also likely to hear some new songs too, as the band have been in the studio recording an album which should hit stores later this year.

The highly anticipated tour will take in the East Coast capitals and Perth in May. Ticketek will sell tickets for the East Coast shows while Oztix will take over in The West. Get them from 9 am on January 23.

3 May 2013 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
4 May 2013 – UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney
5 May 2013 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
8 May 2013 – Capitol, Perth

Image used with permission from RiotHouse Publicity

I’m not saying that I advocate the drunkenness and debauchery that goes on at on nights like this, but I know that it happens. And I figure if you’re going to overindulge on New Year’s Eve, you might as well have a soundtrack. I also figure it’s probably my job as a music blogger to provide it.

So in the interest of giving the readers what they want, wrap your ears around “Young Drunk,” the new single from The Smith Street Band. It’s as ocker as they come, with rough vocals and the kind of chorus you know you’ll start belting out later on tonight.

This is also the first time The Smith Street Band have treated us to a music video. Sure, it’s no work of creative genius, but it does capture the energy that comes when this band hits the stage. The footage here was captured at the band’s Sunshine and Technology album launch at The Tote in August.

If it has you itching to see this band live, you’re in luck. They’ll hit the following venues next year!

31 January 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (18+)
2 February 2013 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (18+)
7 February 2013 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane (18+)
8 February 2013 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (18+ – FREE)
13 February 2013 – The Shed, Byron Bay (All Ages)
14 February 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (18+)
15 February 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (18+)
16 February 2013 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (18+)
21 February 2013 – The Royal Oak, Lanceston (18+)
22 February 2013 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
23 February 2013 – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
28 February 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (18+)
1 March 2013 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (18+)
2 March 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool (18+)

Sydney rock quintet Strangers will kick off 2013 with a national tour to promote their debut album Persona Non Grata.

It’s a gritty release, but one with real maturity that’s no doubt been helped along by seasoned producer Tom Larkin (Shihad, The Getaway Plan, Calling All Cars). As the title track shows, it rocks hard, but the melodic guitar riffs ensure it stays accessible.

The release of Persona Non Grata caps off a big year for Strangers, who enjoyed support slots with The Darkness, Good Charlotte, and Calling All Cars, and even sold out their own headlining show at The Lansdowne. The upcoming nine-date tour hints that 2013 might be just as epic!

31 January 2013 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
1 February 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
2 February 2013 – The Patch, Wollongong
7 February 2013 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
8 February 2013 – Workers Club, Melbourne
14 February 2013 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
15 February 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (FREE)
16 February 2013 – Amplifier, Perth
17 February 2013 – Indi Bar, Scarborough

Not content with shows at Byron Bay’s Bluesfest, Tony Joe White has decided to arrive in Australia early and play shows around the country.

Music lovers will be treated to the timeless tunes of the Swamp Fox, a bona fide music legend who’s been in the business for the last 50 years. I’m sure his sets will feature plenty of classics, but this won’t be just as nostalgia tour. Tony Joe released his most recent studio album The Shine in 2010. It scored rave reviews and proved Tony Joe’s
still got it.

Tickets for the following shows are available now from Love Police.

7 March 2013 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
8 March 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
9 March 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
10 March 2013 – Substation, Newport
13 March 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
14 March 2013 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
15 March 2013 – Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, Hurlstone Park
16 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
17 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
28 March 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide
29 March 2013 – Boogie @ Bruzzy’s Farm, Tallarook
30 March 2013 – The Deni Blues & Roots Festival, Deniliquin
31 March – 1 April 2013 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image source: Raul Mesa @ Wikipedia Commons

Justin Townes Earle has made so many trips to our fair shores that he’s virtually an honorary Aussie. So it’s unsurprising, yet still exciting, to hear he’s planning to play a string of dates along the East Coast next February.

It’s hard to work out exactly why Justin’s making his way here. He hasn’t released another album since he toured Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now last April. There’s no big blues festival in February to entice him. Perhaps it’s just a good excuse to introduce us to Robert Ellis, a Houston-based singer-songwriter who’ll make his Australian debut as Justin’s support act. Or perhaps Justin just loves Australia so much that he doesn’t need any reason to play for us.

You can see him doing just that at the following shows. Tickets are on sale now from Love Police.

2 February 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
3 February 2013 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (afternoon show @ 1:30 pm)
5 February 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
6 February 2013 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
8 February 2013 – Heritage Hotel, Thirroul
9 February 2013 – Milton Theatre, Milton
10 February 2013 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney
13 February 2013 – Lizottes, Newcastle
15 February 2013 – Capitol Theatre, Tamworth
16 February 2013 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
17 February 2013 – Byron Community Centre, Byron Bay
19 February 2013 – The Old Museum, Brisbane

Image source: Skot Nelson @ Wikipedia