Melbourne Guitar Show Announces Top Acts for 2019

You can always count on the Melbourne Guitar Show to deliver a stellar line-up of talent, and this year’s event is no different. We’ve got local legends Ash Grunwald, Sarah McLeod, Stars (featuring Mal Eastick, Nick Charles, and Roger McLachlan, Dave Leslie, and Lloyd Spiegel along with American guns Keith Merrow and Dennis Jones, plus stacks more. And that’s all just in the first announcement!

In addition to performances from all these acts, attendees can browse the massive guitar gear expo, attend information seminars and demonstrations, and so much more. There are always some surprises too. Last year Harts, Darren Middleton, Bec Sandridge, and Dan Sultan made unannounced appearances. Getting some tickets is the only way to see what happens this year!

“It’s exciting to see the show develop each year and add value to the live music industry,” confirmed one of the show’s organiser, Rob Walker. “We are proud to present such a broad range and quality of guitars, amps and gear from the big brands to local artisans. And each year we get to put together a program of live music featuring the considerable talents of our guitar community. It’s a great weekend for anyone into music, particularly guitars.”

The Melbourne Guitar Show will rock Caulfield Racecourse on August 3 and 4. Tickets are on sale now via the show’s website. As it’s run by the not-for-profit Australian Music Association, any proceeds will help provide services to the Australian music industry.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

New Zealand’s Shapeshifter Announces Headline Shows

It seems Subsonic won’t be the last we’ll see of Shapeshifter. The soulful Kiwi drum and bass act will return to our shores early next year to headline shows celebrating the recent release of album number six, Stars.

The album features the single “Her” and 10 other tracks which push the band’s stadium-sized sound to new heights. You can hear its tracks and plenty of old favourites at the following shows.

31 March 2017 – Metro City, Perth
1 April 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 April 2017 – Parkwood, Gold Coast
6 April 2017 – Triffid, Brisbane
7 April 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
8 April 2017 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Maples Cures Mondayitis with “Stars”

It’s notoriously difficult to get moving on a Monday, but “Stars,” the gorgeous debut single from Sydney songbird Maples, may add some spring to your step.

This is such a fun song. It’s unapologetically pop, but it’s also got a real theatricality about it that I love. I also love the lyrics, which speak about overcoming suppression and breaking free. Maples co-wrote “Stars” with Julian Hamilton of The Presets, which may explain why it’s got hit written all over it.

“Stars” is the first track to be lifted from Maples’ forthcoming debut album. Do you dig it?

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado