News – Page 3 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 03/03/202504/03/2025 by Lauren Katulka

One of One Marks 10 Years With Events Around Oz

One of One, a not-for profit organisation that supports and empowers female and gender non-conforming (GNC) people in the music industry, is celebrating 10 years with a series of breakfast events this month.

“We cannot believe it’s been 10 years of One of One!” said a One of One spokesperson. “We’ve grown from our humble beginnings with the help and support of our community, and the music industry. We still love what we do, and it’s as important now as it ever was. We have a team of incredible women and GNC people across the country who work with us, and we are so proud of being here for a decade and all of the people we’ve spotlighted through our events and interviews (over 400!). So many memories! And so much more to come.”

One of One’s 10th-anniversary events will feature keynote speeches, performances, and networking opportunities with some of Australia’s leading names in music. Keynote speakers include manager and promoter Kelsie Miller, former Albert Music head Fifa Riccobono AM, Indigenous musician and storyteller Dr Shellie Morris AO, and the one and only Tina Arena. One of One will also name the recipients of awards, grants, and scholarships worth $24,000 at every event.

Limited tickets are available for all the One of One 10th-anniversary events:

7 March 2025 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
12 March 2025 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 March 2025 – Botanic Garden Centre, Larrakia/Darwin
20 March 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
25 March 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
28 March 2025 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Darcy Goss

Posted on 13/02/202513/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH Celebrates Emerging Talent at the Gaso Tonight

Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH concert series has unearthed some massive talent including Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Halsey, and local Sounds of Oz favourites like Ishan, Carla Webhe, and Sophisticated Dingo. And it’s back for 2025! The first show kicks off tonight at the Gasometer in Naarm/Melbourne.

Sadly it’s an invite-only showcase for industry types so I can’t help you get tickets, but I can put the new artists on your radar. Fletcher Kent, Salty, and Lotte Gallagher will all share the spotlight tonight. So look them up and get across their music, because they’re definitely going places.

“I’m absolutely stoked to be joining Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH Backed by Vodafone!” Fletcher said. “Making the trip down to Melbourne to join Salty and Lotte Gallagher at The Gaso is going to be so fun. It’s an honour to be included in this discovery series and join a fantastic list of artists who have played it in the past.”

Fletcher, Salty, and Lotte have got plenty of fantastic music on the streaming services, so get amongst it. The exposure they receive from Live Nation might just be the boost that takes their careers to the next level.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on 10/02/202510/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Guitar Show Heading to New Home in March

The Melbourne Guitar Show is back for 2025 with a brand new venue and massive line-up featuring Dallas Frasca, Paul Dempsey, Gretta Ziller, and heaps more. You can see all two days of action at the Victoria Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Expect performances from guitarists of all genres and plenty of opportunities to buy from global brands and local luthiers. For the first time the show features a special Fender room and showcase of Aussie guitar brands. You can also improve your skills at the playing and songwriting workshops. With a licensed bar and plenty of food vendors, you can really make a day or two of this event.

“This will be an unmissable event for guitar fans,” assured the event’s product, Alex Masso. “You will just have to be there to see our new home and what we have planned for this year. We have picked up new ideas from our audience, brands, musicians and other events. Fans of the Melbourne Guitar Show will recognise it but we’re making the show even better for more people to enjoy.”

Check our the Melbourne Guitar Show at Melbourne Showgrounds on March 1 and 2. Tickets are on sale now from the event’s website. Get in quick, as discounted early bird tickets are available until February 12.

Photo credit: Jason Rosewarne

Posted on 14/01/202514/01/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Metro Social Makes Wednesdays Better With Metro A.i.R

By now you’re probably back at work after the festive period and slogging through the daily grind. The weekends, and the promise of live gigs, likely feel far too far away. But if you live around Eora/Sydney, they don’t have to be. Every Wednesday night, Metro Social hosts its new residency program, Metro A.i.R (Artists in Residence).

This month, Metro Social is celebrating Country’s Always Been Cool with exciting country stars Raechel Whitchurch tomorrow night, Denvah next Wednesday, and Kiwi artist Jenny Mitchell the Wednesday after that. In February the vibe switches with BNDT MNTN. Timothy Powles, AKA The Bandit, will play shows every week with special guests including the Beauty Queens,

YSKA, and William Bowden. Keep an eye on the Metro Theatre website to see all the latest announcements.

These shows are totally free but make sure you RSVP online to guarantee your spot. The action kicks off every Wednesday from 7:00 pm.

Photo credit: Scottb111, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 31/12/202430/12/2024 by Lauren Katulka

2024: Year in Review

It’s that time again when we get ready to pop the champagne and say goodbye to the year that was. I hope however you’re doing it, you have a wonderful new year. Before I draw a line under 2024, I wanted to take a look back at all of the concerts and albums that made this year so special. Here are my highlights for 2024. If I’ve missed any of your favourites, please let me know about them in the comments.

Top 10 Albums/EPs of 2024

Top 10 Concerts of 2024

Photo credit: Dave Clements @ Flickr

Posted on 05/12/202405/12/2024 by Lauren Katulka

Time for Rest and Recovery

I just wanted to let my readers know I was involved in a fairly serious car accident on Tuesday night which has left me nursing a broken collarbone and many bumps and bruises. So as much as I hate to do it, I’m going to have to step aside from the computer for a while and let my body heal. I’ll be back with all the Aussie music news and views you love as soon as possible.

Photo credit: Amaury Laporte @ Flickr

Posted on 20/11/202413/11/2024 by Lauren Katulka

Jack Nigro Making Noise With New Podcast

I don’t often write about podcasts here. In fact, I’ve not sure I’ve ever written about a podcast here! But we don’t often get new podcasts from Aussies as important to the music industry as Jack Nigro. The local producer, engineer, and studio owner has worked with some of the hottest bands around including The Amity Affliction, DMAs, Skegss, Middle Kids, Pacific Avenue, and The Terrys. And now he’s sharing his wisdom with his Make Your Own Noise podcast.

“This is something very close to me that I have wanted to do for a long time,” he said. “I have been blessed with so many great discussions with my professional peers over the years about how to work for yourself, creating and perfecting your art and the many challenges and vulnerabilities we all face, mostly working for ourselves in the creative industries.”

Make Your Own Noise aims to empower creatives, but honestly I think there’s a lot for anyone to glean from podcasts discussing overcoming imposter syndrome and coping with post-study overwhelm. He also speaks to some fascinating industry heavy-hitters like renowned promoter and festival organiser Paul Campbell. So regardless of what field you’re in, I recommend checking it out.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on 12/11/202412/11/2024 by Lauren Katulka

Fingerless Impress With Powerful Ballad, “Monster”

Fingerless’ new single “Monster” proves the old adage that the best things are worth the wait. This track has long been a highlight in the Meeanjin/Brisbane band’s sets for some time, but now the rest of the country gets to hear how good it is.

“It’s a pretty simple song, but a deeply personal one,” Fingerless frontman Marc Cheeseman said. “We’ve been playing this live for a long time, but I resisted recording it. Basically it’s about self-doubt. Maybe that’s why I didn’t want to record it…”

“Monster” is the latest track lifted from Fingerless’ as-yet-untitled fifth album. And the band’s already planning a sixth, which promises to see them experimenting with electronica. It sounds like we’ll have plenty of exciting and eclectic releases from this outfit in the future.

Photo credit: Jonny Pickvance

Posted on 31/10/202431/10/2024 by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy Free-kin Weekends at the Factory Theatre

I don’t know about you, but these warm weekends flip a switch in me. I stop wanting to hibernate and get excited about getting out and amongst it. If you’re looking for a fabulous way to spend your days off, check out Free-kin Weekends, a free outdoor courtyard music program that happens every Saturday and Sunday at the Factory Theatre in Eora/Sydney.

The events feature live music and local DJs as well as the Island Boys food truck and cold drinks from Hawke’s Brewing on tap. What could be better than that? Everyone’s welcome, including your human and furkids, so get out there and enjoy it.

Free-kin Weekends run at the Factory between 1 pm and around 7 pm every Saturday and Sunday through to March 2025. It’s completely free, but make sure you head to the Factory website and let them know you’re coming. Here are the bands already scheduled for the coming weeks. Keep an eye on the Factory website for the lineups as they’re announced.

2 November 2024 – ‘Outside’ – presented by Dog Days & Left Feels feat. Annika + Colin Ho b2b
Tim Mall + Loraio + Mimi J + Tom Bruce
3 November 2024 – Club Halifax + Final Girls + Great Job! + Drama Club
9 November 2024 – ‘Children Of The Hardcore’ feat. Spellbound + Showboat + Scotty G vs
Speedracer + Twisted Tony vs Stryka + Pebblez + Robin Banks + Majestik + Napoleon
SHN
10 November 2024 – Sounds of Sud B2B Birthday Bash feat. Dink93 b2b Disco Dan + Tommie Traxx + Brewer & Butler + House of Lowkey + Partigirl + Daniel Tonik
16 November 2024 – ‘Better Together’ feat. Simon Caldwell + Garth Linton + Gabriella Spritz + Veda b2b Alex Dowsing
17 November 2024 – ‘Mahico’ feat. La Payara + Senor Bolivar + Xuja + Cuerpo Negro
23 November 2024 – ‘Freakquency’ feat. Lui Raptor + Galaktik + more to be announced
24 November 2024 – Jasper and the Jokers + Maia Toakley + El Coyote + Eagle Ray
30 November 2024 – ‘Veer East’
7 December 2024 – ‘The Elements of Tech and Bass” feat. Annie B + Patto + Kinetictheory + Stefcon + D3W4N + Thierry D
15 December 2024 – Pricey + special guests

Images used with permission from Century

Posted on 02/06/202413/12/2024 by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Launches Anti Dismal For Under 18s

When I was a teenager, I was desperate to get into bars. I didn’t want to drink; I just wanted to see live music. Sadly opportunities to see bands outside local pubs and clubs were few and far between, and it’s still the case today. So I’m thrilled to see Ixara Dorizac, known as ixaras, is taking matters into her own hands. Not content with just making some incredible indie-rock music, the 16-year-old prodigy has launched her own label, Anti Dismal, to break down barriers and make live music more accessible for people of all ages.

“I, myself, have been limited from experiencing live music, and I just think that’s ridiculous. Kids need to hear and experience live things. They’re hormonal, and they need an outlet,” she said, and hell yes they do.

Anti Dismal aims to create, distribute, and promote music and manage and organise safe and engaging all-ages gigs. The label’s already partnered with DistroDirect in order to amplify its reach and impact.

“We’re thrilled to partner with DistroDirect,” Ixara said. “Together, we will continue to champion the importance of youth access to live music and provide a platform for emerging artists to thrive.”

To stay in the loop with all things Anti Dismal, make sure you follow the label on Instagram.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR