Category: Festivals

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jelly Oshen Releases Laid-back Lockdown Tune, “Bordalonely”

As the working week winds down, Cairns-based Jelly Oshen is bringing the chill vibes you need. His new single “Bordalonely” is a cool mix of R&B and indie-pop in the vein of Frank Ocean and Rex Orange County. He describes it as “island flava”, and who am I to argue? It sounds so smooth, but that’s more a testament to the quality of Jelly’s voice than technical wizardry.

“Most of my music is recorded at home with my stepdad,” he admitted. “My writing process is just making a poem and then creating a good music genre melody to fit, or vice versa. I was bored in lockdown and kinda lonely. My mum was imposing her own self-isolation on us, above and beyond any government rules, and this track sprung from that.”

Jelly Oshen has already supported some of the country’s hottest talents including Tones & I, Dami Im, and Ben Lee. Next up he’ll play a couple of cool festivals. Make sure you catch his set at the following events.

21 May 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie
19 November 2022 – Rolling Hills Festival, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Bridie J Egan @bridies.journal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With The Faim’s Latest Track “The Hills”

The Faim have got to be one of the best Aussie rock acts most locals haven’t heard of yet. Every song they release is a winner, and their latest track “The Hills” is no exception. Crank it up, because this is one of those numbers best experienced loud.

“’The Hills’ is a song which touches on anxiety and the desire to go back to that place where you can reconnect with yourself and take a breath,” explained guitarist and songwriter Sam Tye. “For Josh and I, the Perth hills is one of these places and after two years of being on the road, coming home gave us a moment to reflect on the sometimes-overwhelming experiences you have whilst touring. I hope this song helps people find that place for themselves.”

If like me you’re still dreaming of a WA holiday, The Faim’s new music video can take you there. It features beautiful footage of the Perth landscape alongside footage of the band doing what they do best.

“’The Hills’ music video involves a stylistic representation of life inside the band,” added Sam, who created the video’s concept. “The driving connects to life on the road and experiencing the world through a moving window as they travel to their next destination. In certain moments we see live performance represented and in others we see snapshots of personal creativity, drawing back the curtains of life in a band and its perpetual motion.”

2022 is set to be a big year for The Faim. Their new album will drop and they’ve already earned spots on the lineups of some of the United Kingdom and Europe’s hottest summer festivals. They’re also preparing to announce headlining shows in the United Kingdom and Europe really soon.

3 June 2022 – Rock am Ring, Mendig Deu
5 June 2022 – Rock in the Park, Mendig Deu
11 June 2022 – Download Festival, Leicestershire
18 June 2022 – Rock for People, Hradec Kralove

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Satin Cali Deliver With “Fool”

Satin Cali are one of Wollongong’s best-kept secrets, selling out multiple headline shows in their hometown. However, with the release of their latest track “Fool,” it’s time for the rest of the country to catch up. This is such a good rock track, I can’t stop listening.

“Fool is a failed love story, taking inspiration from the perspective of letting someone go, only to realise later that they may have been perfect for you all along, and living with the regret of letting that person go and watching them move on without you. Constantly questioning what could have been and the what-ifs of everything in between, while reminding yourself how foolish you can be,” the band explained. “We decided to accompany these lyrics to a more upbeat, happy-ish instrumental piece we had been working on, to counteract and balance the song out a bit and hopefully give a different perspective to the “broken heart” stereotypical tune we all have heard before.”

Satin Cali have a stack of shows coming up including festival appearances and dates with The Terrys, if coronavirus doesn’t get in the way. Here are all the places you can (hopefully!) see them play!

21 January 2022 – The Red Steer Hotel, Wagga Wagga (with The Terrys)
22 January 2022 – Wombarra Bowlo, Wombarra (with The Terrys)
29 January 2022 – Full-Time Festival @ Ron Costello Oval, Shoalhaven
4 February 2022 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Terrys)
5 February 2022 – Hotel Westwood, Melbourne (ALL AGES – with The Terrys)
11 February 2022 – Thirsty Chiefs Brewing Co, North Lakes (with The Terrys)
4 March 2022 – University of Canberra, Canberra (with The Terrys)
24 March 2022 – Jive, Adelaide (with The Terrys)
26 March 2022 – Milk Bar, Perth (with The Terrys)
27 March 2022 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with The Terrys)
3 April 2022 – Yours & Owls @ Stuart Park, North Wollongong

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Chris Frape Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston Back in the Spotlight With “Small Town”

I remember James Johnston as a contestant on Australian Idol and The X Factor. Since that time away from the reality TV spotlight, he’s carved out an impressive career as a country music artist. He’s amassed more than 5 million streams, topped country radio and the Spotify Fresh Country playlist, and had his song “Raised Like That” used on more than 8,000 TikTok videos. If, like me, you’re not across his latest tunes his current single “Small Town” is the perfect reintroduction.

“I wrote ‘Small Town’ on the drive back home to my hometown of Wingham. I had been spending quite some time in the city and I was just so excited to get back to my family farm. I wanted to capture that feeling of excitement and anticipation in the song – that build-up as I was on that drive to get back home,” James explained.

The video captures the simple pleasure of gathering with friends around a country bonfire. It was produced by Elijah Cavanagh (Cavanagh Films) and shot on the outskirts of Gatton, in Queensland.

“The storyline follows the journey of a young country guy who was working in the city returning to his roots,” James added. “We threw a big party with a bunch of friends and just captured the magic.”

James is earning a reputation for his live shows after sets at Bush to Bay Festival, Savannah in the Round, and Pro Bull Riding events. You can see him doing his thing at the following upcoming shows:

26 March 2022 – PBR Australia @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
9 April 2022 – Supagas Canowindra International Balloon Festival @ Canowindra Showgrounds, Canowindra
30 April 2022 – Road to Rodeo @ Longreach Showgrounds, Longreach
27 May 2022 – Beach & Boots Festival @ Breakwall Holiday Park, Port Macquarie
2 October 2022 – Savannah In The Round Festival @ Kerribee Park, Mareeba

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunset Sounds Heading to Victorian Vineyard

I don’t know about you, but I need gigs to look forward to. My concert calendar is looking pretty bare, and I find myself pulling out of plans I’ve already made because it seems like the safest option right now. Perhaps that reluctance to lock things in sees plenty of great tickets available for Rochford Wines’ Sunset Sounds. Because with a line-up featuring some of Australia’s most beloved acts, it should already be sold out.

This bill is stacked, with Daryl Braithwaite, Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano, The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Ross Wilson, Thirsty Merc, Chocolate Starfish, Wendy Matthews, The Chantoozies, and Bjorn Again all set to entertain Victoria crowds. Despite this, there are tickets available in all categories, including in all those fancy pants VIP sections. That’d be what I’d opt for. After all, it’s probably been so long since you’ve bought tickets for anything you can justify the splurge!

“Since establishing Sunset Sounds three years ago and selling out multiple shows in QLD and NSW, we are beyond excited to blow those Covid blues away, bringing a celebration of non-stop hits with a who’s who of classic Aussie rock (with a touch of ABBA) to the iconic Yarra Valley,” said Empire Touring’s Director and certified vibe creator, Marc Christowski.

“It is so thrilling to once again – after what seems like an eternity – share a stage at The Rochford Wines Sunset Sounds concert with Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano, The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Thirsty Merc and more,” added Daryl Braithwaite. “It is going to be so good.”

Sunset Sounds hits Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley on February 26. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Release Rocking Comeback Single “Ease My Mind”

I raved about Perth rock act The Faim back in 2019, but like so many bands in the last couple of years they fell off my radar. The pandemic saw everyone slow down, but they’re coming back with a vengeance with their new single “Ease My Mind.” Think world domination and a little something for local fans too.

But back to the song. What a welcome return this is. The band’s bassist, keyboardist, and songwriter Stephen Beerkens says he wrote the track while struggling to process the changes the pandemic brought.

“’Ease My Mind’ was written last year, during a very unpredictable period of my life,” he explained. “Unable to do the things that meant the most to me, I found myself dealing with stress and emotions I’d never experienced. During this time, I was constantly looking for someone or something to lean on and wrote ‘Ease My Mind’ about processing and dealing with these emotions.”

The Faim will head to Europe in the summer to play some big festivals including Rock am Ring and Rock in the Park in Germany, Download in the UK, and Rock for People in the Czech Republic. They’re also planning 15 headline shows across the UK and Europe. But don’t worry Aussies. They won’t forget you. I hear they’ll be supporting a big local act on their national tour next year. I’m sworn to secrecy, but you’ll want to start saving up for tickets!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunset Sounds Announce Amazing Bill for Hunter Valley and Mornington Shows

With all of New South Wales either under stay-at-home orders or facing other restrictions and Victoria still smarting from countless lockdowns, I think we could all do with something to look forward to. Thank god for the team, from Sunset Sounds who promise to bring great music to outdoor venues in both states this summer.

The line-up is stacked with Kasey Chambers, Pete Murray, Xavier Rudd, Ben Lee, and Josh Pyke all on the bill. Expect laidback vibes and a whole lot of fun, with music scheduled from the afternoon through the evening.

“I’m stoked to join the lineup for Sunset Sounds festival on Wonnarua Country (Hunter Valley) and to share some new music on stage. It’s an exciting time for people, a time to reset, a time for gratitude, a time to remember how lucky we are that we can celebrate life, love, music etc so freely in this magical country that we get to call home. And it’s been a very long time since I’ve been to the Mornington Peninsula and I’m stoked to be traveling there for Sunset Sounds festival. This is gonna be special day on magical Bunurong country, let’s light it up!! Can’t wait!” said Xavier Rudd.

Sunset Sounds hits Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley on November 20 before travelling to Hastings Foreshore Reserve in the Mornington Peninsula on November 28. Tickets for both shows are available now through Ticketek. These will be COVID-safe, over 18s shows. If organisers need to postpone, all ticket holders can transfer their tickets to the new date or claim a full refund.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurricane Fall Get Crossover Country Sound So Right With “Another One More Time”

Hurricane Fall were formed in Tamworth, but with a move to Newcastle they seem to be embracing a crossover-country sound. Their latest track “Another One More Time” is sure to appeal to people who love blasting Keith Urban and Morgan Evans.

“Another One More Time is a song about the undeniable connection that simmers below the subconscious,” explained the band’s singer and bass player, Pepper Deroy, “until the catalytic combination of booze and loneliness bring on an explosion of emotion that has you reaching for the phone … just one more time …”

If you think it sounds good in the studio, just wait until you see these guys live. They pride themselves on performing, and after recently playing regional New South Wales they show no signs of slowing down. Catch them on the stages of the following festivals in the coming months.

2 July 2021 – Hats Off to Country @ West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
3 July 2021 – Bush to Bay Festival @ Bay Central Tavern, Hervey Bay
27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor Creek State Forest, Gympie
1 & 2 October 2021 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
3 October 2021 – VDMFest Rock Edge Country Music Festival @ Showgrounds, Biloela
15 October 2021 – Wingham Akoostik Music Festival @ Wingham Showgrounds, Wingham
16 October 2021 – Country by the River @ Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Surfers Paradise Gets New SPRINGTIME Music Festival

With so many festivals still on ice, it’s exciting to see a brand new event launching later this year. SPRINGTIME Music Festival will help punters in Surfers Paradise usher in warm weather this September. It’s kicking off with a stacked line-up featuring Ruel, Ball Park Music, Hermitude, Sneaky Sound System, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Ali Barter, Saint Lane, and stacks more.

All these artists are playing free over the three-day event and there’ll be stacks of ticketed gigs as well, so there’s no excuse for not getting involved. The location on the beach and around the streets of the Gold Coast is sure to add to the party atmosphere.

“SPRINGTIME will showcase the City of Gold Coast’s connection to music, celebrating some of our favourite local acts as well as artists from across the country,” said Mark Duckworth, the Director of Festivals & Events at Major Events Gold Coast. “We are so excited to build a new event experience for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

SPRINGTIME Music Festival hits Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast from September 3 to 5. Mark your calendar because it’s going to be massive!

Image used with permission from Spin&Co

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anywhere Festival Ready to Take Over SE Queensland Next Month

I don’t know about your social calendar, but looking at mine it seems like our arts scene is on its way to recovery. Suddenly I have tickets for gigs in the near future, with other gigs not too far behind them. If you needed further proof, then check out what’s planned for the 10th annual Anywhere Festival in Queensland. While other festivals have been scaled back affairs, this event promises more than 800 performances across the regions of Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and Noosa.

Anywhere Festival is proudly like no other festival in this country. The shows happen literally anywhere, including gyms, ferry stops, backyards, plant nurseries, warehouses, heritage homes, parks, and online. The shows are every bit as eclectic as the venues, with music, cabaret, poetry, dance, comedy, circus acts, and more on the agenda.

“I believe that performance and the arts should be a part of our lives and not just something we go to a theatre for. Anywhere Festival takes temporary possession of everyday and extraordinary places in order to make things happen in situations that wouldn’t normally, namely – the nooks and crannies of YOUR local area,” explained the festival’s founder Paul Osuch.

Anywhere Festival runs from May 6 to 23. Check out the website for the full program to see what’s happening near you.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash