Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lyn Bowtell Releases Nostalgic New Single, “Cold Shiver”

Lyn Bowtell is back with “Cold Shiver,” a brand-new track that showcases a brand-new sound for this acclaimed singer-songwriter. I’ve always appreciated her superb lyrics, but her gentle country-folk music rarely grabbed me. This has much more of a ‘70s country-rock feel and I’m here for it.

The song came out of a Victorian songwriting retreat hosted by Carter Carter. Lyn worked on the song with Carmel Charlton, Elissa Parsons, Jenny Churchill, Lea Groves, Michelle Walker, and Melanie Gray. That’s a serious collaborative effort, but it’s paid off.

“We had a spare hour, so I threw it out there, ‘Let’s write something!’” Lyn said. “At first, they looked at me like I was mad, but we split into melody and lyric teams and just went for it. No pressure, no rules, just pure, spontaneous creativity. It was winter, and the working title was Cold Weather, but what we ended up with was something none of us could’ve written on our own.”

“We imagined a guy meeting a girl at a ski resort,” Lyn explained. “She was just after a bit of fun, but he fell harder than expected. There’s no bitterness in it, just a wistful kind of hope. That feeling when you remember someone and, out of nowhere, you get that chill… a cold shiver. It’s playful, nostalgic, and a fun to perform.”

Lyn is gearing up to release her next album Paper Cuts in the coming months. She’s got a stack of gigs coming up, including some shows to promote that album, so catch her anywhere you can.

12 July 2025 – North Tamworth Bowling Club, Calala/North Tamworth (with Luke O’Shea)
26 July 2025 – The Irish Club, Ngambri/Canberra (with Luke O’Shea)
27 July 2025 – Robertson Public House and Kitchen, Gundungurra Country/Robertson (with Luke O’Shea)
2 August 2025 – The Beer Shed, Dharawal Country/Campbelltown (album launch)
3 August 2025 – Flamingos, Mulubinba/Newcastle (album launch)
29 August 2025 – Crossroads Bar, Thubbo/Dubbo
30 August 2025 – The Agrestic Grocer, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
31 August 2025 – The Cordial Factory, Wiradjuri Country/Grenfell
24 October 2025 – Mantra Studio Kitchen & Bar, Wurundjeri Country/Yarraville
25 October 2025 – Noojee Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/Noojee
26 October 2025 – The Shed Theatre @ The Pig & Whistle, Bunurong Country/Main Ridge
18 November 2025 – Country Music Cruise to NZ, departs Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Release “Steppin” Ahead of UK and European Shows

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast act Bootleg Rascal may be one of the country’s most consistent bands. You can always count on them for a good time, and their latest single “Steppin” is absolutely no exception. It sonically brings all the good vibes we expect from the band, but listen to those lyrics and you’ll realise this single is a little darker than those that came before. I’m not sure whether I’m experiencing a whole lot of new track energy or it really is their best, but I’m in love.

“‘Steppin’ is a raw and emotive cut that dives deep into themes of isolation, inner struggle, and resilience. It captures the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of self-blame and disconnection, while still holding onto a fierce sense of survival. Through the lyrics, the song reflects the battle between wanting to give up and finding the strength to endure, offering an honest portrayal of pain, anger, and the human instinct to keep moving forward even in the darkest moments.”

Bootleg Rascal will take this song global with shows in the United Kingdom and Europe. They’re also got a cheeky local gig before they depart. Wherever you are, take note of the dates near you!

7 June 2025 – Winter Wine Festival, Dharawal/Gerringong
28 June 2025 – Timboektoem, Wijk Aan Zee
29 June 2025 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
30 June 2025 – Hebebuehne, Hamburg
4 July 2025 – Stadtstrand, Dusseldorf
5 July 2025 – Milla, Munich
7 July 2025 – Hafenkneipe, Zurich
9 July 2025 – The Louisiana, Bristol
10 July 2025 – Dues Lodge, Bournemouth
11 July 2025 – O2 Academy, London
12 July 2025 – Watering Hole, Cornwall

Photo credit: Jared Hinz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shane Smith & The Saints Announce Maiden Aussie Tour

Texan alt-country-folk act Shane Smith & the Saints are heading to Australia for the first time to promote their latest album Norther. I’ve had this album on repeat today. It’s just so good. Shane Smith has got that sort of weathered, seasoned voice that demands you pay attention, and the musicality of his band is off the charts. If you love acts like Mumford & Sons and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, I know these guys will be right up your alley.

While they haven’t been to Australia before, they’ve spent the last decade on the road building a passionate fanbase and refining their sound. They’re playing tiny venues here, and you can almost guarantee that won’t be the case next time they visit us. Back home they’ve played legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium and Red Rocks Amphitheater (which they sold out in just 36 hours). But they haven’t forgotten their roots.

“If you spend 10 years playing dive bars and small clubs almost every single night, and you go to the merch booth after every show and hang out with the fans until the staff literally kicks you out, you get to turn those fans into friends,” Shane Smith said. “That’s how we built this thing. We’ve done as many as 240 shows in a single year. We’ve worked so hard to get there, and that hard work has created a beautiful, meaningful audience.”

Here are those Aussie dates. Don’t let yourself sleep on them.

17 October 2025 – Groundwater Music Festival, Kombumerri Country/Broadbeach
18 October 2025 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 October 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
22 October 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Lamont Off to Nashville After Scholarship Win

Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga-based country artist Nathan Lamont has taken out this year’s CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Scholarship. The prize will see Nathan jetting off to the United States this September to represent the nation at Americanafest. While he’s in Nashville, Nathan will connect with leading songwriters, producers, and other industry figures.

“It means so much to me,” he said. “I feel a sense of obligation and responsibility to really give it everything — not just for myself, but to show what’s possible for others. I’m incredibly humbled. I don’t take it lightly. I realise just how massive and amazing this is. I’ve only been to Nashville once before – just one night on a holiday with my wife – and tried to soak up everything I could. Now I get to go back and actually do what I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

A proud Wurudjeri man, Nathan also added “I’m privileged to be the first black fella to go over as part of this scholarship. If I can inspire a young emerging First Nations artist to follow my journey, that would be the best thing to come out of this.”

Nathan’s plans for songwriting, attending workshops, and building on his existing connections with Aussie expats will no doubt help him edge closer towards completing his debut album.

“I’ve released single after single, but ticking off that album box is going to be a lifelong achievement for me. The money I was saving for this trip can now go into recording.”

I’m wishing Nathan all the best for his upcoming trip. Aussies still have a few more opportunities to see him perform before he leaves. He’ll also play Heartbeat of the Hunter on his return. Catch Nathan Lamont at the following shows:

16 May 2025 – Kickin’ Country @ Panthers, Mooroo Murak/Penrith
17 May 2025 – Country Music Raceday @ Kembla Grange Races, Dharawal Country/Kembla
28-31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Gimpi-Gimpi/Gympie
27 September 2025 – Heartbeat of the Hunter @ Tocal Agricultural College, Yimmang/Paterson

Image used with permission from CMAA Academy of Country Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Salt Tree Release “Cold Hard Ground” Ahead of European Tour

Salt Tree charmed me with their EP Swell last year. Now they’re back with “Cold Hard Ground,” a self-produced indie-folk anthem that evokes the coastal vibes of their Wooditup/Margaret River home.

“‘Cold Hard Ground’ is about the moments when you’re at your lowest, but someone reaches out and lifts you back up,” the duo said. “It’s a song about mental health, connection, and the quiet strength that comes from being there for each other. We wrote it as a reminder that even when you’re laid out by life, love can help you stand again.”

Salt Tree have had a whirlwind few months since releasing Swell, including their first headline tour of Europe, songwriting sessions in Stockholm, and shows supporting Jeremy Loops in Europe and Ziggy Alberts in their hometown. They’re taking some time to rest and record new music, but they’ll be back on the road with a batch of new songs really soon. Here are the European dates; hopefully there’ll be some Australian ones to follow.

18 July 2025 – Gondola Sessions, Laucnalo
19 July 2025 – Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux
25 July 2025 – Bootshafen Sommer, Kiel
2 August 2025 – UFO, Bruneck
7-12 August 2025 – Enter the Wave Festival, Spain
14 August 2025 – Le Surfing, Seignosse
18 August 2025 – Muhle Hunziken, Rubigen
20 August 2025 – Mountain Hostel, Gimmelwald
22 August 2025 – Konzerthaus Schuur, Luzern
23 August 2025 – Hohgant Open Air, Schangnau
25 August 2025 – Lac Souterrain de St-Leonard, Saint-Leonard
28 August 2025 – Conradsohm, Dornbirn
29 August 2025 – Alles Gute Open Air @ Botanischer Garten, Innsbruck
30 August 2025 – Cheesecake Festival, Hamminkein
1 September 2025 – Knust, Hamburg
3 September 2025 – Club Stereo, Nuremberg
4 September 2025 – Strom, Munich
5 September 2025 – Scheunenkonzert, Bad Munstereiffel
6 September 2025 – Bulli Summer Festival @ Auesee, Wesel
8 September 2025 – Zakk, Duesseldorf
9 September 2025 – Kavka, Antwerp
11 September 2025 – The Watering Hole, Cornwall
13 September 2025 – Omeara, London

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Feel Alright Listening to Hayden Calnin’s New Single

The gloomy pre-winter weather is the perfect backdrop for listening to “Alright Now,” the latest single from local multi-disciplinary artist Hayden Calnin. This gentle acoustic folk track is a bit like a big warm blanket or cup of tea. It just wraps around you and takes you to a place of serenity. It’s gorgeous.

“This song speaks to being okay with all the weirdness around you. Rather than avoiding it, I’ve found it’s often better to accept it and ride along with it,” Hayden said. “There’s also a realisation that you can’t talk to everyone about everything – stigma is a real thing and it exists around the globe on a range of topics, but it’s nice knowing that there’s a few people with whom I can talk to about the weirder side of life. It’s a gentle song, and hopefully it brings some calm to those who hear it.”

Hayden will support Canadian indie-folk artist Leif Vollebekk on his Australian tour, which kicks off on Tuesday. Both artists are so good; if you love gentle acoustic folk you won’t want to miss these shows:

6 May 2025 – Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
8 May 2025 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
10 May 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 May 2025 – The Croxton, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Christine Diefenbach

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderer Festival Returning This October

Mark it on your calendars – after a hiatus in 2024, Wanderer Festival is heading back to Thaua Country/Pambula Beach on October 4 and 5. It’s a long weekend in New South Wales, so it’s the perfect time to take in sets from some of the finest local and international musicians.

The first lineup announcement happens next month, but previous festivals have showcased the talents of Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts, Thelma Plum, DMAs, and The Teskey Brothers, so you know the more than 50 musicians set to play will be top-notch.

“Events have a tremendous ability to inspire, uplift and connect people in a way that is so vital,” said festival organiser, Simon Daly. “I love that anyone can come to Wanderer and feel like it’s for them – no matter how old, young or where you’re from – the atmosphere and experience transcends everything.”

The cost of living may be climbing, but organisers are doing everything they can to make this festival accessible for as many music lovers as possible. Tickets will cost the same as they did in 2023. Get yours from the Wanderer festival website next month.

Photo credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jenny Mitchell Drops New Single and Tour Announcement Ahead of Album Release

Ahead of the release of her new album Forest House, Kiwi singer-songwriter Jenny Mitchell has released a brand new song and revealed she’s heading Down Under. Her latest release “Heart Like a House” sounds like a love song, but Jenny says she wrote it about a different kind of connection.

“’Heart Like A House’ is inspired by how important it is to me to build a life in music that is welcoming and safe for my band and my team – which has largely been influenced by watching other artists carve their own paths that don’t necessarily fit the mainstream industry model,” she explained. “It’s also really influenced by my upbringing, in a family who have always kept welcoming and hosting as a core value.”

“Heart Like a House” comes from Jenny’s fourth album Forest House, which she’ll release in May 16. You’ve got a couple of months to learn the new songs before Jenny arrives on our shores in July.

12 July 2025 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
13 July 2025 – Little Alberts, Muurrai/Bathurst
17 July 2025 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
19 July 2025 – The Candle & Quill Bookshop, Boorum/Montville
20 July 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 July 2025 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
26 July 2025 – The Savoy Bar and Music, Darkinjung Country/Long Jetty
27 July 2025 – The Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28–31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Gimpi/Gympie

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ziggy Alberts Releases “Feeling Blue” Ahead of International Shows

I love when artists release songs from albums you love and remind you just how good they are. I’m always looking forward to the next thing I vibe with, so often I forget to revisit what’s revved me in the past. But “Feeling Blue” by Ziggy Alberts, lifted from his fabulous seventh studio album New Love, is back on my radar and I couldn’t be happier about it. This song is thick with wisdom. Make sure you catch every lyric, because it contains some real pearls.

“I started writing this song in June 2023 while I was in Europe on break in between tour legs,” Ziggy recalled. “I remember working on it a lot in Ericeira, Portugal, and Biarritz, France. The opening line says it all: ‘I’m not convinced in all the ways I’ve been living now.’ It’s about being really unhappy – and if you didn’t listen to the lyrics carefully, you maybe wouldn’t know, because the song is really upbeat and positive in every other aspect. That contrast really reflects where I was at the time – a paradox of emotions / in the balance of opposites. In many ways, it’s one of the most honest songs I’ve written – just calling out my thoughts and feelings as they were. I’m thankful to have come through some of the personal challenges I was facing then.”

Ziggy has just wrapped up the Aussie leg of his tour but he’s got plenty of international shows in the pipeline. If you’re living abroad, here’s where to find him.

3 May 2025 – Washington’s, Fort Collins
4 May 2025 – Boulder Theater, Boulder
6 May 2025 – Mesa Theater, Grand Junction
8 May 2025 – Walter Studios, Phoenix
9 May 2025 – Ventura Music Hall, Ventura
10 May 2025 – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, San Diego
11 May 2025 – El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
13 May 2025 – Felton Music Hall, Felton
15 May 2025 – August Hall, San Francisco
16 May 2025 – Arcata Theatre Lounge, Arcata
17 May 2025 – McDonald Theatre, Eugene
18 May 2025 – The Showbox, Seattle
21 May 2025 – Royal Theatre, Victoria
22 May 2025 – Malkin Bowl, Vancouver
24 May 2025 – Midway Music Hall, Edmonton
25 May 2025 – MacEwan Hall, Calgary
29 May 2025 – Fine Line, Minneapolis
30 May 2025 – Vivarium, Milwaukee
31 May 2025 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
2 June 2025 – The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
5 June 2025 – MTELUS, Montreal
6 June 2025 – The Bronson Centre, Ottawa
7 June 2025 – Théâtre Capitole, Québec City
10 June 2025 – Royale, Boston
11 June 2025 – Warsaw, Brooklyn
12 June 2025 – The Stone Pony, Asbury Park
14 June 2025 – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Manchester
17 June 2025 – Visulite Theatre, Charlotte
18 June 2025 – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington
19 June 2025 – The Windjammer, Isle of Palms
21 June 2025 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
22 June 2025 – Miami Beach Bandshell, Miami Beach
25 June 2025 – Foro Puebla, Mexico City
9 September 2025 – Cypress Avenue, Cork
10 September 2025 – Dolan’s Pub and Restaurant, Limerick
12 September 2025 – Róisín Dubh, Galway
13 September 2025 – Limelight, Belfast
14 September 2025 – Olympia Theatre, Dublin
16 September 2025 – Cambridge Junction, Cambridge
17 September 2025 – Brighton Dome, Brighton
19 September 2025 – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
20 September 2025 – TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
21 September 2025 – Batschkapp, Frankfurt
23 September 2025 – FZW, Dortmund
24 September 2025 – Capitol Hannover, Hannover
26 September 2025 – Amager Bio, Copenhagen
27 September 2025 – Nalen, Stockholm
28 September 2025 – Pustervik, Gothenburg
30 September 2025 – SPOT/De Oosterpoort @ Main Hall, Groningen
1 October 2025 – Im Wizemann, Stuttgart
3 October 2025 – Gasometer, Vienna
4 October 2025 – Bierhübeli, Bern
5 October 2025 – Alhambra, Geneva
8 October 2025 – Hard Club, Porto
9 October 2025 – Coliseu dos Recreios, Lisbon
10 October 2025 – Sala But, Madrid
11 October 2025 – Moon Valencia, Valencia
13 October 2025 – Paral·lel 62, Barcelona
14 October 2025 – Kafe Antzokia, Bilbao
15 October 2025 – Quai M, La Roche-sur-Yon
16 October 2025 – Le Trabendo, Paris
18 October 2025 – The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
19 October 2025 – NX Newcastle, Newcastle
20 October 2025 – The Leeds Irish Centre, Leeds
22 October 2025 – O2 Academy Bournemouth, Bournemouth
23 October 2025 – Royal Albert Hall, London

Photo credit: Janneke Storm

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Cover Tom Petty

Tom Petty is one of my all-time favourite artists, so when I heard Kingswood had covered his 1994 hit “You Wreck Me,” I knew I had to get my ears around it. While I often appreciate people reinventing songs, I kind of love that Kingswood have stayed so true to the original. They’ve brought their own voice to it, but they also seem to understand that this one of those classics that doesn’t need to be messed with.

“It’s love, chaos, and obsession colliding at full speed,” the band said about this song. “The feeling of being completely wrecked by someone, it’s something we’ve all lived through. Surrendering to a force greater than you’re able to control. The reckless pursuit of something you can’t quite hold onto. When we play it, we’re tapping into that raw, untamed emotion—like going into a boxing ring.”

Kingswood always seem to be on the road, so it’s probably not surprising that this new release also comes with a tour announcement. And it’s a doozy. They’re playing in so many places that there’s bound to be a Midnight Mavericks show near you.

25 April 2025 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong
26 April 2025 – Bridge Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
2 May 2025 – Sooki Lounge, Monbulk/Belgrave
3 May 2025 – Odessa’s, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Creswick
9 May 2025 – Big Easy Radio, Ngaltingga/Aldinga Beach
10 May 2025 – Beer Garden Brewing, Galinyala/Port Lincoln
11 May 2025 – Lefties, Barngarla Country/Whyalla
16 May 2025 – The Setts, Millewa-Mallee Country/Mildura
17 May 2025 – Broken Hill Pub, Wilyakali/Broken Hill
22 May 2025 – Crossroads, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
23 May 2025 – Little Albert’s, Wahluu/Bathurst
24 May 2025 – The Beer Shed, Tharawal Country/Leumeah
25 May 2025 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candiriro/Gundaroo
30 May 2025 – William Farrer Hotel, Waga Waga/Wagga Wagga
31 May 2025 – Brady’s Railway Hotel, Bungambrawatha/Albury
1 June 2025 – Longstocking Brewery, Panboola/Pambula
6 June 2025 – Alice Spring Brewing Co, Mparntwe/Alice Springs
8 June 2025 – Mayberry, Garramilla/Darwin
12 June 2025 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Rubibi/Broome
13 June 2025 – Hula Bar, Ngarluma Country/Karratha (FREE)
14 June 2025 – Frothcraft Brewery, Ningaloo/Exmouth
20 June 2025 – Frothcraft Brewery, Boorloo/Perth
21 June 2025 – Frothcraft Brewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
22 June 2025 – Six Degrees, Kinjarling/Albany
27 June 2025 – The Deck, Gunai Country/Traralgon
5 July 2025 – Riverview Pub, Boonwurrung Country/Tarwin Lower
6 July 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
10 July 2025 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
11 July 2025 – Full Throttle Ranch, Awabakal Country/Buttai
12 July 2025 – Backroom @ Coffs Hotel, Gitten Mirreh/Coffs Harbour
13 July 2025 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
30 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor State Forest, Gimpi Gimpi/Gympie
10 October 2025 – Savannah in the Round @ Kerribee Park, Muluridji Country/Mareeba

Photo credit: Michelle G Hunder