Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Happy Ever After” – MID CITY

MID CITY might be the next big Aussie success story. The Naarm/Melbourne outfit has been releasing music together since 2018, but they’ve taken their time in releasing an album. The wait was worth it. Happy Ever After is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year.

I’d already raved about the title track, which opens the album with a flourish. It’s the perfect introduction to this energetic rock act, but they’ve got a lot more in their arsenal. The tracks that follow hit just as hard, with powerful lyrics that pack an emotional punch that’s every bit the equal to those big guitar riffs and driving drums. MID CITY doesn’t take its foot off the throttle until the fourth track in, and even then we’re only shifting down a gear or two. This is an album that gets you moving, whether you’re punching your fist in the air or letting the sound take over your whole body. Not that MID CITY is all one note. While they love a big rock anthem, big ballads like “Someone Like You” and “Lover Again” will have you reaching for the cigarette lighter.

“Touring in Europe really informed what we wanted; playing some great festival stages and watching people react – or not – to the things we thought were important in creating the perfect hard-hitting banger,” the band explained. “What was surprising though, was the quieter side we found on some songs. We always wanted the album to be a little journey, not just a 170 bpm sweat fest, but we didn’t realise how satisfying it would be to create some songs with different tempos and feels. We’re really proud of the balance we found between bangers and more heartfelt quieter moments. Perhaps we’re maturing? I hope not.”

I found myself thinking of several big stadium acts as I listened to Happy Ever After. The Killers. Arctic Monkeys. Our own Gang of Youths and the Temper Trap. There’s a little of these bands in MID CITY, but there’s also a unique flavour that sets them apart. Just like those acts, I can picture MID CITY packing out stadiums all around the world. It’s already starting, with MID CITY playing dates in Europe and the United Kingdom next month. Expect those venues to be upgraded next time they travel. Until then, enjoy seeing the at the small spots while you can.

3 October 2023 – Galao, Stuttgart
4 October 2023 – Helios 37, Cologne
5 October 2023 – Pop Bar, Haldern
6 October 2023 – Molotow, Hamburg
8 October 2023 – Badehaus, Berlin
10 October 2023 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
17 October 2023 – The Victoria Dalston, London
18 October 2023 – 33 Oldham Street, Manchester

Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Richard Clifford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sunsoli” – Sunsoli

Rebranding after eight years performing together is a risky move. But that’s exactly what Darkinjung Country/Central Coast act The Sea Gypsies did when they became Sunsoli earlier this year. Risky or not, the move seems to have revitalised this band who with the release of their self-titled album prove they’re making some of the best music of their career.

Sunsoli says their music is inspired by the sun and its ever-present influence on our lives. I can hear that inspiration in these new tunes. The album opens with “Some Kind of Light,” an atmospheric slow burner. It’s a moment of calm stillness before the energetic single “Time and Place” kicks in. “Wayward” brings more good vibes. I can imagine blasting these songs on my next road trip. There’s a beautiful freedom about them, and their driving beats are sure to keep me energised as the road stretches out ahead of me. Love songs with an easy groove like “Dancing Slowly,” featuring gorgeous guest vocals from Ashrae, and “Sunlight” are real charmers. It’s unclear whether the central relationships will be summer flings or something more, but they’re so much fun that it barely matters. Most of this album feels fresh, so the ‘80s nostalgia of “In the Middle” comes as a little bit of a curveball. I never mind a throwback when it’s done this well though. “Where We Left Off” is a beautiful love letter to the fans, a celebration of this band, no matter what they’re called. Closing track “Colours” is such a powerful love song, heartfelt without a hint of schmaltz, an anthemic number that I can already tell will be even better live. What a way to end this excellent album.

I’ve always liked the music the band made as the Sea Gypsies but the tracks I loved in their back catalogue were a bit rarer. However, I’m in love with this album. Every song is a stand-out. It’s everything I liked about the Sea Gypsies but better. I was skeptical about the band’s decision to rebrand so far into their career, but if it’s inspired them to make great music like this I’m all for it. Sunsoli’s debut album is out today. Their East Coast album launch tour starts Friday. Limited tickets are still available for these shows.

15 September 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (with Brandon Duff & Georgia-Jean)
16 September 2023 – Live at the Polo, Ngambri/Canberra (with Kopasetic & Eden Plenty)
6 October 2023 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong (with This Way North & Gabby Steel)
8 October 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (with This Way North & Anna Smyrk)
27 October 2023 – Sol Bar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore (with Flaskas & Sundaze)
29 October 2023 – Lefty’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Flaskas & Tjaka)
11 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (with The Toothpicks & Southwest Corduroy)
25 November 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (with Tyrants & Tiali)
1 December 2023 – The Federal, Baligin/Bellingen

Listen on Apple Music

Image used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Jordan Cortti

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ghost Care Release Fun New Synth-Pop Single, “Arcade”

I didn’t expect indie-pop act Ghost Care to get turned on by classic rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival, but inspiration often comes in the most unlikely of places. Their latest single “Arcade” is more synth-driven pop than swamp rock, but Ghost Care found themselves inspired by the lyrical content of the classic band.

“The original idea was named ‘Dance’ on our voice memos, but when we dove into the lyrics we found that the name ‘Arcade’ fit the theme of love and a relationship being likened to a game. Inspired by a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, I loved the idea of not wanting to be on the bench and that if you want to win you have to feel like everyone is giving their all and that you are working as a team,” explained the band’s vocalist and guitarist, Beau Torrance. “We were playing this song originally as a guitar heavy driven song and it felt like it could stay there or we could take it somewhere we haven’t really been before. When we got to the studio, our producer Dave Parkin had the exact same mindset and it was then decided we should take it into the synth world.”

The music video, directed by fellow Western Australian Stephanie Senior, sees Beau and fellow vocalist Tanaya Harper duking it out in a video game arcade.

“We love this video clip so much! We knew we wanted fun whilst not being too funny, and Steph totally nailed the vibe,” Tanaya said. “We really had this idea of making a video that had this funky, neon atmosphere. Steph really took it to another level for us and we feel like we chose the perfect person for capturing the song’s energy!”

After recently touring in support of Spacey Jane, Ghost Care are packing up their tour bus and playing shows that kick off in their hometown tomorrow night. Catch them where you can:

8 September 2023 – Badlands, Boorloo/Perth
21 September 2023 – Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 September 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Aref Rashidan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DULCIE Drops Fabulous New Single, “Off By Heart”

DULCIE are back with another irresistible indie-pop banger, “Off By Heart.” It’s incredibly catchy, with sweet harmonies and empowering lyrics about moving on from the wrong relationship.

“There’s a fine line between giving someone another chance and finally calling it quits. ‘Off By Heart’ is about learning to stop ignoring the red flags and to put yourself first above all the excuses and false promises.” DULCIE said. “Ash (Carr-White) wrote the song around the phrase ‘Off By Heart’ with the intention of creating something emotive and relatable. It started out as a soft, slow piano ballad that eventually evolved into much more of a pop anthem! We tried recording it a few different ways but could never get it quite right; it wasn’t until our producer Konstantin Kersting messaged us, ‘I had a dream last night – and we need to completely redo the drum timing and tempo’ that we found the synth-infused, beat-driven direction we wanted to take. The contrast between the lyrics and production gives the song a feeling of empowerment and strength.”

DULCIE haven’t long wrapped up an East Coast tour, but they’re itching to get back on the road again with some choice supporting slots and festival gigs. Here are all the places you can see them play in the coming months.

4 October 2023 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Kinjarling/Albany (supporting Boy and Bear)
5 October 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River (supporting Boy and Bear)
6 October 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River (supporting Boy and Bear)
8 October 2023 – Out of the Woods Festival @ Esplanade Park, Walyalup/Fremantle
21 October 2023 – Red Hill Auditorium, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Red Hill (supporting Ocean Alley)
25 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
26 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
2 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Victoria Park, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
3 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Claremont Showgrounds, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Stephanie Senior

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sunday Estate Release Epic Rock Single, “What’s the Rush”

If you find yourself wishing the working week away as you anticipate the weekend, take a listen to “What’s the Rush.” The latest single from Eora/Sydney indie-rock act The Sunday Estate, it’s a heartfelt reminder to live in the moment.

“’What’s The Rush’ is about slowing down and savouring life. Learning to love the mundane, the amazing, the depressing, the good, and the bad,” explained frontman Conor O’Reilly. “The song was written in response to some personal challenges I experienced and served as the only way I could articulate how I was truly feeling at the time. Life’s too short to be wasted, spend it with the people you love, those are the moments that stick with us forever.”

Savour listening to this one, but by all means add some of their upcoming dates to your calendar. Just don’t spend your time counting down the days, because they’ll be here soon enough!

1 September 2023 – The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Camperdown (FREE)
18 September 2023 – Social Sanctuary @ Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
8 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Sundays @ North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
31 January 2024 – Crown & Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
2 February 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Jess Gleeson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Set for Wanderer Festival

This unseasonably warm weather must mean that festival season is nearly upon us. Our calendars always get crowded over summer, so why not ease your way into the season and head to Wanderer Festival next month? Held at Pambula Beach on Yuin Country/Sapphire Coast from September 29 to October 1, it’ll be an incredible weekend of fantastic art and good vibes.

International acts Sampa the Great and Lonnie Holley were just announced along with local talents Ben Lee, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Little Quirks, Tijuana Cartel and heaps more. They join the already stacked bill which includes Kevin Morby, Django Django, Ben Ottwell and Ian Ball from Gomez, Thelma Plum, Montaigne, and Melbourne Ska Orchestra. And if that wasn’t already enough to convince you to get along, there’ll also be comedians, dancers, and circus acts to entertain you.

Wanderer Festival returns to Pambula Beach, NSW this 29 Sept – 1 Oct, 2023. One-day, two-day, and three-day festival tickets along with camping and glamping options are all available through Moshtix. Tickets start from just $50 and Moshtix offers Pay in 4 payment plans to help you budget for this amazing weekend.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston and Zac & George Team Up For “Some Things Never Change”

James Johnston has just dropped his latest country charmer, and he’s got some friends along for the ride. “Some Things Never Change” features Zac & George, a country duo from Eora/Sydney who now split their time between Australia and Nashville. James teamed up with Zac & George in the final hours of a songwriting pilgrimage to America’s country capital, and the rest is history.

“Listening back to the demo on the plane ride home, I knew we had captured something special,” James said. “I wanted to record and release it in a way I had never seen anyone do before.”

So he produced the song in secret with just one thing missing: Zac & George’s vocals, which they recorded during their next visit home. The day after laying down the tracks, they were heading to James’ hometown of Dharawal Country/Wingham to shoot the music video.

“The video was truly special, to be back in my hometown with the boys at the local pub I used to go to every Friday night, it just felt right that the video for ‘Some Things Never Change’ was captured there,” James said. The people you see in the video are also James’ fans, who descended on the pub to create the right party atmosphere after he put the call out on social media.

Riding high on the release of “Some Things Never Change,” James will start touring with another friend, Morgan Evans. He’ll also appear at some choice festivals in the coming months. Catch him anywhere you can!

31 August 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans)
2 September 2023 – Canberra Theatre, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
5 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
7 September 2023 – The Powerstation, Auckland (with Morgan Evans)
9 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
14 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans)
15 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
17 September 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tartanya/Adelaide (with Morgan Evans)
19 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
20 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans)
30 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Barababaraba Country/Deniliquin
6 October 2023 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
1–8 December 2023 – Cruisin’ Country

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Celebrate Growing Older With “I Used to Be Fun”

Are you planning a big night tonight or like me are you getting excited about a home-cooked meal? If your weekend looks a little bare and you’re secretly thrilled about that, I know you’re going to relate to “I Used To Be Fun,” the rocking new single from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

“‘I Used To Be Fun’ is about getting older and redefining the way you have fun,” the band confirmed. “We have all noticed in the past year or so, going from 22 to 23, that fun looks really different sometimes when you start to get older. It’s about missing your past self who would go out every night and have a fully charged social battery, rather than seeing the fun in staying home alone.”

“I Used To Be Fun” comes from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teaser’s highly anticipated debut album, I Love You, which drops on October 6. Fresh from Les Escales Festival in France, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers will launch the album with shows all around the country. Catch them at the following local venues:

20 September 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Camperdown
13 October 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul (supporting DMA’s)
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
27 October 2023 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)
2 November 2023 – UniBar, Tarndanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
3 November 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The River, Wadandi Boodja/Margaret River
11 November 2023 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
17 November 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
4 December 2023 – AAMI Stadium, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Foo Fighters)

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: @sheisaphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“All These Walls” – Gretta Ziller

When Gretta Ziller released her sophomore album Judas Tree, she declared “I don’t want to do the same thing twice.” She stays true to her resolve with the release of her third album All These Walls, an eclectic collection of songs that challenge our perceptions of the alt-country genre.

Gretta might have been nominated for a Golden Guitar, but she’s so different from so many of the artists who make their names at Tamworth. As with her last album she plays with genre, dabbling in pop, soul, blues, and roots. She lays her feelings bare with stunning country ballads like “Dear Damascus” and “Golden Days, encourages us to dance along with bops like “Ain’t Even Your Lover” and “St Louis”, and makes us pause to take in every note of poignant soul-stirrers like “Here I Am” and “Who Knows.” While the album takes us on a sonic journey, Gretta’s beautiful warm voice and knack for storytelling are ever-present forces that unite the material. You always feel like you’re in good hands as you listen, no matter the twists and turns.

I’ve been listening to All These Walls for the last week or so, and honestly, I enjoy it more with every listen. Every song stands up in its own right, but together they beautifully reflect an artist exploring her space in the world, her relationships with others and herself. All These Walls is out today. Gretta Ziller is currently touring, playing mostly acoustic solo shows that really allow her to connect with her audience and the audience to connect with these songs. You can still catch her at the following gigs:

25 August 2023 – The Noojee Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/Noojee
26 August 2023 – George Lane, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
27 August 2023 – Bayview Country Arts Club, Bunurong Country/Bittern
19-23 September 2023 – Americana Fest, Nashville
29 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Barababaraba Country/Deniliquin
16 November 2023 – Qirks, Wanaruah Country/Kurri Kurri
17 November 2023 – Wingham House, Birrbay Country/Wingham
19 November 2023 – Can You Keep a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 December 2023 – The Palais, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
26 January 2024 – Moonshiners, Kamilaroi/Tamworth

Images used with permission from On the Map PR; main image credit: Noah Sole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Budjerah Drops Personal New Single, “Video Game”

Fresh from signing a deal with United Talented Agency for representation in the Americas, Budjerah has released what might just be his best single to date, “Video Game.” If you’ve seen Budjerah live, it’s probably already one of your favourites. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to hear it.

“I’ve been waiting a very long time for this song to be ready, and finally after performing it for a year on stage, I think you guys are ready to hear one of my most personal songs yet,” Budjerah said. “This is a thank you to all my fans who’ve supported me at my shows over the last year. Hope you guys are ready for Video Game!” says Budjerah.

Budjerah has already had a massive year supporting Ed Sheeran, selling out an Opera House show for Vivid LIVE, and even appearing at Paris Fashion Week. But it shows no signs of slowing down, with several festival appearances scheduled before the year’s end. Make sure you don’t miss him at these events.

8 September 2023 – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Festival Of Food & Wine @ Upper Queens Park, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
11 November 2023 – Handpicked @ Lake Breeze, Ngarrindjeri Country/Langhorne Creek
25 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
26 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
2 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Victoria Park, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
3 December – Spilt Milk @ Claremont Showgrounds, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia