Dyan Tai Will Lift Your Spirits With “We Can’t Forget”

Eora/Sydney singer, DJ, music producer, radio host, and all-round super talent Dyan Tai has teamed up with award-winning Guzheng artist Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 on dance-pop anthem, “We Can’t Forget.”I love the way this track incorporates the classical sounds of the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese harp, with fresh pop beats. This upbeat number is just what you need to bounce back from hardships, whether you’re facing the kind of breakup that inspired it or simply the slog of the working week.

“”We Can’t Forget” is about rejection and heartbreak and how those feelings never truly leave,” Dyan explained. “It is also about finding comfort in your tribe and the (queer) community.”

Dyan features that community in the vibrant music video. As the founder of Worship Queer Collective, Dyan helped nurture all the emerging QTPOC artists featured in the clip. What a great celebration of their artistry! Dyan has several shows coming up over the coming months. Catch them at the following events:

16 September 2022 – Rina Sawayama Official Album Launch @ The Imperial Erskineville, Eora/Erskineville (Live & DJ Set)
1 October 2022 – Coastal Twist Dance Party & Fair Day, Darkinjung Country/Central Coast
14 October 2022 – Astronaughty, Pride of Our Footscray, Naarm/Melbourne (with Dirty Versachi)
22nd October 2022 – Dynasty: Drag & Dumpling @ Festival Hub: Trades Hall – ETU Ballroom, Naarm/Carlton (Naarm/Melbourne Fringe Premiere)
24 November 2022 – Powerhouse Museum, Eora/Ultimo (EP Launch with AnSo and Salllvage)

Image credit: Chris Quyen

The Vanns Impress Again With “Making It Out Alive”

Can The Vanns ever put a foot wrong? I’ve been a little slow to listen to their latest track “Making It Out Alive,” but I am so glad I’ve taken the time to listen this morning. Perhaps it’s that new-music rush talking, but this single might just be their best yet.

“Making It Out Alive’ is one of a bunch of songs we recorded with Chris [Collins, producer] earlier this year,” The Vanns explained. “The song wasn’t finished being fully written until the night before we tracked it, which is always a fun timeframe to record in. It also features some great saxophone work by Dusty Boots, who’s so talented and an absolute legend.”

Life’s been good for The Vanns, with the band selling out their entire Red Light national tour, recently wrapping up a successful regional run, and sharing stages with The Wombats. And they’re still not done. Check them out at the following shows:

4 October 2022 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (supporting The Kooks)
6 October 2022 – Festival Hall, Naarm/West Melbourne (supporting The Kooks)
29 December 2022 – Lost Paradise, Darkinjung Country/Glenworth Valley
29-31 December 2022 – Falls Festival @ Pennyroyal Plains, Burai Gurray/Birregurra
31 December 2022-2 January 2023 – Falls Festival @ North Byron Parklands, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
7-8 January 2023 – Falls Festival @ Fremantle Park, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Todd Hardingham

Montaigne and Tom Thum Join Hilltop Hoods for Latest Banger, “A Whole Day’s Night”

The quality collaborations from Hilltop Hoods just keep on coming. Fresh from their pairing with Eamon, they’ve enlisted old friends Montaigne and Tom Thum for their latest track “A Whole Day’s Night”. As you might imagine, it’s pretty brilliant.

“‘A Whole Day’s Night’ is a response to our own song, ‘What a Great Night’. It’s a reflection on how we look at the same situation 15 years later. How what we considered a celebration back in the day, could be considered a regret in the present,” they said. “The song had a real ‘1955’ feel to it, so we decided to get the line-up of Hoods, Montaigne, Tom Thum and One Above back together. And it feels like we found that same chemistry again.”

In case you missed it, Hilltop Hoods have been playing sold out shows all around the country on their first national tour in three years. There are still a few tickets for the remaining shows, but they won’t last long. You have been warned!

10 September 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
17 September 2022 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth
24 September 2022 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarndanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

“Call to Unknowns” – Little Quirks

Little Quirks have been releasing songs from their new EP Call to Unknowns since 2020. The pandemic had a way of slowing things down. But you know what they say about good things coming to those who wait. It’s been a long time coming, but Call to Unknowns is so very good.

The epic folk number “The Rain” opens the EP, showcasing the kind of theatre this Darkinjung Country/Central Coast band are capable of. This family band has matured so much since they began releasing music together in 2015, and this song celebrates their evolution. However, with stripped-back tracks like the new single “All My Friends are Birds” and the enchanting closing number “Underwater,” they show us that they haven’t strayed too far from their roots.

Whether they’re making a big noise or showing us the power of quiet moments, the beautiful harmony of their voices anchors Little Quirks’ music. It’s a beautiful sound that quite simply brings joy. I’ve loved hearing the singles, but the release of Call to Unknowns lets us soak up the magic of Little Quirks for a little longer. It’s out now. Fresh from an international tour, Little Quirks will play shows around the country, and some sneaky UK dates, in the coming months. Catch them anywhere you can:

9 September 2022 – Newkulele Festival @ Newcastle City Hall, Mulubinba/Newcastle
10 September 2022 – Brisbane Festival @ Milton Park, Turrbal Country/Milton (FREE)
16 September 2022 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
17 September 2022 – NightQuarter, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
18 September 2022 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
23 September 2022 – Mojos, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 September 2022 – Good Day Sunshine Festival @ Barnard Park, Undalup/Busselton
3 October 2022 – The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes (with Bull)
8 October 2022 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
17 October 2022 – Prince Albert, Brighton
12 November 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 November 2022 – Live at the Bundy, Wayput/Sale
19 November 2022 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Hinterland Music Festival @ Red Hill Recreation Reserve, Boonwurrung Country/Red Hill
27 November 2022 – Queenscliff Music Festival @ Princess Park, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
20 January 2023 – Drifter’s Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
4 March 2023 – Nannup Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Alana Jagt Celebrates Hometown With “Stars of Napperby”

She lives in Tarndanya/Adelaide, but listening to Alana Jagt’s latest single you’d be forgiven for thinking she grew up around saloons in America’s south. There’s a cool, smoky quality to “Stars of Napperby” that perfectly showcases Alana’s raspy vocals. I don’t care what time it is; grab yourself a neat whisky to sip on while you savour this one.

“Napperby is where I grew up, a small village on the edge of Wangyarra (Mount Remarkable) National Park in South Australia’s mid-north,” Alan explained. “There’s not much there, no shops and almost no light pollution at all. So the stars are spectacular. The song is a reflection of my time there, in awe of the sky and the ranges and the beautiful Napperby Gorge, and my feelings looking back at it all.”

If “Stars of Napperby” is any indication, Alana’s debut LP Goodbye Grote Bollen will be epic. You can preorder a limited edition 12” vinyl copy now before it drops on October 7. Soon after she’ll bring the album’s songs to the people of Victoria and South Australia. Catch her if you can!

12 October 2022 – Ararat Live, Djabwurrung Country/Ararat
13 October 2022 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
14 October 2022 – Golden Vine Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
15 October 2022 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country/Macedon
30 October 2022 – Folkloria Festival, Myallina Dooronga/McLaren Vale
18 November 2022 – Three Brothers Arms, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
25 November 2022 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide (album launch)

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Siobhan Cotchin Does Country-Rock Right With “Fill My Cup”

I fell in love with Siobhan Cotchin’s brand of country-rock when I heard “Growing Pains” a couple of months ago. Now I’m even more enamoured with the release of the follow-up single “Fill My Cup.” If you ever thought music with a country bent wasn’t for you, this track might just change your mind.

“‘Fill My Cup’ is a song about being exhausted from life and wanting to know if there’s anything more than what we already have right now. It’s about my fear of not reaching my potential and trying to understand my place in the world,” Siobhan explained. “I have written a lot of songs about this existential dread that I think everyone feels and it really helps me cope with those thoughts. I’ve also always wanted to write a drinking song that goes a little deeper and more introspective, but is also fun and anthemic. This song is for anyone who feels a little lost and is struggling to find meaning in these insane times. It has been a crazy few years and I want people to know that they’re not alone.”

Siobhan is currently at BIGSOUND but she’ll be back in her home state of Western Australia soon enough Catch her anywhere you can!

6-8 September 2022 – BIGSOUND, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 September 2022 – Green Door Wines, Dardanup/Henty (with Didirri)
10 September 2022 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle (single launch)
15 September 2022 – Rechabite Hall, Boorloo/Perth (with Bob Evans)
24 September 2022 – Good Day Sunshine Festival, Undalup/Busselton
28 September 2022 – Astor Theater, Boorloo/Perth (with The Whitlams)
29 September 2022 – Astor Theater, Boorloo/Perth (with The Whitlams)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Duncan Wright

Rock Out to Pacific Avenue’s New Track, “Leaving for London”

A song about the one that got away has never sounded as much fun as “Leaving for London”, the latest single from Pacific Avenue. Rather than mourning her loss, Pacific Avenue celebrates her freedom in this feel-good pop-rock track.

“‘Leaving For London’ is about loving and wanting to be with someone, but at the same time ensuring you’re doing what’s best for them, and understanding what makes them happiest, even if that means not being able to be with them. It’s about doing your best at supporting who you love, to become who they want to be.”

Pacific Avenue are busy bees, recently supporting Louis Tomlinson and currently on the road with Crooked Colours. They’ll also play Festival of the Sun later this year. Catch them at the following venues!

9 September 2022 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (with Crooked Colours)
10 September 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (with Crooked Colours)
9 December 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Birpai/Port Macquarie
10 December 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Birpai/Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Charlie Hardy

Danika Drops Stunning New Single, “Coolshit Bullshit”

Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Danika perfectly balances the dark with the light in her latest single, “Coolshit Bullshit.” If you’ve ever felt small around the people who are supposed to lift you up, this one’s for you.

“It’s kinda like a helium balloon floating away on its lonesome, this song is a little bit sad, and lonely, but with a really fun soundtrack,” Danika explained. “It’s about finally recognising and expressing your needs, and eventually leaving a situation that made you feel small and undervalued. Leaving the things you know can be very sad and lonely, even if it’s better for you, it’s far from easy.”

Danika kicks off her East Coast tour in Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat tonight. Catch her at the following venues.

2 September 2022 – Volta, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat (with SNAFU and Sid ONeil)
9-11 September 2022 – Wonder Mountain Festival @ Tanswells Hotel, Baarmutha/Beechworth (with Andras, Mildlife, Claps, Glass Beams, Emma Volard and more)
15 September 2022 – Church 5, Gumbaynggirr Country/Bellingen
17 September 2022 – Bar Oppil, Eora/Sydney (with CINTA T)
18 September 2022 – Franks Wild Years, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (with Dow World + Surprise Guest)
23 September 2022 – Red Hill Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Chewton (with Sid ONeil)
24 September 2022 – Tanswell Hotel, Baarmutha/Beechworth (with Sid ONeil)
25 September 2022 – The Wandi Pub, Wandiligong (FREE with Sid ONeil)
30 September 2022 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong (with Final Final)
1 October 2022 – Railway Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country/Macedon (with Ella Thompson)
7 October 2022 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne (with Tomgirl and Sid ONeil)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Bridgette Winten

Sunday Lemonade Releases Bubbly New Single “See You Sometime”

Sunday Lemonade have thoroughly charmed me with their folky new single, “See You Sometime.” It sounds effortlessly organic, like something that just came out of an impromptu jam session, but it’s been years in the making.

“Even after many one-way ticket purchases to leave behind everything that’s comfortable for the great unknown, closing a chapter never gets easier. This song has developed substantially over the years and has travelled with me since it was written while amidst backpacking and a snow season in Canada then eventually released as a heartbreak, soft-folk song for a solo project,” explained Loz, one half of the duo. “It was Tyson’s rock influence that really developed the other side of the story, creating an interesting contrast of sombre lyrics blended with the uplifting musicality giving that feeling of excitement for a new adventure.”

Loz and Tys always seem to be on the road, and the next few months are no exception. They’ll pack up their campervan-home and make pitstops along the East Coast to play the following dates.

16 September 2022 – The Cambridge, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with The Pierce Brothers)
17 September 2022 – The Shed, Boonwurrung Country/Main Ridge (with Shaun Kirk)
23 September 2022 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury (with The Pierce Brothers)
24 September 2022 – The Corporate Moose, Latji Latji Country/Mildura
25 September 2022 – Overland Corner Hotel, Erawirung Country/Overland
30 September 2022 – The Corporate Moose, Latji Latji Country/Mildura
2 October 2022 – Floriade Festival, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
14 October 2022 – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival 2022, Wodi-Wodi Country/Kangaroo Valley
13 November 2022 – Peninsula Vinehop Festival 2022, Boonwurrung Country/Mount Martha

Image used with permission from Sandhill Records

Noiseworks Show They’re More Than a Nostalgia Band With “Heart & Soul”

In case you missed it, Noiseworks have just dropped a new single, “Heart & Soul.” And it’s pretty fantastic.

Of course, it’s easy to miss a release like this. Commercial radio has a tendency to flog the back catalogue of classic bands without making space for their new material. And you know the alternative stations won’t play it! However, this track is so good that it should be on your radar. It’s also a taste of what’s to come. “Heart & Soul” is the first single lifted from Noiseworks’ first studio album in 30 years. Yes, they’ve still got it. Listen out for that album in October.

“Coming back after 30 years with new music and seeing the level of excitement that we have had from our Noiseworks fans has been a really powerful experience for us,” Jon Stevens said. “’Heart & Soul’ shows where we are now while also giving a nod to the sounds that make us Noiseworks. ”

No doubt Noiseworks will treat fans to a classic hits set as part of the upcoming One Electric Day tour. I just hope there’s space for “Heart & Soul”, because it’s every bit as good as the smash singles that came before. Tickets are extremely limited, so if you want to see Noiseworks and the other fine acts, including Suzi Quatro and The Angels, you’ll have to be quick!

5 November 2022 – ​Kent Reserve, Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri Country/Victor Harbor
19 November 2022 – ​Mornington Racecourse, Boonwurrung Country/Mornington
20 November 2022 – ​Werribee Park on the Great Lawn, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee
26 November 2022 – ​Sandstone Point Hotel, Woorim/Bribie Island
27 November 2022 – ​Broadwater Parklands, Yugambeh Country/Southport

Image source: own photo