Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Maintain the Rage With “Everyone Is Lying to You For Money”

If you weren’t already excited about the next album from The Smith Street Band, wrap your ears around their latest single “Everyone Is Lying to You For Money”. The robot voices threw me for a second, but before too long it becomes the explosively angry track I hoped for.

While I love the clip, you’re going to want to head to the streaming services as this single comes packaged with three killer live cuts from the band’s appearance at the Forum last year. If that doesn’t get you excited about seeing The Smithies live, I don’t know what will. Here are the remaining dates on their current Aussie tour!

26 August 2022 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney
27 August 2022 – UOW, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2022 – The Croxton, Naarm/Melbourne (with Bodyjar)
17 September 2022 – Kambri, Ngambri/Canberra
22 September 2022 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
23 September 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Kabi Kabi Country/Maroochydore (SOLD OUT)
7 October 2022 – The Gov, Tarndanya/Adelaide
8 October 2022 – The Gov, Tarndanya/Adelaide
21 October 2022 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
22 October 2022 – Forth Pub, Palawa Country/Forth
28 October 2022 – Astor Theater, Borloo/Perth
29 October 2022 – Wintersun, Amangu Country/Geraldton

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Deliver The Good Stuff With “Rescue Me”

You can always count on Bootleg Rascal for a good time. Their latest tune “Rescue Me” is an absolute banger. As if its sunny soul sound wasn’t enough, it comes complete with a Baywatch parody film clip. And if you’re still not satisfied, there’s a tour on the horizon. Happy days!

“Every Saturday night, Carlos, Fraser, and myself stay up late to have pillow fights and talk about the boys we like. During our time together, we also watch re-runs of Baywatch, The Sandlot Kids and clips of Kenny Powers slaying on a jet ski,” guitarist Jimmy Young admitted. “We thought about what we could do for the music video and then it hit us – we should just pay someone else to sort out a concept for us.”

Bootleg Rascal’s upcoming single shows are on track to sell out, so if you want some tickets, you know what to do.

1 September 2022 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
2 September 2022 – San Fran, Wellington
3 September 2022 – 12 Bar, Christchurch
7 October 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
8 October 2022 – Marrickville Bowlo, Eora/Sydney
14 October 2022 – Woolly Mammoth, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 October 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amy Sheppard Goes Country With Solo Single, “Blue Guitar”

I’ve always appreciated artists who find success in groups, yet take time away from their bands to express themselves a little more. Amy Sheppard is best known as a member of sibling pop act Sheppard, but she’s now carving out an impressive country career in her own right. Her latest single “Blue Guitar” is bound to resonate with anyone who loved those big ‘90s country acts like LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill, and Trisha Yearwood.

“I really leaned into the beauty of country music storytelling. Country music gives permission for songwriters to weave creative stories and this is where ‘Blue Guitar’ was born,” Amy explained. “The storyline follows a woman who returns to visit her small hometown. When she enters a local bar, she is taken aback by a familiar voice. The man singing on the stage is her former lover who never quite made the big time. She notices he is still playing his blue guitar- the same one he used to write love songs to her on. She is filled with the same old feelings she had for him and begins to wonder if the songs he is singing today are still about her.”

If you love what you hear, you’re in luck. Amy will release her debut solo EP Nothing But Wild on September 16. She’s also playing a few shows around Queensland, so get onto those!

10 September 2022 – Country Music Raceday @ Doomben Racecourse, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 September 2022 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (EP launch)
23 September 2022 – CMC Rocks QLD 2022, Tulmur/Ipswich
1 October 2022 – Savannah in the Round, Mareeba

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Georgia Wallace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole Reunite For Another Album and Tour

Everyone deserves a friend like Adam Harvey. A friend who doesn’t just reach out when you’re doing it tough, but really steps up to make you feel better.

“A few months ago when I wasn’t doing so well, my friend Adam Harvey checked in on me every week or so,” fellow Central Coast-based country artist Beccy Cole shared on social media. “He asked if there was anything he could do and I said ‘you could tour with me again, they are my happiest times.’ So he changed his year around and orchestrated this whole project. He said if I got better he would tour with me till the bloody wheels fall off! That’s what you call a friend.”

That project was The Great Country Songbook Volume 3, a sequel to the Great Country Songbook Volume 2 they released in 2017. I revisited that album yesterday and was so struck by the genuine love that radiates from these recordings. Adam and Beccy may be the closest Australia has to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and not just because they do a mean cover of “Islands in the Stream”!

As we await the album’s release, it’s time to get excited about that tour. Expect music, stories, and plenty of laughs when Adam and Beccy visit your town.

9 September 2022 – Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Yuibera Country/Mackay
10 September 2022 – The World Theatre, Gudjal Country/Charters Towers
11 September 2022 – Dalrymple Hotel, Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville
15 September 2022 – Brolga Theatre, Tuaggra/Maryborough
16 September 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Goodjinburra Country/Tweed Heads
17 September 2022 – Caloundra RSL, Cullowundoor/Caloundra
18 September 2022 – City Golf Club, Tawampa/Toowoomba
23 September 2022 – Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
24 September 2022 – Penrith Panthers, Darug Country/Penrith
29 September 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Warrnambool
30 September 2022 – York On Lilydale, Wurundjeri Country/Mount Evelyn
1 October 2022 – Palais Theatre, Wadawurrung Country/Geelong
8 October 2022 – Red Hill Auditorium, Boorloo/Perth
14 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
15 October 2022 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul
16 October 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga

Image used with Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Fitzgerald Rocks Out With “Muse”

Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Jacob Fitzgerald serves up a slice of classic rock with his bold new single “Muse”. This is an irresistible track with a killer bass line and plenty of swagger.

“Essentially, there are times where I’m writing about love/lust, but I’m not actively in love or possessing a similar feeling. In those situations, I found I naturally gravitate to basing the subject around this one particular person,” Jacob explained. “To be honest, I don’t even really know her, but she somehow is tattooed into my subconscious and is someone I can draw inspiration from EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I dunno, she just has the ‘thing’.”

A track this energetic is going to only get better in the live arena, so Jacob and his band are heading on tour. Catch them supporting Selfish Sons at the following shows:

6 August 2022 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2022 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 August 2022 – Hotel Carrington, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 August 2022 – The Bearded Dragon, Yugambeh/Tambourine
19 August 2022 – Burleigh Bazaar, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
20 August 2022 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bo’Ness “Still Young”, Still Fantastic

Bo’Ness were one of my favourite acts on the 2020 season of The Voice. There was something just so likeable about these enthusiastic young identical twins. They were also super talented; not just for teenagers but proper talented. So I’m thrilled to see they’re still making music and touring around the country. Their latest track is “Still Young,” a country-rock anthem about embracing life.

“’Still Young’ is about purely living in the moment and not letting neither your past or future bother you,” they explain. “Just living it up, savouring friends and family and doing everything while you can.”

Bo’Ness have been pretty busy this year, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.

“This whole year has been a life-changing experience; we have travelled on a tour bus for the last six months on the road and played over 20 shows to over 120,000 people in total.”

And there are more shows to come. They’re supporting some top artists, playing festivals, and headlining their own gigs. Catch Bo’Ness at one of the following venues this year:

6 August 2022 – Commercial Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 August 2022 – Daylesford Town Hall, Djadjawurrung Country/Daylesford (with Dallas Frasca)
16-26 August 2022 – Variety Bash (30th Anniversary)
2 September 2022 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Amber Lawrence)
8 September 2022 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba (with Screaming Jets)
9 September 2022 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Screaming Jets)
10 September 2022 – Bribie Island Hotel, Yarun/Bribie Island (with Screaming Jets)
11 September 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Reece Mastin)
17 September 2022 – Down on the Farm Country Campout, Geynyan Country/Springdale (with James Blundell)
18 September 2022 – Harrigans, Kombumerri Country/Jacobs Well
29 September 2022 – Beenleigh Tavern, Bundjalung Country/Beenleigh
5 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Kent Reserve, Ngarrindjeri Country/Victor Harbour
11 November 2022 – Waves Sports Club, Taribelang Bunda Country/Bundaberg
13 November 2022 – Lighthouse Hotel, Taribelang Bunda Country/Burnett Heads
19 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Mornington Racecourse, Boonwurrung Country/Mornington Peninsula
20 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Werribee Park, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee
26 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Ningy Ningy Country/Sandstone Point
27 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Broadwater Parklands, Yugambeh Country/Southport

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flynn Gurry Floors Me With “Don’t Know Love”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry has totally slayed me with his new single “Don’t Know Love”. It’s not surprising really, as he was inspired by one of my favourite international artists.

“I was really inspired by the way Dermot Kennedy brings such cool production to dark stories and that is what Jan [Skubiszewski, producer] and I attempted to achieve, this was also the first time I had recorded a song on the electric guitar,” he explained.

It was also the first time Flynn wrote a song from someone else’s perspective. If this is what happens when Flynn shakes things up, I think he should do it more often!

“I remember at the time of writing this thinking pretty deeply about love in general and how powerful it can be and that maybe we don’t fully understand it until we lose it,” he added.

“Don’t Know Love” comes from Flynn’s debut studio EP, slated for release later this year. Before that, you can catch him doing his thing at the following venues:

24 July 2022 – Hotel Brunswick, Arakwal Country/Brunswick Heads
29 July 2022 – Saints and Sailors, Bellawiyn/Portarlington
30 July 2022 – Palais Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs

Image used with permission from Footstomp PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater” – Alex the Astronaut

Alex the Astronaut is one of the more unique voices in the Australian music industry. Queer, neurodivergent, the holder of degrees in maths and physics. Hers is the kind of voice we don’t often hear releasing music. That’s just one of the many reasons you should pay attention to her new album, How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater.

I think one of the best ways to learn about experiences different from our own is to hear people share their stories. This is such a personal album. “Octopus” explores her recent autism spectrum diagnosis. Songs like “Haunted” and “Airport” give snapshots of interactions with her parents, blind dates, and love interests. “Sick” is a deeply intimate exploration of the loss and grief process that often begins when the ones we love are clinging to life. “South London” is a nostalgic look at a childhood so removed from many Aussie upbringings. The closing song “Haircut” is about more than a typical trip to the salon; it’s a celebration of gender expression and authenticity.

Listening to these songs you start to understand that we have more similarities than differences. We may not have loved someone of the same gender, but we’ve loved so we understand those feelings of vulnerability and comfort. We might not be neurodivergent, but we’ve felt unsure of ourselves, like an outsider, so those songs make sense for us too. We might not know the people that mean so much to Alex the Astronaut, but we’ve got our own connections that these songs remind us of.

There’s also such a beautiful joy to this music. These songs tackle some really big, important, heavy themes, but they’re delivered with such heart and humour. This album is a celebration of life in all its messy, beautiful weirdness. Listening to it simply makes you feel good. And maybe that’s the biggest reason why you should give How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater a listen.

How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater is out today. Alex the Astronaut will embark on an Aussie tour, kicking off with an appearance at Splendour this weekend.

24 July 2022 – Splendour in the Grass, Bundjalung Nation/Byron Bay
11 August 2022 – Freo Social, Noongar/Perth
13 August 2022 – Darwin Festival, Garramilla/Darwin
18 August 2022 – Kambri at ANU, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
19 August 2022 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
20 August 2022 – The Cambridge, Mulubinba/Newcastle
21 August 2022 – River Sounds, Gumbaynggirr Nation/Bellingen
27 August 2022 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 September 2022 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
4 September 2022 – Springtime Festival, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
8 September 2022 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
9 September 2022 – Altar, Nipaluna/Hobart
10 September 2022 – Uni Bar, Kaurna Land/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia; album cover: Giulia McGauran; main image: @jessgleeson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dulcie Serve Up Another Perfect Pop Bop With “Cold Hard Truth”

Dulcie are back with the sublime harmonies and catchy hooks that I can’t get enough of. “Cold Hard Truth” is another stellar single for the Boorloo/Perth pop act.

“‘Cold Hard Truth’ explores the frustration, insecurity and longing that comes from not knowing if someone feels the same way you do. It’s all about that waiting period, where you want them to make a move before you do!” explained the band’s lead vocalist and keyboardist, Ash Carr-White. “I originally wrote this song to be much slower and stripped back, but after workshopping it with the band and our producer it’s taken on a more punchy indie pop sound, which I love! We recorded it in my living room with Joel Quartermain and spent most of our time finding the perfect synth layers and midi sounds to bring it to life.”

Fresh from the back of supporting Amy Shark on her sold-out regional dates, Dulcie are ready to headline their own gigs. Catch them in the East Coast capitals before they return to the West this August.

4 August 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Hollie Joy and Dizzy Days)
5 August 2022 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (with 90ivy and Angela Rose)
6 August 2022 – Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne (with Mvlholland and Harper Bloom)
12 August 2022 – The River House, Noongar Country/Margaret River (with Supathick, Siobhan Cotchin, and Mia June)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit Stephanie Senior

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

COTERIE Ready to Headline First National Tour

I meant to write an article about COTERIE’s upcoming tour yesterday. Instead, I found myself travelling down the rabbit hole listening to their music and remembering just how much I love it. I’m still listening today, but I’m a bit more focused on the task at hand!

With Western Australian borders shut for so long, this will be the first time COTERIE have headlined an Aussie tour. Fans have wasted no time snapping up tickets, with several shows already sold out or getting close to it. COTERIE have just wrapped up a tour supporting Kiwi group SIX60, so they’re in fine form right now. Head to their website to get your tickets, because you don’t want to miss out.

29 July 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (FINAL TIX)
30 July 2022 – Jive Bar, Tarndanya/Adelaide
4 August 2022 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
5 August 2022 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney
6 August 2022 – Woolly Mammoth, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
19 August 2022 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Good Intent