Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Animals, Eskimo Joe, Rick Price Heading to Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 10th Birthday

Airlie Beach Festival of Music promises one hell of a party when the event celebrates its 10th anniversary this November. Organisers have just announced killer additions to the line-up including Rick Price, Eskimo Joe, and British superstars The Animals.

“I’m sure the weather will be perfect and everybody there will be up for a good time,” said The Animals’ original drummer John Steel, who can’t wait to visit Airlie Beach for the first time. “The onstage setup and the crew will be top class … fans can expect to see and hear a cracking good band performing timeless classics from The Animals repertoire – just sit back and enjoy it; we won’t let you down.”

These acts join those already announced including Ben Lee, Rogue Traders, the Badloves, Mi-Sex, and Bill Chambers.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music hits Airlie Beach from November 4 to 6. That sounds like a long time away, but with such an amazing line-up the event is sure to sell out. I’d nab some tickets sooner rather than later if I were you!

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is the perfect event for visitors to package with a diverse array of accommodation and tours, but due to its ever-increasing popularity I would suggest booking now to avoid disappointment,” added Rick Hamilton, Tourism Whitsundays’ CEO. “This is one of those weekends you don’t want to miss and a unique chance to experience live music in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

You heard the man. Get on it! Tickets are available now from the Airlie Beach Festival of Music website.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Hayes Back to His Best With Stunning New Single “Poison Blood”

As one half of Savage Garden, Darren Hayes created some of the world’s most iconic pop songs. Tracks like “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” “I Knew I Loved You”, and “To The Moon and Back” are the ones that are encouraging people to buy those tickets to his upcoming shows. While those tracks sold truckloads, many of his solo singles failed to chart. However, it’d be a mistake to think Darren’s best music is behind him. In fact, his new single “Poison Blood”, may be his best solo effort. Its stripped-back sound ensures we can hear every intimate lyric and the quality of Darren’s trademark falsetto.

“’Poison Blood’ is a song about choosing to stay when everything else in your life is telling you to leave. I have a family history of depression and suicide and I talk openly about my own diagnosis it in the hope that I might inspire someone who is struggling to seek help, as I have proudly done many times throughout my life,” he explained. “I describe my depression as a blessing, a gift, and a curse all at once. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy and yet I’m aware I am a deeply sensitive person, and that my unique brain allows me to feel depths of emotions that many people don’t experience. So I have learned to use those moments to channel melodies and stories that I hope are so real and so relatable they might reach someone else who is in pain, like me, and remind them to stay, like I choose to, every single day.”

Darren will play his first Australian shows in more than a decade next year. No doubt the fans will scream for those Savage Garden hits, but I hope this special song gets a warm reception. Tickets are available now for the following shows:

31 January 2023 – RAC Arena, Perth
4 February 2023 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
7 February 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Sydney
8 February 2023 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
11 February 2023 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
12 February 2023 – Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Return to Scene With “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever”

Listening to The Smith Street Band’s first new music in two years has made me realise how much I’ve missed them. Don’t think they’ve mellowed in time. The new single “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever” is a passionate call to arms encapsulating the mixed feelings many of us have in these crazy pandemic times.

“A song about all the excitement and anxiety felt re-entering the world, what we’ve lost over the last few years and most importantly what we’ll gain when we finally get through everything we’ve all had to endure! This song is the first single off our upcoming record, we’ve been working hard and cannot wait to share everything with you!” said lead singer Wil Wagner.

The single comes bundled with a couple of choice live tracks on all the major streaming services. If they’ve got you nostalgic for the band’s gigs, you’re in luck. The Smith Street Band are preparing to visit most of the capitals and major regional centres with a brand new tour. Here are all the dates you need:

10 June 2022 – Volta, Ballarat
11 June 2022 – The Torquay Hotel, Torquay
24 June 2022 – The Westernport, San Remo
16 July 2022 – Beer & BBQ Festival, Adelaide
24 August 2022 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
25 August 2022 – Entrance Leagues Club, Central Coast
26 August 2022 – The Metro, Sydney
27 August 2022 – UOW, Wollongong
16 & 17 September 2022 – Kambri, Canberra
22 September 2022 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast
23 September 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore
7 & 8 October 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 October 2022 – The Forth Pub, Forth
28 October 2022 – Astor, Perth
29 October 2022 – Wintersun, Geraldton

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Release Catchy New Single, “Me Because of You”

The hits keep coming from Perth rock act The Faim. I keep expecting the quality of their singles to dip at some point, but their latest offering “Me Because of You” is just as irresistible as I hoped it’d be. If you love your rock music with a side order of synths, you’re going to dig this one.

“‘Me Because of You’ was written about embracing change and letting go of a past version of yourself. The lyrics recognise the huge impact someone else can have on the process,” bassist and keyboardist Stephen Beerkens explained. “This song was a huge milestone for us, as it’s our first release that has been self-produced!”

The Faim will set off on their first Aussie tour in three years this July. It’s been a long time coming, so you don’t want to miss it.

15 July 2022 – Vision Studios, Perth (ALL AGES)
16 July 2022 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
21 July 2022 – The Brightside, Brisbane
22 July 2022 – Newcastle Hotel, Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
24 July 2022 – La La La’s, Wollongong
29 July 2022 – Transit Bar, Canberra
30 July 2022 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
31 July 2022 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Waxflower Headlining East Coast EP Tour

After recently wowing crowds as the support act for Trophy Eyes, Waxflower are ready to headline their own shows. The Brisbane pop-punk act will showcase songs from their latest EP on The Tour of What Went Wrong which kicks off next week.

These guys are known for their high-energy shows and anthemic set lists that encourage you to sing along. While the shows celebrate their latest releases, you can expect plenty of your old favourites will also get a run.

The Sound of What Went Wrong EP is on all your favourite streaming services now. Get acquainted if you’re not already, because it’s chockful of bangers. Then get your tickets to one of the following gigs.

4 June 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
17 June 2022 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
18 June 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Mitch Lowe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Start the Party With Laura Mac

It’s just close enough to the weekend to start the party tunes I think. Queue Laura Mac’s, whose latest single “Don’t Know What I’m Thinking” deserves to get turned up loud at your next shindig. I’ve been moving and grooving to this one at home, but something tells me it’d sound even sweeter surrounded by mates with a bevvy in hand.

“Party, disco, dance – we’re just having fun with it!” explained one half of the Queensland duo, Laura Maclachlan. “All our songs have a different vibe but I feel like we’ve kept our own unique sound. DKWIT is staying up all night partying and loving every second of it. Celebrate every chance you get, party with your mates and dance ‘til you drop… High 5!!”

Laura Mac will play their very first live show supporting British India tomorrow night before playing some East Coast shows in July and August.

21 May 2022 – Solbar, Maroochydore (supporting British India)
29 July 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
6 Aug 2022 – The Last Chance, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Dane Beesley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cheap Date’s Lara Dee Releases Stunning New Single, “Dear Daughter”

Lara Dee, the frontwoman of Brisbane band Cheap Date, has released a gorgeous new single “Dear Daughter.” This is a real departure for Lara, a song that sees her being truly vulnerable. It’s something that has taken her many years to do, but I’m so glad she did.

“‘Dear Daughter’ is a song that I wrote during a very tumultuous period of my teen years. Some six years later, I have finally worked up the courage to release the song and be a little bit vulnerable,” she admitted.

“I had to grow up very quickly, spending much of my adolescence in and out of hospital wards both for my own treatment and my brother’s. When I reflect on this song and my state of mind during the writing process, I have finally realised that ‘Dear Daughter’ saved me.

“Unlike many of the songs I write, ‘Dear Daughter’ was complete within 30 minutes, without any hesitation or reflection. I was 15 and buried deep in a vicious cycle of a relapsing eating disorder and self-harm. On this particular night I was pushed to my limits and needed to escape. Before the ritualistic process of self-harm could progress to something scarily worse, I remembered my mum was in the room next door.

“Music was something I had always been passionate about and used to express emotion. It was also one of the many things I had thrown to the wayside in the grips of my struggles. In this particular moment I thought about my mum and our relationship. She has always been my best friend and biggest support and our relationship is one that I am always grateful for. I thought about how she would feel and respond if she knew how I was feeling and how I was treating her ‘little girl’.

“This led to a bigger thought and emotion around how I would feel if I had to enforce my thinking and actions onto a younger version of myself. So I sat down and decided to write a note to a future child of mine and a past version of myself. ‘Dear Daughter’ is the product of that evening and I am very proud to have emerged on the other side.”
This might be a solo release, but it definitely doesn’t spell the end of Cheap Date. The band are supporting Suzi on her upcoming Aussie tour. Check out both great acts at the following venues:

20 May 2022 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
27 May 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 May 2022 – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
29 May 2022 – O’Skulligans, Brisbane
3 June 2022 – The Eastern, Ballarat
4 June 2022 – Workers Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dean Lewis Releases New Acoustic Version of “Hurtless” To Coincide With Global Tour

Dean Lewis is so prolific, it’s so easy to miss those new singles when they drop. So I’m thrilled he’s rereleased his latest track “Hurtless” in a new stripped-back format. What a beautiful piano ballad this is. Can this guy put a foot wrong? It doesn’t seem like it!

“’Hurtless’ has immediately become one of those special, connecting moments in the live shows,” Dean said. “If there’s one thing my career so far has shown me, it’s that the more painfully honest about my own life I am in my songs – the more they seem to resonate”.

Speaking of live shows, Dean has just kicked off his Sad Boi tour in North America and will travel to Europe next. If you’re abroad, here are all the dates you need!

14 May 2022 – The Underground, Charlotte
16 May 2022 – Union Transfer, Philadelphia
17 May 2022 – The Fillmore, Silver Spring
20 May 2022 – Webster Hall, New York City
21 May 2022 – Roadrunner, Boston
23 May 2022 – MTELUS, Montreal
24 May 2022 – HISTORY, Toronto
26 May 2022 – Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit
27 May 2022 – Riviera Theatre, Chicago
28 May 2022 – Fillmore Minneapolis, Minneapolis
30 May 2022 – Ogden Theatre, Denver
31 May 2022 – The Depot, Salt Lake City
2 June 2022 – Malkin Bowl, Vancouver
4 June 2022 – The Showbox, Seattle
5 June 2022 – Roseland Theater, Portland
7 June 2022 – The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
8 June 2022 – Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
11 June 2022 – The Observatory North Park, San Diego
12 June 2022 – Marquee Theatre, Tempe
15 June 2022 – Granada Theater, Dallas
16 June 2022 – Emos Austin, Austin
17 June 2022 – Warehouse Live, Houston
20 June 2022 – The Orange Peel, Asheville
21 June 2022 – The National, Richmond
23 June 2022 – Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park
24 June 2022 – Mr. Small’s Theatre, Pittsburgh
25 June 2022 – Deluxe At Old National Centre, Indianapolis
28 June 2022 – The Pageant, St. Louis
29 June 2022 – The Truman, Kansas City
2 July 2022 – Summerfest, Milwaukee
7 July 2022 – Ottawa Blues Festival, Ottawa
8 July 2022 – Quebec International Summer Festival, Quebec
10 July 2022 – Wonderstruck Festival, Cleveland
17 September 2022 – Filadelfiakyrkan, Stockholm
18 September 2022 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo
20 September 2022 – Skråen i Nordkraft, Aalborg
21 September 2022 – Posted, Odense
22 September 2022 – Train, Århus
24 September 2022 – Train, Århus (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2022 – Forum Black Box, Copenhagen (SOLD OUT)
27 September 2022 – Forum Black Box, Copenhagen, Denmark
28 September 2022 – Train, Århus (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2022 – Markthalle, Hamburg
1 October 2022 – Progresja, Warsaw
3 October 2022 – ROXY Prague, Prague
4 October 2022 – Huxley’s, Berlin
6 October 2022 – Live Music Hall, Cologne
7 October 2022 – X-tra, Zurich
9 October 2022 – Magazzini Generali, Milan
11 October 2022 – La Madeleine, Brussels
12 October 2022 – Tivoli Vredenburg, Utrecht
13 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
15 October 2022 – Le Trianon, Paris

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Darren Craig

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston Gets Nostalgic With “Country Boys”

There’s a perception that artists who came to our attention through reality TV shows never go on to have long-standing careers in the music industry. However, in reality, plenty of singer-songwriters have used these platforms to do amazing things. Take James Johnston, who first caught my attention on The X Factor way back in 2014. He’s just returned from performing alongside Lee Kernaghan at the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival and Golden Guitar Awards. He’s clocked up more than 14 million streams. His last single “Small Town” spent 10 weeks at the top of the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts. And he’s just released a new track, “Country Boys”, which deserves to be every bit as successful. The song sees James reminiscing about his childhood in Wingham, in regional New South Wales.

“’Country Boys’ is my childhood captured in a song,” he said. “From riding dirt bikes to losing summers swimming in the creek.”

As the weather cools, the country music scene is heating up. James is on board for a whole string of festivals in the coming months. Check him out at one of the following events:

20 May 2022 – Nebo Hotel Pre-Rodeo Street Party, Nebo
21 May 2022 – PBR Australia @ Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
27 May 2022 – Boots & Beach Festival, Port Macquarie
11 June 2022 – Buck Wild Country Barn Sessions, Townsville
30 July 2022 – Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races, Tara
20 August 2022 – NQ’s Rock’n Country Music Festival, Mackay
26 August 2022 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
23-25 September 2022 – CMC Rocks, Willowbank
2 October 2022 – Savannah in the Round, Mareeba

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Savour MID CITY’s New Single, “Choc Mint”

MID CITY’s latest single “Choc Mint” is exactly the kind of high-energy rock number your weekend needs. Just see if you’re not punching your fist in the air by the time that chorus kicks in. Like the love child of Gang of Youths and Arctic Monkeys, the Melbourne band has really outdone themselves here. They had a simple aim with this single: they want to get you moving!

“Our entire existence as a band is about getting people to uncross their arms at gigs,” they said. “There’s enough terrible stuff going on in the world without a bunch of relatively fortunate dudes in a band making people feel worse about themselves or disappearing up their collective musical butts trying to be the saviours of music as we know it. We wanna write fast songs with big choruses that make other things in your life feel less shit.”

Amen to that! “Choc Mint” is the first track lifted from MID CITY’s forthcoming debut album. The band are preparing to play a few shows in Europe but they’ll be back before too long for some Aussie dates. Catch them anywhere you can!

16 May 2022 – Ostpol, Dresden
17 May 2022 – Klubovna, Prague
18 May 2022 – Privatclub, Berlin
19 May 2022 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
20 May 2022 – Artheater, Koln
21 May 2022 – Jugendheim, Haldern
24 May 2022 – Schon Shon, Mainz
25 May 2022 – Kohl, Karlsruhe
26 May 2022 – Substanz, Munich
2 July 2022 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
15 July 2022 – The Chippo, Sydney
16 July 2022 – The Greaser, Brisbane (FREE)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Nick Manuell