Sydney band Jackie Brown Jr are spreading good vibes with their dynamic new single “Happy (you wanna be).” Blending rock, jazz, and soul elements is challenging, but these guys make it look easy. Its lyrics are so relatable and the sultry vocals from frontwoman and saxophonist (!) Madeleine Mallis are scorching.
She says the track “is an imploration to yourself that you are enough and that you only need to look within yourself to figure it all out!” Amen sister!
By the time the trumpet, trombone, and saxophone join together for a glorious tri-instrument horn section, I know you’re going to wonder how you can see them live. Because you just know they’d blow the roof off any venue. You can see for yourself when the band plays shows around New South Wales, the ACT, and (hopefully) Victoria in the coming months.
11th June 2021 – The Illawarra Hotel, Wollongong
12th June 2021 – Gang Gang Cafe, Canberra
18th June 2021 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
24th June 2021 – Mary’s Underground, Sydney
17th July 2021 – Melbourne @ Some Velvet Morning
With so many festivals still on ice, it’s exciting to see a brand new event launching later this year. SPRINGTIME Music Festival will help punters in Surfers Paradise usher in warm weather this September. It’s kicking off with a stacked line-up featuring Ruel, Ball Park Music, Hermitude, Sneaky Sound System, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Ali Barter, Saint Lane, and stacks more.
All these artists are playing free over the three-day event and there’ll be stacks of ticketed gigs as well, so there’s no excuse for not getting involved. The location on the beach and around the streets of the Gold Coast is sure to add to the party atmosphere.
“SPRINGTIME will showcase the City of Gold Coast’s connection to music, celebrating some of our favourite local acts as well as artists from across the country,” said Mark Duckworth, the Director of Festivals & Events at Major Events Gold Coast. “We are so excited to build a new event experience for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
SPRINGTIME Music Festival hits Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast from September 3 to 5. Mark your calendar because it’s going to be massive!
Darlinghurst keeps it short but not so sweet with their latest single “Unfaithful.” Proving that some of the best things come in small packages, the single is just over two and a half minutes. But its sublime harmonies and irresistibly catchy melody help it punch well above its weight.
“Unfaithful is a song about the betrayal of one’s trust, caused by another’s ulterior motives. The inspiration came from a walk-through Palm Springs, California – surrounded by the concept of beauty and contentment; but to then have a self-realisation that what we consider paradise, beautiful and everlasting – may not be what they’re perceived to be,” explained lead vocalist Jason Resch.
It’s pretty heavy subject matter, but Darlinghurst’s light touch balances the darkness. Just see if you can resist tapping your toes along to the beat. If you love what you hear, make sure you catch Darlinghurst at one of the following venues in the coming months:
27 May 2021 – Up Close @ Temperance Hotel, South Yarra
3 July 2021 – Bush To Bay Festival, Pialba
15 July 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
16 July 2021 – arcobar, Heatherton
26 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster, Amamoor
16 September 2021 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
1 October 2021 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
2 October 2021 – Savannah In The Round, Mareeba
Miriam Lieberman has captivated me with her gorgeous new single “Infinite We Are.” There’s a delicate, ethereal beauty about this one. Miriam’s voice is hypnotic and otherworldly. The strings and lush background harmonies only add to the magic.
“This song is about the power of imagination,” Miriam said. “It’s about sharing our dreams, stories and imaginings as a way to go beyond our own limitations, and the benefit of dreaming.”
The track comes with a poignant animated music video featuring the work of artist Aidan Judd.
“I had an idea that I wanted the video to begin in black and white, with a feeling of separation and alienation that through the characters allowing themselves to dream would turn into a colourful, nature inclusive space where the characters reconnected with each other,” Miriam explained of the clip’s inspiration.
“Infinite We Are” comes from Miriam’s new album Transforming, which drops on May 28. She’s currently touring the single around the East Coast. Both remaining shows are all-ages gigs, so take the whole family along to experience this incredible artist.
30 May 2021 – Django @ Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
26 June 2021 – The Base, Newcastle
Potsville/Brisbane act Eliza & The Delusionals have just dropped their new indie pop-rock track “You,” and I can’t stop listening. It’s instantly accessible, with a radio-friendly familiarity that quickly forges a connection with listeners. But once you tap into the lyrics, you’ll start to appreciate just how special this song is.
“‘You’ was written as a point of view type situation of any type of relationship where you just can’t possibly do enough for a person, only to have them give nothing in return and pretty much throw it back in your face,” explained the band’s guitarist Kurt Skuse. “Essentially watching someone fall apart and knowing there’s nothing more you can do to help. That’s why it’s called ‘You’, it’s for you.”
For the music video, Eliza & The Delusionals worked with Nick Maguire, who’s also created clips for Cub Sport, Ball Park Music, and Last Dinosaurs.
“We were lucky enough to be able to film the video in a warehouse at Screen QLD, which was really handy as we had multiple large sets to build. It was great for that because we had more than enough space to work out of,” the band said. “We wanted it to be inspired by the 90’s/2000’s outfit and style-wise, and we wanted it to have something that was nostalgic but with a fresh feel to it.”
Eliza & The Delusionals are touring almost everywhere in June and July supporting The VANNS. If you’re lucky enough to have tickets already, make sure you arrive early to catch their set at the following shows. Some limited tickets are still available for selected shows.
10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show – SOLD OUT)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Late Show)
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
15 July 2021 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 July 2021 – Kambri @ ANU, Canberra
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit Kurt Skuse
South Coast rock act Pacific Avenue are spreading the good vibes with their latest single “Easy Love.” It’s brand new but it already feels like a classic thanks to its bold 70s-inspired guitar line and those killer harmonies.
“Whilst love can be an entirely complicated mess, it’s also the easiest thing we do,” said Pacific Avenue frontman Harry O’Brien. “Running into someone, unexpectedly at that, and finding that you don’t need to try being anyone but yourself, is a very sweet thing and is something that’s worth holding on to. Regardless of who you are, love is love, and that’s what we hope to convey through the song and the video clip.”
The retro vibes continue with the film clip, which was shot on 16mm film around the band’s hometown of Kiama. The video sees the band performing random acts of kindness in their community as they cruise around in a vintage Pontiac.
“A lot of thought and work would go into the shots as lighting and movement had to be spot on due to limited amount of film,” Harry explained. “Although it was quite a meticulous process, we managed to film the majority of the clip in one day, starting at 5 am in the morning and ending at midnight. Safe to say we were exhausted by the end.”
Pacific Avenue will leave the South Coast behind for a national tour starting later this month. Check them out at the following venues:
28 May 2021 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
29 May 2021 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
4 June 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
18 June 2021 – West Room, Brisbane
2 July 2021 – Oxford Arts, Sydney
I don’t know about your social calendar, but looking at mine it seems like our arts scene is on its way to recovery. Suddenly I have tickets for gigs in the near future, with other gigs not too far behind them. If you needed further proof, then check out what’s planned for the 10th annual Anywhere Festival in Queensland. While other festivals have been scaled back affairs, this event promises more than 800 performances across the regions of Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and Noosa.
Anywhere Festival is proudly like no other festival in this country. The shows happen literally anywhere, including gyms, ferry stops, backyards, plant nurseries, warehouses, heritage homes, parks, and online. The shows are every bit as eclectic as the venues, with music, cabaret, poetry, dance, comedy, circus acts, and more on the agenda.
“I believe that performance and the arts should be a part of our lives and not just something we go to a theatre for. Anywhere Festival takes temporary possession of everyday and extraordinary places in order to make things happen in situations that wouldn’t normally, namely – the nooks and crannies of YOUR local area,” explained the festival’s founder Paul Osuch.
Anywhere Festival runs from May 6 to 23. Check out the website for the full program to see what’s happening near you.
Tim Hart’s recently released album Winning Hand has been a real slow burner for me. I quite enjoyed it when I listened on its February release, but I couldn’t rave about it. However, I’ve found myself gravitating back to it time and time again over the last month. It’s one of those albums that gets a little richer with every listen. I’m now raving about tracks like “Cold Comfort” and “Ace of Hearts” to anyone who’ll listen. In fact, I’m enjoying it more than any of the music he released with Boy & Bear! If you haven’t listened yet, go do it. If it doesn’t grab you right away, give it a little time. It’s pretty awesome.
I tell you all this because Tim has just announced his Winning Hand album tour. He’ll make stops along the East Coast and bring these great tunes to the people. You’re going to want to get on this one. And make sure you arrive early enough to catch the incredible Moon Saloon in the supporting slot. Tickets are available now from the venues.
7 May 2021 – The Junk Bar, Brisbane (7pm show)
14 May 2021 – The Vanguard, Sydney (6pm and 9:30 pm shows) early show)
15 May 2021 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne (3pm and 8pm shows)
16 May 2021 – Baby Black Cafe, Bacchus Marsh (4pm show)
Delta Goodrem has really surprised me with the latest track from her Bridge Over Troubled Dreams album. Billionaire sounds like it could come from the soundtrack of a classic Western. It’s like nothing we’ve heard from her before. While it’s sonically very different, the deeply personal lyrics are a Delta trademark. She wrote and produced this one, so its creation has clearly been a labour of love.
“‘Billionaire’ is one of my favourite songs on the record. It’s gritty, unfiltered girl power,” she explained. “I’ve always been about leading with my heart and soul, and this song is about flipping social constructs on their head and saying, ‘I’m going to stand on my own two feet. I’m going to make things happen for myself.’”
Bridge Over Troubled Dreams will drop on May 14. That gives fans plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the songs, as Delta’s moved dates for the album tour from April and May to September and October. If you got tickets already, they’re valid for the rescheduled shows. However, there are still good seats available if you haven’t secured yours yet.
24 September 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
25 September 2021 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
30 September 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
2 October 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
6 October 2021 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville
8 October 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
9 October 2021 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
13 October 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
15 October 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
16 October 2021 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
21 October 2021 – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
22 October 2021 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
23 October 2021 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
If you’ve considered getting along to Meadow this year but haven’t got your tickets yet, you’d better stop procrastinating. The latest raft of announcements is sure to make them some of the hottest tickets around.
A stack of new bands, including Private Function, Prequel, King Stingray, C.Frim, Kult Kyss, Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 x Tim Shiel, and The Seven Ups have just joined the already stacked bill. They’ll play alongside already announced acts including King Gizzard and the Lizzard Wizzard and Angie McMahon.
All the great musical talent will be complemented by a top selection of local food and beverages. We’re talking tasty treats from Hulms Pies, Pete’s Woodfired Pizza, and Perla Tacos. Wash it all down with craft beers from Salt Brewing Company, gin from Great Ocean Road Gin, wines from Heroes Vineyard, Dinny Goonan Wines, and Livewire Wines. And that’s just for starters.
Meadow hits Bambra Bowl on Victoria’s surf coast from April 23 to 25. Tickets are on sale now. In addition to the regular general release tickets you can also buy new glamping packages, which include beds with linen, towels, rechargeable warm light USB lanterns, chairs, and more. Tickets are limited to keep the event COVID-safe, so don’t muck around or you just might miss out.
Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit Kayzar Bhathwalla
