Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Venice Queens Back With “Punchdrunk”

I raved about Adelaide’s Venice Queens way back in 2018, but didn’t hear anything from them since. Thankfully the drought has been broken with the release of their latest single, “Punchdrunk.” It’s just as summery and upbeat as their last offering, the sort of track that makes you want to see these guys live in a buzzing pub with beer in hand.

“We’re so excited to share ‘Punchdrunk’ with the world. It’s been a long time coming and it’s one we really felt we couldn’t rush,” the band said in a press release. “It’s been awesome having the opportunity to get both Simon (Kither) and Adrian’s (Breakspear) input and really achieve our live sound in the studio.”

“Punchdrunk” comes from the EP Venice Queens are currently working on. The lads are currently on tour giving fans a sneaky listen to more new tracks to come. Catch them on their remaining dates.

25 January 2020 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (with Hey Baby, Flora Link, The Fools)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Bootleg Rascal)
15 February 2020 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (with Teenage Dads, Soda, Stacy Says)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Announce Tasty New Single “Bittersweet” and Aussie Tour

Kingswood have delivered our first taste of their third studio album, Juveniles, and it’s absolutely delicious. The new single “Bittersweet” has an irresistible rock flavour that leaves you satisfied, yet just a little hungry for more.

“The thing that makes us who we are is the fact that we can do whatever we want, musically,” acknowledged lead guitarist Alex Laska. “We’re not doing it to be vindictive or to piss people off. We’re [just] not being confined. It’s like we’ve opened Pandora’s Box and have looked in every room; it’s mental.”

Juveniles hits stores and streaming services on March 13, the day after Kingswood’s latest Aussie tour kicks off. Tickets for that go on sale tomorrow at 11 am local time via Live Nation and the band’s website.

12 March 2020 – Barwon Club, Geelong
13 March 2020 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
14 March 2020 – Volta, Ballarat
18 March 2020 – Kambri ANU, Canberra
19 March 2020 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong
20 March 2020 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
21 March 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
26 March 2020 – The Gov, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – The Rosemount, Perth
28 March 2020 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
29 March 2020 – Freo Social, Fremantle
2 April 2020 – The Triffid, Brisbane
9 April 2020 – Republic Bar, Hobart
11 April 2020 – Saloon, Launceston
12 April 2020 – Forth Pub, Devonport
16 April 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay
17 April 2020 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
25 June 2020 – The Jack, Cairns
26 June 2020 – Otherwise Bar, Townsville
27 June 2020 – CBD McGuires Hotel, Mackay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Judith Owen Announces Aussie Sideshows

Welsh singer-songwriter-pianist Judith Owen will make the most of her time in Australia after announcing sideshows to complement her set at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. While she’s best known for her original music, which has earned the praise of musical heavy-hitters including Bryan Ferry and Jackson Browne, Judith is currently making waves with the release of her new album redisCOVERed.

This album has only just hit my radar today and I’m already a bit obsessed. Judith puts her stamp on some surprising material a world away from her usual fare. Think Soundgarden, Donna Summer, and Drake, all with that unmistakeable Judith Owen flair.

Expect Judith to play some of those clever covers and her own original material at the following shows:

7 & 8 March 2020 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
14 March 2020 – Utzon Room @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney
21 March 2020 – Fyrefly, St Kilda

Images used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Drop Alternate Version of “Jules Said” Ahead of Red Eye Tour

I loved The Vanns’ Through the Walls so much that I named it my favourite album of the year. Several months after its release, I still have it on regular rotation. I love the big rock numbers, but I have a special spot in my heart for one of the more reflective songs, “Jules Said.” Perhaps it’s because The Vanns first hit my radar when Jules showed off the tattoo he got celebrating the band on The Bachelorette. Maybe it’s just because it’s beautiful to hear a softer side to their music. At any rate, it’s a top song and I’m so thrilled to see it released as a single. Not content to rest on their laurels, the single is a brand new version of “Jules Said” recorded with Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning producer Adrian Breakspear (Gang of Youths, Pharrell Williams).

“Jim (Vann) and I wrote ‘Jules Said’ in my bedroom in under an hour. It was the first song we finished writing for Through The Walls. We were doing a lot of writing on Logic and trying to come up with ‘cool sounds’ for a while, and then we went out to lunch and were like, ‘When we get back, let’s just try and write something with two guitars and no computer,’” explained guitarist Cameron Little.

A new single release is as good a reason as any to gig, so The Vanns have also announced their Red Eye tour. Catch them at the following venues this autumn.

19 March 2020 – Altar Bar, Hobart
20 March 2020 – Howler, Melbourne
21 March 2020 – Unibar, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
28 March 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
3 April 2020 – Unibar, Wollongong
4 April 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2020 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Back With “Lonely Times” and Tour

It wasn’t so long ago that Bootleg Rascal were wowing me with their double A-side single “Yin & Yang.” Now they’re back with a track that’s every bit its equal, “Lonely Times.” It’s fresh and funky, with reggae, hip hop, and dub influences combining to create an irresistible summer feel.

It wouldn’t be a Bootleg Rascal release without a tour to match. You’ll have plenty of chances to see these guys bring the party vibes in the coming months. It all kicks off tonight at Miranda Hotel with a bushfire benefit show. 100% of the profits will go to the NSW Rural Fire Service, so get along and support it!

17 January 2020 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
w/ A.GIRL + TIMI TEMPLE
18 January 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
19 January 2020 – Park House, Mona Vale (with A. Girl and Grace Grove)
24 January 2020 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
25 January 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (with Saint Lane and Venice Queens)
30 January 2020 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Richysand and Alex Hosking)
31 January 2020 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
1 February 2020 – Indi Bar, Perth (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
2 February 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
7 February 2020 – The Beery, Terrigal (with Nelipot, Saint Spook, and Deadshowws)
8 February 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra (with Liv Li and Muddy Wolfe)
21 March 2020 – A Day on the Lawn, Hobart (with Boy and Bear and Meg Mac)
27 March 2020 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (with Shag Rock and Scabz)
2 April 2020 – Marrickville Bowls Club, Sydney (with Shag Rock and Scabz)
3 April 2020 – Howler, Melbourne (with Shag Rock and Scabz)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Drop New Music Ahead of Laneway Shows

Ocean Alley have kept a fairly relentless touring schedule over the last 12 months, but they’ve still found time to write and demo some new music. New single “Tombstone” is one of the latest tracks to come out of those creative stints. Its easy blend of funk, soul, and classic rock showcases everything that made Ocean Alley one of the hottest bands in the country.

Ocean Alley spent much of 2019 abroad playing shows in New Zealand, Bali, Canada, the USA, Europe, and the UK, but they’ll be back on home soil next month for the Laneway Festival shows. They’ll also support Six60 in New Zealand. Catch them at all the following gigs.

1 February – Laneway Festival, Brisbane
2 February – Laneway Festival, Sydney
7 February – Laneway Festival, Adelaide
8 February – Laneway Festival, Melbourne
9 February – Laneway Festival, Fremantle
22 February – Western Springs, Auckland (supporting Six60)
7 March – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (supporting Six60)

Photo credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zac Eichner’s Double A-Side Single Twice as Nice

Adelaide indie-electronic act Zac Eichner delivers a double-dose of goodness with his new double A-side single, “Naked & Autumn.” The songs complement one another beautifully, showcasing Zac’s gift for creating electronic music with heart. I love the way his electro beats intertwine with his rough, yet tender vocals, and traditional instruments. “Naked” is a poignant piano ballad while “Autumn” is an uplifting number that Zac describes as a “bittersweet, coming-of-age movie track.”

Both songs are so different, but they’re the ideal introduction to what Zac brings to the local music landscape. When he’s not working on music, Zac devotes his time to helping the next generation.

“I work for the Carly Ryan Foundation, a non-for-profit organisation. I get to head around Australia and talk to primary and high school kids about online safety and wellbeing,” he explained. “I’m currently developing a holistic healing/song writing program to take to schools for kids to be able to express themselves through song, whether that be to capitalise on those songs, just have a voice or strengthen their mental health. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about and is clearly very close to me.”

Zac is playing launch parties around the nation to celebrate the release of “Naked & Autumn.” Catch him at the following remaining gigs.

8 January 2020 – The Gasometer, Melbourne
10 January 2020 – Rye Hotel, Mornington Peninsula
11 January 2020 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Wild Releases Rocking Love Triangle Track, “You Wouldn’t Know”

Melbourne act Sienna Wild are giving me serious Eskimo Joe vibes with their latest single “You Wouldn’t Know.” It’s got a little more edge than your average pop-rock number, and that anthemic chorus really kicks things up a notch. To make sure you can sing along, the band has released a fantastic lyric video to compliment the song’s release.

“The sentiment behind the single came from me setting myself a challenge of writing from the perspective of a third-party in a break up,” explained Louis Goutus, Sienna Wild’s lead singer and bassist. “Up to that point, our writing had been about power within a relationship, whether it be during good times or bad. This time, I wanted to write a song about an outsider who becomes involved in a break up, as opposed to the two protagonists telling the story. It is essentially about a girl telling her boyfriend’s best friend she’s going to leave her man, but the boyfriend is too oblivious to realise. Hence, he ‘wouldn’t know’, but the friend does!”

The lads played a free show in Sydney last week, but there’s more where that came from.

“Fans can expect a tight rock performance full of swirling guitars, crashing choruses and compelling dynamics. You’ll see a band who have conviction and believe what they say, and mean what they do. A good time for all!”
If that sounds right up your alley, make sure you don’t miss the following Sienna Wild gigs.

9 January 2020 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
18 January 2020 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
31 January 2020 – The Tote, Collingwood

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MOBS Moving On With “Find Another You”

I’ve always felt Melbourne band MOBS were on the verge of greatness. With the release of their new single “Find Another You,” they’re inching ever closer to getting there.

This track sees the band coming of age with its glorious blend of melancholy and optimism. While the verses explore the pain of relationships, the joyous chorus reminds us that there will always be another day, and another person to make our hearts soar. Can we just take a moment to appreciate that sax line too? MOBS take their cues from retro synth-pop acts including Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet along with modern masters like Passion Pit and LANY. It’s fresh, fun, but with a darkness that adds depth.

Inspiration came from the most unlikely of places, according to lead singer Jordan Clarey.

“’Find Another You’ is about the movie She’s All That,” he admitted. “Instead of being about a jerk turning a geeky girl into a popular girl, our song is about that jerk getting hurt and doing whatever he can to get over the fact that he’s vulnerable and just wants to be happy. This was a fun sidestep from the theme of writing about movies as this was us creating our own story inside of the movie”.

These guys had a busy 2019, playing shows in China, the US, and the UK, as well as here at home. With songs like “Find Another You” in their arsenal, we can expect 2020 to be even bigger. They’ll play a string of shows in North America next month and The Great Escape festival in the United Kingdom later this year. Catch MOBS at the following events and expect many more show announcements soon!

9 February 2020 – Set it Off @ Phantasy Nightclub, Lakewood
11 February 2020 – Set it Off @ Majestic Theatre, Madison
12 February 2020 – Set it Off @ TAK Music Venue, Dilworth
15 February 2020 – Set it Off @ The Rec Room, Calgary
18 February 2020 – Set it Off @ Biltmore Ballroom, Vancouver
13 May 2020 – The Great Escape, Brighton

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sea Gypsies Release New Summer Anthem, “Mexico”

As a proud Coastie, I have a soft spot for great talent coming out of my local area. The Sea Gypsies are local stalwarts, but I’m always happy to hear more sweet tunes from this Central Coast indie rock outfit. “Mexico” is their latest effort, a stellar single that captures the hedonism of summer.

As you might expect, the song was inspired by frontman Luke Marlin’s adventures in South America. However, it was a trip that didn’t go quite as planned. In fact, he had to cut the holiday short after he was diagnosed with Dengue fever. In recovery on home soil, he wrote this song while reflecting on the wild trip that was.

The clip sees the lads in characteristic form, enjoying a laugh and refusing to take life too seriously.

“These guys are my friends; we go surfing together, rip on each other and order Dominos every band practice. We’re musicians, not actors, so we thought to ourselves, ‘Why not just have a laugh and shoot a video that we’d enjoy making?” said the band’s bassist, Jackson Burke.

“Mexico” is our first taste of new music from The Sea Gypsies in a while. Hear more of the new stuff and plenty of your favourites at the band’s upcoming shows.

25 January 2020 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
1 February 2020 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
7 February 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
8 February 2020 – Love Lanes Festival, Central Coast
16 February 2020 – North Gong, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Beehive PR