Creature Fear Ease You Into Your Working Week With “Makeup”

Getting back to work after a long weekend is never easy, but Melbourne’s Creature Fear are here to blast away the blues with their feelgood new single “Makeup.” It’s got a cool ‘60s garage rock feel with a fun pop flair that makes it great fun from the first listen, but even more likeable with every subsequent spin. Trust me.

Vocalist and guitarist Cameron Graham says the song is “about feeling suppressed but experiencing an awakening that gives you an urge to want to portray yourself true to who you are.”

Creature Fear have earned a reputation as a must-see band through support slots with Killing Heidi, Ball Park Music, Kingswood, Tired Lion, The Delta Riggs, and Boo Seeka. Victorians can catch them doing their thing at the remaining shows of their single launch tour.

11 October 2019 – The Catfish, Melbourne
12 October 2019 – The Workers Club, Geelong (FREE)

Get to Know Hallie Ahead of EP Tour

If you saw Holy Holy on their recent tour, you may be wondering who was the incredible young support act with the Joni Mitchell-esque vocals. That’s Hallie, and with her EP set to drop on Friday, there’s no better time to get across the music of this Brisbane-based artist.

I featured her single “Nice as Rice” a few months back, but if you missed that make sure you don’t miss her latest single “Stuck In Mud.” It’s a powerful ballad with such a strong emotional core, a fact that’s made all the more surprising when you understand it’s the only song on the EP that wasn’t inspired by Hallie’s own experiences.

“It’s about two people in a relationship that just stay because it’s comfortable, which at the time it was written, I saw a lot of in my friends’ relationships,” she explained. “I think I didn’t realise it then, but looking back this song was a bit of a metaphor for my relationship with life. I was in a bit of a lull and felt safe, but not satisfied. For me ‘Stuck in Mud’ is a reminder to get out of my comfort zone and that constant security can’t teach you much. It’s a piece full of angst, frustration and muffins, and I am so connected and proud of this piece.”

“Stuck in Mud” comes from Hallie’s debut EP, Wink Wink Nudge Nudge. To celebrate its release, Hallie will get back in the tour bus. If you missed her supporting Holy Holy or are in the mood for a second helping, these are all the dates you need.

19 October 2019 – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
25 October 2019 – Vic On The Park, Sydney (supporting Annie Hamilton)
26 October 2019 – The Foundry, Brisbane (supporting Asha Jefferies)
31 October– Strawberry Boogie @ Unibar, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

GraceJean Send Spirits Soaring With “Turn Away”

The working week seems to be dragging on, but Melbourne indie folksters GraceJean are here to lift your spirits with their romantic new single “Turn Away.” Take a listen and I’m sure you’ll be captivated by their sublime harmonies and organic sound.

“Turn Away” is the first single lifted from GraceJean’s debut album Long Black Road, which drops on October 4. They’ll celebrate its release with shows in Victoria and Queensland, including a very special hometown launch show on October 5. Here are all the dates you need music lovers!

5 October 2019 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
19 October 2019 – One Tree Hill, Spring Gully
25-27 October 2019 – Tablelands Folk Festival, Yungaburra
1-3 November 2019 – Happy Wanderer Festival, Benalla
23 & 24 November 2019 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Millington Releases Positive New Single, “I Am That”

Life’s good for Millington, who is currently touring Europe and the United Kingdom with fellow Melbourne act Pierce Brothers. In that spirit of celebration comes his latest single “I Am That,” a life-affirming ditty all about embracing yourself and your voice. It’s a topic Millington understands all too well, as he used music to overcome a pronounced stammer.

“Music gave me the opportunity to communicate and express myself deeply, work things through whilst telling myself to sort my shit out when things got/get challenging and difficult,” he explained. “I have been speaking and thinking in rhythms for as long as I can remember.”

Millington hopes to tour Australia really soon, but in the meantime if you’re abroad, do yourself a favour and check him out with Pierce Brothers at the following shows.

25 September 2019 – Rotown, Rotterdam
26 September 2019 – 013 Jupiler Zaal, Tilburg
27 September 2019 – Melkweg, Amsterdam
28 September 2019 – La Madeleine, Brussels
29 September 2019 – Le Gibus Club, Paris
1 October 2019 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
3 October 2019 – O2 Academy, Oxford
4 October 2019 – Thekla, Bristol
5 October 2019 – O2 Institute, Birmingham
7 October 2019 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
8 October 2019 – Òran Mór, Glasgow
9 October 2019 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
11 & 12 October 2019 – The Garage, London

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Lakyn Drops Stellar New Single “Choir Girl”

Kiwi-born, Melbourne-based artist Lakyn shows tremendous growth with the release of his new single “Choir Boy,” his first new music since releasing his EP “& Pains” last year. It’s an introspective track, interesting sonically but with some really powerful lyrics front and centre.

“Choir Boy’ is about timing and being at peace with where you’re at. It’s about knowing that wherever you are with your expectations, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.” Lakyn explained.

You might have seen Lakyn supporting acts like Vera Blue, LAUV, and Eves Karydas. However, in November he’ll take top billing with his own headlining shows celebrating the single’s release. Catch him at the following venues.

7 November 2019 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
14 November 2019 – Low 302, Sydney

Image used with permission from Island Records

The Vanns Rock Your Socks Off With “Deranged”

South Coast indie rockers The Vanns hit all the right notes with their new single “Deranged.” Just see if you’re not ready to sing along when that chorus kicks in!

“The song came about whilst I was staying over in London and I had up until the first chorus written with a rough melody,” explained Jimmy Vann. “Once I brought the song home it took a whole new direction of meaning.”

“Deranged” comes from The Vanns’ highly anticipated debut album Through the Walls, which drops on October 25. They’ve honed their live show supporting acts like Catfish and the Bottlemen and Ocean Alley, but they’ll be in the spotlight headlining their own album shows and appearing at some hot festivals later this year.

26 October 2019 – Hidden Lanes Festival @ The Zoo, Brisbane (FREE)
26 October 2019 – Gold Coast 600, Gold Coast
2 November 2019 – Stay Gold, Melbourne (Under 18s and 18+ shows)
9 November 2019 – Djerriwarrh Festival, Melton
14 November 2019 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (18+)
15 November 2019 – Mojo’s, Perth (ALL AGES, Under 18s permitted with guardian)
16 November 2019 – The Sewing Room, Fremantle (18+)
7 December 2019 – The Metro, Sydney (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Kiwi Indie Pop Act Thomston Ready for Aussie Tour

Rising Kiwi pop sensation Thomston is heading your way Australia. New Zealand bred and Los Angeles based, Thomston has really impressed me with his latest single “Casual” and the B-side “Middle Name.” I’m impressed enough when anyone drops a B-side these days, but when it stacks up like this one does you’ve got a fan in me. “Casual” comes from Thomston’s forthcoming double EP, Los Angeles and London.

“People are all over the place. One second, I want marriage and kids and a dog and a house, and the next I want to be alone. I want commitment until I don’t. ‘Casual’ is about being in a relationship with a person of a similar temperament that is just terrible on paper but part of you wants to give into the ‘what-ifs’ of a future together. It’s about wondering if commitment is all it takes,” Thomston explained.

This guy is going to be massive, so make sure you get along while he’s still playing intimate venues!

19 September 2019 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
22 September 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

James Reyne Announces “Boys Light Up” Anniversary Tour

It’s been 40 years since Australian Crawl dropped one of their most enduring songs, “The Boys Light Up,” the title track from their 1980 album. That seems as good a reason as any for James Reyne to load up the van and see fans around the country.

“Boys Light Up is turning 40! By Jove, who woulda thunk it. If I’d known what gave it legs I would’ve bottled it and drunk it. And I’m delighted that so many take this song into their hearts ‘cause it never really was a hit – it just SCRAPED into the charts. But it seems to hit a nerve, a chord, a nail, a bell, a spot ‘cause I tell ya, we don’t play it I’m likely to get shot! Or met by blokes in car-parks full of vinegar and piss who wanna know what game I’m playing, wanna know, “What game is this?!” They say they’ve got it on the record on CD, 8-track, cassette and they drove 500 miles not to hear it! Most upset!” James said.

“So it’s always fun to play tub-mother-thumping with the band and these are the good old days so c’mon and clap a hand. It’s bigger and it’s brighter with god-damned age some guile; And grand! And once upon a time remember? It got banned. ‘Cause I think “they” thought the title celebrated smoking dope! But it had nothing to do with it – it’s what you’d call a TROPE. A figure, then, of speech for euphemist results and irony of ironies and censorship and tyrannies. It’s about a fab and natural act for CON-senting adults. So, we’re coming to your town to celebrate it’s Come-Of-Age – bring all your bells and whistles ‘cause we’ll be BLISTERING the stage. There’ll be thrills and there’ll be spills as we fill that ROCKING cup ‘cause those Boys are turning 40 so c’mon and light them up!!”

You heard the man! Tickets are available now for all the following shows.

30 October 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
31 October 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
7 November 2019 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
14 November 2019 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
20 November 2019 – Astor, Perth
21 November 2019 – Astor, Perth
27 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
28 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Geowulf Gets Us Excited About New Album With “Lonely”

Aussie expats Geowulf have just dropped their charming new single “Lonely.” The coming-of-age track about knowing your worth gives us a sweet taste of their forthcoming album My Resignation, which drops on October 25.

“In a way, ‘Lonely’ epitomises a lot of what this album means to me” explained vocalist Star Kendrick. “A bold and welcomed acceptance of myself and my own company. Feeling less and less like I need the approval of others. That’s one of the many nice things about getting a bit older.”

Geowulf are kicking major goals overseas. Hopefully we see them back on our shores really soon, but before that they’ve got some shows in North America and the United Kingdom in the coming months.

7 November 2019 – Schubas, Chicago
8 November 2019 – The Drake Hotel, Toronto
11 November 2019 – Mercury Lounge, New York
13 November 2019 – The Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles
14 November 2019 – Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
15 November 2019 – Barboza, Seattle
18 November 2019 – Oslo Hackney, London
25 November 2019 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
26 November 2019 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
27 November 2019 – Exchange, Bristol

Image sued with permission from PIAS; credit: Quinn Warton

Boom Crash Opera Join Machinations for Anniversary Tour

Hearing that Boom Crash Opera are heading back on the road with original lead singer Dale Ryder to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough album These Here Are Crazy Times, several thoughts went through my head. Firstly, I was shocked it’s that old. I’ve been giving it another listen this morning with the news, and that album hasn’t aged a day, unlike so many records of the ‘80s. And perhaps the term records.

Then I thought how good these shows are going to be. These Here Are Crazy Times could be a best of album, with hits like “Onionskin,” “The Best Thing,” and “Dancing in the Storm” all featured. And Dale Ryder is back with the band. While I have mad respect for Andrew de Silva, he’s always felt a little like a fill-in for this act in my mind. Did I mention Machinations are on the bill too?

Relive all your ‘80s memories and make some new ones at the following shows.

1 November 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
8 November 2019 – Southport RSL, Southport
9 November 2019 – Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton
15 & 16 November 2019 – Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
17 November 2019 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle West
22 November 2019 – Yarraville Club, Yarraville
23 November 2019 – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute