Colin Lillie Releases Feelgood Single “We Got Love”

Sometimes you hear voices that stay with you. Colin Lillie’s is one of those voices for me. I remember being wowed by him on The Voice a year ago. I’m pretty sure he didn’t get that far, but I never forgot about it. So I’m thrilled to hear some new music in the form of his latest single “We Got Love.”

This is joyful soul-rock, a true celebration of life and getting through the hard times.

“The song is about believing in yourself no matter how life kicks you, if you believe you’re on the right road you can get through anything,” he explained. “Real change is only relevant to the individual because no one really wants to know about the past, only the present. I guess ‘We Got Love’ is also about coming to peace with your past and walking down the new road with confidence.”

“We Got Love” comes from Colin’s forthcoming album, which is set for release near the end of the year. It’s only a matter of time before Colin is the headliner, but until then you can catch him supporting Diesel at the following shows.

2 August 2019 – Commercial Hotel, South Morang (with Diesel)
3 August 2019 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave (with Diesel)
8 August 2019 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay (with Diesel)
9 August 2019 – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville (with Diesel)
10 August 2019 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with Diesel)
15 August 2019 – Star Hotel, Emerald (with Diesel)
16 August 2019 – Allenstown Hotel, Rockhampton (with Diesel)
17 August 2019 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone (with Diesel)
18 August 2019 – Bay Central Tavern, Harvey Bay (with Diesel)
22 August 2019 – Ramsgate Hotel, Henley Beach (with Diesel)
23 August 2019 – Norwood Hotel, Norwood (with Diesel)
24 August 2019 – Victoria Hotel, O’Halloran Hill (with Diesel)
30 & 31 August 2019 – Brass Monkey, Sydney (with Diesel)

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

David Taylor Tackles Abuse With “Battered”

David Taylor shows why he was a recent finalist in the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting contest with his stunning new single “Battered.” The track was shortlisted for the competition even before it was released, a feat which saw him going toe to toe with more well-known artists including Dean Lewis, The Veronicas, and eventual winner Matt Corby.

At just 21 years old, I think David will have plenty of opportunities to take out the gong. With “Battered” he shows great sensitivity in expressing the feelings of entrapment so many experience in abusive relationships. At a time when one in five Australian women and one in 20 Australian men have been sexually and/or emotionally abused by a partner, this is a song people need to hear.

David hasn’t toured the country since 2016, but the patience of fans will be rewarded with shows this August and September. See him at the following intimate venues around the country in the coming months.

30 August 2019 – The Junk Bar, Brisbane
6 September 2019 – The Newsagency, Sydney
14 September 2019 – Four5Nine, Perth
21 September 2019 – Bar303, Melbourne

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

“Find a Way” – Dana Gehrman

Brisbane’s Dana Gehrman creates the sort of music we don’t hear enough of these days. She has a cool bluesy sound that veers into rock, country, soul, and Americana. It’s perfectly punctuated with Hammond organs and slide and pedal steel guitars. And then there is that voice, so commanding with a sultry ease you instantly warm to. I hadn’t heard of her before listening to her debut album Find a Way, which is out today, but I’m an instant fan.

The album’s opener “Hands Tied” is the perfect introduction to her sound. It goes down so easily, but there’s a definite edge to the message. “24 Karat Rocker” could easily have come from Tom Petty’s catalogue. It’s perfect road trip music, with a vintage 70s sound that evokes rich nostalgia.
The album is mostly a party full of solid blues-rock numbers, but Dana shows her sensitive side in the title track “Find a Way.” It’s the album’s most poignant moment, a romantic track that shows she’s not all sass and strength. It’s not too long before she shakes off that vulnerability and is back grooving with us again though. Deep swampy cuts like “Howling Wolves” and “Grasshopper Creek” will please blues purists. A reprise of “Remedy” seems a little tacked on, especially after the powerful “Rogue Train (Rattle on By),” but it’s a good reminder than Dana’s music is really all about having fun.

Dana Gehrman feels like Australia’s answer to Sheryl Crow, an immense talent with an ability to effortlessly cross genres. Find a Way is an impressive debut from this superb Queenslander. She’ll bring its songs to music lovers at the following shows.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

26-28 July 2019 – Echuca Blues Festival, Echuca
10 August 2019 – Phase 4 Records instore, Brisbane
17 August 2019 – Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
6 September 2019 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Polymer Rock Out With “Believers”

Sydney trio Polymer are delivering grungy rock vibes with their killer new single “Believers.” Recorded in an abandoned warehouse, it’s got a great guitar hook and powerful lyrics.

“All our music has some serious undertones that inspire each track, be it a personal experience, or world events, we definitely have some strong opinions on a lot of things,” the band explained. “Luckily we can express them, albeit under the guise of music.”

“Believers” comes from Polymer’s forthcoming album, Zealots Box. Hear tracks from that release at the band’s up and coming New South Wales gigs.

28 July 2019 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney (supporting Elephant Hive)
10 August 2019 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
14 August 2019 – The Foundry, Wollongong
23 August 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
5 September 2019 – The Hideaway Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Bootleg Rascal Drop “Yin & Yang”

Bootleg Rascal get the party started with their stellar new double A-side single, “Yin & Yang.” As its name suggests, this release showcases two sides of this quality Australian outfit.

“Get Over Myself” is a hard-hitting urban explosion which takes its cues from the music of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Outkast. “Tryin’ to Run” is a real floor-filler with one of the funkiest grooves you’ll hear all year. They’re both such fabulous tracks, I’m not sure I can pick a favourite! Listen to both, and repeat.

If you think these songs sound good at home, just wait until you experience Bootleg Rascal live. They’re coming at you with shows around Australia and New Zealand later this year.

31 August 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
6 September 2019 – The Foundry, Brisbane
7 September 2019 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
11 September 2019 – Yonder, Queenstown
12 September 2019 – U-Bar, Dunedin
13 September 2019 – Blue Smoke, Christchurch
14 September 2019 – Neck of the Woods, Auckland
15 September 2019 – Totara Street, Tauranga

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Paradise Club Take New Single “Above Me” on the Road

Paradise Club’s latest single “Above Me” is a dreamy slice of indie-pop guaranteed to brighten up your day. This is a real toe-tapper from the Adelaide act which perfectly balances feel-good melodies with poignant lyrics.

“It’s about working extremely hard, feeling incredibly helpless, and learning how to give your everything to save a relationship, whether it be platonic or romantic,” explained Paradise Club’s front man, Gere Fuss.

Paradise Club will take the song on the road next month with a string of dates culminating with a big hometown show. Check them out one of the venues below.

2 August 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
3 August 2019 – Vic On The Park, Sydney
4 August 2019 – Yours & Owls Sunday Session @ North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
9 August 2019 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
23 August 2019 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Kyle Davis

Gary Pinto Celebrates Sam Cooke With Tribute Shows

Gary Pinto has come a long way since his days singing and dancing in boy band CDB. Lately he’s been wowing crowds paying tribute to his musical idol, Sam Cooke. These shows have usually been one-of engagements, but Gary is taking them on the road with residencies at the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Arts Centre along with performances in Canberra and Geelong.

“Every night interpreting his songs was a different experience because the band would play differently, and I would sing differently, being in the moment of great soul music,” Gary reminisced. “Singing the performing this kind of music is very much dependent on the atmosphere and every performance is varied. The music traverses age groups from young to old, because soul music is timeless.”

Songs & Times Of Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come sees Gary celebrating Sam’s biggest hits. It’s no average tribute show. One elated critic declared “Gary Pinto IS Sam Cooke.” See what all the fuss is about at the following venues. Tickets go on sale on July 12.

27 September 2019 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
28 September-2 October 2019 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
10 November 2019 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
14-17 November 2019 – Melbourne Arts Centre, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Hot Off the Press Publicity

Eilish GIlligan Wins Josh Pyke Partnership

Melbourne singer, songwriter, and producer Eilish Gilligan has taken out this year’s Josh Pyke Partnership. A collaboration between Josh Pyke and APRA AMCOS, the partnership provides funding and mentorship for one unsigned musical act each year.

I must admit, Eilish wasn’t on my radar until this morning. The first thing I did after hearing the news was check her out on Spotify. Take a listen to her latest single “Someone Else” and you’ll soon understand why she took out the top prize. Her voice is absolutely stunning and she has such a great artistic sensibility. This track is an absolute banger, and there’s plenty more where it came from.

“I am so, so humbled, grateful and excited to be the winner of the 2019 JP Partnership,” Eilish said. “This vote of confidence from Josh Pyke, APRA AMCOS, Wonderlick and Select means a lot to me as an artist, and it also means that I will be able to continue to work towards my musical, artistic and professional goals for 2019, now with the extra guidance of these industry veterans.”

“Eilish Gilligan is an artist that has achieved a hell of a lot under her own steam, but it’s the potential in Eilish that’s truly exciting,” added Josh. “I’m a huge fan of multi-faceted artists, and in 2019, having more than one string to your bow is paramount to having longevity in the creative arts. Eilish is a songwriter but also a gifted technical producer, collaborative songwriter, as well as being the star of her own show. This is what makes for a long and fruitful career. Being not just a “musician,” but a “creative”.

Eilish has plenty of shows coming up. Discover her music for yourself at the following gigs.

24 August 2019 – UC Refectory, Bruce
29 August 2019 – HQ Complex, Adelaide
30 August 2019 – Metropolis, Fremantle
6 September 2019 – The Goods Shed, Hobart
7 September 2019 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
13 September 2019 – UOW UniBar, Wollongong
14 September 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
21 September 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wonderlick Entertainment

Isaiah Gets Spiritual With New Single and Tour

Isaiah seemed to have the world at his feet, a young artist with a voice beyond his years introduced to a national audience through the X Factor and an international one through Eurovision. But all that hasn’t quite equated to chart success. I’m not sure fame and fortune matters quite as much as releasing quality music, and I think his latest single “Spirit” is one of his best. Penned by Isaiah and Andrew Lowden, this beautiful ballad speaks of rediscovering your spiritual side after time in the emotional wilderness.

“‘Spirit’ is such a special song for me and I am so happy that I get to share it with the world,” he said. “The song is about coming out of a difficult and dark time and being able to reconnect with yourself, which I think everyone can relate to. The last year has been a year of self-discovery for me and I hope that my fans enjoy this song and all of the new music I will be releasing soon. ’Sprit’ is very close to my heart and I’m sending it into the world with love…”

Isaiah kicks off his Spirit and Beyond tour tomorrow. It’s an extensive tour which skips the capitals and touches regional centres around the nation. Catch him at one of the following shows.

6 July 2019 – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
7 July 2019 – The Bowery Theatre, St Albans
9 July 2019 – Mount Isa Civic Centre, Mt Isa
13 July 2019 – World Theatre, Charters Towers
26 July 2019 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
29 August 2019 – Gladstone Civic Centre, Gladstone
31 August 2019 – Events Centre, Caloundra
1 September 2019 – Darebin Community Festival, Darebin
6 September 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
12 September 2019 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
14 September 2019 – Cummins Theatre, Merredin
17 September 2019 – Moora Performing Arts Centre, Moora
20 September 2019 – Carnarvon Civic Centre, Carnavon
24 September 2019 – Broome Civic Centre, Broome
12 October 2019 – Paramount Theatre, Echuca
19 October 2019 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
26 October 2019 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool

A Hitch to the Sticks Back With Big Local Line-Up

A Hitch to the Sticks is back and better than ever this year with an eclectic, electric line-up heading to Wangaratta this November. Tex Perkins & His Fat Rubber Band, Magic Dirt, Stonefield, Ella Hooper, Dallas Crane, Bachelor Girl, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, Davidson Brothers, Emilee South, and plenty more will all make this one music event you won’t forget. Dr. Karl from Neighbours will even be there! I’m not even kidding!

A Hitch to the Sticks is no ordinary music festival. Just 50 punters will make the once-in-a-lifetime trip from the Melbourne CBD to the Wangaratta region. Bus ticket holders enjoy access to nine events running from November 1 to 3, including six exclusively for VIPs. As one lucky punter put it last year, it was “not so much a ticket, but a portal to the best weekend of my life.”

If you can’t get a space on the bus, you’re still welcome to check out the public events. Attend all three for less when you snare a weekend pass. Head to the A Hitch to the Sticks website for all the deets!

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR