Tours – Page 8 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 10/09/202526/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Shows There’s Life After Idol With “In My Blood”

Jake Whittaker won the hearts of the nation on the last series of Australian Idol. However, I can’t help but think he might have gone even further than the top six if he were playing his originals. His latest single “In My Blood” is better than any cover he delivered on that program. Take a listen!

Jake cowrote this song with James Johnston, who also featured on Australian Idol many, many moons ago (the true fans never forget!)

“The phrase popped into my head earlier that day, and I knew I wanted to use it,” Jake said. “This one’s about me—but it’s for everyone. We’ve all got something that runs in our blood. For me, it’s country music and country life. For someone else, it might be horses, cars, go-karting … whatever it is, that’s where we connect.”

Jake says this song, the first he’s released since appearing on Idol, is the start of a new chapter for him. He’ll celebrate it with a bunch of shows in the coming months leading up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in the New Year. Here are all the places you can see him playing his choice originals and perhaps a few of those covers you know and love.

13 September 2025 – Flame Festival @ Jimboomba Park, Gimboomba/Jimboomba
4 October 2025 – Urban Country Music Festival @ Caboolture Showgrounds, Kabi Kabi Country/Caboolture
29 November 2025 – Preston Country Clash @ Preston Community Centre, Lutruwita/Preston
17 January 2026 – moonshiners, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on 06/09/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Bad Juju Unleash EP Title Track, “Simulacra”

Hold onto your hats and press play on “Simulacra,” the massive title track from Naarm/Melbourne alternative rock act Bad Juju’s forthcoming EP. This track hits a lot harder than most of the music I’m into, but something about its nu-metal vibes has captured my heart. We don’t question; we just press play and bang our heads along with the beat.

“The expectation of perfection in so many aspects of life is becoming harder for the average person to keep up with,” the band explained. “Whether it’s real art vs AI, or real life vs what is posted on social media platforms – we are constantly pushing towards a faker version of the real world. This song is about pushing back against a robotic digital future, where our online self is almost a stranger to our true self and our ideas are know longer our own.”

Bad Juju’s Simulacra EP drops on October 24. You can preorder a vinyl copy now. They’ll also play Converge Festival’s two dates this month.

7 September 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 September 2025 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Cian@NoiseComplaint

Posted on 05/09/202526/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Teenage Joans Release Perfect Pop-Punk Track, “My Heart’s Dead!”

It’s been too long since I’ve posted some angsty female-fronted rock music. Teenage Joans always deliver that energy, and their latest single “My Heart’s Dead!” is right up there with their best. Crank this one up and sing it at the top of your lungs!

“We basically posed the question – what if Kesha made a song with Blink 182?” Teenage Joans said. “We really wanted to write a song where there are three main vocal hooks that repeat throughout the whole song and layer over each other at the end for a huge singalong that people can easily pick up at our live shows.”

Speaking of live shows, there’s a stack to come with Teenage Joans supporting Slowly Slowly all around the country before headlining their own tour. It all kicks off tonight, so be there or live with some serious regrets!

5 September 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston (supporting Slowly Slowly)
6 September 2025 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koloait/Barwon Heads (supporting Slowly Slowly)
11 September 2025 – McGuires Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay (supporting Slowly Slowly)
12 September 2025 – The Warehouse Bandroom, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville (supporting Slowly Slowly)
13 September 2025 – Tanks Art Centre, Yidinji Country/Edge Hill (supporting Slowly Slowly)
18 September 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting Slowly Slowly)
19 September 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart (SOLD OUT – supporting Slowly Slowly)
20 September 2025 – Forth Pub, Lutruwita/Forth (supporting Slowly Slowly)
25 October 2o25 – Harvest Rock Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide
31 October 2025 – Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 November 2025 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
8 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 November 2025 – Waywards Ballroom, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Planetary Group

Posted on 01/09/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“All That’s In My Head” – The VANNS

You know you’re in good hands when The VANNS release music. All That’s In My Head is album number three, a killer collection of songs which prove they’re one of the best rock bands on the local landscape.

The Yuin Nation/South Coast act recorded this one across two full-on two-week recording sessions in London and Woolyungah/Wollongong. You know what they say about pressure creating diamonds though. That concentrated effort gives this album a focus and clarity which is so compelling. It sucks you in from the opening guitar riff of the single “Accomplice” and doesn’t let go. I love the way this band produces such easy listening rock music that has such tension and intensity simmering just below the surface. Jimmy Vann’s in fine voice, rising to the occasion of the gruelling recording sessions alongside his bandmates. After 10 years together they work together like a well-oiled machine, creating fantastic music that sounds effortless.

Keep listening and you’ll soon realise this album has a lot more than the singles on offer. That slick bassline on “Golden Eyes.” Those massive chords that wake you up from the cruisy coastal rock vibes and force you to pay attention to “For God’s Sake.” The yearning dripping from Jimmy’s vocals in “In and Out.” And so it goes. There’s something special about every one of these songs, and the more you listen the more you find to appreciate.

When I tell people that The VANNS are one of the best rock acts on the scene, I still get blank stares from my contemporaries, so I’m going to say it again: The VANNS are one of the best rock acts on the scene. All That’s In My Head cements their reputation with its blend of energetic bangers and sombre, sensitive moments, all delivered with exceptional musicianship and heart.

All That’s In My Head is out now. The VANNS will take these songs on the road in the back half of the year and through to 2026, but venues are selling fast so don’t procrastinate to get your tickets.

5 October 2025 – Wanderer Festival @ Pambula Beach, Panboola/Pambula
24 October 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
25 October 2025 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
31 October 2025 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 November 2025 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
7 November 2025 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
8 November 2025 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 November 2025 – McGuires, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
14 November 2025 – The Warehouse, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
15 November 2025 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
20 November 2025 – Wrest Point Casino, Nipaluna/Hobart
21 November 2025 – Forth Pub 10th Anniversary Celebration @ Forth Pub, Lutruwita/Forth
28 November 2025 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 November 2025 – King St Bandroom, Mulbinba/Newcastle
13 December 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
2 January 2026 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie
9 January 2026 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
10 January 2026 – Dee Why RSL, Dharug Country/Dee Why
15 January 2026 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay
16 January 2026 – Pilly Bar, Monmar/Frankston
17 January 2026 – Westernport Hotel, Yallock-Bulluk/San Remo
24 January 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra

Images used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on 31/08/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Kathleen Halloran Wows Me With “Cost of Living”

Sometimes you hear an artist and you wonder how on earth they’ve possible escaped your attention. How are they not the biggest thing on the planet? Because they’re just that good. Kathleen Halloran, a singer-songwriter from Naarm/Melbourne, is one of those artists. With her new single “Cost of Living,” she has very quickly won my heart. It’s such an exquisite folk ballad, I’ve found myself hitting play several times for another hit. And I’ve got to shout out Ross Irwin, of the Cat Empire and the Bamboos, for that beautiful string arrangement which takes this song to the next level.

“It’s a soaring, soul-baring track that dives deep into the creative life — the highs, lows, doubt, and beauty of following your own artistic path,” Kathleen explained. “It’s deeply personal, but universal for anyone walking an unconventional road.”

Kathleen has some exciting shows coming up, so make sure you see her play anywhere you can:

31 August 2025 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngambri/Canberra (with Taylor Sheridan)
11 September 2025 – Adelaide Guitar Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 September 2025 – Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti @ Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntaya/Adelaide
26 September 2025 – Westernport Hotel, Millowl/Phillip Island
25 October 2025 – Live in the Glen @ Glengarry Hall, Gunaikurnai Country/Glengarry

Image used with permission from Kathleen Halloran

Posted on 28/08/202524/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Let Salt Tree Take You to “Paradise”

I wrote this post a week ago, as rain bucketed down in Darkinjung Country/the Central Coast. But I queued it up to post as I arrive in Japan. As I trade their summer for the last dregs of our winter, it seemed like the right time to share “Paradise,” the summery new single from Salt Tree. If you’re not lucky enough to have a trip on horizon, close your eyes and I swear this track will get you there for a few minutes.

“The song is about imagining a life you could build with someone in a new place,” the band said. “It’s about choosing to stay, to commit, and to create something real together. ‘Paradise’ is wherever you choose it to be, wherever you feel accepted, loved, have purpose, and feel at home.”

“Paradise” comes from Salt Tree’s new EP Adrift, which drops on October 24.

“Adrift is a collection of songs about the moments in life when you feel unanchored; between places, between relationships, between versions of yourself,” Salt Tree explained. “Each track explores a different kind of drifting – from the lows of mental struggle to the excitement of new love, from the sadness of letting go to the hope of being a better person. It’s about learning to trust that even when you’re unmoored, you’re still moving toward something real.”

Salt Tree are currently touring Europe, but they’ll be back here to celebrate the release of Adrift before you know it. Here are all the places you can catch their folky goodness in the coming months.

28 August 2025 – Conrad Sohm, Dornbirn
29 August 2025 – Alles Gute Open Air, Innsbruck (FREE)
30 August 2025 – Cheesecake Festival, Hamminkeln (FREE)
1 September 2025 – Knust, Hamburg
2 September 2025 – Orangerie, Sibesse (SOLD OUT)
3 September 2025 – Club Stereo, Nuremberg
4 September 2025 – Strom, Munich
5 September 2025 – Scheunenkonzert, Bad Münstereifel
6 September 2025 – Bulli Summer Festival, Wesel (FREE)
8 September 2025 – Zakk, Duesseldorf
9 September 2025 – Kavka, Antwerp
11 September 2025 – The Watering Hole, Cornwall
13 September 2025 – Omeara, London
13 September 2025 – Kulterfestival, St. Gallen (SOLD OUT)
3 October 2025 – The River Hotel, Wooditchup/Margaret River
4 October 2025 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
10 October 2025 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
11 October 2025 – Fusebox @ Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
17 October 2025 – Barwon Club Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
18 October 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
23 October 2025 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
24 October 2025 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
26 October 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on 27/08/202515/09/2025 by Lauren Katulka

KYARNA Wows Me With “Meet in Love”

I listened to “Meet in Love,” the debut single from Yuin singer-songwriter KYARNA, a bit like a blind audition from The Voice. I received it as a wav file, so I had nothing but her striking voice and incredible lyrics to go on. It floored me. I would have quickly turned my chair.

Then I opened up the press release and was floored again. She was so much younger than I anticipated. Her voice is so mature and her lyrics wise beyond her years. I’m sure she’s been here before.

Make sure you stop and listen to the lyrics of “Meet in Love.” KYARNA wrote the single a few years ago about knowing the timing isn’t right with someone, but hoping it might be later down the track. The song’s taken on a deeper meaning now as the person KYARNA sings about passed away earlier this year. That’s helped the song evolve into a tribute to a love story that will never get its happy ending.

While “Meet in Love” is KYARNA’s first single, she’s no newcomer to music. She’s shared stages with Paul Kelly and Troy Cassar-Daley and supported the late, great, Uncle Archie Roach. She’s also been hand-selected to support Liz Stringer at the following Aussie shows later this year. Tickets are available through the links.

16 November 2025 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Kuarka Doola/Anglesea
21 November 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
27 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 November 2025 – Brunswick Picture House, Bundjalung Country/Brunswick Heads
5 December 2025 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Awabakal Country/Mayfield
6 December 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
13 December 2025 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Brataualung Country/Meeniyan

Image used with permission from Soul Sound Management

Posted on 25/08/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

The Inadequates Harmonies Shine on “Genevieve”

I really am a sucker for harmonies. If your voices blend beautifully, you’re halfway towards winning me over. So I’m head over heels for “Genevieve,” the latest track from The Inadequates who show with this release that they are anything but.

With the lush harmonies and intricate guitars, it reminds me a little of something Taxiride might have included on one of their albums back in the day. It’s easy to get swept up in the romance of the sound, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll soon realise it’s a bittersweet breakup song.

“Genevieve” comes from The Inadequates’ debut album Haven’t You Heard, which drops on August 28. They’ll support its release with the following shows:

30 August 2025 – The Knoll Studio, Yugambeh Country/Mt. Tamborine
31 August 2025 – Sonic Sherpa, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE from 2 pm)
12 September 2025 – Butchers Brew Bar, Eora/Sydney
13 September 2025 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
14 September 2025 – Frank’s Wild Years, Woolyungah/Wollongong
19 September 2025 – The Living Room, Mulbinba/Newcastle
20 September 2025 – Home at Roto House, Guruk/Port Macquarie
21 September 2025 – Resonator Music, Bullenah/Ballina
19 October 2025 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Emma Adin

Posted on 21/08/202517/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Releases Romantic New Single, “King of California”

I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy listening to new material from John Butler. His latest single “King of California” celebrates his 25-year partnership with his wife, muse, and regular collaborator Mama Kin. If you love love, I know you’ll fall for this one as hard as me.

“My partner and I have been on a pretty big ride together, constantly evolving and working out what it means to be life partners,” he said. “With every new phase of living comes a new season of self-reflection and reassessment. We’re here to ground and uplift each other, never to minimise or restrict.”

“King of California” comes from John’s new studio album PRISM, which drops on September 5. You can preorder the vinyl, CD, or merch bundles now. He’ll play shows all around the country, across the ditch, and in the UK and Europe to support its release. Tickets are selling fast though, so get on it!

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on 18/08/202514/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

BOY SODA Shines Bright With “4K”

Smooth as butter, BOY SODA is coming at you with his latest single “4K,” which features the talents of Dean Brady and Siala. This song has got such a cool groove and soulful vocal runs from the awesome artists involved.

“We made ‘4K’ when everyone was staying at our spot and it’s such an honour to be friends with artists who are so incredible, vocally and artistically,” BOY SODA enthused. “Dean and Siala in their own right are prolific artists so it feels like a really important contribution to the soul/R&B scene we’re trying to build here in Australia. We spend a lot of time together making music and just sharing space when either of them fly in, so it’s really amazing to have a song like ‘4K’ that speaks to our collective taste and love for embedding our souls in our music.”

“4K” comes from BOY SODA’s highly anticipated debut album SOULSTAR, which we’ll hear on October 3. You can pre-order or pre-save it now. He’ll also play a couple of launch shows to support its release.

1 October 2025 – Lazybones, Bulanaming/Marrickville
11 October 2025 – The Evelyn, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Satoru Takamatsu