Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Salter Announces Massive NZ/Australian Tour for 3rd Album Release

Ben Salter is one of those incredible Aussie talents that flies under the radar. He releases his albums with little fanfare, then takes the time to assemble another collection of quality songs so he can start the process all over again. What he does isn’t flashy, but it’s bloody good. His latest album Back Yourself, the follow-up to his sophomore release The Stars My Destination, will be released on September 1.

Ben made Back Yourself over 12 months at locations around Tasmania and Victoria, including time spent at producer Chris Townend’s picturesque White Light studio. The studio overlooks Tassie’s Huon Valley and I think it influenced this release. You just get a different sound when you leave the pace of the big city behind and retreat to rural Australia. There’s a calm that comes through the music, putting you at peace as you listen to it.

Back Yourself features the current single “Isolationism.” To call it a love song doesn’t really do it justice, because love songs are a dime a dozen, but at its core that’s what it is. It’s more than though. Take a listen and see for yourself.

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out Back Yourself. Ben is playing full band and solo shows in New Zealand and Australia in the coming months to support the album’s release. Tickets are available from his website.

3 September 2017 – Willie Smith’s Appleshed, Grove (FREE)
8 September 2017 – Golden Dawn, Auckland
9 September 2017 – Leigh Saw Mill, Leigh
10 September 2017 – Refreshment Room, Auckland
14 September 2017 – Nivara Lounge, Hamilton
15 September 2017 – Dome Bar & Cinema, Gisbourne
17 September 2017 – Rogue Stage, Rotorua
21 September 2017 – Sherwood, Queenstown
22 September 2017 – Grainstore Gallery, Oamaru
23 September 2017 – Dog With Two Tails, Dunedin
24 September 2017 – Blue Smoke, Christchurch
27 September 2017 – Mussel Inn, Takaka
28 September 2017 – Meow, Wellington
12 October 2017 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
13 October 2017 – The Barn, Aldgate (SOLO)
14 October 2017 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle (SOLO)
19 October 2017 – High Tea, Sydney (SOLO)
21 October 2017 – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane
25 October 2017 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
27 October 2017 – Marrickville Bowls Club, Sydney NSW
28 October 2017 – Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall, Gooloogong (SOLO)
29 October 2017 – The Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland (SOLO)
2 November 2017 – The Eastern, Ballarat
3 November 2017 – The Tote, Melbourne
5 November 2017 – Castlemaine Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
9 November 2017 – St John Craft Beer, Launceston (SOLO)
10 November 2017 – The Wharf, Ulverstone (5 pm SOLO)
10 November 2017 – Mountain Mumma, Sheffield (8 pm SOLO)
19 November 2017 – MONA, Hobart

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Gets Another Weekend in the Gardens

After the massive success of A Weekend in The Gardens in March, organisers have decided to do it all again this November! And what a line-up they’ve assembled for the three-night event!

The Friday night show brings us Paul Kelly, still flying high on the recent release of his number one album Life is Fine, who’s ably supported by Steve Earle and Middle Kids. The Saturday show is all about hip hop, with Illy, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, and Birdz all on the bill. The final night will be a folky affair with Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, All Our Exes Live in Texas, and Harry Jakamarra doing their thing.

In addition to superb music, you’ll be treated to some of Melbourne’s finest foods in The Eatery, including Royale Brothers, Willy’s Fried Chicken, and Proper Fish & Chips.

“The artists and audiences have responded enthusiastically to having a beautiful, intimate outdoor concert space in the Royal Botanic Gardens in the middle of this amazing city,” said promoter Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment. “The lineup of acts is first-class, and the food and beverage options are fantastic. Along with the Royal Botanic Gardens, we are very proud to be presenting another weekend of great entertainment in the gardens.”

Developed by the good folks behind a day on the green, the first A Weekend in the Gardens attracted nearly 12,000 people. Will the next event be even bigger?

A Weekend in the Gardens hits Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on November 17, 18, and 19. Tickets go on sale from Ticketmaster at midday on August 28.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Custard Back With New Song, Album, And Tour

Custard left fans waiting 16 years for the release of Come Back All is Forgiven. Thankfully they’re not leaving them hanging so long for the follow-up. If the lead single “In the Grand Scheme of Things (None of This Really Matters)” is any indication, The Common Touch was no rush job either.

It’s such a quality song, with an infectious melody and relatable lyrics. And that horn section, sublime.

“’Come Back All Is Forgiven’ was the sound of us playing together in a small room, minimal overdubs,” frontman Dave McCormack explained. “The new album has cello, pedal steel, piano and a variety of backing singers. Some of the tunes were cut up and stitched back together in ways I never thought possible.”

The Common Touch will be released through ABC Music on October 6. Custard will play shows along the East Coast to support its release.

13 October 2017 – The Bundy Hall, Gippsland
14 October 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
20 October 2017 – Soundlounge Currumbin, Gold Coast
21 October 2017 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
22 October 2017 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
9 November 2017 – The Basement, Sydney
10 November 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Russell Morris Headlines Third Marysville Jazz and Blues Festival

If there was ever an excuse for a road trip it’s the Marysville Jazz and Blues Festival, which brings the small town of Marysville, in the foothills of the Yarra Valley, to life every year. Russell Morris will headline the 2017 festival, which will also see performances from Geoff Achison & the Soul Diggers, Lloyd Spiegel, Spectrum, Mama Alto, and heaps more.

Many of them are no strangers to Marysville, because this is the kind of festival that keeps bringing performances and crowds alike back to town.

“We adore coming to Marysville Jazz & Blues – it is always one of the highlights of our year,” gushed Mama Alto. “The festival is such a beautiful union of art and community, and the appreciation for the way music connects us all! It is particularly special to us as my grandparents regularly holidayed in Marysville, whilst Miss Chief, my pianist, is from Buxton herself! Viva Marysville Jazz & Blues!”

See what the buzz is all about at this year’s Marysville Jazz and Blues weekend, from October 20 to 22. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $50 for the Friday evening pass to $125 for all three days. Accommodation packages are also available, bundling shows and accommodation at Vibe Hotel Marysville, Saladin Lodge, Marysville Garden Cottages, Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park or Camp Marysville. You’ll find all tickets and packages at the Marysville Jazz and Blues website.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Teskey Brothers Announce WA Tour & Angus & Julia Stone Support

After wowing crowds with their soulful sound along the East Coast, The Teskey Brothers are set to do the same out West. On the back of the release of their sensational album Half Mile Harvest, The Teskey Brothers will play Wave Rock Festival, Blues at Bridgetown, and a string of headlining shows in Western Australia before heading across the ditch to support Angus and Julia Stone.

These guys are seriously amazing. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t catch them when they were in my part of the country a couple of months back. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

23 September 2017 – Wave Rock Festival, Hyden
2 November 2017 – St John’s Anglican Church, Fremantle Arts Festival, Fremantle
3 November 2017 – Ravenswood Tavern, Mandurah
4 November 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 November 2017 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough
7 November 2017 – Perth Blues Club, Perth
9 November 2017 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
10, 11 & 12 November 2017 – Blues at Bridgetown Festival, Bridgetown
15 December 2017 – Civic Theatre, Auckland (with Angus & Julia Stone)
16 December 2017 – St James Theatre, Wellington (with Angus & Julia Stone)
17 December 2017 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch (with Angus & Julia Stone)

Image used with permission from The Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shag Rock Plays Local Shows Ahead of US Adventures

I’m not sure there’s an Aussier band name than Shag Rock. This Queensland band creates the kind of music you might expect from the Sunshine State. There’s a great beach rock feel to their stuff which helps cut through that lingering wintery gloom. You can hear those summery vibes coming through in the current single “Loosen Up,” lifted from Shag Rock’s current album Barefoot.

The band has developed a great sound under the mentorship of Powderfinger guitarist Ian Haug and they’ve been sharing it with music lovers along the East Coast.

See Shag Rock while you can guys. They’re jetting off to New York to perform at the Mondo Festival in early October, where no doubt they’ll catch the attention of the right people and these little pub gigs will become a thing of the past!

25 August 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
26 August 2017 – 38 Berwick, Brisbane (Under 18s)
1 September 2017 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast (FREE)
8 September 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (All Ages FREE)
14 September 2017 – Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar, Sydney
15 September 2017 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
14 October 2017 – Red Deer Music & Arts Festival, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Pompadour PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sprung Makes Queensland Return

Sprung was massive when it launched in 2011, bringing Aussies the very best of local hip hop talent. During its dream run it brought fans big names like Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, Illy, Seth Sentry, and 360. Then four years ago, it disappeared from the festival calendar, leaving a space that no other event really managed to feel. But there’s good news for hip hop fans. Sprung is back for 2017, bigger and better than ever.

Organisers have pulled out all the stops for Sprung’s comeback year, with Illy, Allday, Tkay Maidza, A.B. Original, Pez, Spit Syndicate and stacks more set to take the stage this October.

“We have been waiting for the right time to bring Sprung back to the people, we hit the ceiling pretty quickly when it came to headlining artists so we needed to allow the community to evolve,” organisers explained. “We are now seeing artists that were once on at midday on our stages taking to the headline spots and a whole new wave of incredible artists that we can’t wait to showcase. We think 2017 is going to be an incredible year for Sprung and hip hop as a whole…rest assured we are back for the long run and have some tricks up our sleeve for the years to come.”

Sprung hits the Parkwood Outdoor Precinct in Queensland on October 28. Tickets go on sale from the Sprung festival website and Oztix on August 24.

The Sprung Festival is a strictly 18+ event. Sorry kids!

Image used with permission from Call & Response

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ali Barter Teams With Gift Box To Help Homeless Women Access Sanitary Products

Periods are a pain, in more ways than one. I bitch and moan for the duration of mine, I have severe cramps, and so many hormones race through my body that I wonder how my husband stays with me. But my periods would be so much worse if I couldn’t afford the sanitary products that help me go out and put my best foot forward every month. Ali Barter agrees, so she’s teamed up with an exciting new start-up Gift Box.

Gift Box is the brainchild of Aussie actress and entrepreneur Saskia Hamplele, who you may remember as Georgia Brooks on Neighbours. Her company is the world’s first one-for-one organic tampon brand. Whenever customers buy tampons through Gift Box, the organisation donates the same amount to the estimated 46,000 homeless women in Australia that struggle to access sanitary care through its partnerships with Share the Dignity, The Period Projects, and Essentials for Women.

So where does Ali Barter come in? She’s teamed up with Saskia to create a collaborative tea towel, featuring a design from illustrator and tattoo artist Lily Gloria, which you can find at her upcoming One Foot In shows. Money raised by the tea towel’s sales will benefit Gift Box.

“We all get our damn periods so I love that if I buy a box of tampons from Gift Box Organic, it means someone more in need than me gets one too. It’s important that all women have access to sanitary care, and tampons are, for many, non-negotiable,” Ali said.

“The mission of Gift Box has really been driven by a sisterhood of ‘women supporting women’, so to join forces with Ali Barter’s powerful voice has been very exciting,” added Saskia. “Ali’s generous contribution will not only provide many more homeless women with tampons, it also adds to the conversation of women’s lack of access to sanitary products and will help reach a wider audience for this commonly overlooked issue.”

You can see Ali and get the tea towel at the following shows. And if you’re not getting along to the gigs, you can still help out through the Gift Box website.

25 August 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
1 September 2017 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
2 September 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
8 September 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 September 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
15 September 2017 – Player’s Bar, Mandurah
16 September 2017 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
22 September 2017 – The Northern, Byron Bay
23 September 2017 – The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Brisbane
28 September 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
29 September 2017 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
30 September 2017 – Stuart Park, Wollongong
1 October 2017 – Transit Bar, Canberra

Image used with permission from Inertia Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Pyke Adds Regional Shows to Farewell Shows

Josh Pyke shocked fans recently when he announced he was putting his solo career on hold to work on other projects. He’s been giving us all a chance to say goodbye though. Not content with his current run of 10 Years of Memories & Dust shows, Josh has just announced a string of regional dates for later in the year.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen Josh over the years and it’s always a treat. If you’ve never seen him live or you just want to make more memories, make sure you get along to one of these gigs.

17 August 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
18 August 2017 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
19 August 2017 – The Capitol, Perth
25 August 2017 – Launceston Country Club, Launceston
26 August 2017 – Wrest Point Casino, Hobart
3 November 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
4 November 2017 – Long Point Vineyard, Port Macquarie
11 November 2017 – Baroque Bar, Katoomba
12 November 2017 – The Playhouse @ Canberra Theatre, Canberra
23 November 2017 – Ramsgate Hotel, Henley Beach
24 November 2017 – Norwood Hotel, Norwood
30 November 2017 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay
1 December 2017 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
2 December 2017 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
8 December 2017 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
9 December 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
10 December 2017 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderers’ New South Wales Tour Starts Tonight

Adelaide trio Wanderers blew me away with the single “Loco” in January. The EP Something of a Distraction came a month later, but I must have been distracted because I’m only just listening to it now. Just in time too, as it turns out, because after wowing crowds in Europe and the United Kingdom, the band is back on Aussie soil ready to kick off a New South Wales tour tonight.

If you’re not already acquainted with Wanderers, do yourself a favour. Their music is so much fun, soulful with hints of funk, gospel, and straight up rock and roll. This live clip of “Loco” gives you an inkling of what I mean, but you can see for yourself at the following venues.

17 August 2017 – Moonshine, Manly
18 August 2017 – Caves Beachside Hotel, Caves Beach
19 August 2017 – Gregory Hills Hotel, Gregory Hills
20 August 2017 – Headland Cafe, Valla Beach
23 August 2017 – Element Bar, Coffs Harbour
24 August 2017 – Moonshine, Manly
25 August 2017 – Black Duck Brewery, Port Macquarie
26 August 2017 – The Rails, Byron Bay
27 August 2017 – The Junkyard Hotel, Maitland
30 August 2017 – Oak Hotel, Double Bay
31 August 2017 – Moonshine, Manly
1 September 2017 – Aztec, Forster

Image used with permission from Little Acorn Music