Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Johnstone Touring Album in Europe and Oz

Fremantle’s own Josh Johnstone has put a big smile on my face with his new single “Just What It Is,” the latest release from his debut album Call in Whispers.

It’s got a great spontaneous energy about it, perhaps because he allegedly wrote it in just five minutes! Who said good things take time?

“It seems that I had just returned home from the local pub after more than my fair share of ales, picked up a guitar and just like that, she was alive!” he explained. “Funny thing was that the following morning I had completely forgotten about it. It wasn’t until a couple of days later I was going though the recordings in my phone and I found it, then it all came back to me. It also explained why I had been wandering around for two days with this random melody in my head. They say the songs you write in five minutes are the best ones, I think this tune is fair proof of that.”

Josh has spent the last couple of months touring Europe, but he’ll be back to launch the album with local shows next month. Whether you’re here or abroad, you can catch him at the following venues.

15 August 2017 – Magick Gathering Festival, Švenčionys
16 August 2017 – Bix Baras, Vilnius
17 August 2017 – Rock River, Vilnius
18 August 2017 – Love Palanga, Palanga
19 August 2017 – Fontaine Palace, Liepaja
20 August 2017 – Kuldīgas Rātsnams un Rātslaukums, Kuldīga
22 August 2017 – Egle, Riga
25 August 2017 – Mad Murphys, Tallinn
29 August 2017 – Chicago 1933 Bar, Tallinn
30 August 2017 – Wall St Bar, Helsinki
2 September 2017 – Beat Café, San Salvo
23 September 2017 – Kalgoorlie Cup @ Exchange Hotel, Kalgoorlie
13 October 2017 – The Fly Trap, Fremantle
20 October 2017 – Venue TBC, Benalla
22 October 2017 – Bar 303, Melbourne
16 November 2017 – The Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tempus Sun Shines Brightly With “Gold”

It’s a gloomy day here in New South Wales. But the music of Tempus Sun has brightened my morning. I’ve been streaming the band’s debut EP and just loving their fantastic piano pop sound. It realises all the promise I heard in the single “Owls” a couple of months ago.

While I still love that track, I think the new single “Gold” is just that little bit better. It’s got a fantastic anthemic quality; this one will lift you up and stir your emotions.

The band’s keyboardist Grant Hardisty seems pretty chuffed with it too, commenting “The track is about exactly what the title suggests, moments of euphoria and bliss that just want to be relived again and again. It’s remembering those unparalleled happy moments with that golden tinge of nostalgia that can make you forget all your worries and stresses in a hazy daydream. It’s those summer nights that last with a sense of timelessness, a reflection upon a memory that you’d give anything to revisit, those times with friends that extend from a couple of hours to an entire day. It’s also about love with a slightly bitter twist, but it’s equally about light, warmth and all things Gold.”

To celebrate the EP’s release, Tempus Sun will make a quick trip around the East Coast later this month. Catch them at the following venues.

25 August 2017 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
26 August 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
1 September 2017 – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kiwi Soul Superstar Louis Baker Announces Aussie Shows

Louis Baker might not be a household name here, but he’s soul royalty across the ditch. Australia will get the chance to discover why when this Kiwi sensation plays some Aussie shows next month to support the release of his smooth new single “Addict.”

This track goes down so easily. Louis’ voice is incredible, and he builds the song beautifully. Doesn’t it give you chills?

Louis Baker will play intimate shows with a full band when he touches down in Oz. Catch him at Melbourne’s Grace Darling Hotel on September 20 or Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar) on September 21.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Citizen Kay Playing Almost Everywhere to Promote New Album

Citizen Kay is giving fans plenty of opportunities to hear the tracks from his upcoming album Belly of the Beast live. As if touring with Illy wasn’t enough, he’s also announced a string of headlining shows to celebrate the album’s August 25 release.

The Canberra-based rapper should excite fans of old-school party hip-hop with the way he blends genres, mixing slick rhymes with soul, funk, and jazz influences. While I loved his earlier EP Demokracy, Citizen Kay hasn’t rested on his laurels.

“A lot of time was spent choosing my words, and how I wanted things to be said,” he says of the writing process of writing Belly of the Beast. “I challenged myself more, as a wordsmith and poet on this album”

Hear the single “These Kicks” and other cuts from Belly of the Beast at the following shows.

25 August 2017 – Kay St, Traralgon (with Illy)
26 August 2017 – The Pier, Frankston (with Illy)
1 September 2017 – Odeon, Hobart (with Illy)
2 September 2017 – Club 54, Launceston (with Illy)
21 September 2017 – Wool Exchange, Geelong (with Illy)
22 September 2017 –Whalers, Warnambool (with Illy)
23 September 2017 – Shadows, Mt Gambier (with Illy)
28 & 29 September 2017 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with Illy)
30 September 2017 – Sweaty Palms @ Proud Mary’s, Erina
6 October 2017 – Rolling Stone Live Lodge @ Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
7 October 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
13 October 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – The Transit Bar, Canberra
19 October 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
20 October 2017 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
3 November 2017 – Panthers, Port Macquarie (with Illy)
4 November 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (with Illy)
10 November 2017 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga (with Illy)
11 November 2017 – Area Hotel, Griffith (with Illy)
24 November 2017 – SSA Club, Albury (with Illy)

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Henry Clarke Takes New Musical Direction As Duncan Saige

You might know Henry Clarke as the frontman of raucous indie surf-rock outfit Stillwater Giants. If you do, you might be surprised to hear the music he’s making under his new moniker Duncan Saige. Much as Kevin Mitchell bounces between making high-energy rock music with Jebediah and gentle acoustic stuff as Bob Evans, Henry makes genre-hopping look easy.

As Duncan Saige, he’s just released his cruisy debut EP I’m Saved and the single of the same name. It’s a thoroughly pleasing piece of indie-pop which should put a smile on your face. Duncan Saige will launch I’m Saved with Western Australian shows next month in preparation for a national tour later this year.

1 September 2017 – The Odd Fellow Bar, Fremantle
7 September 2017 – Defectors Bar, Mt. Lawley
8 September 2017 – The Monkey Bar, Mandurah
9 September 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
14 September 2017 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Best of Americana Play Out on the Weekend

Justin Townes Earle, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Son Volt, Traveller, Fanny Lumsden, and a host of other leading local and international Americana acts will descend on Williamstown in October for the Out of the Weekend festival.

“It’s a continued pleasure to bring music lovers the finest sounds in the international and local Americana scene to the glorious Seaworks venue. Four years strong and building, we aim to put on an excellent day of cultural and important entertainment hand picked for your pleasure,” said BT from Love Police. “We used to talk up the fine food and booze selections on offer, but that goes without saying now. Its always the best! Avoid imitations and late comers, Out On The Weekend is the real deal. Authentic presentations by passionate people with colourful experience. Buy a ticket, get your look on, study up on acts you don’t know, and see you in October for the good times.”

Out on the Weekend hits Williamstown on October 14. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lockhearts Touring Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Release

The Lockhearts won’t release a new album until next year, but you can get your fix of the band’s particular brand of straight-up rock and roll with the release of the new single “Ride Home.”

Bands just don’t make rock music this good any more. I love the ‘70s influence, with its big chunky guitars and singalong chorus.

The Lockhearts are currently on tour test-driving new material from their forthcoming album Americana Doom Fuzz. Catch them at the following shows.

12 August 2017 – Crowbar, Brisbane
13 August 2017 – Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)
18 August 2017 – Worldsend Hotel, Adelaide
19 August 2017 – The Workers Club, Geelong
24 August 2017 – The Vineyard, St Kilda, Melbourne
26 August 2017 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
1 September 2017 – The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Newcastle
8 September 2017 – The Backroom, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels, British India Headline Port Macquarie’s Wildwood Festival

Now in its fourth year, Port Macquarie’s boutique independent music festival Wildwood is getting even more fabulous. The first major line-up announcement recently confirmed The Jezabels, British India, Hugo Race, and Alex the Astronaut will all grave the Wildwood stage.

It might have an incredible line-up, but Wildwood doesn’t believe bigger is better.

“Wildwood has never strayed from its roots while at the same time continues to grow year after year,” explained festival organiser Simon Leigh. “We just aim to bring together a warm feel good festival and have really gone beyond and above this year with our amazing line up and our food stalls and children’s area will once again bring colour, glitter and our own brand of fun to the festival.”

“We are excited to see the forest filled with fireflies and adults and children alike sparkling from head to toe in their illuminated aurora. It’s always the most magical way to end a day of great music”.

Wildwood hits Cassegrain Winery in Port Macquarie on October 1. Tickets are on sale through Livetix.

Image used with permission from Wildwood Music Festival

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Social Touring “In Colour”

King Social are likely loading up the van as I type, preparing to play shows around the country on the In Colour tour. The early shows will give fans a sneak peek at the album which will drop on September 3.

The album should be something special if current single “Lemonade” is any indication. I love the blending of genres here. The rap is honest and raw and the soul silky smooth. Stevie Mitchell, who wrote and raps on the song, says it’s one of the most specific and personal tracks the band has released.

“I started writing Lemonade just as I was about to begin my current job. I’d bounced around for a while and done every job under the sun and I’d come to a point where I just wanted to put my head down and finish something,” he explained. “It wasn’t meant to be so father-oriented; I was just being honest with myself, that I wasn’t a little kid anymore and it was time to grow up. My dad is a great role model.

“He hasn’t heard the song, but I told him the lyrics once. He gets too carried away though – I fed him the first three lines: “Call me that bastard, these bars are the weapons I harbour, I’m hoping to tread the same footprints and steps as my father…” He stopped me there to berate me for ever thinking I was a bastard – he listened too much, that he didn’t listen.”

Kevin was reluctant to release such a personal song, fearing people who hadn’t lived his life may struggle to relate, but he reconsidered after hearing the track come to life.

“The boys – and the production team at The Grove Studios – have just made it sound so fucking good,” he gushed. “I think maybe they’re more in love with the sound than the message, but I guess that’s what music is all about – presenting meaningful lyrics in an exciting way.”

King Social will play the following headlining gigs and festivals in the coming months.

4 August 2017 – Whitsunday Reef Festival, Cannonvale (FREE)
5 August 2017 – Gigs & Digs Festival, Yamala
25 August 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
27 August 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (FREE)
1 September 2017 – SS & A Club, Albury (FREE)
2 September 2017 – The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (FREE)
9 September 2017 – New Globe Theatre, Fortitude Valley
10 September 2017 – The Bearded Dragon Hotel, Tamborine (FREE)
23 September 2017 – Longreach Cup, Longreach
29 September 2017 – Caloundra Music Festival, Kings Beach
1 October 2017 – The Salt House, Cairns (FREE)
21 October 2017 – Darwin Railway Club, Parap
25 November 2017 – Brews & Barbie Bash, Toowoomba
8 December 2017 – King’s Christmas, Townsville

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alanis Morissette is Coming Back to Australia!

Alanis Morissette hasn’t toured this country for 18 years. Back then I was 19. Money was tight, and while I saw concerts, I certainly didn’t get to see everyone that touched my heart musically. Back then I assumed I’d have other opportunities. I didn’t expect to be kept waiting quite so long.

But Alanis settled down, morphing from the angsty voice of a generation to some kind of Mother Earth figure with kids and a husband. I honestly thought I’d missed my opportunity to catch her live show.

I am as thrilled as anyone could be with the news today that she’s coming back to our shores. And won’t it be worth the wait. For starters, she’s playing acoustic shows. Be still my beating heart. She’s also playing intimate venues. Playing in just two cities, I believe she’s still got the pulling power to fill an arena. I’m glad she won’t though. January cannot come fast enough.

Alanis Morissette will bring her An Evening With Alanis Morissette shows to Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on January 23 and the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 24. Tickets go on sale on August 7.

Image via Justin Higuchi @ Flickr