Tickets to Space Drop “True” Ahead of Queensland Tour

Surf rock is enjoying a real renaissance at the moment. It’s great to hear that classic sound again, but so many of the acts creating it feel a little interchangeable to me. It’s getting harder to impress me, but Meeanjin/Brisbane band Tickets To Space have done it with their latest track “True.”

This one has a few twists and turns which help set it apart. I love the punk rock ethos these guys bring to the genre. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s a big part of its appeal.

“I realised, writing ‘True’, that I’m grateful for what I’ve had growing up in my family, and I’d like the same sort of life,” recalled Tickets To Space vocalist and songwriter Fraser Stott. “It’s an acknowledgement that sharing it with someone special is what the dream is all about. I also realised that my mates are a big part of my life now, and I hope they always will be. It’s a pretty simple feel-good track, and maybe that’s what we all need right now.”

Tickets To Space are celebrating the release of “True” with a mini tour around their home state. Catch them at the following venues next month:

14 November 2026 – Blackflag Brewing, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Mooloolaba
15 November 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Jellurgal/Burleigh Heads
21 November 2026 – Hunting Grounds Studios, Jagera Country/Moorooka

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Amber Lawrence Releases Video for Girl Power Anthem, “We Ride at Dawn”

If Thelma and Louise fired you up, you’ll love the kick-arse feminine energy of Amber Lawrence’s new video for “We Ride At Dawn,” one of the standout tracks from her eighth studio album Suburban Cowgirl. Amber filmed the clip in the Eora/Sydney suburbs of Marrickville, Maroubra, and her hometown of Mascot.

“‘We Ride at Dawn’ is a friendship anthem – a song to sing with your bestie, your ride or die! It’s a fun and quirky ode to female friendships – the ones that get better with age and hangovers!” Amber enthused. “I chose my literal musical best friends to be in this clip with me – the amazing Aleyce Simmonds (multi–Golden Guitar winner) and emerging artist Arna Georgia. The Suburban Cowgirl album is full of songs that celebrate big and little moments in life shared with great friends – it’s a season I’m in right now, and I love it!”

Suburban Cowgirl has been a massive release for Amber. On its debut, it hit number one on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, number one on the ARIA Australian Country Chart, number one on the ARIA Australian vinyl chart, and number three on the ARIA Country Albums Chart. Amber’s been taking her new music to the masses with plenty of shows all over the country. Catch her at one of her upcoming dates if you can!

23 October 2026 – Trinity Sessions S, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 October 2026 – Greg Cooley Wines, Ngadjuri Country/Clare Valley
25 October 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa South
6 November 2026 – Paterson School of Arts Hall, Yimmang/Paterson
8 November 2026 – Melbourne Mantra Studio and Kitchen Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
28 November 2026 – Launceston Country Music Festival @ Royal Park, Litarimirina and Panina Country/Launceston
29 November 2026 – Martians Saloon, Wadawurrung, Gulidjan, and Gadubanud Country/Deans Marsh
22 January 2027 – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ Tamworth Town Hall, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
6 March 2027 – Duke of George, Walyalup/Fremantle
7 March 2027 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
25 March – 9 April 2027 – Country Music Cruise, Singapore to Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bronwyn Tasker PR

Leslie D. King Announces Victorian Tour

If you streamed “Gold” when I posted about it a few weeks ago, you know Leslie D. King is making the kind of back-to-basics music that’s the perfect antidote to the AI age. It sounds like it might have come from an impromptu jam session where the musicians play by feel and feed off one another’s energy. It’s the sort of music that’s made for the stage.

I recently caught up with Leslie to chat about the song, the album he’s been working on, and his recently announced Victorian regional tour. If you want to learn all about that, click through to read my feature article on Hold the News. This online publication feels like a breath of fresh air in these days dominated by social media and its algorithms. If you’re looking for thoughtful articles exploring travel, technology, and topics that will make you think, make sure to subscribe. It won’t spell the end of the unfiltered interviews I publish here, but I might refer you to my articles there when it makes sense.

And if course, you don’t have to go anywhere if you just want those tour dates! You can see Leslie D. King for “a very large dose of high-energy Rock ‘n’ Soul” at the following shows:

2 October 2026 – Martians Saloon, Gadubanud Country/Deans Marsh
3 October 2026 – Old Church on the Hill, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
17 October 2026 – Patchewollock Music Festival @ Patchewollock Hotel, Wergaia Country/Patchewollock
25 October 2026 – Young Street Tavern, Monmar/Frankston
20 November 2026 – Whalers Hotel, Gunditjmara, Dhauwurd Wurrung, and Kirrae Whurrong Country/Warrnambool
21 November 2026 – Birre Rec Revival @ Birregurra Hall, Gulidjan Country/Birregurra
22 November 2026 – Bell’s Beach Brewing, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay

Image used with permission from Oily Rag Records

Ricky Albeck’s Latest Single is Your Perfect Saturday Soundtrack

I don’t know what your Saturday night will entail, but Ricky Albeck’s latest single “Playing Pool and Drinking All Night” definitely sounds like the kind of track that’s bound to hit for some of you tonight. Even if you’re not heading out for a few bevvies, I know you’re going to appreciate this bluesy post-pub-rock from one of the finest rising musicians out of Tarntanya/Adelaide.

“My friends and I used to play pool and drink a lot at The Cranker [the recently closed Crown & Anchor Hotel in Adelaide], it’s basically how I spent most nights of my early 20s,” Ricky recalled. “For a while we would just go there almost every night – played as many gigs as possible there, worked there, would stick around after work and even go in on nights off. We would stay until everyone else left and sometimes they’d let us play a couple games of pool while they cleaned the bar. We just wanted to keep hanging out forever. The song mostly focuses on the good parts of these memories, but there’s a darkness there too. Questioning how much is too much and whether you’re trying to run away from something with all the excess.”

“Playing Pool and Drinking All Night” is the first single lifted from Ricky’s forthcoming album, which is set to drop later this year. Ricky will close out 2026 with a bang, as he’s also got plenty of headlining shows scheduled in the coming months. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

10 September 2026 – Ern Malley, Tarntanya/Adelaide
12 September 2026 – ShopFront740, Naarm/Melbourne
13 November 2026 – The Bellum Hotel, Bunganditj Country/Mount Schank
14 November 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 November 2026 – The Curtin Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
20 November 2026 – Medusa, Djilang/Geelong
21 November 2026 – The Tanswells Hotel, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 November 2026 – Young Street Tavern, Bunurong/Frankston
26 November 2026 – Dissent, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
27 November 2026 – The Junkyard @ Grand Junction Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Maitland
28 November 2026 – The Servo, Wadi Wadi Country/Port Kembla
29 November 2026 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
5 December 2026 – The Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Nash Blight

Talib Kweli Hitting Intimate Aussie Venues This November

If you’re a fan of old-school hip hop as I am, Talib Kweli needs no introduction. Coming out of Brooklyn, he formed Black Star with Mos Def in the late ‘90s. Both artists carved out massive solo careers and Talib formed his own record label Javotti Media. In recent years he’s collaborated with the likes of Anderson .Paak, Q-Tip, and Winston Surfshirt. And away from the music scene, he’s been a fierce campaigner against racial inequality and police brutality. In short, he’s one of the most influential people in the hip hop scene, and he’s coming to Australia this November.

Not only is Talib coming, but he’s coming to some tiny venues. Insanely small considering his stature in the hip hop world. So tickets will not last long people. You have been warned. They’re on sale now from the links below.

5 November 2026 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne
6 November 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 November 2026 – Freo Social, Boorloo/Perth
8 November 2026 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive

Spike Fuck Makes Surprise Comeback

Naarm/Melbourne-based creative Spike Fuck is back with his new single “All By Myself,” his first released via legendary New York label Sacred Bones Records. It comes ten years after he pioneered his sound with the Smackwave EP, then disappeared without a trace. Spike gives no explanation for his absence, although there were rumours he might have traded in the spotlight for years in monastic solitude or perhaps relapsed. All the speculation just makes his return more iconic.

Speaking on the release of “All By Myself,” Spike says “If someone asks ‘What does it mean?’ We’ve done the job. As society has abandoned mythologies, we must create our own… that sounds trite and I’m not quite sure how to defend that statement really. We’re not existentialists. In any case, we also live in a completely schizophrenic society in this sense, so the idea to create a story of a war hero/criminal undergoing an absurdist spiritual transformation seemed almost obligatory. Purgatorial musings, heaven and hell, redemption, fantasy, a mushroom that talks, so on and so forth.

“People understand truth through analogy, moreover, parables. We sought to create something about redemption, forgiveness, faith, hope, and charity that is available to whomever seeks it. I may not be the most reliable narrator, I admit that freely, yet the fantasy of it all is healthy. So is a dose of whimsy or even a small dash of grand delusion. So this video, along with the entire record, is a series of clues, a collection of pieces of evidence… Hopefully this video raises more questions than it answers.”

“All By Myself” is the lead single from Spike’s debut album evidence, which drops on October 2. He’ll celebrate the release with a massive tour. It kicks off in Australia on release day, then travels to the United Kingdom and Europe.

2 October 2026 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
3 October 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 October 2026 – Yours & Owls Festival @ Flagstaff Hill, Woolyungah/Wollongong
9 October 2026 – Wyola Club, Walyalup/Fremantle
10 October 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
17 October 2026 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
23 & 24 October 2026 – Left of the Dial @ Eendrachtsplein, Rotterdam
27 October 2026 – Cactus Club, Bruges (with Personal Trainer)
29 October 2026 – The Croft, Bristol
30 October 2026 – Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield
31 October 2026 – Zerox, Newcastle Upon Tyne
1 November 2026 – The Hug & Pint, Glasgow
3 November 2026 – The Old Abbey Taphouse, Manchester
4 November 2026 – Oporto, Leeds
6 November 2026 – The Dome, London
7 November 2026 – Illion Plus, Athens
8 November 2026 – Eightball Club, Thessaloniki
10 November 2026 – Cafe Kotur, Skopje
11 November 2026 – Vintage Industrial Bar, Zagreb
12 November 2026 – Milla, Munich
15 November 2026 – Urban Spree, Berlin
16 November 2026 – Molotow Top Ten Bar, Hamburg
17 November 2026 – Klub RE, Krakow
18 November 2026 – Barrak Club, Ostrava
20 November 2026 – Freakout Club, Bologna
24 November 2026 – Whelan’s, Dublin
27 November 2026 – Le Hasard Ludique, Paris
29 November 2026 – Paradiso (Upstairs), Amsterdam

Photo credit: Dylan Marriott

Sleep Theory Announce Long-Awaited Aussie Tour

Memphis hard rock act Sleep Theory burst onto the music scene in 2019, and then COVID-19 happened. Any plans for world domination got put on hold, until now. With one album and a couple of EPs under their belts, they’re finally heading our way, and they’re bringing fellow American band RIVALS along for the ride.

I must admit, while I was aware of Sleep Theory I wasn’t across their music before this announcement. But that’s taken me down a bit of a rabbit hole. The hard rock tag doesn’t really do them justice because their music really blurs genre lines. It’s so melodic and hooky, with pop and R&B influences that really set them apart.

They’re going to tear the roof off the venues they’re playing next February. Many venues have already been upgraded, but I still can’t see tickets lasting into the New Year. Get them while you can music lovers!

6 February 2026 – Metropolis, Walyalup/Fremantle
10 February 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
12 February 2026 – Festival Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
13 February 2026 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
15 February 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Saralyn Bares Her Soul On “Goldline”

I’ve always been impressed by the way that country singer-songwriter Saralyn wears her heart on her sleeve and encourages listeners to step into her world. But she’s never been quite as open as with her new single “Goldline,” a moving new ballad from her debut EP.

“‘Goldline’ is the most personal song I’ve ever written,” Saralyn shared. “As I was creating my debut EP, I found myself reflecting on the moments that have shaped me. The loss, the love, the heartbreak, the healing, and the hope that carried me through it all. The song begins with the loss of my sister and grows into a reflection on every challenge I’ve faced since.”

“Goldline” is the emotional centrepiece and title track of Saralyn’s debut EP, which she’ll release on August 28. You can preorder a signed CD copy from Saralyn’s website. She’s also announced a stack of shows to support the EP’s release which take us right through to the New Year.

22 August 2026 – The Oaks, Dharawal Country/Albion Park (Trailblazer: The Lainey Wilson Tribute Show)
28 August 2026 – Shoal Bay Country Club, Worimi Country/Shoal Bay (Trailblazer: The Lainey Wilson Tribute Show)
18 September 2026 – Chattahoochee Joe’s Honky Tonk, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 September 2026 – Tonic Lounge & Bar, Giabal Country/Toowoomba
3 October 2026 – Panthers, Guruk/Port Macquarie
17 October 2026 – Going Country Music Festival @ Muswellbrook Showground, Bimboorien/Muswellbrook
23 October 2026 – Big Little Brewing, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
7 November 2026 – Boots on the Harbour Cruise, Sydney/Eora (with Viper Creek Band – SOLD OUT)
13 November 2026 – Saddler’s Creek Winery, Wonnarua Country/Pokolbin
15 November 2026 – The Old George and Dragon, Illulaung/East Maitland
28 November 2026 – The Paterson Courthouse Hotel, Wonnarua and Worimi Country/Paterson
21 January 2027 – The Press Basement Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (supporting Angela Rose)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Windwaker Impress With “closer” Ahead of New Album and Tour

I’ll admit, I don’t cover a lot of music from metalcore acts like Windwaker because they typically rock just a little hard for my taste. However, I always make a point of listening because I never know when something outside my preferred genres will spark joy. I’m so glad I stay open-minded, because if I didn’t I’d miss gems like their latest single “closer.” It comes from Windwaker’s forthcoming third album, smile, you’re on camera, which they say is their best record yet.

“smile, you’re on camera is undeniably our best and most focused collection of songs to date,” Windwaker enthused. “We learned so much making this record together, and we’re incredibly proud of what it’s become. It opens the door to who we are, and offers a glimpse into our world through the highs and the lows. It’s the most personal and honest Windwaker has ever been.”

smile, you’re on camera drops on October 23 and you can preorder a vinyl or CD copy right now. To celebrate its release, Windwaker will travel around the country playing some massive shows with US band The Pretty Wild and local up-and-comers RinRin and DREGG. Then they’ll fly overseas for more gigs in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Tickets for all those shows are on sale now from the links below.

30 October 2026 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth
1 November 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
2 November 2026 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
5 November 2026 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
6 November 2026 – King St, Mulubinba/Newcastle
7 November 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2026 – MGM Music Hall @ Fenway, Boston (supporting Beartooth)
12 November 2026 – Hammerstein Ballroom @ Manhattan Center, New York City (supporting Beartooth)
13 November 2026 – Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia (supporting Beartooth)
15 November 2026 – The Theatre @ MGM National Harbor, National Harbor (supporting Beartooth)
16 November 2026 – Electric City, Buffalo (supporting Don Broco)
18 November 2026 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh (supporting Beartooth)
20 November 2026 – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Chicago (supporting Beartooth)
21 November 2026 – Myth Live, St. Paul (supporting Beartooth)
22 November 2026 – Steelhouse Omaha, Omaha (supporting Beartooth)
24 November 2026 – The Intersection – Elevation, Grand Rapids (supporting Don Broco)
25 November 2026 – Hi-fi Indy & Hi-fi Annex, Indianapolis (supporting Don Broco)
27 November 2026 – Delmar Hall, St. Louis (supporting Don Broco)
28 November 2026 – The Truth, Nashville (supporting Beartooth)
29 November 2026 – Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta (supporting Beartooth)
1 December 2026 – The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte (supporting Beartooth)
2 December 2026 – The Refinery, Charleston (supporting Beartooth)
4 December 2026 – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine (supporting Beartooth)
5 December 2026 – War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale (supporting Beartooth)
7 December 2026 – BG’s Lounge @ The Fillmore New Orleans, New Orleans (supporting Beartooth)
9 December 2026 – Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theatre, Austin (supporting Beartooth)
10 December 2026 – South Side Ballroom, Dallas (supporting Beartooth)
12 December 2026 – Fillmore Auditorium, Denver (supporting Beartooth)
13 December 2026 – The Union in Salt Lake, Salt Lake City (supporting Beartooth)
15 December 2026 – Revel, Albuquerque (supporting Beartooth)
16 December 2026 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Arizona (supporting Beartooth)
18 December 2026 – Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles (supporting Beartooth)
19 December 2026 – Hard Rock Live Sacramento, Wheatland (supporting Beartooth)
3 February 2027 – Elysee Montmartre, Paris (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
4 February 2027 – Hamburg Sporthalle, Hamburg (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
5 February 2027 – TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
6 February 2027 – Haus Auensee, Leipzig (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
7 February 2027 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
10 February 2027 – Gasometer, Vienna (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
11 February 2027 – Zenith @ die Kulturhalle, Munich (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
12 February 2027 – Schlachthof Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
13 February 2027 – Palladium, Cologne (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
14 February 2027 – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
18 February 2027 – Galvanizers Yard, Glasgow (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
19 February 2027 – Nottingham Rock City, Nottingham (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
20 February 2027 – O2 Academy Brixton, Brixton (supporting Bury Tomorrow)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

“Gentleman” – Budjerah

The release of Budjerah’s long-awaited debut album Gentleman feels like a reintroduction to this talented artist. The shy indie-pop teen we met in 2020 appears utterly transformed with this polished pop release.

From front to back, Gentleman is an album of bangers. But you might expect that when you browse Budjerah’s collaborators. Some of the songwriters include Poo Bear, known for his work with Justin Bieber, Rob Lewis, who’s been Christina Aguilera’s music director for more than 20 years, and Philip Lawrence, who’s Bruno Mars primary creative partner. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s got a song penned by Diane Warren, one of the most acclaimed lyricists of all time who’s written chart toppers for Cher, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and countless others. These are people who understand what it takes to write a hit.

Their tunes are total earworms, but they would fall flat if Budjerah didn’t bring such charisma and confidence to them. It’s probably easy to be confident when you’ve assembled the Justice League of songwriters though! But they’re not doing all the heavy lifting. Budjerah also enlisted Grammy Award-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, who’s worked with talents like Frank Ocean, Jay Z, and Erykah Badu. His involvement ensures that Gentleman feels sonically interesting, rather than a record that’s commercial but ultimately forgettable.

From the upbeat soul of the title track and opener, Gentleman had me hooked. It feels like a natural companion to the next track “Want You Back.” They’re such perfect pop that Budjerah probably could have released an album entirely in this vein and kept me happy. But rather than play it safe, he experiments with genre. “I Only Remember Your Name” has a deep reggae groove, “Sinner” is a gospel-tinged ballad, and “Lonely” is pure yacht rock. Through all the twists and turns, Budjerah’s undeniable vocals shine through.

Gentleman has been a long time coming for Budjerah fans, but I’m glad he took the time. This is a considered release, one that comes from an artist who knows who he is and is now ready to share that definitive debut statement with the world.

Gentleman is out now. Budjerah will take these songs around the East Coast on his The Gentleman Tour this October and November. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

31 October 2026 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
1 November 2026 – The Sound Doctor, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (ALL AGES)
7 November 2026 – Metro Social, Eora/Sydney (ALL AGES)
20 November 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
21 November 2026 – Triffid Beer Garden, Meeanjin/Brisbane (ALL AGES)

Main photo credit: Daniel Boud