Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conor Oberst Impresses Ahead of Aussie Solo Tour

Conor Oberst is another of those incredible American musicians I only discovered because I learned he was touring and figured I better do a little research. I’d heard of the band Bright Eyes without ever hearing any of their stuff, and I certainly didn’t know his name, but wow. We live in a time that is just rich with phenomenally talented singer-songwriters. Of course our own musicians are writing some superb material, but if you want to expand your horizons I definitely recommend checking this guy out.

As a little taster, check out this performance from Letterman a couple of month back. How good is that song? It manages to balance light and shade so beautifully. It had me tapping my toes and punching my fists in the air by the end. I’m so impressed.

If you are so, make sure you check out Conor when he visits Australia next year to support the relatively recent release of his solo album Upside Down Mountain. He’s also bringing along fellow Americans The Felice Brothers to sweeten the deal.

25 February 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
26 February 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
28 February 2015 – Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne
4 March 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
5 March 2015 – Anitas, Thirroul
6 March 2015 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney
8 March 2015 – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Basics Get Political with “The Lucky Country”

The Basics have come out swinging with their scathing new single “The Lucky Country.” It’s a damning commentary on Australia’s age of entitlement and the political circus we’ve been subjected to of late.

“We’re songwriters, but we’re not just here to talk about love, heartbreak and getting drunk,” explained Kris Schroeder. “We believe in reflecting something of the society we live in, and right now there are a lot of people who seem to think that they’re better off sticking our heads in the sand and pretending the rest of the world isn’t there. It’s about time someone stood up and said that valuing education and believing that being aware and informed is important, doesn’t make you a ‘hippy’. Wanting to leave the planet in better shape for our children doesn’t make you a ‘bleeding heart’. Thinking that respect for other cultures enhances our nation rather than diminishes it doesn’t make you unpatriotic.”

“Whether it’s politicians, newspapers or ‘shock-jocks’, we’ve got this toxic culture that has been fostered on “what’s in it for me” – it’s as if this ‘Doctrine of Prosperity’ that’s been preached in churches for years has filtered down to the rest of us. It’s been encouraged for so long for quick votes and ratings – like “You’ve only got two cars? You should have six!” – and maybe someone needs to take Australia by the wrist, give it a shake and say “WAKE UP”. And why not a bunch of musicians to do it?”

The Basics will spend the festive season taking their message to the people with their The Lucky Country tour.

16 & 17 December 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
19 December 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
20 December 2014 – Old Museum, Brisbane
27 December 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
31 December 2014 – Princes Wharf 1 “A Taste of Tasmania NYE”, Hobart
1 January 2015 – Cataract Gorge “The Basin Concert,” Launceston
3 January 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
4 January 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle
13 February 2015 – Aurora Spiegeltent @ The Garden Of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Carty Does It Again with “What Am I Gonna Do With All Of My Love Now?”

Songs like “What Am I Gonna Do With All Of My Love Now?” are exactly the reason why Jack Carty is one of my favourite Aussie musicians. The third single lifted from his third LP Esk, it’s another moving, exquisitely crafted slice of pop-folk.

If you love it too, remember Jack’s currently on the road supporting the release of Esk. Here are all the places you can still catch him live.

13 November 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
14 November 2014 – The Commons, Newcastle
16 November 2014 – Flow Espresso Bar, Old Bar
20 November 2014 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
21 November 2014 – 5 Church Street, Bellingen
27 November 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
28 November 2014 – Captains @ Mariners, Batemans Bay
29 November 2014 – The Front, Canberra
30 November 2014 – Birdhouse Bar, Wagga Wagga
4 December 2014 – Howler, Melbourne
5 December 2014 – Kay St Saloon Bar, Traralgon
6 December 2014 – Montrose Town Centre, Montrose
7 December 2014 – Bended, Geelong
11 December 2014 –The Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 December 2014 – Mars Hill Café, Parramatta
13 December 2014 – Venue 505, Sydney
14 December 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Like Hate Tour Unnoticed EP

Brisbane band Love Like Hate have just returned from a European tour where they performed to rave reviews and inked an exclusive signing deal with Rough Trade Publishing, the same company that represents Violent Femmes and Le Tigre. Now back on home soil they’re celebrating with an Aussie tour to promote their new EP Unnoticed.

Unnoticed features the single “Electric Ships,” which got them noticed by music fans here and across the pond, and the latest single and the EP’s title track, “Unnoticed”. It’s got an upbeat pop core but a darkness that I really like. The film clip also gives us a bit of an insight into their recent international travels.

If you’ve noticed how good Love Like Hate are, make sure you don’t miss their Unnoticed EP shows.

20th November 2014 – B East, Melbourne
21st November 2014 – The Homestead, Hobart
24th November 2014 – The Public Bar, St Kilda
28th November 2014 – Union Hotel, Newtown
6th December 2014 – Treehouse On Belongil, Byron Bay
17th January 2015 – Bearded Lady, West End

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sharon van Etten Announces Golden Plains Sideshows

Awesome American alt-country singer Sharon van Etten has announced sideshows in the East Coast capitals to coincide with her visit for Golden Plains. I must admit, I wasn’t aware of Sharon’s music until I caught her performance of “Every Time the Sun Comes Up,” from her most recent studio album Are We There, on Letterman.

Something tells me it’s only a matter of time before Sharon enters the mainstream consciousness, so if you love her music make sure you catch her playing intimate venues like these while you can.

1 March 2015 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
3 March 2015 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
4 March 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
7 March 2015 – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nahko and Medicine for the People Spread Positivity on Aussie Tour

Is Monday kicking your arse right now? Then take a listen to Nahko and Medicine for the People’s “I Mua” in preparation for their Aussie tour this week. The Oregon act is all about good vibes. I think it’s probably scientifically impossible to feel down when you’re listening to this song.

It wasn’t that long ago that the band were here for Bluesfest, but it seems they can’t stay away from our fair shores. The upcoming shows give you a chance to see Nahko and Medicine for the People in more intimate venues, without all the festival sweatiness.

14 November 2014 – AWME @ The HiFi, Melbourne
18 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
19 November 2014 – The HiFi, Brisbane
20 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
21 November 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
22 November 2014 –Tanks Art Centre, Cairns
23 November 2014 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby (Nahko solo)
25 November 2014 – The HiFi, Sydney
26 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
29 November 2014 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
02 December 2014 – The Governor, Hindmarsh
04 December 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
06 December 2014 – Fly By Night, Fremantle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Pearce Flexes His Creative Muscles with “Broken Bones”

Most of us know Guy Pearce as Aussie acting royalty, but he’s actually a pretty decent musician. This Jack of all Trades has just released his debut album Broken Bones. It features a brand new single “Taste,” which showcases his husky vocals and knack for catchy melodies beautifully.

“‘Taste’ digs into that illusive thing we call “identity”, and who we think we are, versus who we actually are – whatever that even means,” he explained in a press release. “We’re so malleable and contradictory at times, it’s often hard to be objective.”

Guy will play two launch shows to promote the release of Broken Bones. Wednesday’s show at The Toff is all sold out, but there are a handful of general admission tickets for The Basement on Wednesday, November 19, still available.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Philadelphia Grand Jury Ready for Recording Fundraiser Tour

It was a sad day for local music lovers when Philadelphia Grand Jury parted ways. Their single “Good News” was one of my favourite feel-good tracks for 2009. So I was thrilled to hear that Simon Berkfinger, Dan W Sweat, and MC Bad Genius have kissed and made up, and are ready to do it all again.

The Philly Jays are preparing to tour along the East Coast this month. If you’ve missed them, you’re going to want to get to these shows, not just to bask in the nostalgia but to give them the funds they need to record a follow-up to Hope is for Hopers. So dig deep folks and get yourself along to these reunion shows.

8 November 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
12 November 2014 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)
13 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 November 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiagrandjury

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sean Kirkwood One to Watch

New Zealand born, Melbourne based singer-songwriter Sean Kirkwood released his debut EP Tales for the Barman way back in April, but it didn’t exactly break through. It’s a shame, because the songs I’ve heard are incredible, including the gorgeous “Don’t Want to Own You.” I just love the way he marries folk, roots, and blues, and his no frills vocals. There’s something so compellingly raw and organic about what he does. If you love it too, you can grab a free download on Sean’s Bandcamp page.

Hopefully more people will sit up and take notice when Sean takes his songs on the road this month. If you like what you hear check him out at the following venues.

13 November 2014 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
14 November 2014 – Exeter Hotel, Adelaide
15 November 2014 – Babushka Bar, Ballarat
17 November 2014 – The Phoenix, Canberra
22 November 2014 – Cambridge Sidebar, Newcastle
23 November 2014 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
28 November 2014 – Cardigan Bar, Brisbane
29 November 2014 – Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi (afternoon)
29 November 2014 – Upfront Club, Maleny (night)
30 November 2014 – Milk Factory, Brisbane
2 December 2014 – The Rails, Byron Bay
4 December 2014 – Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga
7 December 2014 – Menagerie, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hamish Anderson Returns Home

It takes a special someone to score the support slot for a legend like BB King. Someone like Melbourne born guitarist and songwriter Hamish Anderson.

Before he warms up the stage for BB, Hamish will be back on home soil to support the release of his swampy, sexy new single “Burn” and his new EP Restless, which hits stores on November 7. Hamish said he “wanted the recording to capture the sound, to be like a Polaroid. Imperfections and all.” And isn’t that refreshing in this day of autotune?

Hamish is basing himself in the U.S. now, so this is a rare chance to see this Australian-born talent performing. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

13 November 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
20 November 2014 – Side Bar @ Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
21 November 2014 – Oaf Sydney, Sydney
26 November 2014 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (FREE)