The term legend is bandied about a little freely for my tastes, but George Clinton is someone absolutely deserving of the honour. With his bands Parliament and Funkadelic he created the P-Funk movement and influenced generations of musicians. And he’s bringing his music to intimate venues across the East Coast this September.
By the end of the 70s, Parliament and Funkadelic had 39 charting singles including “Flash Light” and “One Nation Under Groove.” In the 1980s, George Clinton went solo and innovated in the fledgling hip hop scene. Today we can hear his distinct sound on the records of heavy hitters like Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, and Snoop Dogg. In other words, he’s a big deal.
“We have a blast every time we come to Australia,” George enthused. “Aussie’s know what it means to have a good time: the national motto should be free your mind and your ass will follow. My band has been funkin’ real hard lately … you don’t wanna miss what we be throwin down. Come on out and get funked up!”
Head to Destroy All Lines to sign up for the April 1 presale ahead of the general sale on April 3.
If you thought you knew had Charlie Bedford’s sound pegged after hearing his recent single “(The Out of Town) Laundromat Blues,” his latest release will prove you wrong. “Violet Street” is a much more soulful endeavour fused with elements of pop-rock. This genre blend goes down easy. It’s just the thing I can imagine being a big hit on radio if the stations ever played new Aussie music!
Charlie recorded this one at Guffland Studios in Naarm/Melbourne with Mark Lowrie on producing and engineering duties. It comes from his soon-to-be released album Daydream, which based on his recent singles is sure to keep us guessing. Expect to hear “Violet Street” and more new tunes when Charlie plays the following shows:
Few things excite me more musically than a really good duet. A song that comes from the heart with two voices that seem to join together effortlessly. The chemistry between two talented artists who’ve created something beautiful together is palpable as you listen to the song unfold. Now those top tier duets are rare, but “No Cure For Love,” the latest track from Rowena Wise and Didirri, is definitely one of them. We shouldn’t be surprised these talents have chemistry though, because away from music they’re a real-life couple.
“‘No Cure for Love’ was written in the wake of realising our love can be a double-edged sword. We’ve been in a relationship for 8 years, and turbulence is inevitable with anything that lasts a long time,” they admitted. “During a phase of smoking weed and arguments, we could not see eye to eye. It was confusing when we’ve known each other so deeply and for so long, only to arrive at the feeling that we’re complete strangers. In those moments we considered whether the bond that tied us together was becoming too much to bear. The words ‘I’m too much for you’ and ‘you’re going to leave me one day’ were carelessly spoken, like a self-fulfilling prophecy waiting to happen. This song captures those moments where we have crumbled, said hurtful things, and had to look at our options. We came out of that chapter ready to face the challenge of our love, realising we can only love and respect each other if we do this for ourselves first. We can’t take each other (and ourselves) for granted if we want to be companions in this long journey together.”
The song comes with a beautiful video that Didirri directed and edited, which was mostly shot on 8mm black and white film. It uses Shibari knotwork as a metaphor for the simultaneous pleasure and restrictive discomfort that long-term relationships can bring.
“We were stripped bare and tied up for the final shot of the clip, embracing a new phase of creativity by exploring body positivity in both our artistic expressions. We were supported by an incredible crew which made the challenge fun to undertake,” they said.
Rowena and Didirri work so beautifully together, so I’m thrilled it doesn’t end here. They’re going to warm up your winter with 11 shows that will see them performing side by side around the country. Get onto it, because these gigs are bound are bound to be amazing.
Jade Gibson wears her heart on her sleeve with her beautiful new single “Bygones.” Cowritten with Oscar Dawson and her producer Josh Hannan, this deeply personal track explores the bitterness that lingers after growing up in a broken family.
Jade has a string of shows coming up in country New South Wales and Victoria. Catch her anywhere you can.
27 April 2025 – Red Feet Wines, Taungurung, Yorta Yorta, Pangerang, Minjambuta, Duduroa, and Jaitmathang Country/King Valley 30 May 2025 – Barooga Sports Club, Yorta Yorta Country/Barooga 8 June 2025 – All Saints Estate, Whroo Country/Wahgunyah 13 June 2025 – SS&A, Bungambrawatha/Albury
Canada’s own Leif Vollebekk is one of those special artists who wasn’t on my radar until they made their tour announcement, but I wonder where they’ve been all my life. I’ve been binge listening his music hard since his tour news landed in my inbox. He’s so, so good.
Leif’s tour announcement follows the release of his critically acclaimed album Revelation late last year, so expect to hear plenty of music from that project. That’s his fifth album since he made his debut with Inland in 2010, so he’s certainly got plenty of material to draw from. Which is good news for people new to his music like me hoovering up his soulful indie-folk goodness.
Trust me, you don’t want to discover how amazing he is when these shows are done. Wrap your ears around him and get ready for these dates:
Harrison Storm has teamed up with Emily Rink for a spine-tingling new single “Call Me When You Get In.” It explores the journey through grief on the path to healing that’s necessary when recovering from a relationship breakdown.
“The writing of this song came together in a very beautiful and easy way,” Harrison recalled. “It was one of those sessions where we were able to get vulnerable quite quickly. We shared some personal stories and I started playing around with some simple chords. Emily’s melodies started flowing effortlessly as she’s incredibly talented and we both sat back to let the emotional melodies inform the story of the song.
Harrison said the song went to another level when they began working with producer Matt Corby.
“It was so perfect and exciting to work with Matt Corby on this one for production. He brought such immediate soul and heart to this song. The days Emily and I spent in the studio with him were unforgettable and very creative.”
Harrison is currently touring the country with Canadian indie-folk act Wild Rivers. If you’ve got a ticket, make sure you arrive early enough for his set.
21 March 2025 – Prince Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT) 22 March 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT) 23 March 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
On July 5, Emily will play Winter One-Derland at The Station SC in Kabi Kabi Country/Birtinya.
I’m convinced that everything Joan & The Giants touches turns to gold. “Still Breathing,” their first release for 2025, is another fabulous indie-rock track from this Aussie trio. Born from a jam session, this heartfelt release packs a serious emotional punch.
“The lyrics really speak about an inner war, trying to fight for the people you once were but knowing you have to let it all go – ‘But some things are best kept in the past, and I know we weren’t built to last’,” explained the band’s frontwoman, Grace Newton-Wordsworth.
2025 is set to be a massive year for Joan & The Giants as they prepare to say goodbye to their home in Boorloo/Perth and base themselves in Naarm/Melbourne. They’ve already played their first international shows at SXSW, but they’ll be back on home soil for a string of shows soon, including a big WA farewell. If you live there, make sure you give them the send off that they deserve!
It’s been 11 long years since The Audreys’ released their fourth album ‘Til My Tears Roll Away. After the death of founding member and guitarist Tristan Goodall in 2022, many wondered whether that album would be their last. But now the patience of fans has been rewarded with a beautiful new album, Ruin & Repair.
This release builds on the promise of two stellar singles, “Second Hand Boots” and “Beatles V Stones.” Both songs tell the story of love stories that are as flawed as they are important, destined to end but life-changing while they last. There are many more songs of imperfect love here. “Subterranean,” with its evocative lyrics painting the picture of an all-consuming relationship, drew me in. “Sober” is also stunning, a heartbreaking ballad that charts how an overreliance on alcohol can undermine a connection. Songs like “Beyond Compare” and “Norfolk Island Pine” bring some balance with their stories of love that feels healthier and steadier, at least for a while.
The Audreys excel at creating delicate folk songs, but this album sees them taking a few risks too. “To Want To Be Loved” shows an irresistible rock edge that reminds me of The Cranberries or Cowboy Junkies. “Seen The Last of You” is a simmering, sultry blues number bound to get underneath your skin.
No matter the genre, Taasha Coates voice anchors this music. It’s so warm and compelling, the perfect foil for the uber-talented musicians she surrounds herself with.
The release of Ruin & Repair marks the start of a new chapter for The Audreys. While this band will be forever changed by the loss of Tristan, this album shows they’re still a creative force capable of releasing some beautiful music. Take the time to get to know it this weekend, then make sure you get your tickets for one of their upcoming shows.
Tori Darke and Jay Santilli are both powerhouses in their own right, but you put them together and you know you’re in for a good time. Their new collaborative single is “Trouble,” a raucous, feel-good girl-power anthem that sounds like it’s come from a Gretchen Wilson and Miranda Lambert album.
“It’s all about those nights when you just need to let loose, have fun, and shake off the stress of life with your best friends,” Jay said. “It’s a song made for dancing, singing loud, and making memories.”
Recording the song with iconic local producers MSquared was extra exciting for Tori.
“Recording with MSquared was a bucket list dream for me,” she admitted. “The guys have produced some incredible music over the years and to be able to get into the studio with them and record/write a song with one of my best friends in music was a total pinch me moment.”
Both women have plenty of shows coming up, with Tori touring the country with fellow Voice Australia alum Brad Butcher and Lee Kernaghan while Jay is booking a bunch of festival and headline gigs. Put these dates in your calendars, country music fans!
I can’t quite believe it’s been 25 years since Bachelor Girl released their massive debut album Waiting for the Day, but here we are. It’s no reason to wallow though, because Bachelor Girl are determined to make us all feel young again when they celebrate the milestone with some big shows in Victoria and New South Wales.
When I heard the news I popped the album on and boy it holds up. There are so many fantastic songs on this record, from the big singles like “Buses and Trains” and “Permission to Shine” to fantastic album tracks like “Gotta Let You Go” and “You Are Afraid.” And then there are those singles you might have forgotten like “Lucky Me” and “Treat Me Good.” Trust me, if you’re anything like me you still remember every word!
“We are so incredibly thankful to still be here, sharing our music with all of you, and to know that Waiting for the Day has meant so much to so many of you,” Tania Doko said. “You’ve supported us with unwavering enthusiasm, and hearing how our songwriting and creations have carried you through tough times or brought joyous singing car sessions (!!) into your life has kept us positively chuffed to this day.”
These shows are a massive deal as Bachelor Girl will perform Waiting for the Day in full, from start to finish, with new “redux” arrangements to keep things fresh. And don’t forget Bachelor Girl are also playing some other festival gigs and headline shows, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch them in the coming months. If they’re not coming to your hometown, try not to stress. They’re promising to announce more shows later this year. Until then, you know what to do!
