The Break Tour “Space Farm”

If you thought the retro surf rock celebrated by The Break had a limited shelf life, think again. The band featuring former members of Midnight Oil, The Violent Femmes, and Hunters & Collectors are hitting the road to showcase the songs from their recently released second album, Space Farm.

They’ve honed these songs on the live stage with sets at Bluesfest and supporting Rodriguez, so they should be in fine form when they kick off the following headlining shows.

30 May 2013 – Caravan Music Club @ Oakleigh RSL, Oakleigh
31 May 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury
1 June 2013 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
2 June 2013 – The Studio @ Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
22 June 2013 – The Standard, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Inland Sea’s Jeremy Hunter Goes it Alone

Inland Sea cofounder Jeremy Hunter is stepping out on his own with the recent release of his debut self-titled EP. The EP is a collection of acoustic guitar-driven folk-rock tunes that should delight fans of the genre. It includes this gorgeous single, “Picking Up the Pieces”.

Less than a month after touring the United Kingdom with Inland Sea mid-2012, Jeremy holed himself up in the mountains outside Brisbane with his pal and producer Konstantin Kersting. They spent three days out of the bustle of the city, crafting the five songs that would become this release. Jeremy impressively played every instrument on the recording to ensure the tracks captured exactly what he hoped to express. Some might call him a control freak; I think the approach is genius.

Jeremy will launch the EP with a show for hometown fans at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge on May 26, and another at St Kilda’s Prince Public Bar on May 31.

MDC Announce Long-Awaited Australian Tour

Do you remember when the word punk was never paired with the word pop? Do you long for the days when this genre of music was all about expressing social upheaval and political unrest? If you do, then chances are you’re going to care that punk pioneers MDC (Millions of Dead Cops) are heading to Australia for the very first time.

This tour is long overdue. MDC formed way back in 1979, and self-released their self-titled debut album in 1982. They raged about Reagan-era America and fought for freedom and equality until they split in 1995. They took a few years off before regrouping in 2000 to continue the fight.

The current lineup includes founding members David Dictor and Ron Poser, the band’s bassist since 2008 Mike Smith, and brand new drummer Jesse Cobb. See them celebrating their legacy at the following shows.

13 August 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane
14 August 2013 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
15 August 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 August 2013 – Hermann’s Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Todd Rundgren Ready to Rock Oz

Legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer Todd Rundgren will celebrate four decades of hits with a string of shows in Australia this winter.

As well as honouring his extensive back catalogue, Todd will also introduce fans to his latest work State, which will hit stores in May. This is Todd’s 24th solo album, and it proves he’s not fading away.

Todd’s assembled a stellar collection of musicians to join him on stage including keyboardist John Ferenzik (Jefferson Starship), guitarist Jesse Gree, drummer Prarie Prince (Jefferson Starship, The New Cars), and bassist Kasim Sultan (Blue Oyster Cult, Utopia). Enjoy a night of true musicianship at the following shows.

17 July 2013 – The Gov, Adelaide
19 July 2013 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights
20 July 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Hotel
21 July 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
23 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
25 July 2013 – Bridge Hotel, Balmain
26 July 2013 – Whitlam Theatre @ Revesby Workers, Revesby
27 July 2013 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Bobby Womack Plays Melbourne and Sydney

Did you know the legendary Bobby Womack is heading to our shores? After playing guitar for Sam Cooke and collaborating with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sly & The Family Stone, Janis Joplin, and George Benson, Bobby’s announced his first headlining shows Down Under.

It’ll be a case of blink and you’ll miss him, but these shows have all the majesty you’d expect from someone of such class. Bobby and his thirteen-piece backup band will play Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on May 21 before heading to the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid LIVE on May 24 and 25.

Image used with permission from Niche Productions

Bruno Mars Announces Aussie Tour

Bruno Mars has put fans into a frenzy with news he’ll visit Australia next year for his The Moonshine Jungle tour. Bruno is riding high after rave reviews for his performance at the Logies, so it seems the perfect time to announce another visit.

Blink and you just might miss him though. Bruno’s playing arenas in four key capitals, although with plenty of time between gigs we might just see more shows announced when these inevitably sell well.

Tickets to the general public go on sale first thing on April 22.

28 February 2014 – Perth Arena, Perth
4 March 2014 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
7 March 2014 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
10 March 2014 – Allphones Arena, Sydney

Image source: Brothers Le @ Wikimedia Commons

Call the Shots’ New EP Drops

The long wait is finally over for Call the Shots’ loyal fans. The Brisbane punk-rock band released their second EP, When Everything When Goes Wrong today.

It’s been two years in the making, so it’s only right that When Everything Goes Wrong is closer to a mini-album at seven tracks. It features the single “Alexis Texas” and a few tracks with guest vocals from Tony Lovato of Mest.

Call the Shots say their fans mean “nothing less than everything in the world” to them, so it’s only right that they’re taking the EP on the road. Call the Shots will support the release of When Everything Goes Wrong with the following launch shows.

21 April 2013 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
27 April 2013 – The Metro (Lair), Sydney
11 May 2013 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
26 May 2013 – Fitzroy Town Hall, Melbourne

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

The Growl Tour Debut Album

After warming up crowds on Tame Impala’s local and North American shows, The Growl are ready to head out on their own. Next month the bluesy Western Australian band will play gigs around the country to promote tomorrow’s release of their debut album What Would Christ Do??

The album contains the brand new single “Liarbird”, which is so swampy and sexy and downright delicious. I love Cameron Avery’s raspy vocals and that deep, fuzzy bass. It’s not pretty, but its raw energy is infectious.

Expect plenty of that energy in the flesh at the following shows.

19 April 2013 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
20 April 2013 – Ric’s Café, Brisbane (FREE)
24 April 2013 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
26 April 2013 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
27 April 2013 – Wolf Lane Carpark, Perth

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

David Bridie Back with Solo Single

David Bridie is back with his latest solo single, “The Shortest Day of the Year”.

It’s a haunting number, a slow burner which builds beautifully with guest vocals from Rebecca Coseboom (Stripmall Architecture). David wrote it while he was touring through Scotland, and he’s captured the feel of the area’s winters beautifully.

“The Shortest Day of The Year” comes from David’s forthcoming solo album Wake, which will hit stores in the middle of the year. David will play the following intimate shows to support the album’s release.

14 June 2013 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
15 June 2013 – Barossa Regional Art Gallery, Tanunda
22 June 2013 – Old Street Theatre, Canberra
13 July 2013 – Visy Theatre @ The Powerhouse, Brisbane
25 July 2013 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
26 July 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
27 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
28 July 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle

Owl Eyes Announces Album Tour

Why yes, we are seeing a lot of Owl Eyes. And it seems like we’re about to see a lot more of her! I recently shared her new single “Closure” with you, and now I’ve got some tour dates to celebrate the launch of her debut album Nightswim. That album drops on April 19, which gives us just enough time to become comfortable with the songs before she graces stage around the country.

This is the first time Owl Eyes has toured around Australia since she sold out venues last May. Expect similar hysteria this time around, especially with exciting up and comers Mammals and Collarbones on support duties. In short, I wouldn’t wait too long before getting your tickets.

4 May 2013 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide (All Ages)

10 May 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)
11 May 2013 – The Standard, Sydney (18+)
17 & 18 May 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart (18+)
24 May 2013 – Amplifier, Perth (18+ – Mammals not appearing)
1 June 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)

Image used with permission from Illusive