Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Drop “Heart Pumps Blood” Ahead of Album and Tour

2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Meeanjin/Brisbane-based alt-rockers Bad Neighbour. They’ve already toured with American acts Hot Mulligan and Free Throw and just dropped a fantastic new single “Heart Pumps Blood.” That track gives us our latest taste of the band’s debut album Millions, which drops on September 20. But before that they’ll hit the road with another choice American act, Badflower.

“We’re incredibly excited to share this release with the world,” the band said in a press statement. “Writing this record was very cathartic for us and to have something palpable we can share with people is very special to us.”

If you want an early listen to some more new tunes, make sure you see Bad Neighbour supporting Badflower next month. Some shows have already sold out, and the others aren’t too far behind!

6 August 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
8 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
9 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
10 August 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
11 August 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teenage Wrist Ready to Rock Aussie Capitals

In just a few weeks, Los Angeles duo Teenage Wrist will play their first Australian shows. The band will showcase songs from their three studio albums, including 2023’s Still Love.

“Honestly Australia is a place we never thought we’d make it to,” said the band’s vocalist and guitarist Marshall Gallagher. “But we keep getting all these comments and messages about coming, and somehow we have a listener base there and will be fairly close by in Asia, so we figured this was our opportunity! We can’t wait, it’s a literal dream come true!”

Tickets for all shows are still available, but I wouldn’t wait too long. These venues are so intimate, I wouldn’t be surprised if some sell out.

1 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
2 August 2024 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
3 August 2024 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
4 August 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRAACE Stuns With “Her” Ahead of EP Release

After impressing me with upbeat numbers, GRAACE is stripping things back with her latest single “Her.” It’s a vulnerable ballad about the challenging feelings that can surface when your ex moves on.

“After a breakup, it’s common to feel the need to check in on your ex as they move on, eventually realising you’ve been replaced,” she said. “Comparing yourself to their new partner, you might view them through rose-tinted glasses, leading to a mix of jealousy, self-doubt, and infatuation. Unsure if you’re jealous, aspire to be like her, or desire to be with her, this universal experience often results in becoming more invested in her than your ex”.

“Her” comes from GRAACE’s new EP afterimage, which drops on August 16. She explained the EP’s concept, noting “Just as an afterimage is the lingering impression of an object seen after closing your eyes, afterimage captures the essence of carrying past relationships into new experiences, incorporating the lessons, heartbreak, and love from those encounters”. Fresh from supporting The Dreggs, she’ll play a string of headlining shows in the capitals to promote its release.

16 August 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
17 August 2024 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 August 2024 – Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
30 August 2024 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
31 August 2024 – Milk Bar, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Art of Getting Through” – Imogen Clark

After wowing me with singles like “All Hard Feelings” and “If I Want In,” Imogen Clark raised my expectations for her latest album The Art of Getting Through. Those singles were so well-written, with insightful lyrics and impeccable melodies. Happily, the release of the album shows they were no fluke.

This album sounds so polished, but we’d expect nothing else of a collection of songs recorded in the legendary Abbey Road studios in London, Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix in Nashville, and EastWest Studios in Los Angeles, where the Beach Boys recorded Pet Sounds and Michael Jackson recorded Thriller. But it doesn’t matter how acclaimed the studios are if you don’t have the goods. Imogen does. Her songs unfold like diary entries, revealing her distrust of men in “Natural Predator,” her battles with an eating disorder in “Silhouette,” and her struggles and strength in “The Last of Me.” They’re big topics. Imogen is an artist with plenty to say, and listening to her catchy melodies and rich voice, you want to hear it.

“These songs are about the messiness of life, the layers of injury and hurt that build resilience and how you never really get a clean slate or a fresh start,” Imogen explained. “There is no starting over, there is only getting through.”

Most of the tracks on The Art of Getting Through sit in the pop-rock space. It’s a place where Imogen excels. These songs feel classic on the first listen. Not just the singles, but every track feels radio-ready. She could have sat in that space for the whole album and I don’t think anyone would complain, but she shows us we shouldn’t pigeonhole her music with the devastating closer, “If Your Heart Never Breaks.” It feels like a standard, beautiful, and cinematic, with hints of jazz. Can Imogen do it all? Quite possibly.

With the release of The Art of Getting Through, Imogen shows she’s blossoming into one of our best artists. Now she’s living in Nashville opportunities to see her live in our part of the world are becoming rarer, so make sure you don’t miss her when she visits in November after some UK shows.

10 July 2024 – The Green Note, London
12 July 2024 – Last Drop Inn, York (FREE)
14 July 2024 – Running Horse Live, Nottingham
14 November 2024 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
16 November 2024 – Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne

Images used with permission from Chinwag PR; main photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Stingray Celebrate “Best Bits” Release With Regional Tour

King Stingray are bringing all the good vibes with their latest single, “Best Bits.”

“‘Best Bits’ is a song about all the best parts of life all poured into one moment”, the band explained. “Inspired by a particular moment in time, a particular day that had all the right ingredients. It’s about those ripper-of-a-day type moments, those warm days in the sunshine with your mates, with your family or a loved one. The memorable days that just seem to stick with you. It’s about simple living in a complex digital world, and although it can be hard to articulate in just a few words, a feeling that is so massive and profound. Sometimes all the best bits of life are already all around us! Yo manymak!”

King Stingray will be making more memories when they play shows through regional Australia in July and August with Jem Cassar-Daley warming up the crowds. Then they’re off to the United States to support King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard. Exciting times ahead for one of the Territory’s finest acts.

18 July 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
19 July 2024 – Pier Bandroom, Kulin Country/Frankston
20 July 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
21 July 2024 – Whalers Hotel, Peek Woorroong Country/Warrnambool
8 August 2024 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
9 August 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambah Country/Gold Coast
10 August 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore
14 August 2024 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
15 August 2024 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
16 August 2024 – Waves, Woolyungah/Wollongong
17 August 2024 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra
31 August 2024 – East Arnhem Live @ Hindle Oval, Yolŋu Country/Nhulunbuy (FREE)
2 November 2024 – The Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park, San Diego (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
9 November 2024 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
15 November 2024 – Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
16 November 2024 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
19 November 2024 – Fox Theatre, Atlanta (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fanning Dempsey National Park’s “Disconnect” is Brilliant

I know I’m a bit late to the party, but have we all listened to Fanning Dempsey National Park’s debut single “Disconnect” yet? The brainchild of Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey, I thought this new act was likely to be good, but I didn’t quite prepare myself for how good. Clearly, because otherwise I absolutely would have listened sooner! I’m going to be bold and say it might just be better than anything either of them have released before.

“We agreed straight away there’s no point doing something together if it’s going to be what people think it’s going to be,” Paul explained. “It’s not the two of us with acoustic guitars singing campfire songs.”

Bernard says “Disconnect” is about “The idea of having to walk away from something that you love because it’s become unmanageable. ‘Disconnect’ always had a lot of ‘serious moonlight’ energy, right from its beginnings. The swapping lead vocal plays with the idea of connecting and disconnecting by juxtaposing the confidence/ indecision with each consecutive line. We originally wanted to use sax on everything. After we roughly finished a demo we’d say, ‘What else does it need?’ The answer was inevitably more sax.”

That fantastic saxophone comes courtesy of Ron Dziubla, one of the world’s best session musicians. If that name doesn’t mean anything to you, just take a look at some of the music he’s played on. Tracks from Chris Isaak, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, George Benson, The Crystal Method, and heaps more.

This is just a taster of all the exciting stuff in store for Fanning Dempsey National Park. They’ll release an album, The Deluge, on August 2, which I can’t wait to hear after playing this single obsessively (seriously, I’ve played nothing else since I started writing this article). They’re also heading around the country playing capital city shows in intimate theatres. Tickets are on sale now and probably won’t last long once everyone hears this track!

11 October 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 October 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 October 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 October 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
20 October 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
1 November 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Cybele Malinowski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Summit On the Rise With “Givin’ It Up”

I’ve been following South Summit’s music journey for a couple of years now, and it’s been pretty exciting watching them go from strength to strength. As their new single “Givin’ It Up” shows, their music is maturing, without losing the easy, breezy surf vibes we all know and love. They’re also playing some pretty iconic venues on their upcoming tour. Hello Opera House! But more about that later.

The band says their latest single “tells the story of South Summit! Illuminating the everyday life for us, Sharing the best of times where we as a band, find ourselves at our happiest. We cherish blissful vibes and whanau, and really capture the feeling of sharing stories and having a jam in the backyard over a couple drinks and a bbq. This is elevated through reggae chops and singalong melodies where everyone can feel a part of what makes us, South Summit. The things we give up and the sacrifices we make to reap certain rewards, come in all different shapes and sizes. But at the end of the day, we can all relate to what we are sacrificing for.”

South Summit have built a reputation as one of the best touring acts in the country, and they can’t wait to get back in front of audiences.

“Playing the iconic Sydney Opera House is a huge milestone achievement for the band, we’re so stoked to be given the opportunity! We’ll also be heading back to our favorite spots Brisbane and Melbourne, while finishing off the run with an Indi Bar show in our hometown of Perth. We’ve got a lot of new music coming out soon, and we can’t wait for you all to hear them. These will be some of the biggest shows we’ve ever done around the country, and we can’t wait to see you all there.”

South Summit will play the following shows later this month:

23 May 2024 – Valley Loft, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 May 2024 – The Espy, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
25 May 2024 – Opera House (Vivid Festival), Eora/Sydney
31 May 2024 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Fischer Kicks Off Aussie Tour Next Month

Sam Fischer’s homecoming tour is just around the corner. Now based in Los Angeles, there just aren’t enough opportunities to see this local success story in our backyard. He’s back on our shores to promote his fabulous debut album I Love You, Please Don’t Hate Me, which I’ve had on repeat for the last week on so.

If you haven’t already taken a listen, make sure you do. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better pop album released in recent years. It features some fantastic collaborations with Demi Lovato, Meghan Trainor, and Amy Shark and some incredible solo material. The title track and “Watching My World Fall Apart” have become firm favourites for me.

You can almost guarantee that Sam won’t be playing such small intimate venues next time he’s in town. Take the opportunity to see him up close and personal while you can and snap up one of the last remaining tickets for these shows:

9 May 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 May 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
11 May 2024 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lauren Daigle Adds Aussie Dates to World Tour

Lauren Daigle is a true force of nature. Very few Christian artists have ever been able to cross over into the mainstream charts, not just in their homeland but all around the world. “You Say” was her biggest hit here, propelling her 2018 album Look Up Child into the ARIA top 50. And in case you missed it, she’s coming out way.

Lauren will play four capital city shows in Australia this November after dates in New Zealand on her Kaleidoscope Nights tour. Expect to hear all your favourites from Lauren’s albums, including her self-titled third album released last year. Tickets are on sale now but will not last, so get onto it!

9 November 2024 – BCEC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 November 2024 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
14 November 2024 – Aware Super Theatre, Eora/Sydney
17 November 2024 – Riverside, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stems Announce 40th Anniversary Tour

When I think about my favourite songs from the ‘80s, “At First Sight” by The Stems is always near the top of my list. It’s criminally underrated and still sounds fresh as a daisy while so many other tunes from the decade have dated. Unlike so many bands from the era, they’ve resisted the urge to tour the scene relentlessly, which makes their recent announcement of a 40th anniversary run pretty special.

Original members Dom Mariani, Julian Matthews, and Dave Shaw haven’t toured Australia since 2019. This time around, they’ll be joined by Ashley Naylor, of Even and The Church fame. Together they’ll celebrate four decades since they made their debut in 1984 supporting The Saints and The Triffids.

This isn’t simply a nostalgia tour either. While there’ll certainly be an element of that, the band are preparing to release a brand-new single and a live LP. Stay tuned fans, and make sure you get your tickets to the following gigs:

24 August 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
25 August 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
31 August 2024 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
6 September 2024 – Freo. Social, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity