Riley Pearce Releases New Duet Version of “You Won’t Be There” With Sorcha Richardson

“You Won’t Be There” was already one of the highlights from Riley Pearce’s 2025 album The Weight of Our Dreaming. But he’s just elevated the track with the help of Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson, who was last on our shores for Misneach. The artists collaborated remotely on the duet single, “You Won’t Be There (Time Zone Version),” which hit the streaming services today.

“‘You Won’t Be There’ always felt like it could live a double life,” Riley said. “A version where it had a more conversational tone, capturing the two sides of a relationship’s distance that comes with touring. I heard Sorcha’s song ‘Maps of Manhattan’ when I was on tour last year and it instantly became a favourite. I was so impressed with the energy and world she built with her verse – I actually like this version more than the original.”

“When Riley sent me this song, I knew I wanted to write to it,” Sorcha added. “I loved the subtlety he had created within it, and the effortless ebb and flow of the arrangement. The sentiment was something that had been on my mind already; nights spent thousands of miles from home, cinematic and romantic in their own lonely way, but impossible to experience without thinking of somebody you wish could be there with you.”

While I’m not sure when we’ll see Sorcha back in Australia, Riley is preparing to take songs from his The Weight of Our Dreaming album around the country this month. With shows in the capitals and regional centres, there are plenty of opportunities to catch him live.

29 January 2026 – House Concert, Colomatta/Blue Mountains
30 January 2026 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney (with Laura Lucas)
31 January 2026 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Laura Lucas)
6 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (with Laura Lucas + Jack Raymond)
7 February 2026 – Grow, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (with Jack Raymond)
8 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Laura Lucas)
14 February 2026 – Green Door Wines, Noongar Country/Ferguson Valley (with Laura Lucas)
15 February 2026 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle (with Laura Lucas + Ben Morgan)

Image used with permission from Nettwerk

Judah Kelly & Asabi Goodman Serve Up Soul Classics in The Big Chillout

If you love classic soul music, you’re going to love The Big Chillout which brings music from the iconic ‘80s film The Big Chill to stages around the country this year. The show features a 10-piece band fronted by The Voice 2017 winner Judah Kelly and Chicago star Asabi Goodman.

You’ll be singing along with them as they cover timeless songs from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and heaps more. The first act features songs from the original Big Chill soundtrack while the second is packed with tracks from the Deluxe Edition and some of Motown’s biggest hits.

The Big Chillout kicks off next month in Eora/Sydney before travelling around the country. Tickets for these shows are on sale now, with more dates to follow:

5 February 2026 – The Concourse, Cammeraygal Country/Chatswood
6 February 2026 – The Pavilion, Dharawal Country/Sutherland
12 February 2026 – Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
13 February 2026 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
14 February 2026 – The Forge Theatre, Ganai Country/Bairnsdale
26 February 2026 – Glasshouse Theatre, Birripi/Port Macquarie
27 February 2026 – NEX, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 February 2026 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
27 March 2026 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
28 March 2026 – Albert Hall, Leterrermairrener Country/Launceston
10 April 2026 – The Empire Theatre, Woomba Woomba/Toowoomba
16 April 2026 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wadawurrung Country/Wendouree
17 April 2026 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
18 April 2026 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
2 May 2026 – Saraton Theatre, Gumbin Gir/Grafton
21 May 2026 – The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
22 May 2026 – Evan Theatre, Dharug Country/Penrith
23 May 2026 – The B @ Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Ngarigo Country/Queanbeyan
29 May 2026 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
30 May 2026 – Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
11 June 2026 – Memo Music Hall, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 June 2026 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong
13 June 2026 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon
3 July 2026 – HOTA, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
4 July 2026 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Quandamooka Country/Redland
31 July 2026 – The J, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Noosa
1 August 2026 – Kings Theatre @ The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra
28 August 2026 – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Maryborough
29 August 2026 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Bundaberg
18 September 2026 – Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Redcliffe
24 October 2026 – Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns

Image used with permission from PSM Publicity

Girish and the Chronicles Announce First Aussie Shows

Fresh from the America’s Got Talent stage, Indian rock act Girish and the Chronicles are heading Down Under for their first ever Aussie tour.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Girish Pradham, these guys have an old-school bombastic energy that I really enjoy. Aside from their stint on US TV, they’ve supported the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Nazareth, and Skid Row. After being blown away by their cover of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” I started to binge their original music. It’s all stellar.

With Naarm/Melbourne rock act Shotgun Mistress in support, Girish and the Chronicles’ Australian shows are bound to be face-meltingly good. Get your tickets now through the links.

19 March 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 March 2026 – Max Watt’s House of Music, Naarm/Melbourne
21 March 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Pierce Brothers Gearing Up For International and Aussie Moonrise Shows

Pierce Brothers are really some of Australia’s quiet achievers. Every album they release is so solid, with back-to-back alt-folk bangers. They hit the top of the charts, but there’s never a lot of fanfare leading up to the releases and ARIA and the other awards bodies never seem to acknowledge the work. Radio doesn’t play them. They perform across Europe, the United Kingdom, North and South America, and Australia, but most people I speak to don’t know them. If you’re yet to discover Pierce Brothers, might I suggest pressing play on their latest album, Moonrise? It’s so fantastic. It’s the band’s fourth studio album, so once you’re hooked there’s plenty to explore.

“I’m so stoked to have this album out in the world!” Jacks said about the recent release of Moonrise. “We worked hard all year in between heavy touring to get this over the line, and it was a monumental effort from everyone involved! Some of the tracks on this album are some of the proudest I’ve been in songwriting, storytelling and production! … And some of those tracks absolutely go off live! Can’t wait to touring them globally in 2026!”

Pierce Brothers are currently playing shows in Europe and the United Kingdom, but they’ll be back on Aussie shores this March for some festivals and headlining shows. The siblings are known for their engaging high-energy sets, and after so long on the road they’re bound to be in fine form. Wherever you are, don’t go sleeping on this one. I am kicking myself for making holiday plans when they’re in my part of the country, but I don’t want you to miss out! Tickets for all shows are available now from the links.

27 January 2026 – Saint Luke’s, Glasgow
28 January 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
29 January 2026 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
31 January 2026 – The Garage, London
1 February 2026 – The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
3 February 2026 – Thekla, Bristol
5 February 2026 – Le POPUP du Label, Paris
6 February 2026 – Helios 37, Cologne
7 February 2026 – Hebebuhne, Hamburg
8 February 2026 – Lark, Berlin
10 February 2026 – De Oosterpoort, Groningen
12 February 2026 – Rotown, Rotterdam
13 February 2026 – Paradiso Noord, Amsterdam
14 February 2026 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
7 March 2026 – Port Fairy Folk Festival @ Southcombe Park, Gunditjmara Country/Port Fairy
12 March 2026 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 March 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
19 March 2026 – The Ed Castle, Tarntanya/Adelaide
20 March 2026 – The Setts, Latje Latje Country/Mildura
21 March 2026 – Wide Open Spaces Festival @ Beulah Recreation Reserve, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagalk Country/Beulah
3 April 2026 – Byron Bay Bluesfest @ Byron Events Farm, Arakwal Country/Tyagarah
10 April 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
11 April 2026 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
18 April 2026 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
1 May 2026 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
14 May 2026 – Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain
15 May 2026 – Finnian’s Irish Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Sewell Siblings Playing Bloodline Shows

The ultra-talented Sewell siblings – Conrad Sewell and his sister Grace Sewell (Saygrace) – are teaming up for some intimate shows in the major capitals next June. The tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Conrad’s gorgeous new single, “Deserve.”

“We’ve always wanted to tour together, but our schedules never aligned – Grace being in LA and me being in Australia made it pretty tough. It finally feels like the right moment in both of our careers to share the stage and make this happen,” Conrad said. “We’ll both be bringing our own sets, but the real magic happens when we come together – harmonies, stripped-back versions of our songs, and a few surprises we’ve never done publicly before. It’s a celebration of family, storytelling, and the music that shaped us – this tour is all about connection: with each other, with our fans, and with the songs that mean the most to us.”

If you’re a fan of Conrad, Saygrace, or both, you won’t want to miss this. Tickets to Conrad and Grace’s Bloodline tour are on sale now through the links below.

5 June 2026 – The Night Cat, Naarm/Melbourne
6 June 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide (ALL AGES)
26 June 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (ALL AGES)
27 June 2026 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Ella Hooper Releases “Growing Up is Hard to Do” Ahead of Summer Shows

She’s probably still best known for rocking out front of Killing Heidi, but I really dig the country feel of Ella Hooper’s solo material. Her latest single “Growing Up is Hard to Do” is a fantastic example of the brilliant new music she’s making. It’s so much fun with its relatable, introspective lyrics and catchy country-rock sound. Just when you think it can’t get any better, that sax solo from Mika Kohlman kicks in!

“This song comes from a period of self-reflection that kinda started with Small Town Temple – my last album,” Ella continues. “It finds me in a place where I can almost accept that growing pains never stop…I’m just learning to write different songs about them. It feels playful to me, as life is a little lighter now, internally anyway,” Ella adds. “Some days I can roll my eyes at the chaos of the last few years, or my whole life actually…it’s certainly been a hell of a ride. And as they say, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry!”

If you want to hear more of Ella’s new music, catch her on her summer tour. Tickets are available through the links for all shows.

10 January 2026 – Music in the Vines @ Dellatite Winery, Taungurung Country/Mansfield
21 January 2026 – Tamworth Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
31 January 2026 – Bundalaguah & Myrtlebank Hall, Gunaikurnai Country/Bundalaguah
1 February 2026 – Archie’s Creek Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
6 February 2026 – The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Mayfield
7 February 2026 – Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain
8 February 2026 – Little Alberts @ The Victoria Bathurst, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
13 February 2026 – Boyup Brook Country Music Muster @ Music Park, Noongar Country/Boyup Brook
21 February 2026 – Americana on the Bellarine @ Ocean Grove Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Ocean Grove
28 February 2026 – Westernport Yacht Club, Boon Wurrung Country/Balnarring Beach
15 March 2026 – Music in the Gardens @ Albury Botanic Gardens, Bungambrawatha/Albury (FREE)
20 March 2026 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Dhudhuroa Country/Yackandandah
28 March 2026 – Always Good Nights @ TBA, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland
17 April 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
2 May 2026 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
9 May 2026 – Portland Arts Centre, Gunditjmara Country/Portland
29 May 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
31 May 2026 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Jeremy Dylan

Bootleg Rascal Flips the Script With “Reasons”

After all this time following them, I thought I knew what to expect from Bootleg Rascal. But they’re really shaken things up with their latest song “Reasons,” taking their tongues out of their proverbial cheeks and delivering a touching heartbreak anthem.

“‘Reasons’ was a co-write we did with our mate Matt Collins from Wharves,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “He had a demo of the song and wasn’t totally sure where to go with it. We saw something in it and decided to give it a crack. It also features the always exquisite production skills of our mate Caleb Tasker, and we’re all pretty stoked with how it turned out in the end. On face value, ‘Reasons’ could easily be passed off as another break-up/heartbreak song. Those themes are in there for sure, but I think bubbling under the surface, the song also touches on broader elements of human connection. The commonality of emotions that we as people all share at some point in our lives, no matter our race, sex or background.”

“Reasons” comes from Bootleg Rascal’s self-titled album, released in October. They’re bringing songs from that record and all your old favourites to venues across the country in the New Year. Tickets are available now through the links.

10 January 2026 – Hair of the Dog @ The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 January 2026 – Six Strings Brewing, Darkinjung Country/Erina
16 January 2026 – Ruby’s Upstairs @ Bank Hotel, Mulubinba/East Maitland
17 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Company, Dharug Country/Brookvale
22 January 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
23 January 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 January 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 January 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
31 January 2026 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
7 February 2026 – Railway Sports & Social Club, Larrakia/Darwin
12 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 February 2026 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2026 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
21 February 2026 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast

Image used with permission from Bootleg Rascal

Bic Runga Bringing Red Sunset Shows Down Under

To many people, Kiwi singer-songwriter Bic Runga is a one-hit wonder. While “Sway” was a monster hit, that tag is a bit dismissive of her artistry. She’s actually released five studio albums, and on February 13 she’ll add Red Sunset to the collection. So perhaps it’s not so much of a surprise that in April she’ll grace our shores for some intimate shows.

Red Sunset is Bic’s first album of all original material since 2011’s Belle. Listening to the title track, you can hear that Bic has seriously evolved since her breakthrough hit. Its dance-pop flavour is a bit of a left turn, but Bic pulls it off. After taking a bit of a deep dive into her music today, I’m excited to hear the rest of the new stuff.

Bic will visit Australia after playing gigs in her native Aotearoa/New Zealand. While promoting Red Sunset, she promises to play plenty of favourites from her earlier albums. Tickets are available now through the links.

9 April 2026 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
11 April 2026 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 April 2026 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
14 April 2026 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri Country/Canberra
16 April 2026 – Freo.Social, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from beehive

Pacific Avenue Show Sensitive Side With “Here We Go Again”

Pacific Avenue are wearing their hearts on their sleeve with their sophomore studio album Lovesick Sentimental. Their new single “Here We Go Again” sets the tone with its emotionally honest lyrics.

“The new single ‘Here We Go Again’ is a song about holding onto love, through the good times and the hard throughout a relationship, it’s finding the small things that make you continue to fall for that person,” frontman Harry O’Brien explained. “The song reads like a first-person recount; however, moments of the lyrics are meant to shift perspectives, ‘I almost forgot what you did’ is meant aimed back towards me, in times when I was hard to love.”

Pacific Avenue will release Lovesick Sentimental on March 6 and waste no time getting back on stages. They’ll kick off their Aussie tour the same day in Boorloo/Perth before hitting most Aussie capitals followed by shows in Europe and the United Kingdom.

6 March 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
7 March 2026 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 March 2026 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2026 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2026 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 March 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 April 2026 – POPUP!, Paris
4 April 2026 – MTC Club, Koln
5 April 2026 – Badehaus, Berlin
7 April 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
9 April 2026 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
10 April 2026 – The Louisiana, Bristol
11 April 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
13 April 2026 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
14 April 2026 – O2 Institute, Birmingham
16 April 2026 – The Dead Famous Late Night Liquor Lounge, Newquay
17 April 2026 – The Garage, London

Image used with permission from Varrasso PR

Rain City Drive Gearing Up For Aussie Shows

American post-hardcore/emo outfit Rain City Drive will play their first headlining shows in Australia next March. I must admit, I wasn’t familiar with their music before the tour announcement but it’s really good stuff. If you love your music a little heavier, make sure you’re across it before their visit.

Rain City Drive will be ably supported by hot alternative act TX2 and local metalcore outfit Melrose Avenue on all dates. You can almost guarantee the venues will be bigger next time around, so get on it!

6 March 2026 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
7 March 2026 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
8 March 2026 – Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 March 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 March 2026 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Crowd Favourite