Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melody Pool, Tanya Ransom, and Alexia Parenzee Headline Women Out West

While women are represented in increasing numbers, the music industry still feels like a bit of a boys’ club. There also aren’t nearly enough shows in regional Australia. Which is why Women Out West, a new tour from Always Good Nights, feels so revolutionary. It’s the first tour of this scale to employ women in every single role, both in the tour development and delivery. Melody Pool, Tanya Ransom, and Alexia Parenzee will headline the shows scheduled for regional towns across Western Australia this October and November.

The Women Out West tour will travel more than 6,000 kilometres across regional Western Australia, with stops along the way for the intimate performances, workshops, mentoring sessions, and community events. Organisers aim to shine a spotlight on the way women are helping to shape the country’s music industry while recognising the strength, creativity, and passion found in regional communities.

“Women Out West is about more than putting on great shows,” Always Good Nights director Kelsie Miller explained. “It’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and making sure women and girls in regional communities can see themselves reflected on stage and behind the scenes. We want young people to know there is a place for them in this industry, no matter where they live.”

Western Australians can see the Women Out West shows at the following venues:

2 October 2026 – Broome Historical Museum Gardens, Rubibi/Broome
3 October 2026 – Courthouse Gallery, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland
8 October 2026 – Kestral Cafe, Gwoonwardu/Carnarvon
10 October 2026 – Little Leaf Cafe, Wurdimarlu/Kalbarri
11 October 2026 – 30 Knots Distillery, Jambinu/Geraldton
16 October 2026 – Badgingarra Community Centre, Noongar Country/Badgingarra
17 October 2026 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle
23 October 2026 – Geovino, Korijekup/Harvey
24 October 2026 – The Little Theatre, Noongar Country/Eaton
30 October 2026 – The Chapel, Walgine/Witchcliffe
31 October 2026 – Pemberton Mill Hall, Noongar Country/Pemberton
1 November 2026 – Bridgetown Pottery Restaurant, Geegelup/Bridgetown

Image used with permission from Auxiliary Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Fence Serves Up “Bravado” and Aussie Dates

Already a live favourite, Ella Fence is now sharing her song “Bravado” with the world. It’s such an indie alt-pop banger. While the press release calls it a queer anthem, I expect it’s going to resonate with anyone who loves their pop music a little left of centre.

The release of “Bravado” kicks off a massive second half of 2026 for Ella. She’s supporting The Beefs on their upcoming Great Rarier Beef tour and playing a stack of festivals. She’ll also perform as lead vocalist in the large-scale live music and roller-skating production Roller Coaster, which is part of the Darwin Festival. And somewhere in there she’ll also find time to release some more music! Strap in Ella Fence fans because the new few months will be big! Mark these dates in your concert calendar!

14-16 August 2026 – Roller Coaster @ Mararra Indoor Stadium, Garramilla/Darwin
29 August 2026 – Full Tilt Festival @ Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
5 September 2026 – Tweed Museum Street Party, Cooloon/Tweed Heads (FREE)
25 September 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Beefs)
26 September 2026 – Heaps Normal Health Club, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Beefs)
27 September 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting The Beefs)
4 October 2026 – BLEACH Festival @ HOTA Lake Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE)

Photo credit: @simonegormanclark

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly Join Alex Lahey For “Lets Go Out”

I am always a big believer in finding the right song at the right time. For most people, Alex Lahey’s rerecorded version of “Lets Go Out” featuring Slowly Slowly would just make them long for the weekend. But Wednesday is my pub trivia night, so this one will definitely soundtrack my day! Even if you’re not looking forward to a few bevvies this evening, I know you’ll appreciate the way Slowly Slowly complement Alex on this track.

“When I asked Slowly Slowly to be a part of the rerecording of ‘Let’s Go Out’, I told them I wanted ‘the full Slowly treatment,’ Alex said. “And, boy, did they deliver! I think Slowly are one of the greatest Australian bands of all time and it’s such an honour to have them involved in this recording produced by none other than Ben Stewart himself.”

Ben was equally effusive in his praise of Alex, noting “Working with Alex was a breeze – it was like we had always been in a band together or something! I loved being a part of the effortless recreations of these sentimental and adored songs – the hardest part was trying to honour the originals, but I think we got to a place where they hold their own in a new light.”
This new version of “Lets Go Out” features on B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), a reimagining of Alex’s breakthrough EP. She’s hitting all the major capitals to promote it, so get your tickets now.

20 August 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 August 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
22 August 2026 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
28 August 2026 – The Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
29 August 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Seannie Bryan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Announce Big Shows With Seahaven

The release of Toy, by Eora/Sydney punk act Dear Seattle, was one of my musical highlights of 2025. Dear Seattle’s recent announcement of a regional Australian tour with America’s Seahaven encouraged me to press play again, and it still sounds every bit as good.

While Dear Seattle are an old favourite, I’m new to Seahaven’s music. It’s pretty fantastic though, moody and atmospheric with a cinematic quality that’s so compelling. This alternative rock act has been making music for two decades so I’m not sure what rock I’ve been hiding under, but better late to discover them than never!

And if the lineup wasn’t already stacked enough, Late 90s, Lucky, and Bad Neighbour will also join the bill for selected shows. All dates are for adults only except for the Tommaghan/Tomakin gig. Tickets are on sale now for Dear Seattle’s massive regional rock shows from the links below:

28 August 2026 – Prince Of Wales, Goomburrup/Bunbury
29 August 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough
30 August 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
3 September 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
4 September 2026 – Barwon Club Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
5 September 2026 – Smokey Dans, Tommaghan/Tomakin
6 September 2026 – Uni Bar, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 September 2026 – Pulse, Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
12 September 2026 – King St Bandroom, Mulubimba/Newcastle
13 September 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brother Ali and Horrorshow Team Up For East Coast Shows

American rapper and community activist Brother Ali is teaming up with local hip hop royalty Horrorshow for some massive shows this September. Brother Ali’s not a household name here, but he’s been a mainstay of the U.S. scene for more than two decades. He counts Chuck D and Rakim as mentors and has released 10 studio albums, including 2025’s Satisfied Soul. I love that his songs are a force for positive change, a bright light in a genre that’s known for its misogyny and excess.

And of course you know Horrorshow, who became genre leaders in Australia after bursting onto the scene in the mid-2000s. With five studio albums to their name, they’ll bring all your favourites to these shows.

Tickets are on sale now for these double-header shows in the East Coast capitals. The venues are small, so don’t go sleeping on them because they’re bound to sell out.

17 September 2026 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
19 September 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 September 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Releases “SHE DOES” Single Ahead of Album and Tour

Casey Barnes celebrates the love of his life, his wife Michelle, with his latest single “SHE DOES.” It’s an upbeat country-pop anthem sure to resonate with anyone who’s found their special someone.

“‘SHE DOES’ isn’t just another cliché country song… it’s really about something much deeper,” Casey said. “It’s about the person who still believes in you when you’re doubting yourself, who holds your world together when life gets chaotic, and who loves you even when you give them every reason not to. I think that’s something a lot of people will connect with.”

Casey co-wrote “this song”SHE DOES” in Nashville with acclaimed songwriters Jordan Dozzi, known for his work with Morgan Wallen and Post Malone, and Kyle Sturrock, who’s worked with Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley. But don’t think Casey’s forgetting his roots. He’ll release his new album MADE FOR THIS on August 7, the same day he embarks on his largest national headline tour. There are more dates to come, but for now you can put these in your calendar!

7 August 2026 – Forth Pub, Tommeginne Country/Forth (FREE POP UP EVENT)
8 August 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 August 2026 – EKKA After Dark @ The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 August 2026 – Hotel Esplanade, Naarm/Melbourne
15 August 2026 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
4 September 2026 – Cairns Festival @ Tanks Art Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
5 September 2026 – Dalrymple Hotel, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
12 September 2026 – Triple B Rodeo Series @ Caboolture Showgrounds, Gubbi Gubbi and Duungidjawu Country/Caboolture
19 September 2026 – Country in the Backyard @ Penrith Panthers, Mooroo Murak/Penrith
3 October 2026 – Deni Ute Muster, Barapa Baraba, Wamba Wamba, and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin
28 November 2026 – Launceston Country Music Festival @ Royal Park, Leterrermairrener Country/Launceston

Image used with permission from Casey Barnes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eric Hutchinson Announces Long-Awaited Aussie Return

Buoyed by its appearance on the final episode of Packed to the Rafters, “Rock and Roll” by Eric Hutchinson hit number one on the ARIA charts in April 2009. And since then, most of us haven’t thought about him. He hasn’t just faded away though. He’s released seven full-length studio albums and an EP and toured the States with Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Lawrence, Rachel Platten, and heaps more. And he’s coming back to Australia for the first time in 16 years this November.

“I honestly have no idea why I never came back to Australia, other than the fact that it’s super far away from New York City, where I live,” Eric admitted. “I’ve had so many folks reach out over the years and ask me to come play, but the timing never worked out until now. I can’t wait to reconnect with all the listeners after so many years. It’s gonna be special.”

The tour announcement prompted me to dig deep into Eric’s back catalogue, and I’m wondering why I never got into him sooner. He’s got a similar positive soul sensibility to some of my favourites like Allen Stone and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. It takes a lot to get me to a standing-room gig and I’m already seeing two shows that same week, but this tour’s intimate venues and acoustic sets is seriously tempting me. Then there’s the addition of Australian Idol winner Marshall Hamburger as support. Seriously tempted. If you are too, click the links below for some tickets.

19 November 2026 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 November 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
21 November 2026 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Rosalind O’Connor

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy Drops Live Hoopla EP Ahead of Local Shows

Jessica Mauboy has just released a timely reminder of just what a firecracker she is on stage. Her latest digital EP Live at Mighty Hoopla Sydney features performances of four fan favourites captured at the massive LGBTQIA+ festival earlier this year.

“Mighty Hoopla was honestly one of the most fun and uplifting crowds I’ve ever played to,” Jessica said. “There was just so much love, freedom and happiness in the air, everyone completely letting go and living in the moment through music. We recorded the performance, and listening back afterwards, I kept feeling that same energy and connection. I really wanted to release this EP to capture that feeling and bottle up that moment so fans could experience it with me too.”

Jessica will be back on stages soon on her Story of Me tour. These intimate shows see Jess reflecting on her career through music and candid stories. These shows offer a much more personal experience than your typical gigs, so make sure you don’t miss them.

1 August 2026 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
5 September 2026 – Odean, Nipaluna/Hobart
3 October 2026 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngambri/Canberra
30 October 2026 – Geelong Arts Centre, Wadawurrung/Geelong
14 November 2026 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Bronwyn Tasker PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carl De Villa Shines Bright With Indie Pop Gem, “Good Enough”

If your working week needs a pick-me-up, look no further than “Good Enough,” the exciting new single from emerging non-binary independent act Carl De Villa. A sultry dance-pop track that celebrates knowing your own worth, this irresistible number is perfect for your weekend party playlist.

What struck me most about “Good Enough” is just how incredible Carl’s voice is. It captures you from the first notes. As a non-binary artist, they use it to full effect, unafraid to move from a femme falsetto to their more masc head voice to tell this story. Most artists seem more comfortable in one part of their register, but Carl executes “Good Enough” with such confidence no matter where their voice goes. There’s nowhere to hide with this song. The cool bassline sits in the background, ensuring those vocals are always front and centre.

One glance at Carl’s CV and you understand a little more about how they came to release a track like “Good Enough.” They impressed the judges on The Voice Australia in 2019 and earned acclaim playing Angel in Rent and Lola in Kinky Boots. They’ve also celebrated the music of incredible vocalists including Freddie Mercury, Prince, Bruno Mars, and George Michael through their covers shows.

So we know Carl can really sing. We know they have serious stage presence and theatricality. But with the release of “Good Enough,” we get to hear Carl’s story. Through their original music, we’re learning about the authentic artist beyond the voice and charisma. And I can’t wait to learn more with every new release.

“Good Enough” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now. And if you need some inspiration for that party playlist, check out my Sounds of Oz Loves Pop playlist. It features “Good Enough” and some other choice tracks from Aussie artists including Budjerah, Sam Fischer, and Kita Alexander.

Carl De Villa also has several covers shows in the coming months. Here are all the places you can catch them perform:

8 August 2026 – New Sensation: A Tribute 2 INXS @ Camelot Lounge, Bulanaming/Marrickville
22 August 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
5 September 2026 – Honouring George Michael: 10th Anniversary @ Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
17 October 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth
6 November 2026 – Honouring George Michael: 10th Anniversary @ Max Watt’s Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne
21 November 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Studio The Venue, Auckland

Image used with permission from Carl De Villa

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kevin Mitchell Celebrates 20 Years of Bob Evans’ “Suburban Songbook”

It’s hard to believe that Bob Evans’ Suburban Songbook turns 20 this year. Kevin Mitchell will celebrate the milestone by releasing a new anniversary edition of the album and playing it in full at intimate shows all around the country.

The news encouraged me to revisit Suburban Songbook. I’d honestly forgotten how good it is, full of understated gems delivered with such sincerity. The new edition, available digitally and on a limited edition “gold nugget” vinyl, features all of the studio tracks plus a stack of home demos including several songs you’ve never heard before.

“When I think back to going to Nashville in 2005 to make the record and the whole two years that followed the album’s release, it does feel like a whole other life almost,” Kevin said. “I was coming fresh out of 10 years with Jebediah and even though I had been working on the Bob Evans thing for a while, it was always a side project that was never very serious. But with Suburban Songbook things were getting much more serious, both creatively and professionally. I guess when I think back to that time, I see a someone who is still a kid but not for very much longer. It was very much a transitional time of my life. I feel way older now!”

The 20th anniversary edition of Suburban Songbook drops on September 4. You can preorder your copy now, either on its own or when you’re purchasing tickets to one of the upcoming shows. The anniversary tour kicks off in Kevin’s hometown of Boorloo/Perth the following day before hitting other capital cities around the country.

“I’m really excited to revisit this album and all the songs that kind of fell off the setlist over the years,” shares Bob. “For example, a song like “Don’t Walk Alone” is one that I barely ever played again once the album tour had finished but it is one of my favourite songs on the album. It’s just one that doesn’t translate well solo. I’ve assembled a really wonderful group of players for this tour and so recreating the album with a full band will be awesome. I’m also excited to see how the record still resonates with people after so long.”

Tickets for all the following shows, including the ticket and vinyl bundles, are available now via the links:

5 September 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
16 October 2026 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
22 October 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
23 October 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 October 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Sophie Howarth