Maisie Peters Announces Headline Shows Alongside Ed Sheeran Supports

British singer Maisie Peters is making the most of her first trip to Australia. She’ll play seven headlining shows alongside her support slots with her friend and mentor, Ed Sheeran. If you’re not familiar with Maisie’s music, her latest single “Body Better” is a great introduction. It’s such a fun pop song, but it’s also got some really relatable lyrics that address the insecurities many of us feel when an ex moves on.

“Body Better” comes from Maisie’s forthcoming sophomore album. Limited tickets for all her shows are available, so get onto them!

16 February 2023 – The Northern Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
18 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
19 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
21 February 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
25 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
28 February 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
3 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/ Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
4 March 2023 – Prince Of Wales, Naarm/Melbourne
5 March 2023 – Prince Of Wales, Naarm/Melbourne
7 March 2023 – Adelaide Oval, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Ed Sheeran)
11 March 2023 – Freo. Social, Boorloo/Perth WA
12 March 2023 – Optus Stadium, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Ed Sheeran)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Jack Botts Drops Cool Summer Anthem, “All Day”

I think there’s just enough summer left for a summer anthem, right? Jack Botts has dropped one of the season’s best, “All Day,” ahead of the independent release of his debut album Sucker for Sunsets. The eclectic release sees Jack exploring genres and pushing himself as a songwriter.

“There are some styles I had just never given a shot before, like country,” he laughed. “I wondered ‘it’s one of the biggest genres in the world, but why is it so big?’ So I really dove in and started to appreciate why people relate to it. It became a personal challenge for me then… if I wanted to keep writing the same songs, I guess I could, but there’s no growth in that. I want to keep growing and surprising myself and others.”

Jack is currently supporting Vance Joy in North America, but he’ll be back on home soil soon enough for his own headline shows supporting the March 31 release of Sucker for Sunsets. Just days after appearing at BASSINTHEGRASS, he’ll be in Europe for some more headlining shows. No matter where in the world you are, here are all the dates you need:

15 February 2023 – FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton (supporting Vance Joy)
17 February 2023 – Kemba Live!, Columbus (supporting Vance Joy)
18 February 2023 – Chicago Theatre, Chicago (supporting Vance Joy)
19 February 2023 – State Theatre, Minneapolis (supporting Vance Joy)
3 March 2023 – Paramount Theatre, Seattle (supporting Vance Joy)
4 March 2023 – Paramount Theatre, Seattle (supporting Vance Joy)
9 March 2023 – Fox Theatre, Oakland (supporting Vance Joy)
10 March 2023 – Fox Theatre, Oakland (supporting Vance Joy)
11 March 2023 – YouTube Theatre, Los Angeles (supporting Vance Joy)
16 March 2023 – SOMA, San Diego (supporting Vance Joy)
18 March 2023 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix (supporting Vance Joy)
21 March 2023 – Austin City Limits Live @ The Moody Theatre, Austin (supporting Vance Joy)
23 March 2023 – Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta (supporting Vance Joy)
24 March 2023 – The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte (supporting Vance Joy)
25 March 2023 – The Anthem, Washington, D.C. (supporting Vance Joy)
31 March 2023 – Lion Arts Factory, Tartanya/Adelaide
1 April 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
14 April 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 April 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 April 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – BASSINTHEGRASS, Larrakia Country/Darwin
23 May 2023 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
24 May 2023 – Privatclub, Berlin
25 May 2023 – Jaki – Klub im Stadtgarten, Cologne
26 May 2023 – Muffatwerk, Munich
8 June 2023 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
9 June 2023 – Cluny 2, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
10 June 2023 – The Castle Hotel, Manchester
11 June 2023 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
14 June 2023 – Bergenfest, Bergen
21 June 2023 – Patronaat, Haarlem
22 June 2023 – Cafe ‘t Rozenknopje, Eindhoven
23 June 2023 – Theater Walhalla, Rotterdam
12 July 2023 – The Louisiana, Bristol
14 July 2023 – The Prince Albert, Brighton
15 July 2023 – The Lexington, London
28 July 2023 – The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; credit: Kieran Tunbridge

Conrad Sewell Back to His Best With “Ferris Wheel”

It’s been five years since Conrad Sewell charted in this country. If there’s any justice, we’ll see him back in the top 10 with the release of his fantastic new single “Ferris Wheel”. It’s the definition of radio-friendly, ultra-catchy, upbeat goodness.

“’Ferris Wheel’ is a song about a second chance, never giving up on your dream, life, or love,” he explained. “Life is hard but you never know what’s around the corner. I wanted the song to have a very nostalgic 90s feel to it and really paint that picture.”

When you’re taking a listen, make sure you let the rest of his new tracks play out. They’re all brilliant, suggesting Conrad’s new album Precious, which drops on March 3, will be awesome. Conrad is currently on tour. Catch him at the following venues at the end of the month:

24 February 2023 – York on Lilydale, Wurrundjeri Country/Mount Evelyn
25 February 2023 – Village Green Hotel, Bunurong Country/Mulgrave

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Wikimedia Commons

Kingswood Drop Fantastic New Single “One Too Many Times”

I grew up on a musical diet of country-rock music. Artists like The Eagles, Bob Seger, and Neil Young dominated my dad’s playlists. So listening to Kingswood’s latest single “One Too Many Times” is making me a bit nostalgic. With jangly guitars and easy harmonies, this song feels classic even though it’s brand new.

“’One Too Many’ times is the celebration of hopeful sorrow, a staple in the emotional catalogue of the Kingswood repertoire and something synonymous with country and rock’n’roll classics for that matter,” the band shared. “The content suggests lament entwined with that of longing and separation but shrouded in the gusto and bravado of overdriven guitars harmonizing furiously over extended solos to not only accept the proposition, but to embrace it with a fervor that serves as the fuel for courage to continue on. To stare at the face of unwavering adversity and laugh, boldly, and with guitars in tow.“

Given the way this song takes me back to my childhood, perhaps it’s fitting that it comes from Kingswood’s soon-to-be-released album called Home. Recorded in Melbourne, it was mixed and mastered in Nashville by celebrated engineer Eddie Speak, who’s worked with Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlisle, and Zach Bryan, to name just a few. It’s also fitting that with the release of Home, out February 24, Kingswood are currently on their biggest local tour. Taking in more than 120 dates, the HOMETOWNS tour will make the following stops, including listening parties announced today. Don’t worry Northern Territory and Tasmania, your shows will be announced soon.

10 February 2023 – York on Lilydale, Wurrundjeri Country/Mt Evelyn
11 February 2023 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Bunurong Country/Chelsea Heights
12 February 2023 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
15 February 2023 – The Gresham Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (album listening party)
16 February 2023 – Shady Pines Saloon, Eora/Sydney (album listening party)
18 February 2023 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong
19 February 2023 – Sookie Lounge, Burrinja/Belgrave
23 February 2023 – Lulie Tavern’s Full Moon Fever Rooftop Bar, Naarm/Melbourne (album listening party)
24 February 2023 – Volta Arts, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
25 February 2023 – Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
26 February 2023 – Haba, Boonwurrung Country/Rye
3 March 2023 – Longstockings Brewery, Panboola/Pambula
4 March 2023 – Tilba Valley Wines, Yuin Country/Tilba Valley
5 March 2023 – Smokey Dans, Walbunja Country/Tomakin
10 March 2023 – The Marlin Hotel, Yuin Country/Ulladulla
11 March 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
12 March 2023 – The Beer Shed, Tharawal Country/Leumeah
16 March 2023 – Heritage Hotel, Dharawal Country/Bulli
17 March 2023 – Paddington RSL, Eora/Sydney
18 March 2023 – Avalon RSL, Guringai Country/Avalon
19 March 2023 – Brass Monkey, Kurranulla/Cronulla
24 March 2023 – Ocean View Beach Club, Darkinjung Country/Wamberal
25 March 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
26 March 2023 – Pacific Recreation Club, Biripi/Taree
30 March 2023 – Laurieton Ex-Services, Birpai Country/Laurieton
31 March 2023 – South West Rocks Country Club, Dunghutti, Gumbaynggir, and Biripi Country/South West Rocks
1 April 2023 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
2 April 2023 – Mullumbimby Ex Services, Bandjalung-Yugambeh Country/Mullumbimby
13 April 2023 – Wallaby Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Mudgeeraba
14 April 2023 – Beenleigh Tavern, Yugambeh Country/Beenleigh
15 April 2023 – Bribie Island Hotel, Yarun/Bribie Island
16 April 2023 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara Country/Kings Beach
20 April 2023 – Old Bundy Tavern, Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Country/Bundaberg
21 April 2023 – Harvey Road Tavern, Goeng Country/Gladstone
22 April 2023 – The Metropolitan, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
27 April 2023 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
28 April 2023 – Dalrymple Hotel, Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville
29 April 2023 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
25 May 2023 – Dunsborough Tavern, Quedjinup/Dunsborough
26 May 2023 – Mojos, Walyalup/Fremantle
27 May 2023 – Ravenswood Hotel, Bindjareb Country/Ravenswood
28 May 2023 – The Carine, Boorloo/Duncraig
1 June 2023 – Nannup Town Hall, Noongar Country/Nannup
2 June 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
3 June 2023 – Six Degrees, Kinjarling/Albany
8 June 2023 – Sound City, Kallinyalla/Port Lincoln
9 June 2023 – The Fat Controller, Tarntanya/Adelaide
10 June 2023 – Western Hotel, Boandik Country/Mt Gambier
11 June 2023 – Hotel Victor, Ramong/Victor Harbour

Image used with permission from beehive; Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Amber Lawrence and Casey Donovan Join Forces for “Rise”

Amber Lawrence has enlisted the help of Casey Donovan for her latest single “Rise”. Country and soul music seem like strange bedfellows, but these two distinctive voices complement one another perfectly.

“Rise is a powerhouse song vocally, and the inspiring lyric of this song was best shared with two voices, so I couldn’t have dreamed up anyone better to sing with than the amazing Casey Donovan,” Amber gushed. “She’s an incredible singer, artist, and person, and I’m just so proud of the musical moment we’ve achieved together with ‘Rise’”

Amber had a massive 2022, playing more than 80 shows, including Carols by Candlelight, Gympie Music Muster, and supporting Tony Hadley. Her album Living for the Highlights, which this single comes from, was also the highest selling album by a female country artist. 2023 is also starting big, with Amber recognised as female artist of the year at the recent Golden Guitar Awards. She’s also scheduled a whole lot of shows, so there are no shortage of places to see her play.

11 February 2023 – The Cobargo Show @ Cobargo Showground, Cubago/Cobargo (with Catherine Britt)
3 March 2023 – Milton Show @ Milton Showground, Budawang Country/Milton
4 March 2023 – Country by the Bay, Bunurong Country/Frankston
10 March 2023 – Sandigo Hall, Wiradjuri Country/Sandigo (with Paul Costa)
11 March 2023 – Stock Route Country Music Festival @ Lazy River Estate, Tubbagah Country/Dubbo
19 March 2023 – Meatstock Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne
25 March 2023 – Club Forbes, Wiradjuri Country/Forbes
26 March 2023 – Sunset Bash @ Penrith Panthers, Darug Country/Penrith
15 April 2023 – Meatstock Toowoomba, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowomba
7 May 2023 – Meatstock Sydney, Eora/Sydney
10 May 2023 – Cardinia Cultural Centre, Naarm/Melbourne
11 June 2023 – The Oaks Hotel, Dharawal Country/The Oaks (with Luke O’Shea)
18 June 2023 – Camden Hotel, Benkennie/Camden (with Luke O’Shea)
5-12 August 2023 – Tunes in the Tropics, Fiji
23 September 2023 – Arco Bar, Bunurong Country/Heatherton
1-8 December 2023 – Cruisin’ Country

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Belle Haven Release Comeback Single “I Can’t Find the Words” Ahead of Future Lovers Tour

Belle Haven have just dropped their new emo anthem “I Can’t Find the Words” in time for their tour with Banks Arcade. If you’ve ever felt powerless as your relationship ends, this one’s for you.

Belle Haven have been together since 2010, but this is first release in nearly two years. Talk about a comeback!

The Future Lovers Australian Tour with Banks Arcade kicks off tomorrow night in Meeanjin/Brisbane. Limited tickets are still available for all shows but selling fast. You know what to do!

4 February 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Factory Floor, Eora/Sydney
11 February 2023 – Transit Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
17 February 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
25 February 2023 – Enigma Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Get Into the Groove With King of Spain’s “Ferrol”

King of Spain might just be the funkiest act to come out of Tarntanya/Adelaide. Their latest single “Ferrol” has some serious stank on it, with big horns, cool keys, and ultra-smooth vocals.

“Ferrol” sounds like a party, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll realise this song is actually about the deception and hurt that can come when a relationship breaks down. “Ferrol” is the first of many King of Spain songs based around European cities. I can’t wait to hear where they take us next. Before then though, they’ll hit some cool local bars for an all-too-brief single tour, which kicks off tomorrow.

3 February 2023 – Bar Open, Naarm/Melbourne
4 February 2023 – Lowlife Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Big Oak Records

Mahalia Barnes and The Soulmates Play Intimate Aussie Shows

I don’t know about you, but my concert calendar in the next couple of months is becoming pretty crowded. But when I saw Mahalia Barnes and The Soulmates were stopping by a little movie theatre just 15 minutes from my house, I had to add another gig to my schedule. It’s just one of the many intimate venues they’ll play in the coming months.

If you’ve only ever seen Mahalia on The Voice or providing backing vocals for her famous dad Jimmy Barnes, you’ve only seen the tip of her iceberg-sized talent. The Soulmates’ album Hard Expectations was one of my favourite releases of 2018. She stole the show at the Chant du Vin gigs in 2021. I can’t wait to see her play again. These shows should be pretty special, with band members changing from show to show and special surprise vocal appearances from her mates including Prinnie Stevens and Karen Lee Andrews. Tickets for all these shows are available now. I recommend nabbing some before you read my concert review next month and wish that you did!

2 February 2023 – Birds Basement, Naarm/Melbourne
3 February 2023 – Birds Basement, Naarm/Melbourne
4 February 2023 – Royal Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Meredith
6 February 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Tharawal Country/Bowral
10 February 2023 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
11 February 2023 – Twilight Sounds @ Heidelberg Park Oval, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Banyule
16 February 2023 – Caloundra RSL, Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara Country/Caloundra
17 February 2023 – Burleigh Town Hotel, Jellurgal/Burleigh Heads (FREE)
18 February 2023 – Doo-Bop Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 February 2023 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
24 February 2023 – The Great Club, Bulanaming/Marrickville
25 February 2023 – Centro, Woolyungah/Wollongong
5 March 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundungurra Country/Southern Highlands
12 March 2023 – Brighter Days Festival, Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang Country/Bright

Image used with permission from Ferries Davies PRM

South Summit Announce Biggest Aussie Tour

I’m always a bit torn about how to mark Australia Day. This blog has always been about celebrating the fabulous music that breathes life into this country, but January 26 isn’t a day that feels right for celebration. However, simply going quiet on the day doesn’t feel right either. So I choose to elevate Indigenous voices to balance out all the chest-beating patriotism. South Summit really impressed me last year with singles like “Promise Me” and “Tired of Waiting.” Featuring Josh Trindall, a proud Kamilaroi/Yuin man, Nehemiah Reuben and Isaiah Reuben, who are Torres Strait Islanders, and their pals Nathan and Finn, this Western Australian act have just dropped their sophomore EP Creatures and announced dates for their largest Aussie tour to date.

“We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be heading back for our next tour around Australia in March. We had such a good time on our last tour that we had to come back as soon as we could,” the band said. “There are so many exciting shows lined up, including completely new places for us like Newcastle and Hobart. And of course, all the other great cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay and Wollongong. We can’t wait to put on a good show for you, see ya there!”

Tickets are available now for all these shows:

3 March 2023 – The Newcastle Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
4 March 2023 – VANFEST @ Mount Panorama, Wahluu/Bathurst
10 March 2023 – The Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
11 March 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 March 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney
18 March 2023 – Shellharbour Rocks Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
31 March 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
1 April 2023 – A Day On The Lawn, Nipaluna/Hobart
4 April 2023 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth
15 April 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Sarah Haleem

Pierce Brothers and Tash Sultana Join Forces for “High & Unsteady”

Sometimes you hear about a song and you know it’s going to be good before you even hit play. “High & Unsteady” is one of those songs. A collaboration between Pierce Brothers and Tash Sultana, how could it be anything but brilliant? My expectations were sky-high, but this track is everything I hoped it’d be. Pure feel-good indie-folk goodness with all the energy you need to get moving on a Monday.

“I really enjoyed working with the guys,” Tash enthused. “We’ve been working together for years on the road, so I had a great idea on how to capture their sound.”

The admiration is mutual, with Jack commenting “We’ve loved everything that Tash has done over the years, and when they had the idea to collaborate, we jumped at the opportunity! Pat and I put together the bones of the track so when we got into Tash’s studio we had a base from which to create and explore new sounds. Tash is one of the most talented producers we’ve had the pleasure of working with, they brought so many new sounds to mix that we would never have even thought of. I didn’t know what a mellotron was before that day!”

“High & Unsteady” comes with a cool animated music video directed and edited by Patrick Pierce, who combined 35mm analogue and digital footage.

“About 12 months ago I found a video featuring this rare Japanese film camera from the 90s. It has 16 separate frames across two rows on it, and was used for things like shooting a golf swing. I was searching for about 8 months before I could find one and start testing it out,” he explained. He edited the clip in-house over a painstaking summer, noting that “Easily the biggest hurdle in this music video was the edit. I had to develop, scan, separate and animate over 3,000 individual images. It took months, and I’m certain that the response from the general public will be ‘Huh … nice filter.’ That said, I’ve had this idea for ages now, so I’m really happy I’m finally getting it out of my head and onto a screen.”

Pierce Brothers plan on starting work on their next album this year, but you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to see them play. They’ve announced a bunch of festivals and single launch shows, and have plans to tour Australia, South Africa, and Europe to boot. Get your tickets for the following events:

4 February 2023 – Music in the Vines, Baragil/Macarthur
11 February 2023 – Hello Sunshine Festival, Wurundjeri and Bunurong Country/Scoresby
25 February 2023 – Tumbafest, Ngarigo Country/Tumbarumba
10 March 2023 – Cambridge Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
11 March 2023 – Lighthouse Festival, Darkinjung Country/Norah Head
24 March 2023 – Marlo Hotel, Marloo/Marlo
27 May 2023 – Tropic Sounds, Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville
5 July 2023 – Big Red Bash, Wirrarri/Birdsville
19 August 2023 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Dara Munnis