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

Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca Team Up For Green Electric Tour

Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca are two of the country’s best female rock talents. So you know that their upcoming Green Electric tour is bound to be an incredible time.

The tour’s name doesn’t just play lip service to sustainable trends. Sarah and Dallas have teamed up with Green Music Australia to use inset emissions strategies which will reduce and offset the environmental impact of these shows and time on the road. Think merchandise made from recycled materials, sustainable travel routes, eco-certified accommodation, and meat-free catering. This tour also supports Seed Mob, Australia’s first Indigenous youth-led climate justice organisation.

“We wanted to do something that wasn’t just loud — but meaningful,” Sarah said. “If rock and roll can’t lead the charge for change, what can?”

While the message matters, it won’t compromise the rock. You can expect plenty of Sarah and Dallas’ original hits and brand new collaborations when this talented twosome hits the stage. Tickets are on sale now:

19 February 2026 – Bended Elbow, Bungambrawatha/Albury
20 February 2026 – Moyhu Hotel, Pangerang and Ya-itma-thang Country/Moyhu
21 February 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 February 2026 – Pelly Bar, Monmar/Frankston
27 February 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 February 2026 – The Royal Quarters, Turrbal Country/Nundah
1 March 2026 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
5 March 2026 – Big Easy Radio, Ngaltingga/Aldinga
6 March 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 March 2026 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
8 March 2026 – Indi Bar, Mooro Country/Scarborough
11 March 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
12 March 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
13 March 2026 – The Bridge Hotel, Wangal Country/Rozelle
14 March 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from beehive

Floodlights Show Romantic Side With Latest Single, “Tricky”

Floodlights may be one of the most exciting acts you’re yet to hear about. Allow me to change all that and introduce you to their latest single “Tricky.” It’s an anthemic rock song that reminds me a bit of The Killers or Arcade Fire. It’s so polished, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the heart.

“It’s the first love song we’ve written” explained Floodlights’ frontman Louis Parsons, “Although it still sounds like us, we did want ‘Tricky’ to be something that felt new. We leant more on synth and rhythm to drive this track which helped to create that feeling of euphoria that comes from letting go of the past and embracing the future.”

After wowing crowds in the UK while supporting our own Amyl and the Sniffers, Floodlights are back home playing local gigs. They’re destined for stadiums, so make sure you take the opportunity to see them at these smaller venues while you still can.

27 November 2025 – King St, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 November 2025 – BOMBIES @ Harbord Hotel, Kay-ye-my/Manly
29 November 2025 – Thirroul Music Festival @ Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul

Photo credit: Josh Sabini

Tom Busby Builds Anticipation for Debut Solo Album With “In the Dark”

While I enjoyed his music with Busby Marou, I’ve been really excited watching Tom Busby’s solo journey. He’s dropped a string of singles, including “Waiting For Tomorrow” with Ben Kweller, but I think his latest release “In the Dark” is his best yet. It’s a beautiful ballad with one of the rawest and most powerful vocals I’ve heard in some time.

“In the Dark” comes from Tom’s solo album Rockhampton Hangover, which drops on February 20. He’s currently giving fans a taste of the new material on an East Coast tour.

“I just love being back on the road with this young band,” he enthused. “They are red hot and bring so much energy. Playing these intimate rooms feels special, the connection is real, and the storytelling is off the hook.”

Click the links for tickets to Tom’s remaining solo shows:

20 November 2025 – The Citadel, Bandjalang Country/Murwillumbah
21 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 November 2025 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
28 November 2025 – Bellarine Estate, Bellawiyn/Bellarine
29 November 2025 – Shedshaker Taproom, Djandak/Castlemaine
30 November 2025 – The Retreat, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele Bringing One Tree Hill Shows to Oz

For a generation of TV fans, Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele are better known as Chris Keller and Mia Catalano. However, since One Tree Hill wrapped they’ve both been making some incredible music. They’ll celebrate where their careers began when they head Down Under for a string of intimate shows next March.

Tyler visited our shores earlier this year, so it might seem like a return visit has come quickly. However, he’s just released his latest album Well Well Well with One Tree Hill alum Bethany Joy Lenz. Their cover of Ryan Adams’ “When the Stars Go Blue,” which they originally performed together in season two, is a real treat. Meanwhile Kate recently released the album Impatient for the Dream with another One Tree Hill favourite, Mike Grubbs. Recording under the moniker Yor Future Ghost, their music is creative and incredibly cool. However, if you’ve followed Mike’s career as Wakey! Wakey! that’s no surprise.

Tyler and Kate are currently playing their Celebrating the Music of One Tree Hill shows overseas and selling out gigs all over the place. Aussie shows are following suit, so grab the limited tickets available while you can!

5 March 2026 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
6 March 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
7 March 2026 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
8 March 2026 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
12 March 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
13 March 2026 – Adelaide UniBar, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
14 March 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
15 March 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote

Image used with permission from beehive

ixaras Continues Winning Streak With “Casually”

ixaras has a real knack for writing absolute bops that perfectly encapsulate all the messiness of modern relationship. She never puts a foot wrong, and her latest track “CASUALLY” is no exception. Crank it up and marvel at the talents of one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming artists.

“When you go on tour you spend a lot of time away from home. I wrote the song as a reassurance to my family, friends and loved ones how much I care despite not being able to always be there. My song ‘CASUALLY’ is an anthem about the obstacles that come with relationships and how no matter what, loving unconditionally is a choice that I will always actively participate in no matter what stands in the way.”

“CASUALLY” comes from ixaras’ upcoming EP WHAT IS AND WHAT ISN’T, which drops on November 14. ixaras will celebrate its release with a string of capital city shows in the new year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates:

10 January 2026 – The Loft, Eora/Sydney
11 January 2026 – The Leadbeater, Naarm/Melbourne
18 January 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 January 2026 – The Y HQ, Boorloo/Perth
24 January 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Get.Your.Record.Out.

Didirri Drops Beautiful New Double A-Side Single

Didirri is one of those rare Aussie artists that seems to do no wrong. If you instantly warm to everything he releases like me, I know you’ll fall hard for his new double A-side single, “A Kind of Moving On/Don’t Talk.” These songs work as beautiful companion pieces, both authentically raw with powerful words exploring generational resilience and personal growth.

“I explore the delicate threads that connect generations through the lens of my grandmother’s journey across continents. These songs weave together the anxiety of major life transitions with the echoes of her migration story,” Didirri explained. “As I grappled with my own fears of change, I found myself drawing parallel lines to her courage – leaving everything familiar behind for an uncertain future. They move between intimate personal reflections and broader themes of inherited resilience. I am attempting to honour both the weight of significant change and the strength it takes to embrace it.”

Didirri and his partner Rowena Wise are currently touring Canada, but they’ll be back on home soil very soon for a string of Australian shows. Catch them anywhere you can.

7 November 2025 – Casa del Popolo, Montreal
8 November 2025 – The Baby G, Toronto
14 November 2025 – Werner Brodeck Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
15 November 2025 – Town Folk Festival @ Sunken Oval, Djandak/Castlemaine
16 November 2025 – St Stephens Uniting Church, Eora/Sydney
21 November 2025 – St Andrews Uniting Church, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 November 2025 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Nherrin-boorwoork/Queenscliff

Photo credit: Nick McKinlay

Cheeky Leash Spread Sunshine With “Change”

After a few gloomy cold days, I’m happy to see some sunshine in my part of Australia in time for the weekend. It’s the perfect weather for hitting the beach, and the perfect time to blast “Change,” the latest single from Woolyungah/Wollongong quartet Cheeky Leash. It’s got such a fun, upbeat vibe, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll realise it’s a little deeper than you might think.

“The song ‘Change’ is rooted in the cost-of-living crisis and reflects how society has become so focused on getting ahead that we’ve lost a sense of connection with each other,” the band explained. “It’s a metaphor for transformation whether that’s personal growth, the evolving world, or even the band’s own musical development. There’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age film feel to the track and lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. Lines like ‘Still searching for change…’ play on the dual meanings of spare money and a deeper desire for societal change, making it resonate differently depending on the listener’s own experiences.”

Cheeky Leash will celebrate the release of “Change” with a whole stack of shows this November and December, including headlining performances and concerts supporting South Summit. Expect plenty of good vibes at the following gigs.

6 November 2025 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
7 November 2025 – Elsewhere ‘Bespoke,’ Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
8 November 2025 – Solbar, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
14 November 2025 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting South Summit)
15 November 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting South Summit)
16 November 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
22 November 2025 – Felons Barrel Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
23 November 2025 – Hotel Steyne Upstairs Beach Club, Gayamegal Country/Manly (FREE)
28 November 2025 – Dissent Cafe & Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
29 November 2025 – Marlin Hotel, Murramurrang Country/Ulladulla
5 December 2025 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
12 December 2025 – Gage Roads Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)

Photo credit: Tiarna Stahmer