thndo Drops Captivating New Single, “Fall”

Many of us met Thndo when she appeared on The Voice earlier this year. However, I didn’t feel like I really got to know her musically until the release of her Life in Colour EP a few months back. She’s continuing to reintroduce herself to audiences with the release of her new single “Fall”. It’s an utterly captivating piece of neo-soul that perfectly showcases the creativity and vocal chops of this exceptional artist.

“I’m really excited for people to hear my latest offering,” she enthused. “I completely wore my heart on my sleeve with this track, and said all the things I felt I couldn’t when I was still in my last relationship.”

I let you know about thndo’s The Reintroduction tour months ago, but if it slipped your mind you can still get tickets to the remaining dates.

27 October 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
29 October 2022 – Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta
17 November 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2022 – Imperial Hotel Eumundi, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
19 November 2022 – Wynnum Fringe Festival, Wynnum

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit Leila Maulen

Sophisticated Dingo Start Your Week Right With “The Job I Took”

If you’re finding it a little hard to get moving this Monday morning, Sophisticated Dingo’s new high-energy rock single “The Job I Took” is just what you need. The track sees the duo encouraging listeners to focus on what’s important and follow their passions.

“We wanted to celebrate choosing simplicity in a life that is inexplicably confusing… When pouring yourself into something, you might come to realise that you’re no longer doing it out of passion, but instead for the greater good,” explained vocalist Lewis Matte. “It can make sense to follow a path of idealisation when forging ahead however this path may well fall apart as one discovers what is most important. Don’t chase ideals, focus on what is real and present.”

Fresh from supporting Dear Seattle, Sophisticated Dingo will headline their own national tour in November. Catch them in a city near you:

5 November 2022 – Singing Bird Studios, Bunurong Country/Frankston (ALL AGES)
18 November 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2022 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
26 November 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
27 November 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
1 December 2022 – Crowd & Anchor Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
2 December 2022 – Gage Roads Freo Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 December 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
9 December 2022 – King Lear’s Throne, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Will Bush

Illy Drops Latest Banger “Like You”

Back in the Warner Music Australia stable, Illy has just dropped his feelgood new single “Like You”. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up this Wednesday, you can stop searching. This is everything you need.

We shouldn’t be surprised it’s so catchy though, as “Like You” comes from Illy collaborating with Johnny Took from DMA’s, Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde from Peking Duk, Styalz Fuego, and Black Summer. That’s a lot of different voices involved, but this song comes together beautifully.

“I’m stoked to be releasing new music, especially after the last few years,” Illy said. “I wanted to kick off the new era with a bang, and ‘Like You’ was the perfect fit for that. Working with some of my favourite Australian artists and producers made the process a lot of fun, and something to be excited about. This really shines through in the track. I’ve listened to this song 1000 times and still, I love this song.”

Illy has just dropped a few dates and he swears there’s more to come. If he’s not visiting you yet, just sit tight.
18 November 2022 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
19 November 2022 – Volta, Wadawurrung Country/Ballarat
2-4 December 2022 – VANFEST, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
8-12 June 2023 – Dream Machine, Bali

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Giulia McGauran

Blake Cateris Embraces Softer Side With “Days, Weeks, Months & Years”

His tattoos ensure he still looks like a punk star, but Blake Cateris is singing a different tune these days. As the frontman of Molly & The Krells he shared the stage with big-name acts including Bodyjar, The Getaway Plan, and Hard-Ons, but like so many rockers, Blake has mellowed considerably in recent years. His introspective latest single “Days, Weeks, Months & Years” showcases his talents as a folk artist.

“This song is about living out of balance with yourself. Watching the world go by feeling like you might be losing touch with far more important things in life than what you’re focusing on right now,” Blake explained. “It’s a daily struggle to break old and unhealthy habits that no longer serve you or have been damaging you for some time. But the struggle is what we live for.”

Blake will tour the east coast of Australia to celebrate the single’s release. You’ll find him at the following intimate venues:

7 October 2022 – Nosferatu Distillery, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 October 2022 – Mort’s Brewing Co., Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Nambour
9 October 2022 – Yard Doggs, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley
15 October 2022 – Last Chance Rock N’ Roll Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
28 October 2022 – Link & Pin, Darkinjung Country/Woy Woy
3 November 2022 – Sappho Bar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Rise Indie; credit: Dario Hardaker

Vera Blue Releases Enchanting New Single “Mermaid Avenue”

Vera Blue never seems to put a foot wrong, and her latest single “Mermaid Avenue” is no exception. With relatable bittersweet lyrics and the perfect blend of ethereal vocals and electronic sounds, it’s enough to get me pretty excited about her forthcoming album.

“Mermaid Avenue is a song about a love that didn’t work out. The bitter-sweet emotions that come with all the fond memories of the relationship but the heartbreak of a dream that will never happen,” she recalled. “Mermaid Avenue is a beautiful street in South Coogee in Sydney with enormous beach houses overlooking the ocean. I find myself there on walks at sunset admiring the architecture and views. I feel that Mermaid Avenue can also be a metaphor for a place where everything is perfect, full of adventure and love. Or a dream you create of the future, a beautiful life with someone.”

“Mermaid Avenue” is the latest cut lifted from Vera’s sophomore album Mercurial, slated for release on October 28. She’ll tour the country in November to support its release and play a few festivals in the coming months. Here are all the dates you need:

1 October 2022 – Unwind The Vines Festival, Wodi Wodi Country/Gerringong
15 October 2022 – Stonefest 2022, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
3 November 2022 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
4 November 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
5 November 2022 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
11 November 2022 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
12 November 2022 – Forum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
30 November 2022 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Flume)
2 December 2022 – Regatta Grounds, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting Flume)
8 December 2022 – Ice Cream Factory, Boorloo/Perth
17 December 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Newtown
28 December 2022 – 1 January 2023 – Beyond The Valley Festival, Djab wurrung Country/Barunah Plains

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Josh Setterfield Releases Country Banger, “Blow Our Cover”

You know how I’ve been posting a lot of country music lately? Well here’s another one. As you press play though, you’ll soon realise “Blow Our Cover,” Josh Setterfield’s latest single, is no ordinary country tune. This one definitely pushes genre boundaries, with cool electronic, pop, and rock influences giving it mass appeal. If you don’t think you’re a country music fan, make sure you give this song a listen.

One of the hardest working artists in the country at the moment, Josh has plenty of shows to entertain you in the coming months. See him at one of his headlining shows, a festival, or supporting some of country’s biggest names:

30 September 2022 – Ballina RSL, Bundjalung Country/Ballina (with The Wolfe Brothers)
1 October 2022 – Lights on the Hill, Ugarapul and Kitabul Country/Gatton (with The Wolfe Brothers)
7 October 2022 – The Yot Club, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (with Matt Cornell and Brooke Supple)
15 October 2022 – Mallee Root Roundup, Wirrumbirchip/Birchip
21 October 2022 – Mezz Bar, Barrahinebin/Wallsend (with Viper Creek Band)
22 October 2022 – Narrabri RSL, Kamilaroi Country/Narrabri (with Viper Creek Band)
29 October 2022 – Warwick Rodeo, Waringh/Warwick (with Viper Creek Band)
5 November 2022 – King Street Wharf, Eora/Sydney (with Viper Creek Band)
12 November 2022 – Texas Country Music Festival, Bigambul Country/Texas
26 November 2022 – Mathinna Country Club, Kunnarra Kuna Country/Mathinna (with Catherine Britt, Viper Creek Band, and Andrew Swift)
20 January 2023 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with The Bushwackers and The Wolfe Brothers)

Image used with permission from DWM Entertainment

Billie-Jo Porter Delivers Country Gem, “Let It All Roll Out”

I’ve been writing about a lot of country music lately, but I can’t help it if our local country artists are releasing some incredible music! So you’re going to get another one, because Billie-Jo Porter’s latest track “Let It All Roll Out” is just magic. It’s a gentle ballad that feels like the musical equivalent of a big warm hug. You know you need that on your Hump Day!

“This song is a reminder to live in the moment, be right here and let it all roll out,” Billie-Jo explained. “It takes us back to a moment in time, where we didn’t really know what the future held, what our next move was, or where the next paycheque was coming from. One thing we did know was we were having the time of our lives.”

Billie-Jo was inspired to write the song with longtime collaborator Rachael Kennedy during the Tamworth Country Music Festival (TCMF).

“After watching a KB and The Flood show at TCMF we were hanging out on the front verandah at Rach’s parents place with her mum. I suggested we write a song,” she recalled. “For me it is one of the most meaningful songs I have recorded so far because of the history I have with TCMF and the journey of my friendship with Rach who co-wrote the song. Rach inspired me to get a guitar, learn to play and reminded me of the joy than can be found singing and performing.”

Billie-Jo has plenty of shows coming up, so make sure you catch her at a venue near you:
29 September 2022 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (with Brittany Elise)
7 October 2022 – Heart & Soul Wholefood Café, Bundjalung Country/Grafton
9 October 2022 – Coramba Hotel, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coramba
16 October 2022 – Seaview Tavern, Wiigulga/Woolgoolga
21 October 2022 – Twilight Food Market, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
28 October 2022 – Sarah Leete ‘Girl Next Door’ Single Launch @ Gumbaynggirr Country/Coramba (with Sarah Leete)
13 November 2022 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/Moonee
26 November 2022 – Scotts Hub, Gumbaynggirr Country/Scotts Head

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Embrace Your Country Side With Jade Gibson’s “Country Mile”

If Channel Seven doesn’t use Jade Gibson’s latest track “Country Mile” on their promos for the final eps of Farmer Wants a Wife, they’ve missed an opportunity. This is such a happy, catchy country song that it’s even won over this city slicker.

We shouldn’t be surprised considering the team behind it though. Nashville native Tyler Bank penned it with Melbourne’s MSQuared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis). No wonder it sounds like a hit! It celebrates the touring lifestyle that Jade knows all too well. She always seems to be on the move, but you can see her at the following shows:

1 November 2022 – Wangaratta Racecourse, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
5 November 2022 – Gerogery Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Gerogery
6 November 2022 – Balldale Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Balldale
19 November 2022 – Precinct Bar & Restaurant, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
25 November 2022 – The Caledonian Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Wonthaggi
10 December 2022 – Wangaratta Racecourse, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
7 January 2023 – Wangaratta Rodeo, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Turpentine Babycino Coming At You With “Write a Song Sounds Shit” Single and Tour

And the award for best band name I’ve heard in a while goes to Turpentine Babycino. But this Mulubinba/Newcastle rock act doesn’t just have a great name going for them. They’ve got an infectious energy that’s pretty hard to resist. I’ve currently got their debut single “Write a Song Sounds Shit” on repeat.

“’Write A Song Sounds Shit’ is about the aftermath of a break-up. Big parties, loud music, long nights, and writing shitty break-up songs are often on the cards to help ‘forget’ about an ex. As a songwriter it’s easy to dismiss a great song due to self-doubt and judgment and after a break-up, these insecurities are heightened. ‘Write A Song Sounds Shit’ is that shitty break-up song that nobody’s supposed to hear, except people will this time,” Turpentine Babycino said. Only thing is though, it’s not shitty. Not even a little bit. Trust me. Have a listen.

After spending most of the year supporting such diverse acts as Bad Dreems, The Screaming Jets, and Mia Dyson, Turpentine Babycino are ready for the spotlight. They’ll travel to capital cities and regional venues in the Eastern states to support the release of “Write a Song Sounds Shit”. Every show is free, so there’s no excuse for staying home.

5 October 2022 – Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
8 October 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney
9 October 2022 – The North Wollongong Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
14 October 2022 – Wave Bowl, Birpai Country/Port Macquarie
16 October 2022 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 October 2022 – Last Rites Bar, Yaygir Country/Yamba
29 October 2022 – Eddie’s Grub House, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Wanagi

Albi & The Wolves Coming to Australia

Kiwi trio Albi & The Wolves have won plenty of fans and awards back home, but they’re largely unknown here across the ditch. Hopefully their upcoming Aussie tour will change all that, because these guys are pretty special.

Albi & The Wolves celebrate their folk rock and Americana influences with a sound you just don’t hear enough in 2022. Using just an acoustic guitar, electric violin, double bass, a stomp, and their stunning vocals, they create such beautiful music I know you’re going to fall for them too. Seriously, I’ve been listening for hours. Take a listen and snap up a ticket to one of the following shows:

30 September 2022 – Humph Hall, Eora/Sydney (Entry by donation)
1 October 2022 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
5 October 2022 – Sewing Room, Boorloo/Perth
7-9 October 2022 – Nanga Music Festival, Nyoongar Country/Dwellingup
13 October 2022 – House Concert, Boorloo/Perth
14 October 2022 – It’s Still A Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with The Long Johns)
15 October 2022 – Dusty Day Out, Wakka Wakka Country/South Burnett Region
16 October 2022 – Sublime Farm, Kabi Kabi Country/Kia Ora (FREE)
19 October 2022 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin Waters
20 October 2022 – Eudlo Hall, Eudlo
21-23 October 2022 – Tablelands Folk Festival, Yungaburra
27 October 2022 – Shot Kickers, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
28 October-1 November 2022 – Maldon Folk Festival, Djadjawurrung Country/Maldon

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music