RedHook Speak Out Against Sexism With “SAY”

In the wake of the recently released Raising Their Voices report into sexual harassment and discrimination across the Australian music industry, RedHook have dropped their powerful new single “SAY.” Lead singer Emmy Mack wrote the song to share her own experiences of sexism before and after the birth of the #MeToo movement. That’s right, if you thought #MeToo solved everything, Emmy is here to burst your bubble.

“When I was first starting out, I was told in no uncertain terms that I had a ‘use-by date’, I was pressured to dumb down my ‘image’ and conform to a more palatable ‘female rock artist’ stereotype; and I was repeatedly made to feel like my opinion didn’t matter when it came to my own music and career,” Emmy said. “And even though it does feel like things are starting to shift in a more positive direction, with the #MeToo movement and now this Raising Their Voices report helping to bring these issues out of the shadows, we clearly still have a long way to go. I hope my little trauma dump on ‘SAY’ helps empower people who’ve copped similar bullshit in any aspect of life. My vision for the song is to be a loud and impetuous ‘fuck you’ to anyone who’s ever tried to make anyone else in this world feel voiceless or small.”

Fuck yes. RedHook have a bunch of upcoming dates playing festivals and supporting In Hearts Wake. Catch them anywhere you can.

22 September 2022 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (supporting In Hearts Wake)
23 September 2022 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting In Hearts Wake)
24 September 2022 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney (early show – supporting In Hearts Wake)
24 September 2022 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney (late show – supporting In Hearts Wake)
29 September 2022 – Uni Bar, Tharawal/Wollongong (supporting In Hearts Wake)
30 September 2022 – UC Hub, Ngunnawal/Canberra (supporting In Hearts Wake)
1 October 2022 – Beer Deluxe, Wiradjuri/Albury (supporting In Hearts Wake)
5 October 2022 – Volta, Wathaurong/Ballarat (supporting In Hearts Wake)
6 October 2022 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri/Belgrave (supporting In Hearts Wake)
7 October 2022 – The Wool Exchange, Djilang/Geelong (supporting In Hearts Wake)
8 October 2022 – Pier Bandroom, Boonwurrung/Frankston (supporting In Hearts Wake)
14 October 2022 – Altar, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting In Hearts Wake)
15 October 2022 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarndanya/Adelaide (supporting In Hearts Wake)
16 October 2022 – North Sound System, Kaurna/Elizabeth (Licensed-All Ages supporting In Hearts Wake)
21 October 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive, Yugambeh/Cold Coast (supporting In Hearts Wake)
22 October 2022 – The Northern, Cavanbah, Byron Bay (supporting In Hearts Wake)
29 October 2022 – Scorched Festival, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 December 2022 – Good Things Festival, Naarm/Melbourne
3 December 2022 – Good Things Festival, Eora/Sydney
4 December 2022 – Good Things Festival, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 December 2022 – Rolling Sets Festival, Darkinjung Country/The Entrance

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Riley Catherall Wows Me With “Bark at the Moon”

Riley Catherall is one of those artists that makes you want to hear everything they’ve ever written. I intended to write about his new single “Bark at the Moon” hours ago, but then I found myself falling down the Spotify rabbit hole, becoming equally enamoured with every carefully crafted song in his catalogue. But back to matters at hand. “Bark at the Moon” is the first single Riley’s dropped after the release of his critically acclaimed debut album When I Go, and it shows its accolades were no fluke. The secret, it seems, is just letting the music flow.

“This song was a real exercise in not trying to overwrite new material,” Riley said, noting that he felt a real pressure to deliver something fresh. “This meant lots of unfinished songs abandoned and wondering whether I’d be able to write another good song.”
Rest assured, this song isn’t just good. It’s great.

“’Bark at the Moon’ was one of those magical instances where it sort of fell out in about an hour and with each line I grew more excited about it. I was so caught up in that once it was written, another hour went by, and I had demoed it using a basic recording set up in my room.”

The music video, shot by Tyler Ridgeway, features Riley cruising around the Dandenong Ranges in a classic 1989 Mitsubishi Magna. “I wanted to replicate that teenage dream era of driving around in the early hours, trying to find the best place to see the sunrise,” he explained.
Riley is doing a lot of travelling at the moment taking his music to the people of the eastern states. Here are all his upcoming shows:

22 September 2022 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah (supporting Charm of Finches)
24 September 2022 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (supporting Charm of Finches)
25 September 2022 – Flow Bar, Biripi and Worimi Country/Old Bar (FREE)
5 October 2022 – The Midnight Special, Eora/Sydney
8 October 2022 – Shellharbour Rocks the Park Festival, Yerrowah/Shellharbour (FREE)
13 October 2022 – Little Alberts, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
14 October 2022 – The Front, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
27 October 2022 – The Gasometer Upstairs, Naarm/Melbourne
28 October 2022 – The Taproom, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
30 October 2022 – The Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Dyan Tai Will Lift Your Spirits With “We Can’t Forget”

Eora/Sydney singer, DJ, music producer, radio host, and all-round super talent Dyan Tai has teamed up with award-winning Guzheng artist Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 on dance-pop anthem, “We Can’t Forget.”I love the way this track incorporates the classical sounds of the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese harp, with fresh pop beats. This upbeat number is just what you need to bounce back from hardships, whether you’re facing the kind of breakup that inspired it or simply the slog of the working week.

“”We Can’t Forget” is about rejection and heartbreak and how those feelings never truly leave,” Dyan explained. “It is also about finding comfort in your tribe and the (queer) community.”

Dyan features that community in the vibrant music video. As the founder of Worship Queer Collective, Dyan helped nurture all the emerging QTPOC artists featured in the clip. What a great celebration of their artistry! Dyan has several shows coming up over the coming months. Catch them at the following events:

16 September 2022 – Rina Sawayama Official Album Launch @ The Imperial Erskineville, Eora/Erskineville (Live & DJ Set)
1 October 2022 – Coastal Twist Dance Party & Fair Day, Darkinjung Country/Central Coast
14 October 2022 – Astronaughty, Pride of Our Footscray, Naarm/Melbourne (with Dirty Versachi)
22nd October 2022 – Dynasty: Drag & Dumpling @ Festival Hub: Trades Hall – ETU Ballroom, Naarm/Carlton (Naarm/Melbourne Fringe Premiere)
24 November 2022 – Powerhouse Museum, Eora/Ultimo (EP Launch with AnSo and Salllvage)

Image credit: Chris Quyen

The Vanns Impress Again With “Making It Out Alive”

Can The Vanns ever put a foot wrong? I’ve been a little slow to listen to their latest track “Making It Out Alive,” but I am so glad I’ve taken the time to listen this morning. Perhaps it’s that new-music rush talking, but this single might just be their best yet.

“Making It Out Alive’ is one of a bunch of songs we recorded with Chris [Collins, producer] earlier this year,” The Vanns explained. “The song wasn’t finished being fully written until the night before we tracked it, which is always a fun timeframe to record in. It also features some great saxophone work by Dusty Boots, who’s so talented and an absolute legend.”

Life’s been good for The Vanns, with the band selling out their entire Red Light national tour, recently wrapping up a successful regional run, and sharing stages with The Wombats. And they’re still not done. Check them out at the following shows:

4 October 2022 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (supporting The Kooks)
6 October 2022 – Festival Hall, Naarm/West Melbourne (supporting The Kooks)
29 December 2022 – Lost Paradise, Darkinjung Country/Glenworth Valley
29-31 December 2022 – Falls Festival @ Pennyroyal Plains, Burai Gurray/Birregurra
31 December 2022-2 January 2023 – Falls Festival @ North Byron Parklands, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
7-8 January 2023 – Falls Festival @ Fremantle Park, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Todd Hardingham

Montaigne and Tom Thum Join Hilltop Hoods for Latest Banger, “A Whole Day’s Night”

The quality collaborations from Hilltop Hoods just keep on coming. Fresh from their pairing with Eamon, they’ve enlisted old friends Montaigne and Tom Thum for their latest track “A Whole Day’s Night”. As you might imagine, it’s pretty brilliant.

“‘A Whole Day’s Night’ is a response to our own song, ‘What a Great Night’. It’s a reflection on how we look at the same situation 15 years later. How what we considered a celebration back in the day, could be considered a regret in the present,” they said. “The song had a real ‘1955’ feel to it, so we decided to get the line-up of Hoods, Montaigne, Tom Thum and One Above back together. And it feels like we found that same chemistry again.”

In case you missed it, Hilltop Hoods have been playing sold out shows all around the country on their first national tour in three years. There are still a few tickets for the remaining shows, but they won’t last long. You have been warned!

10 September 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
17 September 2022 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth
24 September 2022 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarndanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

“Call to Unknowns” – Little Quirks

Little Quirks have been releasing songs from their new EP Call to Unknowns since 2020. The pandemic had a way of slowing things down. But you know what they say about good things coming to those who wait. It’s been a long time coming, but Call to Unknowns is so very good.

The epic folk number “The Rain” opens the EP, showcasing the kind of theatre this Darkinjung Country/Central Coast band are capable of. This family band has matured so much since they began releasing music together in 2015, and this song celebrates their evolution. However, with stripped-back tracks like the new single “All My Friends are Birds” and the enchanting closing number “Underwater,” they show us that they haven’t strayed too far from their roots.

Whether they’re making a big noise or showing us the power of quiet moments, the beautiful harmony of their voices anchors Little Quirks’ music. It’s a beautiful sound that quite simply brings joy. I’ve loved hearing the singles, but the release of Call to Unknowns lets us soak up the magic of Little Quirks for a little longer. It’s out now. Fresh from an international tour, Little Quirks will play shows around the country, and some sneaky UK dates, in the coming months. Catch them anywhere you can:

9 September 2022 – Newkulele Festival @ Newcastle City Hall, Mulubinba/Newcastle
10 September 2022 – Brisbane Festival @ Milton Park, Turrbal Country/Milton (FREE)
16 September 2022 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
17 September 2022 – NightQuarter, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
18 September 2022 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
23 September 2022 – Mojos, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 September 2022 – Good Day Sunshine Festival @ Barnard Park, Undalup/Busselton
3 October 2022 – The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes (with Bull)
8 October 2022 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
17 October 2022 – Prince Albert, Brighton
12 November 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 November 2022 – Live at the Bundy, Wayput/Sale
19 November 2022 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Hinterland Music Festival @ Red Hill Recreation Reserve, Boonwurrung Country/Red Hill
27 November 2022 – Queenscliff Music Festival @ Princess Park, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
20 January 2023 – Drifter’s Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
4 March 2023 – Nannup Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Alana Jagt Celebrates Hometown With “Stars of Napperby”

She lives in Tarndanya/Adelaide, but listening to Alana Jagt’s latest single you’d be forgiven for thinking she grew up around saloons in America’s south. There’s a cool, smoky quality to “Stars of Napperby” that perfectly showcases Alana’s raspy vocals. I don’t care what time it is; grab yourself a neat whisky to sip on while you savour this one.

“Napperby is where I grew up, a small village on the edge of Wangyarra (Mount Remarkable) National Park in South Australia’s mid-north,” Alan explained. “There’s not much there, no shops and almost no light pollution at all. So the stars are spectacular. The song is a reflection of my time there, in awe of the sky and the ranges and the beautiful Napperby Gorge, and my feelings looking back at it all.”

If “Stars of Napperby” is any indication, Alana’s debut LP Goodbye Grote Bollen will be epic. You can preorder a limited edition 12” vinyl copy now before it drops on October 7. Soon after she’ll bring the album’s songs to the people of Victoria and South Australia. Catch her if you can!

12 October 2022 – Ararat Live, Djabwurrung Country/Ararat
13 October 2022 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
14 October 2022 – Golden Vine Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
15 October 2022 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country/Macedon
30 October 2022 – Folkloria Festival, Myallina Dooronga/McLaren Vale
18 November 2022 – Three Brothers Arms, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
25 November 2022 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide (album launch)

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Siobhan Cotchin Does Country-Rock Right With “Fill My Cup”

I fell in love with Siobhan Cotchin’s brand of country-rock when I heard “Growing Pains” a couple of months ago. Now I’m even more enamoured with the release of the follow-up single “Fill My Cup.” If you ever thought music with a country bent wasn’t for you, this track might just change your mind.

“‘Fill My Cup’ is a song about being exhausted from life and wanting to know if there’s anything more than what we already have right now. It’s about my fear of not reaching my potential and trying to understand my place in the world,” Siobhan explained. “I have written a lot of songs about this existential dread that I think everyone feels and it really helps me cope with those thoughts. I’ve also always wanted to write a drinking song that goes a little deeper and more introspective, but is also fun and anthemic. This song is for anyone who feels a little lost and is struggling to find meaning in these insane times. It has been a crazy few years and I want people to know that they’re not alone.”

Siobhan is currently at BIGSOUND but she’ll be back in her home state of Western Australia soon enough Catch her anywhere you can!

6-8 September 2022 – BIGSOUND, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 September 2022 – Green Door Wines, Dardanup/Henty (with Didirri)
10 September 2022 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle (single launch)
15 September 2022 – Rechabite Hall, Boorloo/Perth (with Bob Evans)
24 September 2022 – Good Day Sunshine Festival, Undalup/Busselton
28 September 2022 – Astor Theater, Boorloo/Perth (with The Whitlams)
29 September 2022 – Astor Theater, Boorloo/Perth (with The Whitlams)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Duncan Wright

Rock Out to Pacific Avenue’s New Track, “Leaving for London”

A song about the one that got away has never sounded as much fun as “Leaving for London”, the latest single from Pacific Avenue. Rather than mourning her loss, Pacific Avenue celebrates her freedom in this feel-good pop-rock track.

“‘Leaving For London’ is about loving and wanting to be with someone, but at the same time ensuring you’re doing what’s best for them, and understanding what makes them happiest, even if that means not being able to be with them. It’s about doing your best at supporting who you love, to become who they want to be.”

Pacific Avenue are busy bees, recently supporting Louis Tomlinson and currently on the road with Crooked Colours. They’ll also play Festival of the Sun later this year. Catch them at the following venues!

9 September 2022 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (with Crooked Colours)
10 September 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (with Crooked Colours)
9 December 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Birpai/Port Macquarie
10 December 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Birpai/Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Charlie Hardy

Danika Drops Stunning New Single, “Coolshit Bullshit”

Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Danika perfectly balances the dark with the light in her latest single, “Coolshit Bullshit.” If you’ve ever felt small around the people who are supposed to lift you up, this one’s for you.

“It’s kinda like a helium balloon floating away on its lonesome, this song is a little bit sad, and lonely, but with a really fun soundtrack,” Danika explained. “It’s about finally recognising and expressing your needs, and eventually leaving a situation that made you feel small and undervalued. Leaving the things you know can be very sad and lonely, even if it’s better for you, it’s far from easy.”

Danika kicks off her East Coast tour in Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat tonight. Catch her at the following venues.

2 September 2022 – Volta, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat (with SNAFU and Sid ONeil)
9-11 September 2022 – Wonder Mountain Festival @ Tanswells Hotel, Baarmutha/Beechworth (with Andras, Mildlife, Claps, Glass Beams, Emma Volard and more)
15 September 2022 – Church 5, Gumbaynggirr Country/Bellingen
17 September 2022 – Bar Oppil, Eora/Sydney (with CINTA T)
18 September 2022 – Franks Wild Years, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (with Dow World + Surprise Guest)
23 September 2022 – Red Hill Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Chewton (with Sid ONeil)
24 September 2022 – Tanswell Hotel, Baarmutha/Beechworth (with Sid ONeil)
25 September 2022 – The Wandi Pub, Wandiligong (FREE with Sid ONeil)
30 September 2022 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong (with Final Final)
1 October 2022 – Railway Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country/Macedon (with Ella Thompson)
7 October 2022 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne (with Tomgirl and Sid ONeil)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Bridgette Winten