Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maison Hall on Comeback Trail With “Montreux”

After a nearly six-year break, Maison Hall are back together and doing what they love: making music. To celebrate their return, the indie duo has a killer new single “Montreux” that you’ve just got to hear. It’s vibrant and exciting, the perfect marriage of big rock sounds with introspective lyrics.

“Montreux is celebratory,” said one half of the duo, Joe Kneipp. “Not just because we’re still doing this, but because we’re still doing this despite our ‘real-life’ obligations, the distance between us, the total absence of pecuniary success, etc. We are so divorced from any external validations – the simple fact is, I love making music, and I love making music with Ben [Byron]. And we’re gonna keep fucking doing it!”

The song comes with an awesomely creative clip that explores the struggle between creation and survival in the world of capitalism.

“The concept of the clip is pretty on the nose – the juxtaposition between the left and right brain, the creative and the pragmatist, the poetic and the prosaic,” Joe added. “ If you’re a musician, or any creative for that matter, who’s not lucky enough to make all their money from creative endeavours, you’ll understand these tensions. I workshopped it with Ben and then James Cooney, who stars in the clip as the ‘right-brain’ and is part of our live lineup.”

Maison Hall have wasted no time getting back in front of audiences. They made a triumphant return to Brisbane last week and have two more shows to go on their single tour. Catch them at Melbourne’s The Retreat Hotel tomorrow night or Gang Gang Café in Canberra on Sunday.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Rylee Olsson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RADICALS Ready to Rock NSW With “falling faster slowly” Tour

Some songs demand to be played loud. “falling faster slowly,” the latest track from Sydney rock trio RADICALS is one of those songs. Trust me, it’s the only way.

“The song is based around the feeling/experience of taking drugs,” lead vocalist Brandon Wade said. “We wrote the song while on drugs and thought it would be the perfect time to write and encapsulate what and how we were feeling. It was a wild experience and we’re stoked the song turned out the way it did.”

The film clip, shot at Huxley’s in Caringbah by Nelson Faulds from Level 48 Visuals, is suitably trippy. It features live performance footage and wild animations cleverly cut together to represent the song’s mind-altering themes.

RADICALS will support the release of “falling faster slowly” with a string of shows around their home state. It all kicks off tomorrow in Sydney. Check them out at the following venue.

11 February 2022 – The Chippo, Sydney
25 February 2022 – Hijinx Alley, Sydney
13 March 2022 – The Stag and Hunter Hotel, Newcastle
19 March 2022 – Ryans Hotel, Thirroul
2 April 2022 – Yours & Owls Festival, Wollongong
9 April 2022 – Huxley’s, Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderers EP is Out Now

What do you say about a band you’ve already raved about so many times? Every time Wanderers dropped a single from their recently released EP, I heaped praise on it. So now that their self-titled EP is out in the world, with just a couple of new tracks, I’m not sure what’s left that I haven’t already said before. However, this EP is so damn good that I can’t let its release go without some kind of fanfare.

So I’ll say this. Drop what you’re doing and listen. While you’re listening, you might want to read back on my reviews for “Malibu”, “Nothing in This World”, and “Penny”. Or maybe you just want to discover for yourself how good their classic rock sound is. Either way, just make sure you’re listening. If you love soulful rock with the retro influence of synths and saxophone, I know you’re going to flip over these guys.

Wanderers will soon jet off to South by Southwest but don’t worry Aussies; they’ll be back before you know it for EP launch shows around the country:

1 April 2022 – The Night Cat, Fitzroy
29 April 2022 – Felons Barrel Hall, Brisbane
30 April 2022 – Waywards at the Bank, Newtown
27 May 2022 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide

Images used with permission from Big Oak Records; feature photo credit: Samuel Graves

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Satin Cali Deliver With “Fool”

Satin Cali are one of Wollongong’s best-kept secrets, selling out multiple headline shows in their hometown. However, with the release of their latest track “Fool,” it’s time for the rest of the country to catch up. This is such a good rock track, I can’t stop listening.

“Fool is a failed love story, taking inspiration from the perspective of letting someone go, only to realise later that they may have been perfect for you all along, and living with the regret of letting that person go and watching them move on without you. Constantly questioning what could have been and the what-ifs of everything in between, while reminding yourself how foolish you can be,” the band explained. “We decided to accompany these lyrics to a more upbeat, happy-ish instrumental piece we had been working on, to counteract and balance the song out a bit and hopefully give a different perspective to the “broken heart” stereotypical tune we all have heard before.”

Satin Cali have a stack of shows coming up including festival appearances and dates with The Terrys, if coronavirus doesn’t get in the way. Here are all the places you can (hopefully!) see them play!

21 January 2022 – The Red Steer Hotel, Wagga Wagga (with The Terrys)
22 January 2022 – Wombarra Bowlo, Wombarra (with The Terrys)
29 January 2022 – Full-Time Festival @ Ron Costello Oval, Shoalhaven
4 February 2022 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Terrys)
5 February 2022 – Hotel Westwood, Melbourne (ALL AGES – with The Terrys)
11 February 2022 – Thirsty Chiefs Brewing Co, North Lakes (with The Terrys)
4 March 2022 – University of Canberra, Canberra (with The Terrys)
24 March 2022 – Jive, Adelaide (with The Terrys)
26 March 2022 – Milk Bar, Perth (with The Terrys)
27 March 2022 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with The Terrys)
3 April 2022 – Yours & Owls @ Stuart Park, North Wollongong

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Chris Frape Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bloom Lays Her Heart Bare With “One More Place”

Bloom channels vintage vibes in her latest single “One More Place.” This track is the ultimate breakup anthem, a melancholy rumination on the memories that hold us hostage as we try to move on.

“I’ve had a few (too many) breakups, as most of us can relate to at some point in our lives,” Bloom admitted. “There is always that one place that reminds you of your ex, or that raw phase you go through post break up where you are wondering who they are with and have a bunch of unanswered questions while coming to the realisation that it is really over.”

Most artists have a fairly bare concert calendar at the moment, but not Bloom. She’s playing covers at the following shows all around Australia and New Zealand:

17, 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 January 2022 – Downstairs at the Maj, Perth (Adele & Amy Songbook)
18 February 2022 – Norwood Hotel, Adelaide (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
19 February 2022 – Norwood Hotel, Adelaide (Adele & Amy Songbook)
4 March 2022 – The Lounge, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
5 March 2022 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
11 March 2022 – Springlake Hotel, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
12 March 2022 – Wallaby Hotel, Gold Coast (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
18 March 2022 – Jindalee Hotel, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
19 March 2022 – Beenleigh Tavern, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
31 March 2022 – Camelot Lounge, Marrickville (Eva Cassidy Songbook)
1 April 2022 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (Eva Cassidy Songbook)
2 April 2022 – North Ryde RSL, Sydney (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
29 April 2022 – York on Lilydale, Melbourne (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
7 May 2022 – Laycock Street Community Theatre, Wyoming (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
21 August 2022 – Salt Village, Kingscliff (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
9 September 2022 – New Plymouth Club, New Plymouth (Adele & Amy Songbook)
10 September 2022 – Upper Hutt Cossie Club, Wellington (Adele & Amy Songbook)
11 September 2022 – Globe Theatre, Palmerston North (Adele & Amy Songbook)
15 September 2022 – Ashburton Trust Event Centre, Ashburton (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
16 September 2022 – Oamaru Club, Oamaru (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
17 September 2022 – Wunderbar Lyttelton, Christchurch (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
18 September 2022 – Wunderbar Lyttelton, Christchurch (Adele & Amy Songbook)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brittany Elise Delivers Good Vibes With “Sunshine Hurricane”

If you’re making a playlist for a summer road trip, make sure you add “Sunshine Hurricane,” the latest single from Central Queensland country artist Brittany Elise. It’s got such a bright happy vibe and driving beat, perfect for those warm-weather getaways.

“Sunshine Hurricane was written and released for the summer airwaves. It’s a reminder to let go and live each day; to find life’s good times, the feeling of freedom, and to use those moments that test us to make you stronger,” she explained.

It’s no surprise that this track sounds so polished because it was produced by local hit factory The Songstore Studio, who are behind big singles from Delta Goodrem, Taxiride, and Vanessa Amorosi. The Songstore Studio also worked on Brittany’s single “Find Your Music,” which hit number 16 on the Music Network CountryTown Hot 50 and stated in the airplay chart for four months. If COVID doesn’t spoil her plans, Brittany is set to play the following shows in the coming months:

18 January 2022 – Tamworth City Bowling Club, Tamworth
19 January 2022 – Oasis Hotel, Tamworth
20 January 2022 – Post Office Hotel, Tamworth
19 February 2022 – Agnes Blues & Roots Festival, 1770 Agnes Water

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Summit Drops Summery New Single “River Days”

If you weren’t already convinced summer is just around the corner, South Summit’s new single “River Days” might get you over the line. This is a cool indie surf-jam that gets me in the mood for coastal getaways and lazy evenings watching the sun set over the waves. This Perth band reminds me a little bit of hot Aussie acts like Ocean Alley and Lime Cordiale, and with songs like this in their catalogue they deserve to be every bit as big.

“When we first wrote it, we knew it had potential and did not want to rush the writing process,” explained the band’s frontman and songwriter Zaya. “We didn’t plan on recording ‘River Days’ this early as we didn’t think it was ready, but we took a leap of faith. We came out with a song that was completely different to what we came in with, which retained the elements of the original demo, but truly captured the meaning behind the words.

“‘River Days’ is a story about the abuse of alcohol and how it can change the people closest to you. It is drawn from many personal experiences and deep emotions. The song is an attempt to show the very personal journey I have taken. ‘Save me from the river’ is a cry for help. Help to be spared from seeing those closest to me change for the worse, help to save them from alcohol and help to stop me from treading the same path.”

If you’re around Perth, there are plenty of opportunities to catch South Summit in the flesh in the coming months. Check them out at the following shows:

19 November 2021 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (supporting LATE 90s)
2 December 2021 – Perth Music Night @ The Sewing Room, Perth
3 December 2021 – Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Perth (supporting Young Robin)
11 December 2021 – The YMCA HQ, Leederville (ALL AGES)
12 December 2021 – Sunday Music @ Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sloppy Seconds” – Bootleg Rascal

If there was any doubt that summer is on its way, Bootleg Rascal have just dropped their ultra-cool new album, Sloppy Seconds. If you’ve followed this blog for any period of time, you’re already familiar with their good vibes. The many recent singles always left me wanting a bit more, so this album is a real treat.

I must admit, I was taken aback when I spied the tracklist and saw the opening track was called “Albo.” Was this an ode to the opposition leader in the vein of The Whitlams’ Gough? Not quite. Instead “Albo” is an opening message recorded by Anthony Albanese himself, reminding us to support Aussie music. Brilliant!

As the album’s title suggests, the tracks here aren’t exactly new. The tagline calls it a “reimagined album.” I think of it as more like a greatest hits on steroids. The best songs from Bootleg Rascal’s earlier releases Asleep in the Machine, Psychotica, and Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents “19 receive new makeovers. I’ve enjoyed listening to these new recordings, then going back to the original source material and marvelling at the way they’ve improved the songs. Spoiler alert, they have every single time. These old favourites join recent singles including “Therapy” and “All About You.”

Despite drawing tracks from so many different sources, Sloppy Seconds is a really cohesive album because Bootleg Rascal have such a clear and distinct sound. The preview stream I received labelled it as reggaeton, but I’m not sure you can sum these guys up so neatly with a genre label. It’s music that transports me to summer days, sitting around the pool with a drink in hand and my mates by my side. It’s super catchy, the kind of music that you just want to keep listening to. If you’re not already familiar with Bootleg Rascal, Sloppy Seconds is the perfect introduction. If you already know what’s up, you already know you’re in for a good time.

Sloppy Seconds drops today. To celebrate its release, Bootleg Rascal are hitting the road for a massive tour all around the mainland. Frankly, this is the most ambitious tour schedule I’ve seen in more than a year! If you want to be a part of it, get your tickets now because they probably won’t last long:

19 November 2021 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
26 November 2021 – Indi Bar, Perth
27 November 2021 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
28 November 2021 – The Aardvark, Fremantle
4 December 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
10 December 2021 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
11 & 12 December 2021 – Kill the Dinosaurs, Port Elliot
15 January 2022 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
22 January 2022 – Howler, Melbourne
23 January 2022 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
28 January 2022 – Old Bundy Tavern, Bundaberg
29 January 2022 – The Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton
5 February 2022 – Solbar, Maroochydore
17 February 2022 La La La’s, Wollongong
18 February 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
19 February 2022 – UC Hub, Canberra

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Nostalgic With The Wolfe Brothers’ “Kids on Cassette”

As a woman of a certain age, I can’t help but love the title track from The Wolfe Brothers’ latest album, “Kids on Cassette.” As its name suggests, this is a real nostalgia-fest for those of us who grew up with our cassettes and walkmans.

The Tassie act had gone back to their roots with the video too. The clip features a pair of real-life brothers stepping into the shoes of Nick and Tom Wolfe. It was filmed on location at The Wolfe Brother’s Berry Farm in Southern Tasmania.

“Kids On Cassette is all about that amazing feeling of being a kid, when everything seemed bigger and it felt like the summer holidays lasted forever,” Nick Wolfe explained. “Tom and I are so grateful to have grown-up where we did as country kids, and in this video, we tried to capture a day in our childhood. Exploring, learning, getting into strife, and of course, playing music with our mates.

“To watch the brothers play us was amazing. I think their personalities really reflected ours. I could see a lot of similarities between us: a couple of country kids who make their own home movies and recordings and write songs and jam. Really, we could not have found a more matched pair! To watch the kids all jamming in the old fruit pickers hut where we used to 20-years ago was actually uncanny. It was like stepping into a time machine. Seeing the kids jamming out at a band practice really brings a smile to my face. I remember being in that very room, rocking out with our mates, all just totally high of the joy of music, long before any thoughts of business or careers ever entered our heads.”

If you like what you hear, you can pick up a signed copy of the album plus a free sticker for just $20 from The Wolfe Brothers online store, while stocks last. The Wolfe Brothers are also in the middle of an Aussie tour. You can still catch them play at all the following venues:

27 November 2021 – Country Rocks Canberra @ Rose Cottage, Tuggeranong
2 December 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns
3 December 2021 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
4 December 2021 – Queens Beach Hotel, Bowen
5 December 2021 – Mt. Pleasant Hotel, Mackay
10 December 2021 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
11 December 2021 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
21 January 2022 – The Longyard Hotel, Tamworth

Image: Michael parkergraphix @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RedHook Ready to Rock Again With “Sentimental Surgery”

If you need something to get you going this Monday morning, take a listen to RedHook’s new single “Sentimental Surgery.” With elements of rock, punk, and pop, this track from the Sydney act demands to be played loud.

“’Sentimental Surgery’ is a punk party anthem inspired by the shared woes of lockdown (and feeling like a total cliche for writing a song about the shared woes of lockdown),” explained lead singer Emmy Mack. “Given what we’ve all been going through these past 18 months, I found it really difficult to write a song about any other topic. So instead of trying to, I decided to embrace the cliche and create a piece of music that expressed those sad feels, but also flipped them in a way that hopefully cheers people up, puts a smile on their face and makes them want to dance.”

Now that NSW’s lockdown has lifted, RedHook are looking forward to getting back on stage. Catch them at the following shows next year:

20-23 January 2022 – UNIFY Gathering 2022 @ Tarwin Meadows, Gippsland
28 January 2022 – Max Watt’s House of Music, Melbourne
4 February 2022 – The Zoo, Brisbane
5 February 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
11 February 2022 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
12 February 2022 – Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Perth
26 February 2022 – Full Tilt @ Bella Vista Farm, Sydney
2 April 2022 – Halloween Hysteria III @ Mansfield Tavern, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Good Intent