Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baby Animals Celebrate 30 Years Since First Album With Aussie Tour

It’s been 30 years since Baby Animals burst onto our scene with their iconic eight-times platinum ARIA Award-winning self-titled debut album. I was just 11 years old when it dropped, and I was sure Suze DeMarchi was the coolest woman on the planet. I hit play on that album again today and all the admiration I had for the band came flooding back from those first chords of “Rush You.” How has this album remained timeless through three decades? If you haven’t listened for a while, do yourself a favour. Then buy yourself some tickets for the band’s 30th Anniversary tour.

These shows promise all your favourite cuts from that killer debut, including “Early Warning,” Painless,” and “One Word.” I’ve seen the band play a few times over the past few years, and rest assured they’ve still got it. These shows will be epic.

Baby Animals will hit the road with Kingswood and stop at several capitals and major regional centres this winter. Check them out at the following shows.

25 June 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane,
16 July 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 July 2021 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
24 July 2021 – Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast
6 August 2021 – The Corner, Richmond
7 August 2021 – The Croxton, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Drop Gorgeous New Single “Brother” Ahead of Album Release and Victorian Tour

I was already excited about the release of Pierce Brothers’ sophomore album Into the Great Unknown next month, but the release of a new single “Brother” has my anticipation at a fever pitch. It’s a gorgeous slow burner that explores the themes of being away from family. You can bet it’s hitting extra hard with the current Victorian lockdown in force.

The video adds some lightness to this powerful track, as Pat Pierce explains.

“We wanted to juxtapose the earnestness of the song with a bit of a piss-take,“ he said, “We went in there with the intention of playing the whole thing straight, but then when Justin (our older brother) said he could drop in, we thought it would just be way funnier if we tried to do an honest-to-God straight performance, and he just walks through and messes it up for us. We couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of it so we figured, why not?”

Pierce Brothers’ new album Into the Great Unknown drops on March 5. To celebrate its release, they’ve announced a string of shows around Victoria. With limited COVID-safe capacities, gigs are already selling out so get onto those tickets ASAP. If you’re in another state, don’t despair. The lads are planning on getting to you soon.

“In 2021 we’re planning on an entire regional Australia run!” Pat explained, “but the problem is that if we announce tickets too far in advance, there’s risk of border closures between the announce and the date of the gig. We want to avoid all postponing/cancellations of shows so this year it’s announce and GO!”

20 March 2021 – The Old Coal Mine “The Shed,” Wonthaggi (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2021 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
27 March 2021 – Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
23 April 2021 – The Espy, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blake O’Connor Drops “Willin’ and Ready” Single, Touring Eastern States

Blake O’Connor has dropped his first new music since winning the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent last year. His new song “Willin’ and Ready” is a feel-good slice of country-rock. It instantly won me over with its infectious energy.

The single came out of songwriting sessions with Aussie country power couple, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont. Superstar producer Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Bruce Springsteen) and Adam Eckersley then produced the track at Nick’s Byron Bay studio. The song’s video clip features footage from that studio session.

“It has been an awesome journey to bring this song to life,” Blake said. “From writing to recording it has been a high-energy process that really comes out in the song.” Reflecting on the lyrics he explained, “This is where I am at right now. I’m young, ambitious and I’m always on the move with my music.”

Despite COVID restrictions, Blake has been busy touring as far as he can. He’ll soon wrap up the Silver Linings tour with Sinead Burgess before heading on the road with Diesel, then playing his own solo shows. Catch him wherever you can at the following gigs.

13 February 2021 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton (with Sinead Burgess)
5 March 2021 – Centro CBD, Wollongong (with Sinead Burgess)
23 April 2021 – Coffs Golf Club, Coffs Harbour (with Diesel)
24 April 2021 – Maclean Bowls, Maclean (with Diesel)
13 May 2021 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba
14 May 2021 – Fitzys Loganholme, Loganholme (with Diesel)
16 May 2021 – The Royal, Nundah (with Diesel)
21 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (with Diesel)
22 May 2021 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote (with Diesel)
28 May 2021 – Spring Lakes Hotel, Springfield Lakes (with Diesel)
29 May 2021 – Bribie Island Hotel, Bribie Island
11 June 2021 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay (with Diesel)
12 June 2021 – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville (with Diesel)
13 June 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with Diesel)
16 June 2021 – Allenstown Hotel, Rockhampton (with Diesel)
17 June 2021 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone (with Diesel)
18 June 2021 – Bay Central Tavern, Harvey Bay (with Diesel)
25 June 2021 – Moonshiners, Tamworth
26 June 2021 – Wauchope RSL, Wauchope
1 July 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
2 July 2021 – Windsor RSL, Windsor
3 July 2021 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Murray Strikes Gold With “If We Never Dance Again”

Pete Murray burst onto the music scene with the release of his debut album Feeler in 2003 and has earned acclaim from devoted fans and critics alike since that time. Except for this one. I’ve got to admit, I’ve just never warmed to his music. I’ve certainly been exposed to it; his tracks dominate radio and he’s supported my favourite singer Rob Thomas on a couple of tours. But I’ve always found his music a little pedestrian, until now. I was prepared to yawn through his latest single “If We Never Dance Again” too, but I’ve got to admit, I like it. A lot.

Pete wrote the track in Los Angeles in May 2019 with songwriter and producer Morgan Dorr.

“Morgan had the first line of the chorus written when I got to his place, which was, “If you never see my face again” and the three chords that played over this. We worked on the song all day and I even cancelled another session that I had booked in just so I could finish this song as it felt like this had so much potential,” he explained.

When Pete returned to Australia, they continued refining the track across continents to produce what you hear today. I’m so glad they stuck at it, because I honestly believe this is the best thing he’s ever done. It’s got real heart, and I love the piano instrumentation.

“If We Never Dance Again” comes from Pete’s forthcoming release, The Night EP. Will it contain more Pete Murray tracks that I actually enjoy? We’ll find out when it drops on March 5. Fans should hear some of the new material when Pete plays the following shows.

13 February 2021 – By the C @ Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
6 March 2021 – By the C @ Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla
14 March 2021 – By the C @ Catani Gardens, St Kilda
20 March 2021 – Crowd Surf @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
27 March 2021 – By the C @ City Beach Reserve, Perth

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Goes Semi-Acoustic For COVID-Safe Shows

The last year has taught us all to pivot as we’ve attempted to thrive in this new normal. If you’ve had told me 12 months ago that The Smith Street Band were planning semi-acoustic seated shows I’d have laughed, and yet here we are. And funnily enough, it all makes perfect sense.

As soon as Victorian restrictions were eased, the band set about rehearsing and rewriting many of their songs to suit a more mellow, COVID-safe environment. The band will take these reworked tracks to fans across Victoria and New South Wales in the coming months.

The shows coincide with an album of those reworked tracks, Unplugged in Wombat State Forest. The first single, “It’s OK” isn’t too dramatic a departure from the original, but I expect we’ll hear a few left turns when the album drops on March 5. If you love what you see, you can also stream a video featuring all the songs here. And remember to get on to those The Smith Street Band Unplugged shows. With limited capacity in all venues and some shows already sold out, the remaining tickets won’t last long.

26 February 2021 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
27 February 2021 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
4 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2021 – The Enmore, Sydney
17 April 2021 – Yours + Owls Festival, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Celebrates “Parking Lots”‘ 15-Year Milestone

Mia Dyson is celebrating the 15th anniversary of her acclaimed album Parking Lots with a reissued vinyl release, a brand-new EP, called Parking Lots (Revisited) which reimagines some choice cuts, and a tour. All this excitement is a timely reminder of just how good that album is. While it was recorded so many years ago, the songs prove timeless. I found myself bouncing backwards and forwards between the original album and the new EP, marvelling at the way the different treatments brought out each song’s nuances. I encourage you to do the same.

The new white vinyl copies of Parking Lots were so popular that they sold out almost instantly, but you can stream the album and its companion EP now on your favourite platforms. There are still tickets left for her upcoming East Coast shows, but as COVID has reduced venue capacity, you’ll want to get in quickly to secure yours via her website.

12 March 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
13 March 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
19 March 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
20 March 2021 – TBA, Surf Coast
21 March 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon Ranges
26 March 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
27 March 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
28 March 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
1 April 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Full Steam Ahead for Pierce Brothers With New Single, Album & Tour

So many of us approached 2021 with a sense of optimism. The year might be looking like the same old shit, but I’m not ready to surrender just yet. So I’m seeking out music that puts a smile on my face, even as the world goes to hell in a handbasket. The latest track to get my toes tapping is “It’s Alright” from Pierce Brothers.

If any band will convince you it’s all going to be OK, it’s these guys. The song’s inception reminds us of the kind of world we’ll get back to. Jack Pierce penned the chorus in 2018, while he was trekking through the mountains of Switzerland. It sat in a drawer until brother Pat took it out recently, laid down the verses, and gave it a new bluesy feel. It’s got that upbeat, energetic folk feel that sweeps you along for the ride. If you’re into Nathaniel Rateliff or Mumford and Sons, you’ll love this.

Pierce Brothers are forging ahead and doing all the things the pandemic has made so difficult. “It’s Alright” comes from the band’s sophomore album Into the Great Unknown, which will drop on March 5. They recently cancelled NSW shows, but not to be deterred they’re forging ahead with the following dates, including a few new gigs in regional Victoria. All shows have limited COVID-safe capacity, so grab those tickets before they sell out!

16 January 2021 – Moonah Arts Collective, Rye
22 & 23 January 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
30 January 2021 – The Wedge, Sale
13 February 2021 – Marlo Pub, Marlo
20 March 2021 – The Sheds, Wonthaggi
2 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ali Barter Drops “Twisted Up” Single Ahead of Victorian Shows

Ali Barter wrote her latest single “Twisted Up” in a simpler time. It was February 2020, and she was in Los Angeles for her first American tour, “before the world fell down,” as she put it.

“I was feeling really weird, like I wanted to run away or blow something up and this song is about that feeling,” she explained. “It’s crazy to think what happened since this song was written and how timely it was.”

American producer Harlan Silverman (duckwrth) worked with Ali on the track before the pandemic forced her to head back to Melbourne. It’s got the local touch with a video created by Melbourne production team We Made That.

“We wanted to keep the video for ‘Twisted Up’ light, fun, and energetic” explained director Bryce Padovan. “The video explores the idea of waking up after a big night and then wandering around a beach town, dazed and confused. We wanted to steer clear of conventional “big night” tropes, so instead of the usual vices, Ali wakes up in a pile of hot chips and tries to retrace her steps.”

Ali has been busy during the pandemic, releasing the lockdown anthem “4 Days” with her main squeeze Oscar Dawson and playing a 10-date Live From Inside tour of her house. She also hosted a 14-week series of open mic nights on her Instagram page and began recording new material, like this song. In the last couple of months, she’s been able to get back in front of live audiences though. People of Victoria, at this point you can catch her at the following upcoming shows. Keep an eye on the venue pages though for the latest COVID measures.

8 January 2020 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
9 January 2021 – Pelican Bar, Queenscliff
15 January 2021 – Tanswells, Beechworth
16 January 2021 – Northern Republic, Euroa
20 January 2021 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
14 February 2021 – The Dart & Marlin Bar, Warrnambool

Image used with permission from Inertia Music; credit: Kane Hibberd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dreggs Soothe the Soul With “Keepsake”

Sunshine Coast duo The Dreggs have been spreading more good vibes of late. The release of their last single “Call Me Home” was one of the pandemic’s highlights, and now they’re one of the first bands taking their music to the masses with an extensive tour. Those shows coincide with the release of their latest single “Keepsake,” which has definitely won my heart. Those dreamy nostalgia-drenched lyrics, gorgeous vocals, easy acoustic guitar sounds, I’m all about it.

“Keepsake is a track touching on the beauty of vulnerability and the importance of allowing people into our lives, regardless of whether they bring us pain or joy,” the band explained. “The act of wearing someone’s heart ‘like a keepsake’ is playing on the idea of wearing a sentimental object, such as a pocket watch or a pendant from a loved one.”

There are still a few dates left on The Dreggs’ “Keepsake” tour. Catch them at the following venues. Make sure you call ahead to check tickets are still available given COVID restrictions.

4 December 2020 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
6 December 2020 – Miami Marketta, Miami
10 December 2020 – The Factory, Sydney
12 December 2020 – The Jive Bar, Adelaide
18 December 2020 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Ditto Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Releasing a Song a Month & New EP

The coronavirus pandemic may have halted touring plans, but Bootleg Rascal isn’t being idle. The Sydney duo is in the studio hard at work on a new EP, aptly titled Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents ’19. The band will release one track from the EP every month, starting with the very cool jam “We Independent.”

“’We Independent’ is a track we wrote inspired by starting to remove ourselves from a toxic situation,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “Initially, we were unsure how to break away from it, but sometimes you have to say enough is enough and follow your intuition. We’re so glad we took that leap of faith and couldn’t be heading in a better direction because of taking that risk.”

While Bootleg Rascal is having fun in the studio, the duo is also anticipating getting back among the fans. East Coast capital shows were pushed back to September while an appearance at Big Pineapple Musical Festival will now hopefully happen in November. Here are all the new dates for your concert calendar!

18 September 2020 – Howler, Brunswick
25 September 2020 – Marrickville Recreation and Bowling Club, Marrickville
26 September 2020 – Woolly Mammoth Alehouse, Fortitude Valley
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Music Festival, Woombye

Image used with permission from Good Intent