Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Judith Owen Announces Aussie Sideshows

Welsh singer-songwriter-pianist Judith Owen will make the most of her time in Australia after announcing sideshows to complement her set at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. While she’s best known for her original music, which has earned the praise of musical heavy-hitters including Bryan Ferry and Jackson Browne, Judith is currently making waves with the release of her new album redisCOVERed.

This album has only just hit my radar today and I’m already a bit obsessed. Judith puts her stamp on some surprising material a world away from her usual fare. Think Soundgarden, Donna Summer, and Drake, all with that unmistakeable Judith Owen flair.

Expect Judith to play some of those clever covers and her own original material at the following shows:

7 & 8 March 2020 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
14 March 2020 – Utzon Room @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney
21 March 2020 – Fyrefly, St Kilda

Images used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Drop Alternate Version of “Jules Said” Ahead of Red Eye Tour

I loved The Vanns’ Through the Walls so much that I named it my favourite album of the year. Several months after its release, I still have it on regular rotation. I love the big rock numbers, but I have a special spot in my heart for one of the more reflective songs, “Jules Said.” Perhaps it’s because The Vanns first hit my radar when Jules showed off the tattoo he got celebrating the band on The Bachelorette. Maybe it’s just because it’s beautiful to hear a softer side to their music. At any rate, it’s a top song and I’m so thrilled to see it released as a single. Not content to rest on their laurels, the single is a brand new version of “Jules Said” recorded with Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning producer Adrian Breakspear (Gang of Youths, Pharrell Williams).

“Jim (Vann) and I wrote ‘Jules Said’ in my bedroom in under an hour. It was the first song we finished writing for Through The Walls. We were doing a lot of writing on Logic and trying to come up with ‘cool sounds’ for a while, and then we went out to lunch and were like, ‘When we get back, let’s just try and write something with two guitars and no computer,’” explained guitarist Cameron Little.

A new single release is as good a reason as any to gig, so The Vanns have also announced their Red Eye tour. Catch them at the following venues this autumn.

19 March 2020 – Altar Bar, Hobart
20 March 2020 – Howler, Melbourne
21 March 2020 – Unibar, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
28 March 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
3 April 2020 – Unibar, Wollongong
4 April 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2020 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Back With “Lonely Times” and Tour

It wasn’t so long ago that Bootleg Rascal were wowing me with their double A-side single “Yin & Yang.” Now they’re back with a track that’s every bit its equal, “Lonely Times.” It’s fresh and funky, with reggae, hip hop, and dub influences combining to create an irresistible summer feel.

It wouldn’t be a Bootleg Rascal release without a tour to match. You’ll have plenty of chances to see these guys bring the party vibes in the coming months. It all kicks off tonight at Miranda Hotel with a bushfire benefit show. 100% of the profits will go to the NSW Rural Fire Service, so get along and support it!

17 January 2020 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
w/ A.GIRL + TIMI TEMPLE
18 January 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
19 January 2020 – Park House, Mona Vale (with A. Girl and Grace Grove)
24 January 2020 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
25 January 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (with Saint Lane and Venice Queens)
30 January 2020 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Richysand and Alex Hosking)
31 January 2020 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
1 February 2020 – Indi Bar, Perth (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
2 February 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
7 February 2020 – The Beery, Terrigal (with Nelipot, Saint Spook, and Deadshowws)
8 February 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra (with Liv Li and Muddy Wolfe)
21 March 2020 – A Day on the Lawn, Hobart (with Boy and Bear and Meg Mac)
27 March 2020 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (with Shag Rock and Scabz)
2 April 2020 – Marrickville Bowls Club, Sydney (with Shag Rock and Scabz)
3 April 2020 – Howler, Melbourne (with Shag Rock and Scabz)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Drop New Music Ahead of Laneway Shows

Ocean Alley have kept a fairly relentless touring schedule over the last 12 months, but they’ve still found time to write and demo some new music. New single “Tombstone” is one of the latest tracks to come out of those creative stints. Its easy blend of funk, soul, and classic rock showcases everything that made Ocean Alley one of the hottest bands in the country.

Ocean Alley spent much of 2019 abroad playing shows in New Zealand, Bali, Canada, the USA, Europe, and the UK, but they’ll be back on home soil next month for the Laneway Festival shows. They’ll also support Six60 in New Zealand. Catch them at all the following gigs.

1 February – Laneway Festival, Brisbane
2 February – Laneway Festival, Sydney
7 February – Laneway Festival, Adelaide
8 February – Laneway Festival, Melbourne
9 February – Laneway Festival, Fremantle
22 February – Western Springs, Auckland (supporting Six60)
7 March – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (supporting Six60)

Photo credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zac Eichner’s Double A-Side Single Twice as Nice

Adelaide indie-electronic act Zac Eichner delivers a double-dose of goodness with his new double A-side single, “Naked & Autumn.” The songs complement one another beautifully, showcasing Zac’s gift for creating electronic music with heart. I love the way his electro beats intertwine with his rough, yet tender vocals, and traditional instruments. “Naked” is a poignant piano ballad while “Autumn” is an uplifting number that Zac describes as a “bittersweet, coming-of-age movie track.”

Both songs are so different, but they’re the ideal introduction to what Zac brings to the local music landscape. When he’s not working on music, Zac devotes his time to helping the next generation.

“I work for the Carly Ryan Foundation, a non-for-profit organisation. I get to head around Australia and talk to primary and high school kids about online safety and wellbeing,” he explained. “I’m currently developing a holistic healing/song writing program to take to schools for kids to be able to express themselves through song, whether that be to capitalise on those songs, just have a voice or strengthen their mental health. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about and is clearly very close to me.”

Zac is playing launch parties around the nation to celebrate the release of “Naked & Autumn.” Catch him at the following remaining gigs.

8 January 2020 – The Gasometer, Melbourne
10 January 2020 – Rye Hotel, Mornington Peninsula
11 January 2020 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Wild Releases Rocking Love Triangle Track, “You Wouldn’t Know”

Melbourne act Sienna Wild are giving me serious Eskimo Joe vibes with their latest single “You Wouldn’t Know.” It’s got a little more edge than your average pop-rock number, and that anthemic chorus really kicks things up a notch. To make sure you can sing along, the band has released a fantastic lyric video to compliment the song’s release.

“The sentiment behind the single came from me setting myself a challenge of writing from the perspective of a third-party in a break up,” explained Louis Goutus, Sienna Wild’s lead singer and bassist. “Up to that point, our writing had been about power within a relationship, whether it be during good times or bad. This time, I wanted to write a song about an outsider who becomes involved in a break up, as opposed to the two protagonists telling the story. It is essentially about a girl telling her boyfriend’s best friend she’s going to leave her man, but the boyfriend is too oblivious to realise. Hence, he ‘wouldn’t know’, but the friend does!”

The lads played a free show in Sydney last week, but there’s more where that came from.

“Fans can expect a tight rock performance full of swirling guitars, crashing choruses and compelling dynamics. You’ll see a band who have conviction and believe what they say, and mean what they do. A good time for all!”
If that sounds right up your alley, make sure you don’t miss the following Sienna Wild gigs.

9 January 2020 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
18 January 2020 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
31 January 2020 – The Tote, Collingwood

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sea Gypsies Release New Summer Anthem, “Mexico”

As a proud Coastie, I have a soft spot for great talent coming out of my local area. The Sea Gypsies are local stalwarts, but I’m always happy to hear more sweet tunes from this Central Coast indie rock outfit. “Mexico” is their latest effort, a stellar single that captures the hedonism of summer.

As you might expect, the song was inspired by frontman Luke Marlin’s adventures in South America. However, it was a trip that didn’t go quite as planned. In fact, he had to cut the holiday short after he was diagnosed with Dengue fever. In recovery on home soil, he wrote this song while reflecting on the wild trip that was.

The clip sees the lads in characteristic form, enjoying a laugh and refusing to take life too seriously.

“These guys are my friends; we go surfing together, rip on each other and order Dominos every band practice. We’re musicians, not actors, so we thought to ourselves, ‘Why not just have a laugh and shoot a video that we’d enjoy making?” said the band’s bassist, Jackson Burke.

“Mexico” is our first taste of new music from The Sea Gypsies in a while. Hear more of the new stuff and plenty of your favourites at the band’s upcoming shows.

25 January 2020 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
1 February 2020 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
7 February 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
8 February 2020 – Love Lanes Festival, Central Coast
16 February 2020 – North Gong, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Basia Bulat Ready for Aussie Sideshows After Woodford

Canadian sensation Basia Bulat is currently wowing crowds at Woodford Folk Festival, but if you haven’t got a ticket, you’re in luck. She’ll also play sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne once the festival wraps up.

If you’re not already acquainted with Basia’s music, let her latest single “Your Girl” be your introduction. Our first taste of her forthcoming album Are You in Love? it oozes with warmth and optimism. There’s a light about Basia’s voice that shines through, even when her songs have an element of pathos as this one does. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be hooked after one listen.

“I wrote ‘Your Girl’ during a snowstorm in Montreal and recorded it under the warm desert sun in Joshua Tree,” she recounted. “Someone once told me you can’t sing and cry at the same time but that wasn’t true for me when we were recording this one. There’s joy in finally being free from a painful situation, relief, laughter—even as it feels impossible to ever forget the pain or understand why that storm came through your life the way it did. And so, light on your feet, you dance with the memory instead. If you’re listening to this song and understand what I mean, know that I’m singing with you as we’re dancing in that swirling wind.”

Basia Bulat will play the following local venues while she’s in Australia. Don’t miss this superb Canadian act while she’s on our shores!

2 January 2020 – Low 302, Sydney
4 January 2020 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
5 January 2020 – Esplanade Hotel, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Ready for Summer Vacay Tour

We’re all thinking about summer holidays, including Bootleg Rascal. They haven’t released any new material since selling out shows on their Yin & Yang Australian and New Zealand tour, but they’re already set to hit the road again on their Summer Vacay tour. This time around the lads will follow the sunshine and stop in more regional centres along with the familiar capitals, ensuring more Aussies can see them do what they do best.

“Touring in more remote areas has always been something close to our hearts,” says guitarist Jimmy Young. “We get the chance to bring the show to music fans who might not get the opportunity to catch as much live music than those in major cities.”
Make sure you arrive early enough for the support acts, as Bootleg Rascal have handpicked some of the best up-and-comers you’ll ever year.

There’ll also be some “totally cooked” crowd participation games from Bobby Dazzler’s Sideshow Alley between artist sets. If you’ve ever wanted to play Pinger Pinata, Pin the Toupee on Trump, or Wheel of Misfortune, you know where to go.

Tickets are on sale now from Bootleg Rascal’s website. Given the enthusiastic reception for the last tour, you’ll want to get them sooner rather than later!

9 January 2020 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (with Fresh Violet and R.em.edy)
10 January 2020 – The Grand, Mornington (with Fresh Violet and R.em.edy)
11 January 2020 – SS&A, Albury (with support acts TBA)
17 January 2020 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
18 January 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
19 January 2020 – Park House, Mona Vale (with A.Girl and Grace Grove)
24 January 2020 – Miama Marketta, Gold Coast (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
25 January 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (with Venice Queens and Saint Lane)
30 January 2020 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Richysand and Alex Hosking)
31 January 2020 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
1 February 2020 – Indi Bar, Perth (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
2 February 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
7 February 2020 – The Beery, Terrigal (with Nelipot, Saint Spook, and Deadshowws)
8 February 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra (with Liv Li and Muddy Wolfe)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow Strips Back “Light My Way”

Break, Rattle and Roll was one of my favourite releases of 2018. I still find myself coming back to it periodically, like an old friend that’s comforting, familiar, and so good to spend time with. Now Matt Joe Gow is reminding us just how good one of its tracks, “Light My Way” is with an acoustic reimagining.

If you’ve read my blog for any period of time, you’ll know just how up my alley this is. When you strip a song back you get to appreciate its essence, its lyrics, its simple melody without the big production. Recorded in Matt’s new studio “The Woolshed,” this single does down easy.

Matt Joe Gow is ringing in the new year with a string of headlining slots and festival appearances. Catch him at the following venues in the coming months.

6 December 2019 – Music On The Hill @ Red Hill Pavilion, Red Hill (with The Dusty Millers)
7 December 2019 – Bayview Country Art Club, Bittern (with Andrew Swift)
21 December 2019 – Buster Greens, Dunedin
3 January 2020 – Western Weekender @ Spotted Mallard, Melbourne
4 January 2020 – Bayview Country Picnic Festival @ Bayview Country Art Club, Bittern
14-16 February 2020 – Riverboats Festival, Echuca