Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers Out on Debut Tour For “Desk Chair”

Canberra act Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers deliver plenty of angst and attitude with their new single “Desk Chair.” The press release calls is “a youthful, glittering anthem for the dramatic high school student in all of us” and I’m not sure any other description has felt more apt.

“’Desk Chair’ is a tribute to teenage feelings, and the problems that seem life-changing but turn out to be insignificant,” noted guitarist Scarlett McKahey. “It’s about self-sabotage and wanting what you don’t have.”

They’ve cut their eye teeth with support slots and key festival appearances, including sets at Groovin’ the Moo, Spilt Milk, and Falls Festival, and now Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers aren’t ready for the big stage. They’ve just kicked off their first national tour with a hometown show last night, so it’s about time the rest of the country discover what they’re all about. Check them out at the following shows.

28 February 2020 – Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Sydney
29 February 2020 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
6 March 2020 – Gasometer Upstairs, Melbourne
7 March 2020 – Exeter Beer Garden, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Habit Music; photo credit: Claire Warren

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leif Vollebekk Heading Down Under for Shows With Ainslie Wills

When Montreal artist Leif Vollebekk collaborated with our own Angie McMahon on his 2019 album New Ways, we might have known it was only a matter of time before he’d head our way for some shows. Smart chap, he’s waiting until cooler autumn weather comes to arrive on our shores for a string of gigs.

I must admit, Leif wasn’t on my radar until the press release came through. But I took one listen to his single “Apalachee Plain” (the one Angie guests on) and I was hooked. I had to go back and listen to the rest of New Ways. I’m pretty sure I’ll slip on his other albums next. If you love indie-folk music that comes from an honest place, this will be right up your alley.

In the last couple of weeks Leif has sold out all his U.S. shows, including big dates at the Bowery Ballroom and Troubadour. Discover exactly why the crowds love him when he touches down in Australia in March for a Brisbane festival and coheadlining dates with our own Ainslie Wills.

1 March 2020 – Nine Lives Festival, Brisbane
2 March 2020 – Jet Black Cat, Brisbane (instore – coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
4 March 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
5 March 2020 – The Vanguard, Sydney (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Cover My Eyes” – Little Quirks

In a world where heavily produced music created by computers seems to dominate the charts, the back-to-basics tunes from the Central Coast’s Little Quirks are a revelation. There is no studio trickery here on their EP Cover My Eyes. It’s simple music, organically created, and that’s what makes it so special.

In five tracks the Little Quirks will make you fall in love with them. In fact, if you listened to the single and opening track “Life Wouldn’t Be” before, you’d know it takes just one. But what comes later isn’t just making up the numbers. Neither is it more of the same. The essential ingredients are there: those sublime familial harmonies, the strums of acoustic guitars and mandolin giving the music a country-folk flair. But the tracks help give us a complete picture of this exciting new band and their capabilities. “Cover My Eyes” really brings those harmonies to the fore, with a slightly more delicate touch than the single. There’s a cool bluesiness to “Where We Hide.” “Bury Our Bones” is eerily brooding, with a quiet intensity that draws listeners in. “Devil’s Ivy” is a real charmer, the kind of song you might imagine the sisters singing around a burning campfire. There’s an innocence about it which is so appealing.

Cover My Eyes is like a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the beauty of quality music stripped back to basics. It’s also a reminder that these Central Coast teens have massive futures ahead of them. The trio will celebrate the EP’s recent release with the following shows along the East Coast in the coming months.

8 February 2020 – Love Lanes Festival, Wyong
14 February 2020 – Courtyard Sessions, Sydney
28 February 2020 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
29 February 2020 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
14 March 2020 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford
15 March 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
27 March 2020 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9-13 April 2020 – National Folk Festival, Canberra
19 April 2020 – Scotts Head Festival, Scotts Head

Images used with permission from Ditto Music; feature image credit Adam Toole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Venice Queens Back With “Punchdrunk”

I raved about Adelaide’s Venice Queens way back in 2018, but didn’t hear anything from them since. Thankfully the drought has been broken with the release of their latest single, “Punchdrunk.” It’s just as summery and upbeat as their last offering, the sort of track that makes you want to see these guys live in a buzzing pub with beer in hand.

“We’re so excited to share ‘Punchdrunk’ with the world. It’s been a long time coming and it’s one we really felt we couldn’t rush,” the band said in a press release. “It’s been awesome having the opportunity to get both Simon (Kither) and Adrian’s (Breakspear) input and really achieve our live sound in the studio.”

“Punchdrunk” comes from the EP Venice Queens are currently working on. The lads are currently on tour giving fans a sneaky listen to more new tracks to come. Catch them on their remaining dates.

25 January 2020 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (with Hey Baby, Flora Link, The Fools)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Bootleg Rascal)
15 February 2020 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (with Teenage Dads, Soda, Stacy Says)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Announce Tasty New Single “Bittersweet” and Aussie Tour

Kingswood have delivered our first taste of their third studio album, Juveniles, and it’s absolutely delicious. The new single “Bittersweet” has an irresistible rock flavour that leaves you satisfied, yet just a little hungry for more.

“The thing that makes us who we are is the fact that we can do whatever we want, musically,” acknowledged lead guitarist Alex Laska. “We’re not doing it to be vindictive or to piss people off. We’re [just] not being confined. It’s like we’ve opened Pandora’s Box and have looked in every room; it’s mental.”

Juveniles hits stores and streaming services on March 13, the day after Kingswood’s latest Aussie tour kicks off. Tickets for that go on sale tomorrow at 11 am local time via Live Nation and the band’s website.

12 March 2020 – Barwon Club, Geelong
13 March 2020 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
14 March 2020 – Volta, Ballarat
18 March 2020 – Kambri ANU, Canberra
19 March 2020 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong
20 March 2020 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
21 March 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
26 March 2020 – The Gov, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – The Rosemount, Perth
28 March 2020 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
29 March 2020 – Freo Social, Fremantle
2 April 2020 – The Triffid, Brisbane
9 April 2020 – Republic Bar, Hobart
11 April 2020 – Saloon, Launceston
12 April 2020 – Forth Pub, Devonport
16 April 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay
17 April 2020 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
25 June 2020 – The Jack, Cairns
26 June 2020 – Otherwise Bar, Townsville
27 June 2020 – CBD McGuires Hotel, Mackay

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