Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anna Smyrk Celebrates Hope With “Alight”

As bushfires blaze and politicians squabble, it’s easy to get frustrated with the state of the world. However, Anna Smyrk offers some optimism in the dark times with her latest single “Alight.”

Anna wrote the song a couple of years ago while living in the Solomon Islands, but listening to her reminisce it seems not a lot has changed in the world.

“There was so much going on in world politics making me miserable, and in the Solomon Islands I was seeing first-hand what it looks like as the world starts to go underwater,” she explained. During that time she found solace in the book “Hope in the Dark,” by American activist Rebecca Solnit.

“I wanted to write a song that conveyed the feeling this book gave me,” Anna said. “It talks about how hope can be an axe we can use to break down doors. Hopeful actions can seem meaningless against all the darkness and uncertainty, but the book shows how, historically, those small acts have added up to huge changes.”

Anna recorded the track in a Central Victorian farmhouse on a hot summer’s day. The track features some of her oldest friends on violin, banjo, dobro, double bass and drums and her sister on backing vocals. They play supporting roles, but you can hear the influence of loved ones in the warmth of this song.

Making the song a truly global affair, Anna shot the video in an abandoned mansion in Tagaytay, Philippines, with award-winning Phillipino film-makers Sheron Dayoc and Sonny Calvento.

“Alight” comes from Anna’s second EP, Swim, which is available through all good digital platforms. She’s taking a break from her advocacy work abroad to play shows all around the country in the New Year.

16-19 January 2020 – Illawarra Folk Festival, Illawarra Jan 16-19, 2019
26 & 27 January 2020 – Newstead Live Music Festival, Newstead
6 February 2020 – Terang Live 2 Terang Commercial Hotel, Terang
7 February 2020 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
8 February 2020 – Stone Pony, Adelaide

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Press Club’s Newie, “Separate Houses”

Press Club can do no wrong in my eyes, or by my ears. Their energy and passion is absolutely infectious. Their lyrics are so relatable. In short, they’re bloody awesome. All of the things I love about them are showcased in their latest single “Separate Houses.”

The film clip was captured on the band’s recent UK and European tour. With guitarist Greg Rietwyk behind the camera, it takes you to Scotland, England, and continental Europe.

“Separate Houses” is the first track on Press Club’s recently-released sophomore album Wasted Energy. If you still haven’t got your ears around this one, what are you waiting for? Press Club are bringing punters songs from that album and some old favourites on their current tour. They’re in fine form, after recently wrapping up that UK and European tour, so make sure you catch them this time around.

8 November 2019 – The Gaso, Melbourne
9 November 2019 – Hobart Brewing Company, Hobart
15 November 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
16 November 2019 – The Westerport, San Remo
21 November 2019 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
22 November 2019 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
29 November 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
30 November 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
5 December 2019 – Dunsborough Hotel, Dunsborough
6 December 2019 – Lucy’s Love Shack, Perth

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Carbons Ready to Rock Oz

With The Carbons preparing to touch down for some East Coast shows next week, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to this Western Canadian rock act. Canada is a little like Australia with an insular music that often doesn’t break outside the nation. However, their new track “Comforts That Kill” is just the kind of raucous rock track that would go down a treat in any Aussie pub. While it’s perfectly paired with your bevvy of choice, the lyrics explore the darker side of addiction.

“Whether it’s alcohol or narcotics, substance addiction affects millions of people around the world,” the band explained. “Much like the effects of the substances, Comforts That Kill uncovers the topic of addiction in a multi-climactic, clean and distorted rock ride.”

While they haven’t broken here yet, The Carbons are known back home for their explosive live sets. See what all the fuss is about at the following gigs.
7 November 2019 – Footstomp Party @ El Sol, Cronulla
8 November 2019 – Australian Music Week Showcase @ El Sol, Cronulla
9 November 2019 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney
27 November 2019 – Triffid Beer Garden, Brisbane (SOLO)

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eaglemont Touring All Over With “Heteronormative Nightmare” Single

Melbourne music maker Eaglemont unpacks queerness in her latest track, “Heteronormative Nightmare.” I love its insightful, witty lyrics and those fuzzy rock guitars.

Eaglemont sets the scene for the single. “Picture this. You’re in the back of a limousine, your mum’s taken you to Myer to get your makeup done, you have a corsage on your wrist and you’re seated next a handsome formal date surrounded by your peers, a more perfect picture could not be painted. Alas a stark realisation dawns upon you. You’re stuck in a Heteronormative Nightmare and you’re gay.”

Eaglemont is currently travelling all over the country supporting Bec Sandridge. Never one for sitting still, she’s also got her own single launch shows and a few other gigs besides ahead. Catch her in all the following places over the coming months.

18 October 2019 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide (supporting Bec Sandridge)
19 October 2019 – Howler, Melbourne (supporting Bec Sandridge)
25 October 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney (supporting Bec Sandridge)
26 October 2019 – UC Hub, Canberra (supporting Bec Sandridge)
8 – 10 November 2019 – Not Fest @ The Tote, Collingwood
8 November 2019 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong (supporting Bec Sandridge)
15 November 2019 – Major Toms, Kyneton (single launch)
16 November 2019 – The Eastern, Ballarat (single launch)
22 November 2019 – Howler, Brunswick (supporting Bugs)
30 November 2019 – The Grace Darling Basement, Collingwood (single launch)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Creature Fear Ease You Into Your Working Week With “Makeup”

Getting back to work after a long weekend is never easy, but Melbourne’s Creature Fear are here to blast away the blues with their feelgood new single “Makeup.” It’s got a cool ‘60s garage rock feel with a fun pop flair that makes it great fun from the first listen, but even more likeable with every subsequent spin. Trust me.

Vocalist and guitarist Cameron Graham says the song is “about feeling suppressed but experiencing an awakening that gives you an urge to want to portray yourself true to who you are.”

Creature Fear have earned a reputation as a must-see band through support slots with Killing Heidi, Ball Park Music, Kingswood, Tired Lion, The Delta Riggs, and Boo Seeka. Victorians can catch them doing their thing at the remaining shows of their single launch tour.

11 October 2019 – The Catfish, Melbourne
12 October 2019 – The Workers Club, Geelong (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get to Know Hallie Ahead of EP Tour

If you saw Holy Holy on their recent tour, you may be wondering who was the incredible young support act with the Joni Mitchell-esque vocals. That’s Hallie, and with her EP set to drop on Friday, there’s no better time to get across the music of this Brisbane-based artist.

I featured her single “Nice as Rice” a few months back, but if you missed that make sure you don’t miss her latest single “Stuck In Mud.” It’s a powerful ballad with such a strong emotional core, a fact that’s made all the more surprising when you understand it’s the only song on the EP that wasn’t inspired by Hallie’s own experiences.

“It’s about two people in a relationship that just stay because it’s comfortable, which at the time it was written, I saw a lot of in my friends’ relationships,” she explained. “I think I didn’t realise it then, but looking back this song was a bit of a metaphor for my relationship with life. I was in a bit of a lull and felt safe, but not satisfied. For me ‘Stuck in Mud’ is a reminder to get out of my comfort zone and that constant security can’t teach you much. It’s a piece full of angst, frustration and muffins, and I am so connected and proud of this piece.”

“Stuck in Mud” comes from Hallie’s debut EP, Wink Wink Nudge Nudge. To celebrate its release, Hallie will get back in the tour bus. If you missed her supporting Holy Holy or are in the mood for a second helping, these are all the dates you need.

19 October 2019 – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
25 October 2019 – Vic On The Park, Sydney (supporting Annie Hamilton)
26 October 2019 – The Foundry, Brisbane (supporting Asha Jefferies)
31 October– Strawberry Boogie @ Unibar, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GraceJean Send Spirits Soaring With “Turn Away”

The working week seems to be dragging on, but Melbourne indie folksters GraceJean are here to lift your spirits with their romantic new single “Turn Away.” Take a listen and I’m sure you’ll be captivated by their sublime harmonies and organic sound.

“Turn Away” is the first single lifted from GraceJean’s debut album Long Black Road, which drops on October 4. They’ll celebrate its release with shows in Victoria and Queensland, including a very special hometown launch show on October 5. Here are all the dates you need music lovers!

5 October 2019 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
19 October 2019 – One Tree Hill, Spring Gully
25-27 October 2019 – Tablelands Folk Festival, Yungaburra
1-3 November 2019 – Happy Wanderer Festival, Benalla
23 & 24 November 2019 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lakyn Drops Stellar New Single “Choir Girl”

Kiwi-born, Melbourne-based artist Lakyn shows tremendous growth with the release of his new single “Choir Boy,” his first new music since releasing his EP “& Pains” last year. It’s an introspective track, interesting sonically but with some really powerful lyrics front and centre.

“Choir Boy’ is about timing and being at peace with where you’re at. It’s about knowing that wherever you are with your expectations, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.” Lakyn explained.

You might have seen Lakyn supporting acts like Vera Blue, LAUV, and Eves Karydas. However, in November he’ll take top billing with his own headlining shows celebrating the single’s release. Catch him at the following venues.

7 November 2019 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
14 November 2019 – Low 302, Sydney

Image used with permission from Island Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Rock Your Socks Off With “Deranged”

South Coast indie rockers The Vanns hit all the right notes with their new single “Deranged.” Just see if you’re not ready to sing along when that chorus kicks in!

“The song came about whilst I was staying over in London and I had up until the first chorus written with a rough melody,” explained Jimmy Vann. “Once I brought the song home it took a whole new direction of meaning.”

“Deranged” comes from The Vanns’ highly anticipated debut album Through the Walls, which drops on October 25. They’ve honed their live show supporting acts like Catfish and the Bottlemen and Ocean Alley, but they’ll be in the spotlight headlining their own album shows and appearing at some hot festivals later this year.

26 October 2019 – Hidden Lanes Festival @ The Zoo, Brisbane (FREE)
26 October 2019 – Gold Coast 600, Gold Coast
2 November 2019 – Stay Gold, Melbourne (Under 18s and 18+ shows)
9 November 2019 – Djerriwarrh Festival, Melton
14 November 2019 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (18+)
15 November 2019 – Mojo’s, Perth (ALL AGES, Under 18s permitted with guardian)
16 November 2019 – The Sewing Room, Fremantle (18+)
7 December 2019 – The Metro, Sydney (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kiwi Indie Pop Act Thomston Ready for Aussie Tour

Rising Kiwi pop sensation Thomston is heading your way Australia. New Zealand bred and Los Angeles based, Thomston has really impressed me with his latest single “Casual” and the B-side “Middle Name.” I’m impressed enough when anyone drops a B-side these days, but when it stacks up like this one does you’ve got a fan in me. “Casual” comes from Thomston’s forthcoming double EP, Los Angeles and London.

“People are all over the place. One second, I want marriage and kids and a dog and a house, and the next I want to be alone. I want commitment until I don’t. ‘Casual’ is about being in a relationship with a person of a similar temperament that is just terrible on paper but part of you wants to give into the ‘what-ifs’ of a future together. It’s about wondering if commitment is all it takes,” Thomston explained.

This guy is going to be massive, so make sure you get along while he’s still playing intimate venues!

19 September 2019 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
22 September 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane