Tour Announcements – Page 5

Posted on 31/10/202531/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Cheeky Leash Spread Sunshine With “Change”

After a few gloomy cold days, I’m happy to see some sunshine in my part of Australia in time for the weekend. It’s the perfect weather for hitting the beach, and the perfect time to blast “Change,” the latest single from Woolyungah/Wollongong quartet Cheeky Leash. It’s got such a fun, upbeat vibe, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll realise it’s a little deeper than you might think.

“The song ‘Change’ is rooted in the cost-of-living crisis and reflects how society has become so focused on getting ahead that we’ve lost a sense of connection with each other,” the band explained. “It’s a metaphor for transformation whether that’s personal growth, the evolving world, or even the band’s own musical development. There’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age film feel to the track and lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. Lines like ‘Still searching for change…’ play on the dual meanings of spare money and a deeper desire for societal change, making it resonate differently depending on the listener’s own experiences.”

Cheeky Leash will celebrate the release of “Change” with a whole stack of shows this November and December, including headlining performances and concerts supporting South Summit. Expect plenty of good vibes at the following gigs.

6 November 2025 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
7 November 2025 – Elsewhere ‘Bespoke,’ Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
8 November 2025 – Solbar, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
14 November 2025 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting South Summit)
15 November 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting South Summit)
16 November 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
22 November 2025 – Felons Barrel Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
23 November 2025 – Hotel Steyne Upstairs Beach Club, Gayamegal Country/Manly (FREE)
28 November 2025 – Dissent Cafe & Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
29 November 2025 – Marlin Hotel, Murramurrang Country/Ulladulla
5 December 2025 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
12 December 2025 – Gage Roads Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)

Photo credit: Tiarna Stahmer

Posted on 21/10/202523/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Paper Cuts” – Lyn Bowtell

If the buzz surrounding the Australian premiere of The Golden Bachelor has taught it’s anything, it’s that Aussies want to hear from people who’ve lived a life. The Taylor Swifts and Sabrina Carpenters of the world might dominate the charts, but there’s perhaps a more important place for releases from seasoned talents like Lyn Bowtell. At almost 50, Lyn is sharing some of her most personal stories with the release of Paper Cuts.

The album’s name is so telling. Some say paper cuts are the worst kind. They sting while the rest of the world barely notices. But they heal, and you keep moving forward. In that spirit, Paper Cuts explores themes of pain and resilience.

Lyn eases us into the gritty stuff with the fun single “Cold Shiver” and uplifting blues number “I’m Here.” But by the time her Bella sisters Kate Ballyntyne and Karen O’Shea join her for “I Don’t Want to Stay,” she starts peeling back the layers. Lyn wraps some of the hardest-hitting words in upbeat music. The ukulele in “Small” feels playful, but its lyrics exploring insecurities are so vulnerable and relatable. “Scene of the Crime” has a cool country-rock feel, but it tells a powerful personal story drawn from Lyn’s own experiences of domestic violence, coercive control, and alcoholism. Paper Cuts also has some beautiful quiet moments, including the piano ballad “Ordinary” and the uplifting acoustic “Ride.”

There seems to be so much of Lyn in this album that it’s interesting that the final track, “Paper Cut,” is the only one with a solo songwriting credit. However, when talking about “Scene of the Crime” she explained that the song was too raw and personal to finish alone. I imagine many of the tracks had a similar songwriting journey. Lyn’s collaborators have helped her create an album which shares so much wisdom and makes a profound emotional impact.

Paper Cuts is out now. Lyn is currently on tour to support its release. See her anywhere you can.

Images used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on 15/10/202514/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Fanny Lumsden Celebrates Career With Retrospective Single “Look At Me Now”

Fanny Lumsden has already had an impressive career that’s taken her from a wool farm in Dhalymbang/Tallimba in central New South Wales all the way to the Glastonbury stage, but she’s not done yet. She reflects on her journey to this point with her fabulous new single “Look At Me Now,” which she recorded while touring Europe.

“This is a love letter to my younger self. The amount of ‘nos’ I experienced in this industry is wild and every single one I am grateful for because they made me the person and artist I am today. Not the wins but all the losses, the struggles and the hard moments,” she said. “I think it’s also a reminder that ‘success’ can be an illusion and really you can find success in every step along the way. It’s a cliche but I’m feeling reflective and grateful that I can still be driving the van, self-managed, doing my own make up in the rear-view mirror and yet doing the biggest shows of my career all at the same time.”

“I wanted this song to feel real and hopeful and authentic to my live band who do all the miles with me and load the van and see the lows as well as the highs. Recording it was a crazy process of fitting in recording sessions whilst on the road. So, we are very grateful to Matt Fell for wielding his magic and helping us make it happen.”

Fanny recently wrapped up an Aussie tour with Paul Kelly, but she’s not one to sit idle for too long. She’ll support Rob Thomas in November and play the country music festival in Calala/Tamworth before headlining a string of shows next February. Here are all the dates you need Fanny fans!

3 November 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Bulanaming/Newtown (SOLD OUT – supporting Rob Thomas)
4 November 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Bulanaming/Newtown (supporting Rob Thomas)
5 November 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Bulanaming/Newtown (supporting Rob Thomas)
24 January 2026 – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ Tamworth Town Hall, Calala/Tamworth
6 February 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
7 February 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 February 2026 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
14 February 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 February 2026 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
21 February 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on 30/09/202501/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Touring Oz and NZ After “Street Shark” EP Release

One of Australia’s hardest working bands, Bootleg Rascal are back with a brand new EP and tour. Street Shark is a genre-bending seven-track collection of songs featuring Sounds of Oz favourites “Stepping,” “From the Very Start,” and “Drip Your Love.” With so many twists and turns, I know you’ll find some tunes to vibe with on this one.

It seems like Bootleg Rascal are always on the road, so they weren’t going to miss the opportunity to play for you all to support Street Shark’s release. After wrapping up their Western Australian shows last weekend, they’ve got their sights set on the East Coast and Aotearoa/New Zealand. Catch Bootleg Rascal at one of the following shows:

10 October 2025 – Beach Road Hotel, Eora/Sydney
11 October 2025 – Oktoberfest @ Polytech Stadium, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (11am session)
24 October 2025 – Finnian’s Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie
25 October 2025 – The Station Board Store, Dhanggati/Crescent Head
6 November 2025 – The Loons, Christchurch
7 & 8 November 2025 – Dunedin Beer Festival @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Ōtepoti/Dunedin
9 November 2025 – Yonder, Queenstown
27 November 2025 – Bombies @ Harbord Hotel, Garigal/Freshwater
29 November 2025 – Kahibah Sports Club, Awabakal Country/Kahibah
5 December 2025 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
6 December 2025 – Punters Club, Eora/Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on 17/09/202517/09/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Infinity Song Announce Aussie Return

After wowing crowds on their first Australian tour in late 2024, New York sibling quartet Infinity Song are preparing for a return visit. They’ll touch down for a string of intimate shows, including their first in Boorloo/Perth, early next year.

If you’re not already across Infinity Song, let me get you up to speed. They started out busking around New York City before Jay-Z signed them to his Roc Nation label. Their music is a beautiful retro throwback with sublime harmonies that have seen them compared to acts like the Mamas and the Papas and the Fifth Dimension. It’s like nothing people are making now, yet it’s seen them take stages at festivals like Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo.

While their Aussie venues are slightly bigger this time around, they’re still intimate enough for you to appreciate the special music this four-piece creates. If you missed out last time, don’t make the same mistake this tour. Tickets are on sale now for all Infinity Song’s upcoming Aussie shows:

30 January 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
31 January 2025 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne
1 February 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 February 2025 – Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on 11/09/202526/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Chill For a Bit With Bumpy’s “Cosy Comfy”

I’ve been following Bumpy’s beautiful music for nearly three years, so it’s amazing to me that she hasn’t yet released a debut album. Rest assured though, it’s on its way. Before she does, she’s offering us a taste of her latest music with the gorgeous new single “Cosy Comfy.” As its name suggests, this one wraps around you like a warm blanket and encourages you to take a little “me” time.

“The pressure on creatives is ever growing – stretching platforms and content. Sometimes the wheel is running so fast you don’t know how to get off it,” Bumpy acknowledged. “This song is a reminder that things can be slow. You can choose to change your pace at any point. And sometimes all ya gotta do is rug up in your favourite sweater and sit outside with a cuppa.”

“Cosy Comfy” comes from Bumpy’s debut album Kanana, a Noongar phrase meaning “land where the sun sets,” which drops on October 3. It’s available to pre-order now. Bumpy will bring her music to the following events over the next couple of months.

19 September 2025 – NGV Friday Nights @ NGV International, Naarm/Melbourne
25 October 2025 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
1 November 2025 – PIJF Block Party @ Perth International Jazz Festival, Urban Orchard, Boorloo/Perth
7-9 November 2025 – Hopkins Creek Festival, Taungurung Country/Hopkins Creek
21-23 November 2025 – Strawberry Fields, Yorta Yorta Country/Tocumwal

Photo credit: Emily Dynes

Posted on 10/09/202526/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Shows There’s Life After Idol With “In My Blood”

Jake Whittaker won the hearts of the nation on the last series of Australian Idol. However, I can’t help but think he might have gone even further than the top six if he were playing his originals. His latest single “In My Blood” is better than any cover he delivered on that program. Take a listen!

Jake cowrote this song with James Johnston, who also featured on Australian Idol many, many moons ago (the true fans never forget!)

“The phrase popped into my head earlier that day, and I knew I wanted to use it,” Jake said. “This one’s about me—but it’s for everyone. We’ve all got something that runs in our blood. For me, it’s country music and country life. For someone else, it might be horses, cars, go-karting … whatever it is, that’s where we connect.”

Jake says this song, the first he’s released since appearing on Idol, is the start of a new chapter for him. He’ll celebrate it with a bunch of shows in the coming months leading up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in the New Year. Here are all the places you can see him playing his choice originals and perhaps a few of those covers you know and love.

13 September 2025 – Flame Festival @ Jimboomba Park, Gimboomba/Jimboomba
4 October 2025 – Urban Country Music Festival @ Caboolture Showgrounds, Kabi Kabi Country/Caboolture
29 November 2025 – Preston Country Clash @ Preston Community Centre, Lutruwita/Preston
17 January 2026 – moonshiners, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on 05/09/202526/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Teenage Joans Release Perfect Pop-Punk Track, “My Heart’s Dead!”

It’s been too long since I’ve posted some angsty female-fronted rock music. Teenage Joans always deliver that energy, and their latest single “My Heart’s Dead!” is right up there with their best. Crank this one up and sing it at the top of your lungs!

“We basically posed the question – what if Kesha made a song with Blink 182?” Teenage Joans said. “We really wanted to write a song where there are three main vocal hooks that repeat throughout the whole song and layer over each other at the end for a huge singalong that people can easily pick up at our live shows.”

Speaking of live shows, there’s a stack to come with Teenage Joans supporting Slowly Slowly all around the country before headlining their own tour. It all kicks off tonight, so be there or live with some serious regrets!

5 September 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston (supporting Slowly Slowly)
6 September 2025 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koloait/Barwon Heads (supporting Slowly Slowly)
11 September 2025 – McGuires Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay (supporting Slowly Slowly)
12 September 2025 – The Warehouse Bandroom, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville (supporting Slowly Slowly)
13 September 2025 – Tanks Art Centre, Yidinji Country/Edge Hill (supporting Slowly Slowly)
18 September 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting Slowly Slowly)
19 September 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart (SOLD OUT – supporting Slowly Slowly)
20 September 2025 – Forth Pub, Lutruwita/Forth (supporting Slowly Slowly)
25 October 2o25 – Harvest Rock Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide
31 October 2025 – Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 November 2025 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
8 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 November 2025 – Waywards Ballroom, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Planetary Group

Posted on 01/09/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“All That’s In My Head” – The VANNS

You know you’re in good hands when The VANNS release music. All That’s In My Head is album number three, a killer collection of songs which prove they’re one of the best rock bands on the local landscape.

The Yuin Nation/South Coast act recorded this one across two full-on two-week recording sessions in London and Woolyungah/Wollongong. You know what they say about pressure creating diamonds though. That concentrated effort gives this album a focus and clarity which is so compelling. It sucks you in from the opening guitar riff of the single “Accomplice” and doesn’t let go. I love the way this band produces such easy listening rock music that has such tension and intensity simmering just below the surface. Jimmy Vann’s in fine voice, rising to the occasion of the gruelling recording sessions alongside his bandmates. After 10 years together they work together like a well-oiled machine, creating fantastic music that sounds effortless.

Keep listening and you’ll soon realise this album has a lot more than the singles on offer. That slick bassline on “Golden Eyes.” Those massive chords that wake you up from the cruisy coastal rock vibes and force you to pay attention to “For God’s Sake.” The yearning dripping from Jimmy’s vocals in “In and Out.” And so it goes. There’s something special about every one of these songs, and the more you listen the more you find to appreciate.

When I tell people that The VANNS are one of the best rock acts on the scene, I still get blank stares from my contemporaries, so I’m going to say it again: The VANNS are one of the best rock acts on the scene. All That’s In My Head cements their reputation with its blend of energetic bangers and sombre, sensitive moments, all delivered with exceptional musicianship and heart.

All That’s In My Head is out now. The VANNS will take these songs on the road in the back half of the year and through to 2026, but venues are selling fast so don’t procrastinate to get your tickets.

5 October 2025 – Wanderer Festival @ Pambula Beach, Panboola/Pambula
24 October 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
25 October 2025 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
31 October 2025 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 November 2025 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
7 November 2025 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
8 November 2025 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 November 2025 – McGuires, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
14 November 2025 – The Warehouse, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
15 November 2025 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
20 November 2025 – Wrest Point Casino, Nipaluna/Hobart
21 November 2025 – Forth Pub 10th Anniversary Celebration @ Forth Pub, Lutruwita/Forth
28 November 2025 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 November 2025 – King St Bandroom, Mulbinba/Newcastle
13 December 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
2 January 2026 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie
9 January 2026 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
10 January 2026 – Dee Why RSL, Dharug Country/Dee Why
15 January 2026 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay
16 January 2026 – Pilly Bar, Monmar/Frankston
17 January 2026 – Westernport Hotel, Yallock-Bulluk/San Remo
24 January 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra

Images used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on 31/08/202525/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Kathleen Halloran Wows Me With “Cost of Living”

Sometimes you hear an artist and you wonder how on earth they’ve possible escaped your attention. How are they not the biggest thing on the planet? Because they’re just that good. Kathleen Halloran, a singer-songwriter from Naarm/Melbourne, is one of those artists. With her new single “Cost of Living,” she has very quickly won my heart. It’s such an exquisite folk ballad, I’ve found myself hitting play several times for another hit. And I’ve got to shout out Ross Irwin, of the Cat Empire and the Bamboos, for that beautiful string arrangement which takes this song to the next level.

“It’s a soaring, soul-baring track that dives deep into the creative life — the highs, lows, doubt, and beauty of following your own artistic path,” Kathleen explained. “It’s deeply personal, but universal for anyone walking an unconventional road.”

Kathleen has some exciting shows coming up, so make sure you see her play anywhere you can:

31 August 2025 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngambri/Canberra (with Taylor Sheridan)
11 September 2025 – Adelaide Guitar Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 September 2025 – Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti @ Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntaya/Adelaide
26 September 2025 – Westernport Hotel, Millowl/Phillip Island
25 October 2025 – Live in the Glen @ Glengarry Hall, Gunaikurnai Country/Glengarry

Image used with permission from Kathleen Halloran