Sam Perry Announces Tour & Support Act Competition

They cop a lot of criticism, but I am avid fan of music-based reality shows. They’re one of the few places a nationwide audience can see undiscovered musical talent, and that’s nothing but positive to me. The Voice Australia has perhaps faced the most criticism, a show that enjoys great ratings but has not, as the naysayers remind us, produced a big star. Personally I think “stars” are overrated. Plenty of singers unearthed on The Voice are gigging regularly … but I digress. If The Voice Australia was ever to deliver us a bona fide star, it might be Sam Perry. Simply because he broke the mould and gave us something we’ve never seen on shows of this ilk. In fact, it’s not quite like I’ve seen anywhere else.

Vocal looping in and of itself isn’t new, but the way Sam used it to create soundscapes was incredible. He had raw talent, but I felt like working with Kelly Rowland improved him week after week. It was mentoring at its finest, the kind of thing that happens when these shows are at their best.

Too many reality TV acts fade into obscurity once the cameras stop rolling, but Sam isn’t going to go away quietly. He’s making new music which we’ll no doubt get a taste of when he plays shows around the country later this year.

“My new music is coming together well,” he said. “I have a lot to do and more to learn, but it’s exciting. I also can’t wait to tour Australia and show everyone what I have been working on.”

Sam also wants to pay his good luck forward and use his profile to give another artist a leg up. So he’s launched the Not a DJ support competition. He encourages anyone interested in supporting him on his national tour to send a demo (Soundcloud or private download link), bio, and photo to info@michaelparismgmt.com for the chance to win a place on the bill.

“Starting out as a local artist in a small town, I know all too well how hard it can be to meet the right people, and be heard amongst the already established bands,” he explained. “I’m not great at networking and there is not really a rule book to follow. All I knew, is that I wanted to perform to a room of people, that were there to listen. I can’t wait to hear all your music, and find a local support act to join me in their city on my tour around the country.”

Sam Perry will play the following shows in November and December. Tickets are available from his website. If you go, remember to arrive early enough to cheer on the support act. They might just be the next star of the future.

16 November 2018 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
17 November 2018 – Dub in the Park, Adelaide
23 November 2018 – The Helm, Sunshine Coast
24 November 2018 – 256 Wickham, Brisbane
30 November 2018 – Civic Underground, Sydney
7 December 2018 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
14 December 2018 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
21 December 2018 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach
22 December 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Caiti Baker Showcases Bold New Sound With “Gimme”

Caiti Baker is all attitude in her new single “Gimme.” It’s a track with plenty of bite, cutting vocals and a unique sound blending roots samples, grinding bass, and electronics. “Gimme” gives us an exciting taste of a brand new batch of songs from this Darwin talent.

“These tracks seemed to push themselves in a new direction for us creatively—there were more elements of trap, synths and big bass that we were really excited about, but we knew they didn’t suit what we were going for on Zinc,” said Caiti. “We decided to come back to them later with fresh ears and that’s exactly what we did.”

The new songs will drop later this year, but you can get a sneak peek on Caiti’s forthcoming tour, her biggest solo one yet. Catch her at the following venues around the country.

20 September 2018 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River
21 September 2018 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
22 September 2018 – Blues for the Bush, Perenjori
26 September 2018 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
27 September 2018 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
29 September 2018 – Caloundra Music Festival, Sunshine Coast
29 September 2018 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
4 October 2018 – Waywards, Newtown
5 October 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
6 October 2018 – Granite Town Music Festival, Moroya

Image used with permission from SGC Media; photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Peter Combe Takes Christmas Album on the Road

When I was a kid, we didn’t have giants of children’s entertainment like The Wiggles or Hi-5. They weren’t tempting us with merchandise or wearing colourful costumes. They were far more unassuming. Peter Combe might not have attracted the global fanbase of today’s kiddie megastars, but he found a special place in our hearts. So I’m sure plenty of my readers will be thrilled to hear Peter isn’t just rereleasing his beloved 1990 festive recording, Christmas Album; he’s taking the album on tour!

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of wonderful letters, emails, Facebook messages and many many more comments from families for 28 years expressing their love for this particular album,” says Peter. “I’ve been deeply touched by these expressions of love for the songs.”

“The album expresses the optimism of the Christmas message. I like to think the audiences will be uplifted by the joy expressed in the songs and the care that went into the writing them. It was a genuine labour of love. Christmas is unique in that it can be appreciated at a deep level whether you are Christian, agnostic or atheist.”

This album’s fans will know one of the things that makes its songs so special are the choirs that elevate the tracks. Determined to bring that same feel to the live shows, he’s contacted high schools in all the capitals to find great choirs to accompany him at each gig.

If you want to spend this festive season with the one and only Peter Combe, make sure you book your tickets now. Surely these nostalgic seasonal shows will sell out!

25 November 2018 – Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth
2 December 2018 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
8 December 2018 – Dunstan Playhouse @ Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide
12 December 2018 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
14 & 15 December 2018 – Wrest Point, Hobart
18 & 19 December 2018 – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Queanbeyan
21 December 2018 – Monkey Baa, Sydney

Image used with permission from Hot Off the Press Publicity

Kav Temperley Releases First Solo Single “Pollyanna”

When Kav Temperley releases music, you know you’re in good hands. The solo thing might be new for him, but the frontman of Eskimo Joe is such an accomplished musician it was never going to be a difficult transition. His new single “Pollyanna,” our first taste of his solo album All Your Devotion, is just what the doctor ordered.

“A friend once told me that our happiness is always relative, whether we live in a war zone or paradise – our happiness always swings back to the same place,” explained Kav of the song’s inspiration. “I had just lost my marriage and the band had decided to take a break, all of these things that defined me were now no longer around. It was one of the first times in my life I felt like a stranger just rolling along, but I realised that amongst all of this I was a Pollyanna, someone despite the bad news always looks on the bright side. This was a song I was singing to myself to remember to stay light.”

That headspace informs All Your Devotion, an album about figuring things out, letting ourselves be vulnerable, starting over, and moving on. It also sees Kav exploring more of a pop-folk sound than many of his previous rock releases. It sounds superb.

All Your Devotion gets a digital and vinyl release on September 28. He’ll celebrate its launch with shows all around the country. Sorry kids, they’re all strictly adults only. Snap up your tickets soon because they will not last.

5 October 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
6 October 2018 – Villa Noosa Hotel, Sunshine Coast
7 October 2018 – Public Bar @ Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (FREE)
11 October 2018 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 October 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
13 October 2018 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
19 October 2018 – Leadbelly, Sydney
20 October 2018 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Ruel Shows No Signs of Fatigue With Third EP Single & Tour

Forget about Bieber. London-born, Aussie-raised teen Ruel is creating much better music at 15 than Justin was at that age. He’s also writing the track and playing several instruments. And people are starting to take notice. Tyler, The Creator has just recruited him for his Camp Flog Knaw Festival, happening this November. But before that he’ll play shows around Australia.

If you’re not familiar with Ruel yet, his new single “Younger,” the third single lifted from his EP Ready, is the perfect introduction. It’s such smart pop music, with lyrics that speak to his core teen audience but also make people like me well past those years feel nostalgic. His voice is stellar and the production, which Ruel has a major stake in, is flawless.

See these shows while you can still catch him in small venues. This guy is destined for the stadiums. Trust me.

27 September 2018 – The Corner Hotel, Richmond (Under 18s matinee)
28 September 2018 – The Corner Hotel, Richmond (Licensed 18+)
29 September 2018 – Astor Theatre, Mt Lawley (Licensed ALL AGES)
4 October 2018 – The Gov, Hindmarsh (Licensed ALL AGES)
5 October 2018 – 256 Wickham, Fortitude Valley (Licensed ALL AGES)
10 October 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Newtown (Licensed ALL AGES)

Cookin’ On 3 Burners Teams Up With Kaiit For Funky New Single “Warning”

If “Warning” doesn’t have you grooving around your office this Friday afternoon, you’ve got more willpower than me. The latest single from Cookin’ On 3 Burners features silky smooth vocals from up-and-coming soul chanteuse Kaiit. While the musical pairing is brand new, Kaiit and the Burners developed a lasting friendship through the Dig Deep mentorship program.

This is such a cool track, one that pays tribute to the foundations of funk, jazz, and soul while somehow feeling fresh. I love it. If you do too, make sure you catch Cookin’ On 3 Burners celebrating the single’s release at the following shows.

31 August 2018 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
7 September 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
8 September 2018 – Caravan Club, Oakleigh
20 September 2018 – Leadbelly, Sydney
21 September 2018 – Mitchell Creek Rock n Blues Fest, Kandanga

Almond Soy Serve Up Tasty New Single “Silhouette”

Mondays are notoriously difficult. We’re all struggling to function after our weekends. After having a big Sunday at my local food and wine festival, I might be struggling a little more than most. But thankfully there is music to help fire me up. Today Perth outfit Almond Soy have helped drag me into the land of the living. After listening to so much sleepy music, their energetic new single “Silhouette” has fired me up.

This is such infectiously good stuff, full of catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and an irresistible 80s pop vibe. Our first taste of Almond Soy’s music following their debut EP Social Misfits, released earlier this year, it shows the Perth band is heading in the right musical direction. Catch them at the following shows this month.

16 August 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
17 August 2018 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Last Chance Rock N’ Roll Bar, Melbourne
24 August 2018 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Bad Juju Ready to Rock for EP Shows

With their debut EP Hidden Desire recently released and a headlining tour kicking off in a couple of weeks, there’s no better time to get to know Melbourne punk rockers Bad Juju.

You might have caught the fantastic single “Moving On” on Triple J. But there’s more where that came from though; another five heavy-hitting tracks make up this stellar EP.

Hidden Desire explores how people deal with loss, anxiety, and depression, but moves into pushing these issues aside and trying to change our lives for the better, thinking positively going forward,” Bad Juju explained. “The record is themed around the idea that you can never truly know what is happening inside another person’s head. They can seem fine on the outside and hide their true self.”

Fresh from their EP launch party with Trophy Eyes, Bad Juju will play Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney in the coming weeks.

17 August 2018 – Foxxy Dolphin, Melbourne
18 August 2018 – West Thebby, Adelaide
30 August 2018 – Marly Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Chill Out With Black Bird Hum’s Newie “Say You Want”

Is there anything more appropriate for a lazy Saturday than some sweet reggae tunes? If you’re chilling out too, wrap you ears around “Say You Want,” the cooler-than-cool new single from Sydney’s own Black Bird Hum.

“The lyrics start off from a pretty standard boy meets girl angle, but the story had a bit of a mind of its own and by the time the bridge comes around, it’s pretty clear our hero just isn’t getting the message that the girl’s not vibing on him. You want him to move on but he doesn’t,” explained singer Jon Panic. “ And then we’ve run out verses to write his redemption in, so we have to leave him hanging with that tension. Maybe there needs to a Part 2 to this track where he comes good.”

Fresh from shows around the snowfields, Black Bird Hum are preparing to play in warmer cities in New South Wales and Queensland. Chase away the winter chills with Black Bird Hum at the following shows.

10 August 2018 – Venue 505, Sydney
26 August 2018 – Liverpool Street Festival, Liverpool
26 August 2018 – Steyne Hotel, Manly
14 September 2018 – Nimbin Roots Festival, Nimbin
14 September 2018 – SOL Bar, Maroochydoore
15 September 2018 – Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna
16 September 2018 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

“Love Monster” – Amy Shark

Amy Shark’s Love Monster may be the most anticipated Aussie album of the year. Every single she released quickly climbed the ARIA charts, attracting airplay and accolades along the way. Those songs set the bar so high, I wondered whether her debut LP could possibly match my expectations. But the Gold Coast singer-songwriter delivers here.

Love Monster was destined to be one of the biggest releases of the year, but its sound is refreshingly small and intimate. While Amy plays with beats and electronic sounds, she doesn’t overdo it. That ensures we can really hone in on the lyrics, which is where Love Monster really excels. The songs feel like diary entries, intimate confessions about relationships and moments in time that she’s sharing with us. Coupled with Amy’s honest vocal delivery, these songs move you. And isn’t that really the most important thing?

Every track here is so, so good. I didn’t quite expect that. When singles shine so brightly you expect the album they’re lifted from to contain some fillers. But I can honestly say that I love every track on Love Monster. I ordinarily pick out standouts and wax lyrical about them, but singling songs out would seem unfair to the ones I didn’t mention. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by “Psycho,” the song she recorded with Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. I can hear the Blink-182 influence, but it’s restrained in this delicate number. I’ve always been a sucker for a great duet, and this is a great duet.

Love Monster is a beautiful album, raw, real, and relatable. It’s in stores and all your favourite digital retailers now. She’s touring almost everywhere over the coming months. Here are all the dates you need!

3 August 2018 – Osheaga, Montreal
4 August 2018 – Lollapalooza, Chicago
24 August 2018 – HQ, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Metropolis, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
30 & 31 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
1 & 2 September 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (Limited tickets for 2nd)
6 & 7 September 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (Limited tickets for 6th)
8 September 2018 – Nightquarter, Gold Coast
13 September 2018 – Powerstation, Auckland
14 September 2018 – Foundry, Christchurch
15 September 2018 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
21 September 2018 – Life is Beautiful, Las Vegas
23 September 2018 – Wonder Ballroom, Portland
24 September 2018 – Neptune, Seattle
25 September 2018 – Imperial, Vancouver
26 September 2018 – Capital Ballroom, Victoria
28 September 2018 – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
1 October 2018 – House of Blues, San Diego
2 October 2018 – El Rey, Los Angeles
5 October 2018 – Amsterdam Bar & Hall, St. Paul
8 October 2018 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
10 October 2018 – Underground Arts, Philadelphia
12 October 2018 – Irving Plaza, New York
13 October 2018 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
3 November 2018 – This That Festival, Newcastle
16 January 2019 – Knust, Hamburg
17 January 2019 – Festsaal Kreuzberg, Berlin
19 January 2019 – Strom, Munich
20 January 2019 – Plaza, Zurich
21 January 2019 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
23 January 2019 – Luxor, Cologne
24 January 2019 – Badaboum, Paris
25 January 2019 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
27 January 2019 – Rotonde Botanique, Brussels
29 January 2019 – O2 Institute 3, Birmingham
30 January 2019 – Heaven, London
1 February 2019 – Gorilla, Manchester

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia