Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Storm Boy” – Xavier Rudd

Now with his ninth album under his belt, Xavier Rudd should be considered a veteran of the Aussie music scene. You might assume after releasing so much music, he might be lacking inspiration or struggling to find vital things to say. Storm Boy proves neither is true. Far from showing signs of fatigue, he might be making his best music yet. The press release notes that he’s found love, so perhaps that’s inspired him. Whatever the reason, Storm Boy is a joy to listen to.

It starts so strong with the current single “Walk Away,” a stirring anthem that tugs at the heart string. The next track “Keep it Simple” switches gears. It has such powerful lyrics about unity, with a cool electric reggae vibe. The album likes to keep us guessing like that, never keeping us in the same place for too long.

The delicate title track might be my favourite, with its life lessons and references to the famous Colin Thiele novel. While he’s more than capable of doing a big electric epic, I think Xavier is strongest he pares things back in songs like this, “Honeymoon Bay” and “Best That I Can.” However, the bigger numbers add some balance.

This is an album not just of big songs but also songs of big importance. “Gather the Hands” is such a moving call to arms, a track which addresses our relationships with our indigenous brothers and sisters and how we move forward together. “True to Yourself” is another insightful masterstroke, a tender folky ballad with a heart of gold. The second verse about a homeless man really resonated with me.

“True Love” might be the most personal song on the album, a reflection on that love the press release touched on. It manages to be both epic and intimate at the same time. Musically there’s so much going on, an orchestra with everything from violins to sitars coming together. But its lyrics are so personal, and they keep the song centred.

After such a powerhouse song, it’s only fitting that Xavier goes back to the kind of small, delicate music he’s famous for with the album’s final track. “Times Like These” has such powerful lyrics about what is true in this world, so it’s only fitting that they take centre stage. It’s a beautiful song, and the perfect final track for what is such a beautiful album.

I’ve listened to Storm Boy at least 10 times now but I keep finding new things to appreciate about it. It’s one of those special releases that only grows richer over time. Start listening now so you’re all across is when Xavier tours the country later this year.

2 August 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra
3 August 2018 – Uni Hall, Wollongong
4 August 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
5 August 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
10 August 2018 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
11 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
12 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
17 August 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart
18 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong
27 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
23 November 2018 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
24 November 2018 – 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tipsy Scholars Announce Aussie and UK EP Shows

The Tipsy Scholars are shaking up the indie folk scene with their debut EP Nowhere to Be. It’s an exciting release with beautiful songs littered with pop culture references and rich harmonies. While the single “Cold Hands” was a crowd-pleaser, I think “Modern Anxiety” is my favourite track. It speaks so eloquently about our fast-paced tech-obsessed world and how the very devices that are meant to enhance our lives can make us long for a simpler time. Just make sure you heed that explicit lyrics warning; it’s not the sort of thing you want to crank in a conservative office!

The Tipsy Scholars are celebrating the Nowhere to Be’s recent release with their biggest tour yet. Not content with 12 dates along our east coast, the Aussies will follow up the local shows with dates across the United Kingdom.

16 June 2018 – Festival Allsorts, Canberra
29 June 2018 – Moonshine, Sydney
7 July 2018 – Bar 33, Melbourne
20 July 2018 – BMEC, Bathurst
26 July 2018 – UniBar, Wollongong
28 July 2018 – Polish Club, Canberra
2 August 2018 – Hamilton Station, Newcastle
3 August 2018 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
5 August 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
9 August 2018 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
10 August 2018 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
17 August 2018 – Whelans, Dublin
24 August 2018 – The Bowery, Dublin
31 August – 1 September 2018 – Deeside Music Festival, Aberdeen
2 September 2018 – Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow
5 September 2018 – The George Orwell, Dundee
8 September 2018 – The Luna, London
14 September 2018 – The Eagle Inn, Manchester
15 September 2018 – The Spice of Life, London

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club On Tour For Late Teens

Press Club haven’t long wrapped up a national tour with The Smith Street Band, but they’re already itching to get back on stage. The Melbourne indie punk-rock act will headline their own East Coast tour to celebrate the recent release of their debut album Late Teens and the single of the same name.

The song “Late Teens” drops with a music video celebrating the best of Australia. Featuring footage filmed on the band’s most recent lap of the nation, it’s the sort of thing that makes you pretty proud to hail from this wide brown land. It also shows you just what you can create from the back seat of touring vans and airport gate lounges!

If you missed them with The Smith Street Band or you’re ready for a second helping, catch Press Club at the following gigs.

6 July 2018 – The Chippo Hotel, Sydney
7 July 2018 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
26 July 2018 – Strawberry Boogie, Wollongong
27 July 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
4 August 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane

Image credit: Zoe Yeoman

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

White Summer Announce Album Launch Shows

They’ve supported the likes of British India, Holy Holy, and Kingswood, and made a splash on community radio with their singles “Zero in Tennis,” “Talk Me Through,” and “Out of Phase.” Now with the recent release of their debut album Soul Breaker, White Summer are showing music lovers why they’re a band worthy of the hype.

The singles might have had breakout success, but the whole album is so strong, with great rock riffs, powerful vocals, and the kind of songs that feel like old favourites from the first listen.

They’ve supported some massive acts, but now that Soul Breaker has dropped it’s only fitting that White Summer step into the spotlight. It’s out now, but they’ll officially launch it with the following shows.

23 June 2018 – The Toff, Melbourne
29 June 2018 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
30 June 2018 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Counting Sheep” – Mariah McCarthy

Breaking away from her acclaimed band Deer Prudence, Mariah McCarthy shows he has what it takes to stand on her own two feet with the release of her solo EP Counting Sheep.

The title track bolts out of the gate, instantly sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. It’s a driving folk ditty that perfectly encapsulates the frustrations and random thoughts that take hold when sleep eludes us. The single “Hail Mary” already charmed me, and it’s every bit as enchanting when heard in its context on the EP. The following track “At Peace” got me. I’m not sure whether Mariah has lived through losing someone through suicide as I have, but her lyrics took me back to that dark, painful chapter. It’s a real gift to be able to move people with your music that way. I love the gentle treatment and innocence of “Caught in the Rain,” and the next track, “Siren Song,” beautifully expresses those feelings we’ve all had when we just can’t resist someone. The gentle, delicate “Seeking Refuge” draws the listener in. It’s such a gorgeous, intimate number. “1821” is the perfect closer, exploring themes of history and our place in the world.

At seven tracks, perhaps Counting Sheep should be considered a mini-album rather than an EP. I can’t imagine it any shorter though, because every track is a stand-out. Mariah is an artist with so much to say and a charming folk sound that makes what she’s sharing with us a joy to hear.

Counting Sheep is available on May 25. Mariah McCarthy will support its release with the following shows.

26 May 2018 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 May 2018 – Taproom, Castlemaine
2 June 2018 – Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo
16 June 2018 – Martian’s Cafe, Deans Marsh
17 June 2018 – The Door Gallery Cafe, Geelong
22 June 2018 – The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield
30 June 2018 – Kilmore Celtic Festival, Kilmore
1 July 2018 – Gypsy Bar, Echuca
13 July 2018 – Oscar’s Alehouse, Belgrav

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dream on Dreamer Drop New Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Release

I don’t know how your Humpday is going, but mine is one that deserves some heavy rock. Big riffs and pounding drums, like those provided by Dream on Dreamer’s new single “Let It In,” are just perfect for echoing a little mid-week frustration.

“Let It In” comes from the Melbourne band’s fourth studio album It Comes and Goes, which is set to drop on May 25. The band say it’s their “most intimate and personal full-length to date,” so it’s sure to be something special.

Dream on Dreamer will waste no time bringing their new music to the masses, with dates all around the country this winter. Check them out at the following pubs and clubs.

31 May 2018 – Factory Floor, Sydney
1 June 2018 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith
8 June 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 June 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
15 June 2018 – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide
16 June 2018 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
22 June 2018 – Elliots Bar, Ringwood
23 June 2018 – Pelican Bar, Frankston
30 June 2018 – The Brightside, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sons of the East Announce Fleeting Visit Home

Sons of the East have been wowing crowds in the United States following their appearance at South by Southwest, but we won’t need to wait too long to see them. The Sydney indie-folk trio are heading home for three shows before jetting off to the United Kingdom in August.

With the band putting the finishing touches on a new EP, these gigs are likely to be the perfect place to road-test some new material. Look forward to hearing some new stuff and plenty of your old favourites at the following shows.

9 June 2018 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
14 June 2018 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
30 June 2018 – Mojo’s Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from IMC Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nothing Fishy About Neon Tetra’s New Single

Funky Adelaide outfit Neon Tetra are spreading good vibes with the release of their single “The End Begins Again.”

Taken from their forthcoming EP Pollen, “The End Begins Again” showcases the band’s commitment to feel-good music with infectious grooves. Josh Allen’s vocals seem to be able to go anywhere and that sax line is irresistible.

The music video sees Neon Tetra joining forces with Mickey Mason of Corduroy Productions.

“As soon as the music is ready, Mickey gets a first listen. Coming up with some wonderfully bizarre concepts that make the process a lot of fun. We’re big fans of his fresh produce,” the band said in the presser. “The music video is an expression of what the record is all about. Dancing, love and expressing yourself. Not taking life too seriously. The entire clip was shot on Super 8 film, creating a warming tone that ties in with the late ‘70s, early ‘80s pop feel of the release.”

Neon Tetra will celebrate the single’s release with the following shows, kicking off in their hometown this week.

5 May 2018 – Chateau Apollo, Adelaide
25 May 2018 – Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast
26 May 2018 – Netherworld, Brisbane
27 May 2018 – The Evelyn, Melbourne (MATINEE)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Forms The Fireside Disciples for New “Campfire” Album

Kasey Chambers is embracing her roots with her latest album Campfire, recorded with her new band The Fireside Disciplines. The Fireside Disciples are some of Kasey’s favourite musicians: longtime touring mate Brandon Dodd, longtime family friend and Indigenous elder Alan Pigram, and her dad and greatest musical inspiration Bill Chambers.

“I grew up in the remote outback of Australia living a unique lifestyle isolated from civilisation. The campfire was the heart of our existence: for survival, creativity, inspiration,” Kasey explained of the album’s inspiration. “We hunted all our own food and then cooked it on the campfire. My brother and I did all our schooling via correspondence around the campfire. We used the campfire for warmth and light. We gathered around the campfire at night to play songs together as a family. Our connection to music and the land has developed through and around the campfire since I was born, so it has always stayed with me as a special part of my life.”

“The Campfire Song” gives us our first taste of the album. It’s such a beautiful, raw piece of music which makes you feel nostalgic from the get-go.

Campfire drops on April 27. Kasey Chambers and the Fireside Disciples will play shows just about everywhere to support its release.

23 May 2018 – Casino RSM, Casino
24 May 2018 – Coffs Ex-Services Club, Coffs Harbour
25 May 2018 – Club Forster, Forster
26 May 2018 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
31 May 2018 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
1 June 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
2 June 2018 – Swan PACC, Swan Hill
3 June 2018 – Mildura MAC, Mildura
14 June 2018 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
15 June 2018 – The Cube, Campbelltown
16 June 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
17 June 2018 – Ulladulla Services Club, Ulladulla
21 June 2018 – Seymour Centre, Sydney
22 June 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
23 June 2018 – Panthers, Bathurst
24 June 2018 – Canberra Playhouse Theatre, Canberra
28 June 2018 – The Event Centre, Caloundra
29 June 2018 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
1 July 2018 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
5 July 2018 – The Desert Cave, Coober Pedy
7 July 2018 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
11 July 2018 – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston
12 July 2018 – Burrinja Theatre, Upwey
13 July 2018 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
14 July 2018 – The Playhouse GPAC, Geelong
19 July 2018 – Albury Theatre, Albury
21 July 2018 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
2 August 2018 – Northern Festival Theatre, Port Pirie
3 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
4 August 2018 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
5 August 2018 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
9 August 2018 – Tanks, Cairns
15 August 2018 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warrigal
17 August 2018 – Regent Theatre, Yearram
18 August 2018 – Wonthaggi Arts Centre, Wonthaggi

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderers Drop Retro Soul Single Ahead of Aussie Tour

Adelaide outfit Wanderers have me feeling nostalgic with their new single “Off My Back.” It feels a little Hall & Oates, smooth, soulful, and so easy to listen to.

This track really is fresh out of the oven, coming from a recording session in January 2018 at Adelaide’s Wundenberg Studios. Having spent much of 2017 on the road, the guys were no doubt happy to be back at home, and that ease and relaxation shines through the single.

It won’t be too long before we see them back on stage though. Wanderers will tour “Off My Back” all around the country in the coming months.

26 April 2018 – Marly Bar, Newton
28 April 2018 – The Gumball Festival, Hunter Valley
3 May 2018 – Upstairs @ the Gaso, Melbourne
4 May 2018 – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo
5 May 2018 – Grampians Grape Escape, Halls Gap
6 May 2018 – Bay Pizzaria, Port MacDonald
18 May 2018 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
19 May 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
20 May 2018 – Four5Nine, Perth WA
1 June 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
2 June 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay
9 June 2018 – Grace Emily, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Little Acorn Music; credit: Jack Fenby