Xavier Rudd Drops New Single Ahead of Album Tour

Have you got your tickets for Xavier Rudd’s upcoming tour yet? If not, his new single “Honeymoon Bay” might just give you the push you need. It’s the sort of rollicking folk song made for road trips that Xavier delivers so well.

“’Honeymoon Bay’ reminds me of the magic of our earth,” he explained. “I began writing it deep In the Kimberly northwest Australia whilst viewing ancient rock art and then wrapped it up filming the clip surfing perfect waves while immersed in the beautiful culture of Fiji. Pure magic!”

What a life, right? I was only just in the South Pacific, but the film clip has me itching to return.

Xavier Rudd kicks off his Storm Boy album tour next month.

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

360 Takes Vintage Modern Shows All Around Australia

Listening to 360’s most recent album Vintage Modern, I wonder why it wasn’t on my radar on its release last year. I started listening when news of his tour and the recent single release of “Money” hit my inbox. However, listening to a single song in isolation only gives you a superficial understanding of the kind of music 360 is making these days.

While he’s always been an artist with something to say, I think some of his most profound songs can be found here. Tracks like “Admission,” “Trouble,” and “Tiny Angel,” one of the most gut-wrenchingly powerful songs I’ve ever heard, are standouts. These tracks are just some of the reasons you’ll want to get in on Vintage Modern’s forthcoming national regional tour. The news he’s bringing Pez, who appears on “Coup De Grace” is another big tick in this tour’s favour.

Tickets are on sale now from 360’s website.

22 August 2018 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 August 2018 – Taphouse, Bendigo
24 August 2018 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong
25 August 2018 – The Pier, Frankston
30 August 2018 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
31 August 2018 – The Beery, Terrigal
1 September 2018 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
2 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
5 September 2018 – The Station, Jindabyne
6 September 2018 – Mr Wolf, Canberra
7 September 2018 – Waves, Wollongong
8 September 2018 – Kinross Woolshed, Albury
14 September 2018 – Discovery, Darwin
15 September 2018 – Gap View Hotel, Alice Springs
19 September 2018 – Wintersun, Geraldton
21 September 2018 – Metropolis, Fremantle
22 September 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
23 September 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
27 September 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
28 September 2018 – Villa, Noosa
29 September 2018 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
30 September 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay
5 October 2018 – Granada Tavern, Hobart
6 October 2018 – Club 54, Launceston

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Bad Juju Delivers Good Juju With “Moving On” Single

If you haven’t heard it on Triple J yet, make sure you wrap your ears around “Moving On,” the new single from Melbourne’s Bad Juju. It’s a ball-tearer of a track, full of punk attitude and catchy hooks.

“Moving On” comes from Bad Juju’s debut EP Hidden Desire, which isn’t too far away! It’ll drop on July 13, the same day the band kicks off a series of capital city shows. After honing their live show supporting acts like Dream On Dreamer, Trophy Eyes, and Columbus, Bad Juju are in fine form. Get in on the ground floor, because these guys could be big.

13 July 2018 – The Workers Club, Melbourne (with Trophy Eyes)
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

PLTS Pulls Me In With “Maelstrom”

With Byron Bay band PLTS kicking off their East Coast single tour tonight, I figured I’d better introduce you to their kick-arse new song! “Maelstrom” is such a great indie rock anthem which sees the lads wearing their hearts on their sleeves and being a little more vulnerable than we’ve seen in the past.

“Writing this track proved the most challenging process we’ve navigated as a group to date, this shines through in a strong theme of melancholy,” they explained. “We chose to focus on a water theme, it’s such as significant theme in our personal lives and also is a great representation of the unpredictable nature and challenges in navigating the creation of music and in particular, this track. It’s a high-energy song and we can’t wait to convert that energy in to the live space. Delve beneath the surface and see things from the other side. Let the Maelstrom pull you in.”

If you like what you hear, make sure you get up close and personal with the band at one of their intimate single shows.

6 July 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane
12 July 2018 – Waywards Bar, Sydney
14 July 2018 – The Brewery, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

The Screaming Jets Interpret Aussie Classics for “Gotcha Covered”

Now here’s an album to get excited about. The Screaming Jets have always had a knack for making a cover version their own, from their spine-tingling version of Roland Howard’s “Shivers” to their irreverent take on Barry Maguire’s “Eve of Destruction.” Now approaching their 30th anniversary, The Jets are releasing the covers album that’s been missing from our lives.

Gotcha Covered features cover versions of the band’s favourite Aussie radio hits of the last 50 or so years. Think The Easybeats, Men at Work, You Am I, Hoodoo Gurus, INXS, and AC/DC, just to name a few.

“What we came up with was a great Aussie party album. Covering songs that have shaped us; songs from our youth; songs that have been written and performed by contemporaries and songs that will make even the most loyal fan go “what the” … I can’t wait to get out with the boys and belt these songs out with the rest of Australia…” said frontman Dave Gleeson.

I am looking forward to devouring this from front to back, but I’m most excited about their take on “Guitar Band,” primarily because they’ve assembled what might just be the greatest line-up of guitarists to ever play together. Along with the Jets’ own Scott Kingman and Jimi Hocking, the track includes the musical stylings of Rick Brewster (The Angels), Nat Allison (Suzi Quatro), Tim Henwood (SuperJesus/ Palace Of The King), Cam McKenzie (Horsehead/ Mark Seymour band), Bob Spencer (The Angels/ Rose Tattoo), Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Brett Kingman (James Reyne), Brett Williams (the Choirboys), Warwick Scott (Skunkhour), Ronnie Simmons (Richie Ramone), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes/ Richard Clapton), Chris Hawker (Taxiride), Pete Wanno (Suzi Quatro/ Josie Jason), Stuart Fraser (Noiseworks/ John Farnham), Stu Marshall (Empires Of Eden) and Zakk Zedras (Chocolate Starfish). Get excited people.

Gotcha Covered hits stores on July 27. To celebrate, The Screaming Jets will play a triple-shot of shows at The Bridge Hotel, where they’ll play the album in full before launching into all your favourites, before teaming up with Boom Crash Opera for gigs around the country.

3 – 5 August 2018 – Bridge Hotel, Sydney
10 August 2018 – Shoppingtown Hotel, Doncaster
11 August 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel,
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

“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

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

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

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

“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