“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

Tash Sultana Drops Stunning “Harvest Love” Single

Tash Sultana has floored me with her latest single, “Harvest Love.” This is a beautiful track about losing a loved one which packs a serious emotional punch.

“I wrote this song a little while back. People kind of assume that I only write songs with live looping but I actually write in all different ways. This is a piece I’m super proud of,” Tash explained. “I unlocked a little part of me to completely simplify the story I was trying to tell. I think you kind of get that way when you have a moment in your life when the entire world is just too hard to comprehend. So this is what came from that.”

“Harvest Love” is the latest cut from Tash Sultana’s debut album Flow State, which will drop on August 31. She’s currently touring the world, but she’ll play Lost Picnic Festival here in October and headline a gig on the Sunshine Coast in January. This is her first local headlining show in more than a year, so expect tickets to get snapped up. Here are all the places you can see her play around the world in the coming months.

3 August 2018 – Hinterland Music Festival, St Charles
4 August 2018 – Lollapalooza, Chicago
5 August 2018 – Osheaga, Montreal (SOLD OUT)
7 August 2018 – RBC Echo Beach, Toronto
9 August 2018 – Edmonton Folk Fest, Edmonton
11 August 2018 – Outside Lands Festival, San Francisco
6-8 September 2018 – Palladium Koln, Cologne (SOLD OUT)
10 & 11 September 2018 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (SOLD OUT)
15 & 16 September 2018 – Afas Live, Amsterdam-Zuidoost (SOLD OUT)
20-22 September 2018 – O2 Academy Brixton, London (20th & 21st SOLD OUT; Limited tickets for 22nd)
25 September 2018 – l’Olympia, Paris
28 September 2018 – Samsung Hall, Zurich (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2018 – Fabrique, Milan, Italy
7 October 2018 – Lost Picnic Festival, Melbourne
13 October 2018 – Lost Picnic Festival, Sydney
1 November 2018 – UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver
4 November 2018 – Grey Eagle Event Centre, Calgary
6 November 2018 – Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg
7 November 2018 – Palace Theatre, St.Paul
10 November 2018 – The Filmore Detroit, Detroit
16 November 2018 – House of Blues, Boston
17 November 2018 – Terminal 5, New York
20 November 2018 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh
21 November 2018 – The Anthem, Washington D.C.
23 November 2018 – War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville
24 November 2018 – The Tabernacle, Atlanta
26 November 2018 – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, Kansas City
27 November 2018 – The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver
1 December 2018 – Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles
2 January 2019 – Bay Dreams Festival, ASB Baypark, The Mount
4 January 2019 – Bay Dreams Festival, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
12 January 2019 – Big Pineapple Fields, Woombye

Neon Tetra Touring Pollen EP

Adelaide’s grooviest four-piece Neon Tetra are hitting the road to celebrate the recent release of their EP Pollen.

At just three tracks, Pollen is the kind of EP that leaves you wanting more, in the best possible way. It features the super-catchy single “The End Begins Again” along with two more tracks for your listening pleasure.

“Dan wrote a lot of tunes while listening to artists like Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes … the soul funk shines through with Josh’s gospel-like vocals lending themself passionately to the feelings of the Motown era,” the band explained. “The use of synth and strong grooves links the band’s more experimental beginnings with current pop tones of the music.”

Get ready to get your groove on at the following Neon Tetra shows.

3 August 2018 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
11 August 2018 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
17 August 2018 – Botany View Hotel, Sydney
24 August 2018 – Netherworld, Brisbane
25 August 2018 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
26 August 2018 – Shark Bar, Gold Coast
1 September 2018 – Crown & Anchor Hotel, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Thelma Plum Releases Latest Pop-Folk Smash Single

Thelma Plum is giving me nostalgic ‘80s vibes with her poppy new single “Clumsy Love.” It’s the sort of song that will have you reaching for your hairbrush and bopping around your bedroom, but its lyrics should resonate with anyone who’s ever felt their current love pining for someone from their past.

“The year just gone has been a really rough one for me and ‘Clumsy Love’ is my reflections on that – and I have to say I am far happier with the song than with the memories,” she confirmed.

Thelma will tour around the country in August and September to celebrate the release of “Clumsy Love.” Catch her at all the following venues.

31 August 2018 – The Foundry, Brisbane
1 September 2018 – Solbar, Maroochydore
6 September 2018 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
7 September 2018 – The River, Margaret River
8 September 2018 – Amplifier, Perth
14 September 2018 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Howler, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Morgan Evans Returns Home For Intimate Shows

Since I’ve gotten home from holidays, I feel like I’m playing catch-up. I’ve been catching up on work, catching up on washing, and perhaps most importantly catching up on TV. While I didn’t see it when it aired, I was thrilled to catch our very own Morgan Evans making his American TV debut on The Bachelorette. While it’s not the coolest program, his appearance singing “Kiss Somebody” left no doubt that he’s going to go gangbusters in America. He just oozes charisma, he’s easy on the eye, and he’s bloody talented to boot.

With Morgan threatening to take America by storm, we can expect the Nashville-based singer’s visits home to become less frequent. When he does come back, he’s going to play stadiums before too long. So if you’re a fan, you’ll want to snap up tickets for his gigs this September. Catch him singing “Kiss Somebody,” the new single “Day Drunk,” and all your favourites at the following shows.

5 September 2018 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
6 September 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 September 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Chugg Entertainment

Venice Queens Release “Bad Heart,” Great Song

It might be icy outdoors, but Venice Queens are giving me summer vibes with their new single “Bad Heart.” It’s got a great surf rock feel and an infectious groove that should quickly have you tapping your toes in time.

“Bad Heart” comes from the Adelaide band’s self-titled debut EP, which is in stores now. They’ll celebrate its release with shows around the country in August.

3 August 2108 – Vic on the Park, Marrickville
5 August 2108 – Frankie’s Pizza Bar, Sydney
10 August 2018 – The Last Chance Rock N Roll Bar, Melbourne
11 August 2018 – The Toff in Tow, Melbourne
17 August 2018 – Fat Controller, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Pompadour PR; credit: Dylan Minchenberg

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