The Stems Celebrate Debut Album’s 30th Anniversary

“At First Sight” by The Stems is one of the real unsung gems to come out of Australia in the 80s. Now The Stems are remembering that song and others from their 1987 debut At First Sight Violets are Blue with an album reissue and tour.

Citadel Records will rerelease the long deleted album as a limited edition 30th anniversary digipack on November 3. The new release is worth getting even if you’ve got the original; it’s been totally remastered and there are three bonus tracks as well. If you prefer things a little bit old school, look for the vinyl edition out early next year.

The Stems will stop by capital cities around the country next year.

9 November 2017 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
10 November 2017 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
11 November 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 November 2017 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Banff Releases Beautiful New Single “Renew”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Banff lays it all bare with his powerful new single “Renew.” It digs deep with vulnerable lyrics and a dreamy electro pop-folk sound.

“‘Renew’ kinda talks about the insecurities that I felt as an artist just deciding that I’d launch new music into the world, and waiting to really change the traditional treatment that I’d given all of my songs,” Banff explained. “It’s like a love story with the art of writing songs.”

Banff will support the release of “Renew” with shows in the East Coast capitals. Catch him at the following venues.

16 November 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane BLCK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD
24 November 2017 – The Gasometer (Upstairs), Melbourne
2 December 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Evanescence Teams Up With Local Symphonies For Aussie Tour

In the ‘90s, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing Evanescence’s big hits like “My Immortal” or “Bring Me To Life.” Now decades later, Amy Lee and her bandmates hope you’ll be singing them again with the announcement of a brand new East Coast tour.

This is no mere excuse for nostalgia. While we’ll doubtlessly hear the hits, Evanescence will visit Australia to showcase songs from their fourth studio album Synthesis, out November 10.

Evanescence has always had an epic, dramatic sound, so it’s only fitting that they’ll be joined by some of the country’s best orchestras. No doubt that symphonic sound will take the classics and new songs to the next level.

Tickets for Evanescence’s Synthesis Live With Orchestras tour are available from Ticketek now.

11 February 2018 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (with Queensland Symphony Orchestra)
13 & 14 February 2018 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney (with Sydney Symphony Orchestra)
16 February 2018 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Paddy McHugh Delivers Music With a Message in New Single “Meanwhile in Wilcannia”

Paddy McHugh offers a powerful message about our country in his excellent new single “Meanwhile in Wilcannia.” It’s a fine example of the superb stories spun on his sophomore album City Bound Trains. Listen out for the guitar solo by country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley.

“For Aboriginal men living in the NSW town of Wilcannia, the life expectancy is only 38 years of age,” Paddy explained. “This song is a direct challenge to everyone (myself included), to put their problems into perspective and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles of our Indigenous brothers and sisters. No matter how bad you have it, there is someone doing it tougher.”

Tamworth raised and Brisbane based, Paddy McHugh takes music back to basics. His songs bring together exceptional lyrics, great melodies, and heartfelt vocals. It’s as simple as that. He’s currently touring the country on the back of the single and album’s release. The following shows are still to come!

7 October 2017 – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
8 October 2017 – HoboFopo Festival, Hobart
14 October 2017 – Café 2340, Tamworth
20 October 2017 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
22 October 2017 – The Old Museum, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Colin Hay Brings Band to Australia for East Coast Tour

Colin Hay was the real standout for me amongst a stellar line-up at this year’s Good Times shows. So it’s great to hear he’ll be back on our shores sooner rather than later to celebrate the recent release of his 13th solo album, Fierce Mercy.

Recorded in Los Angeles, Fierce Mercy explores themes of love, loss, mortality, and even UFO sightings with Colin’s unique insight into the workings of the world.

This tour will be a little different to his set at Good Times, as he’s bringing his band with him. San Miguel Perez, Yosmel Montejo, Scheila Gonzalez, Cecilia Noel, and Jimmy Branly are first-class musicians who’ll inject a little Latin flavour into the Men at Work and solo Colin Hay catalogue.

“Of course I am excited to be coming down to Australia, and playing both new and old songs, in the heat of the summer in January and February,” Colin said in the press release. “How could I not be? I will be accompanied by my LA based band of immigrants, hailing from Cuba, Guatemala and Peru. By now it’s more or less a family affair, and they are my favourite people, both to play and tour with. Step out and come see us, you won’t regret it.”

You heard the man! Tickets go on sale on Monday, 9 October.

31 January 2018 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
1 February 2018 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
2 February 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
3 February 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
9 February 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
10 February 2018 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Jazz Party Delivers With “Drowning”

Melbourne’s Jazz Party takes listeners on a wild ride with its new single “Drowning.” Released today, the track travels at a frenetic pace, with driving drums, heavy-handed piano, bold horns, and sexy, sassy vocals from Loretta Miller.

She says “Drowning” is “about finding a release and revelling in your darkest places. The kind of song you can join in on and dance around your room in an ecstatic way.”

“Drowning” comes from Jazz Party’s forthcoming debut album Monday Night, which gets released on November 3. The band will celebrate its launch with the following shows.

11 November 2017 – The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
16 November 2017 – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane
16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
24–26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff

Tinpan Orange Ready to Tour “Wanderers” Single

With their tour kicking off in a couple of short weeks, it seemed the perfect time to introduce you to Tinpan Orange’s dreamy new single “Wanderers.” The song pushes the boundaries of folk music with its unique string arrangements and lush layered sound. The video, captured by Sinem Saban, is also stunning.

“This clip was made at my friend Sinem’s house, using her daughter’s dolls, as our kids ran wild around us,” explained Emily Lubitz. “It’s about capturing an introspective and phlegmatic mood and putting it next to the dynamic scenes of Annie Oakley riding her horse with great purpose and flare. It’s about what we dream of doing while we sit, unmotivated in our bedrooms. The song has other layers to it as it also describes the feelings around a miscarriage I had earlier in the year but the clip doesn’t touch on that. Some things are meant to be heard and not seen.”

Tinpan Orange will play the following shows to celebrate the release of “Wanderers.” Get your tickets now from the Tinpan Orange website.

20 October 2017 – The Workers Club, Geelong
21 October 2017 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 November 2017 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
4 November 2017 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
10 November 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
17 November 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
18 & 19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
25 November 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Flickertail Plays With Dolls For “Talk” Video

Sydney band Flickertail has released an awesome new video for a new single “Talk,” with the help of everyone’s favourite dolls Barbie and Ken.

“You know how some people like toying with other people? The idea with this video was to have actual toys playing love games with each other,” Flickertail’s singer and guitarist Liam Whelan. “This is easily Barbie’s best work since ‘Toy Story 2’. We’ve not seen her do drama before, and it’s great seeing her really explore her range as an actor.”

“Talk” comes from Flickertail’s forthcoming EP Hurry Up and Wait, which we’ll need to wait until early next year to hear it. If you want a sneak peek though, head to one of the band’s upcoming shows.

7 October 2017 – Musicman Megastore, Bendigo
13 October 2017 – Hideaway Bar, Sydney
14 October 2017 – Banktoberfest @ Old Bank Hotel, Dubbo
20 October 2017 – The Phoenix, Canberra
22 October 2017 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney (FREE)

Bodyjar Teases New EP With “Burning It Down For Nothing” Single

Age doesn’t seem to have wearied Bodyjar, who are rocking just as hard as they ever did on their new single “Burning It Down For Nothing,” the first from their new 7” and digital EP Terra Firma.

This track is just what the doctor ordered, with politically charged lyrics and the tight sound Bodyjar is famous for.

Terra Firma drops on October 13. There are just 300 of the 7” copies available; you can order one from 24Hundred or iTunes. Bodyjar are about the tour the nation with with Less Than Jake. Limited tickets are still on sale through Live Nation.

19 October 2017 – The Prince, Melbourne
21 October 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
22 October 2017 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
24 October 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
25 October 2017 – Metro Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from We Are Unified

Didirri Moves Me With “Jude”

After wowing Brisbane at Bigsound, Didirri is ready to show the rest of the East Coast what he can do. His tour announcement coincides with the release of his brand new video for “Jude.”

The track hits you right in the feels with its honest delivery and organic sound. There’s no artifice here. What a breath of fresh air this Melbourne singer-songwriter is.

“Jude came out of me on the eve of a friend contemplating their own life,” Didirri explained. “It is a reflection of finding myself in a similar mind to this at times. Feeling that there is no way out. And knowing that these thoughts are chemical and will pass and hearing those words “take a sad song and make it better” and hoping that you’ll be there after all of your thoughts have passed.”

If you’re as moved by this song as me, you won’t want to miss seeing Didirri when he visits your neck of the woods.

16 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
25 & 26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
1 December 2017 – Waywards, Sydney
2 December 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
3 December 2017 – NYE on the Hill Festival, Gippsland

Image used with permission from Title Track