Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Monday Night” – Jazz Party

Jazz is a genre that’s been watered down a lot over the years. Jazz festivals have become playgrounds for artists who could more accurately be described as blues or soul acts. You rarely hear musicians scatting any more. True jazz might not be popular anymore, but Melbourne’s Jazz Party don’t seem to care about that. On their debut album Monday Night, it sounds like they’re having far too much fun to consider the opinion of the masses.

This album will transport you to a retro New Orleans speakeasy. It’s got a fantastic, infectious energy about it. The band manages to play with an unbridled frenetic sound which seems spontaneous, yet they’re the tightest bunch of musicians you’re likely to hear. From the heavy-handed honky-tonky piano to the brassy horns section, everything is just where it should be. Songwriter and leader of the band of eight Darcy McNulty says recording Monday Night was the most fun he’s ever had in a studio, and that shows. From opening track “Want a Baby,” this album leads you to the dancefloor and twirls you around until your feet are sore. I love Darcy’s Harry Connick Jnr-esque vocals, but the tracks featuring the sassy, soulful Loretta Miller on lead are probably my favourites. She’s a revelation on numbers like “Sleep” and “Magic Man.”

Monday Night is released on November 3. Jazz Party will launch it with shows around the country. If the album’s any indication, anyone attending these shows are in for one hell of a time.

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
16-18 February 2018 – Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca-Moama

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lockhearts Offer Album Teaser With “Goddamn Pretty” Single

Anticipation is building for The Lockhearts’ new album Americana Doom Fuzz with the release of their brand new single “Goddamn Pretty.” The album won’t hit stores until early 2018, but if the single is any indication it’s going to be a corker. I love the ways these guys reinterpret vintage Americana sounds with a little Aussie edge.

If you love what you hear, get yourself to one of The Lockhearts’ upcoming shows. Expect to hear more of the new album tracks and all your old favourites at these shows:

3 November 2017 – The Bendigo Hotel, Bendigo
10 November 2017 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
11 November 2017 – Frankies, Sydney (FREE)
17 November 2017 – Prince of Wales, Brisbane
18 November 2017 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Gold Coast
2 December 2017 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
3 December 2017 – Sounds of Sunday @ Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Teskey Brothers Release “Louisa” Ahead of Aussie Tour

The Teskey Brothers have been one of my favourite musical discoveries of the year. If you haven’t gotten into them yet, you need to wrap your ears around “Louisa,” the band’s bluesy new single.

It’s a little swampier than much of their music, but that soulful spirit that runs through their music is certainly on show.

These guys have had such a busy year with a sold-out tour in July, shows in Los Angeles, New York, and London, and a slot at Queenscliff Music Festival. But they’re not done yet. There’s still time for one more Aussie tour before 2017 is done is dusted. Where will you see The Teskey Brothers?

30 November – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Timberwolf)
1 December – The Foundry, Brisbane (with Timberwolf)
2 December – The Basement, Sydney (with Timberwolf)
26 January – Melbourne Zoo Twilights 2018, Melbourne (with Saskwatch)

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency/credit Nick McKinlay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Sharing Stories From New Book on Upcoming Tour

My poor credit card isn’t thanking me, but I seem to be buying concert tickets like they’re going out of style this week. Monday already saw me participating in presales for Red Hot Summer at Cockatoo Island and New Power Generation at the Enmore, and I’ve just bought tickets for Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories & Songs national tour at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. Thank god I don’t have kids because I’m far too busy to manage anything but seeing shows!

Anyway, with the regular sale still a few days away I thought it was best I clue the rest of you in to what’s sure to be an awesome tour. I caught Jimmy on his Working Class Boy tour last year, and this is even half as good it’s going to be phenomenal. Like the previous tour, Jimmy will share stories of his life and songs the songs that shaped him and his career.

To commemorate his upcoming book release and tour, Jimmy will also rerelease a commemorative edition of For the Working Class Man tomorrow. The album comes bundled with a DVD recorded in 1984 at the Playroom in Queensland. Get it on October 20 and your copy of the Working Class Man book and your concert tickets on October 23.

15 & 16 March 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
17 March 2018 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
21 March 2018 – Devonport Entertainment Centre, Devonport
22 & 23 March 2018 – Country Club Showroom, Launceston
24 March 2018 – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre, Hobart
5 April 2018 – Parklands Resort & Conference Centre, Mudgee
6 April 2018 – Civic Centre, Newcastle
7 April 2018 – Bathurst Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
12 April 2018 – Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane
13 April 2018 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
14 April 2018 – The Star Theatre, Gold Coast
18 April 2018 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
19 April 2018 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth
21 April 2018 – Keith Mitchell Theatre, Port Pirie
22 April 2018 Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
26 April 2018 Frankston Arts Centre Theatre, Frankston
27 April 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
28 April 2018 – The Palais Theatre, St Kilda
29 April 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
3 May 2018 – Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney
8 May 2018 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
10 May 2018 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
11 May 2018 – Spark Arena, Auckland
12 May 2018 – Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
20 May 2018 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
22 & 23 May 2018 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns
25 May 2018 – Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, Townsville
26 May 2018 – Plenary Halls, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay
27 May 2018 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
29 May 2018 – Caloundra Events Centre, Caloundra
30 May 2018 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Highlight Mental Health Issues With “Finger Painting”

Last week Saskwatch released “Finger Painting” through headspace.org.au to coincide with Mental Health Week. I think initiatives like Mental Health Week and R U OK? Day are important for starting the conversation, but I also think it’s vital that we don’t just wait for a special day or week to talk about mental health issues. Because as anyone who’s struggled with them knows, managing the symptoms can be a year round battle.

So while Mental Health Week has passed, I think it’s still important to get this song out there. It details band member Liam McGorry’s own struggles with anxiety and depression.

“With Finger Painting, I wanted to contrast the anxious lyric with the happiness of the music… a bit like how a lot of the time we feel like we have to put up a facade of everything being okay…” he explained.

“Finger Painting” comes from Saskwatch’s fourth studio album Manual Override. They’re currently touring the album all over the country. Here’s where you can still catch them play. Seeing live music can be great therapy in my personal experience, but remember if you’re struggling that professional help is also available. Visiting the Headspace website is a great place to start.

21 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
26 October 2017 – Strawberry Boogie, Wollongong
27 October 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 October 2017 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 October 2017 – Long Jetty Hotel, Long Jetty
2 November 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
3 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane
4 November 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
18 November 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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