After a late night glued to the discus finals and with a cold that’s lingering, I’m struggling to get moving even more than usual this Hump Day. Koi Child’s latest single “Touch Em” is just what I needed to get my butt into gear.
“Touch Em” is a magnificent fireball of brassy energy that showcases the unique funky sound of this Western Australian quartet. Its laidback vid was filmed in Koi Child’s hometown of Fremantle at the legendary Mojos Bar and surrounds.
“Touch Em” comes from Koi Child’s self-titled debut album, which is in stores now. The band will play “Touch Em” and other album tracks on their Aussie tour which kicks off in Mandurah this week.
19 August 2016 – ‘Hooch’ Players Bar, Mandurah
20 & 21 August 2016 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
26 August 2016 – Volumes Festival @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
27 August 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
With Tash Sultana preparing to play a slew of shows overseas and here at home, it seemed the perfect time to make sure you all knew about this exciting local talent.
This Melbourne singer-songwriter was a triple j Unearthed featured artist and her online content has racked up millions of streams and views. That content includes this video for Tash’s most recent single “Notion,” recorded in her bedroom.
It takes serious talent to make a bedroom session sound this good! There seems to be plenty of global interest in Tash, as she’s just signed deals with Paradigm/Windish Agency in North America and Free Trade Agency in UK/Europe.
If you’re in Australia or living abroad, here are the places you can catch this dynamic performer in the coming months.
19-21 August 2016 – Townsville Cultural Festival, Townsville
12 September 2016 – Badehaus, Berlin
14 September 2016 – Birthdays, London
15 September 2016 – The Borderline, London
17 September 2016 – 7 Layers Festival, Amsterdam
18 September 2016 – Rotown, Rotterdam
22 September 2016 – The Northern, Byron Bay
23 September 2016 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
24 September 2016 – Listen Out, Melbourne
25 September 2016 – Listen Out, Perth
28, 29, & 30 September 2016 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
1 October 2016 – Listen Out, Sydney
2 October 2016 – Listen Out, Brisbane
6 October 2016 – Mojos, Fremantle
7 October 2016 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
13 October 2016 – Baha’s Tacos, Rye
14 October 2016 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
15 October 2016 – Uni Bar, Adelaide
18, 19, & 20 October 2016 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
22 October 2016 – Swagger Music Festival, Bright
27 October 2016 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
4 November 2016 – The Homestead, Hobart
11 November 2016 – Kings Arms, Auckland
17-20 November 2016 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
25 November 2016 – The Palais, St Kilda (with The Temper Trap)
26 November 2016 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (Day on the Green with Garbage, The Temper Trap, The Preatures, & Adalita)
27 November 2016 – Leconfield Wines, Yarra Valley (Day on the Green with Garbage, The Temper Trap, The Preatures, & Adalita)
30 November 2016 – Enmore Theatre, Newtown (with The Temper Trap)
1 December 2016 – WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (with Garbage and The Temper Trap)
2 December 2016 – The Solbar, Maroochydore
3 December 2016 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley (Day on the Green with Garbage, The Temper Trap, The Preatures, & Adalita)
4 December 2016 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton (Day on the Green with Garbage, The Temper Trap, The Preatures, & Adalita)
10 December 2016 – The Pleasure Garden, Melbourne
Corey Harris is one of the great unsung talents of the blues genre. He doesn’t have the global profile of a BB King or a Buddy Guy, two of the many artists he’s toured with, but he deserves it. Something tells me he doesn’t mind his lack of superstar status. The unassuming performer can quietly go about what he does, creating music which blends blues with soul, rock, reggae, and more.
Corey Harris hasn’t been to Australia in 16 years, but in a couple of weeks he’ll be back playing shows for local audiences. If you want an indication of what you’ll see at the show, check out this video which features performances from the North Sea Jazz Festival in April.
Here are all the places you can catch Corey playing while he’s in Oz.
19 August 2016 – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne
20 August 2016 – Harvester Moon Café, Bellarine
21 August 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
23 August 2016 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
24 August 2016 – Harmonie-German Club, Canberra
25 August 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
26-28 August 2016 – Gympie Muster, Gympie
I think Montaigne is one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Australia in recent times. I must admit, some of her singles haven’t been to my tastes. But true artists don’t just create songs that please everyone all of the time. They push the boundaries and dare to be different. When her songs have connected with me, I’ve fallen head over heels. That’s the case with Montaigne’s latest single, “Because I Love You.”
It’s as catchy as any pop song, but under its upbeat tune there’s the dark postmortem of a relationship gone wrong. And Montaigne’s voice, always on point, is shown off to full effect here.
“Because I Love You” is the latest cut from Montaigne’s debut album Glorious Heights. She’s hitting the road next month to bring its songs to fans around Australia.
13 September 2016 – The Spiegeltent @ Brisbane Festival, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
16 September 2016 – Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba (ALL AGES)
23 September 2016 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
24 September 2016 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
1 October 2016 – Beyond Festival, Canberra (ALL AGES)
2 October 2016 – Wildwood Festival, Port Macquarie (ALL AGES)
3 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra (ALL AGES)
7 October 2016 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
8 October 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 October 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 October 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
15 October 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Dead Letter Circus’ national tour is fast approaching, and tickets are still available. If you’ve been on the fence about catching them this time around, it’s worth noting the band will donate one dollar from every ticket sold to Sea Shepherd.
This money will help fund fuelling vessels for South Sea missions, feed the Sea Shepherd crew, and raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation. If you’re passionate about the cause, you’ll also have the opportunity to match Dead Letter Circus’ donation when you purchase your ticket.
“It never ceases to amaze me the level of support Sea Shepherd receives from caring, compassionate people like Dead Letter Circus,” said Jeff Hansen, Sea Shepherd’s managing director. “Without this selfless support, our ships would remain idle at dock and not be able to defend our oceans. Sea Shepherd is delighted to have the support and on board partnership of Dead Letter Circus with a dollar from each ticket sold going straight to our fuel tanks, plus stalls at all their gigs that we encourage all to get along and see.”
And let’s not forget that your ticket also buys you a cracking night out. Dead Letter Circus is at the top of its game, with tracks like “The Burning Number” helping to propel the band’s most recent album Aesthesis to number two on the ARIA Charts. Add in Clint Boge, the former lead singer of The Butterfly Effect, appearing everywhere but WA and Melbourne band Rival Fire warming up the crowds every night and it’s an irresistible bill for hard rock fans.
18 August 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide
19 August 2016 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
20 August 2016 – The Metro, Sydney
21 August 2016 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
25 August 2016 – Brunswick Heads Hotel, Brunswick Heads
26 August 2016 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
27 August 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
1 September 2016 – Players Bar, Mandurah
2 September 2016 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
3 September 2016 – Capitol, Perth
4 September 2016 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
Melbourne rock act Residual has really impressed me with their latest single “All For You.”
It’s one of those songs that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. Sam Burtt’s vocals are so powerful and the driving music just hits you in the gut.
“All For You is about a relationship I was in,” Sam explained. “We had both recognised that the end was nigh, but loved each other too much to ever call it a day. However, that day came a day before we started tracking vocals. I remember sitting in the courtyard at the studio and giving the lyrics a pretty substantial re-write. This song is really about giving yourself to someone, despite the knowledge that it will soon end.”
The film clip is also killer, the perfect foil for the track’s angsty lyrics.
“All For You” comes from Residual’s EP Haunt, which is slated for release on August 26. The band will celebrate the release of the single and EP with a swag of shows in their home state, including a residency at The Workers Club, and a special Sydney gig.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been properly playing shows. We’ve done a lot of travelling whilst simultaneously preparing for this release, so there’s already a real sense of natural excitement for us – and if we do our job right, that will really rub off on the audience,” Sam said in a statement. “We just want to show everyone how much growing up we’ve done.”
Witness Residual’s evolution for yourself at the following shows. Tickets are available from the band’s website.
8 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
12 August 2016 – Kubu Studio, Geelong
13 August 2016 – Tap House, Bendigo
15 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
18 August 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
20 August 2016 – The Loft, Warrnambool
22 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
25 August 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
29 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
My Echo is getting nostalgic with the release of the new single “Old and Grey,” which gets an official release today. The track speaks of old friendships that have been through hardships and come out the other side stronger than ever.
To celebrate the release, My Echo will head out on a quick tour of select capital cities. Fans can look forward to hearing “Old and Grey” and other songs from the Melbourne band’s forthcoming debut album Brothers at the following shows.
30 July 2016 – The Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
5 August 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
13 August 2016 – Botany View Hotel, Sydney
I’ve fallen hard for “Twenty Two,” the latest single by Sydney’s Lazy Colts.
This is one of those very introverted, special songs. The vocals aren’t big, the melody won’t get stuck in your head, but it’s a track with something to say. Take the time to really listen and I’m sure you’ll be captivated too. The gritty, honest video is just so striking too.
“Twenty Two” comes from Lazy Colts’ debut album Trojan, which will drop on August 5. The following day Lazy Colts will embark on a tour to promote its release.
6 August 2016 – Wesley Anne, Northcote (18+)
7 August 2016 – Labour in Vain, Fitzroy (18+)
13 August 2016 – Sancho’s Dirty Laundry, Canberra (18+)
20 August 2016 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (18+)
27 August 2016 – Franks Wild Years, Thirroul (ALL AGES)
28 August 2016 – The Oxford Circus, Sydney (18+)
4 September 2016 – Hotel Blue, Katoomba (ALL AGES)
“Wanaka,” the second single from Melbourne indie folksters The Peeks, reminds us all just how powerful a voice can be.
The single is an exercise in restraint. The gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar supports Fraser Henry’s voice beautifully. His vocals are so raw and powerful, reminding me a little of David Gray’s. It builds slowly, taking listeners along for the ride. I am completely in love with this song!
“Wanaka” comes from The Peeks’ debut album Grow Up/Grow Down, which has only just been released. The Peeks will launch it for a hometown crowd first before travelling around the country.
30 July 2016 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
5 August 2016 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
6 August 2016 – The Treehouse on Belongil, Byron Bay
11 August 2016 – The Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
12 August 2016 – The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Newcastle
27 August 2016 – The Loft, Warrnambool
I’ve long been a fan of Henry Wagons’ slightly unhinged style of Americana folk. He’s served up another winner with his latest song “Head Or Heart.”
“Nashville is a town full of some of the finest in music and booze. A musician’s paradise! It’s the perfect storm for getting in a real mess. ‘Head or Heart’ is a song about that time of the night when it becomes difficult to decide between your rational mind, or what’s below the belt. The head or the heart,” Henry explained in a press release.
The clip has got just the right sort of spontaneous feel to suit the song. It sees Henry on a music-making frenzy, shaking the foundations of a fully stocked garage along with the band that helped him put together his recently released solo album After What I Did Last Night.
Henry Wagons is currently touring around North America. He’s set to announce some Aussie dates soon.
16 & 17 July 2016 – Vancouver Folk Festival, Vancouver
21 July 2016 – The Flying Steamshovel, Rossland
23 July 2016 – Vinomania Secret Wine Party, Edmonton
24 July 2016 – Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton
25 July 2016 – Secret Show, Edmonton
26 July 2016 – Ironwood, Calgary
29 July 2016 – Live From the Divide, Bozeman
30 July 2016 – Red Ants Pants Festival, White Sulphur Springs
3 August 2016 – Music City Roots, Nashville
5 August 2016 – Hill Country Live DC, Washington
6 August 2016 – Hill Country Live NYC, New York City
11 August 2016 – Dakota Tavern, Toronto
12 August 2016 – Pearl Company, Hamilton
14 August 2016 – Interstellar Rodeo, Winnipeg
