Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Middleton Releases Double-A Side Single Ahead of Album Shows

I’ve always thought that if your album has just one great single, you’re doing alright. But when you have enough superb material to release a double-A side single, with two songs that are equally as compelling, well the album’s got to be pretty special. That’s the case with Splinters, out November 6. The latest effort from former Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton features the double-A side “The Lines” and “Our Road.” The album’s title comes from the concept of Darren shedding a splinter of his soul as he shares these stories.

It’s really hard to pick a favourite out of these songs, but if you had me at gunpoint I’d go for “The Lines,” just because of the big gospel sounds courtesy of the Monash Choral Society. Talei Wolfram and Guy Pearce also guest on the track. I really wish the Soundcloud links that were passed on to me were shareable, but you can get the single yourself from iTunes. You can also hear a bit more if you catch one of Darren’s upcoming album preview shows.


28 August 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney
12 September 2015 – The Toff, Melbourne
18 September 2015 – The Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Beards Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Album & Tour

When The Beards formed back in 2005, they intended to play just one show. But now a decade on, the Adelaide quartet has released four albums, earned two ARIA nominations, played sold out shows in Australia, Europe, and North America, and spearheaded a beard revolution. They’re celebrating the milestone with the release of a special anniversary double album and an anniversary tour.

“When we started out, we didn’t anticipate just how much global demand there would be for songs about beards,” mused frontman Johann Beardraven. “It’s been really amazing to discover that so many other people around the world share our unwavering enthusiasm when it comes to beards.”

The ten-year retrospective album, which will be released soon, is a best of compilation including rarities packaged with a live album recorded at The Metro in Sydney earlier this year.

The Ten Long Years, One Long Beard tour will visit the following Aussie cities this October. Tickets are on sale now from The Beards’ website.

2 October 2015 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
3 October 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
8 October 2015 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 October 2015 – The Pelly Bar, Frankston
10 October 2015 – The Village Green, Mulgrave
15 & 16 October 2015 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
17 October 2015 – Coopers Ale House, Wallaroo
23 October 2015 – Bondi Beach Rd Hotel, Sydney
24 October 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
25 October 2015 – Rocks Brewery, Sydney

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“These Walls” – Anna Cordell

When I wake up in the morning, I don’t switch on the morning shows like so many Aussies. TV distracts my husband who commutes into the city, so instead I reach for music. Most often it’s too loud or obnoxious for the morning, but I try to persevere. However, this morning I found just the right music to gradually bring me into the Land of the Living. These Walls EP, from Melbourne songstress Anna Cordell.

You might remember me waxing lyrical about Anna’s single “I’ll Wait Here” a month or so ago. I was surprised to see that song’s not on the EP, but also excited because it meant I got to hear five brand new songs. Anna is an artist who really knows who she is. There isn’t a lot of variety in this recording in terms of sound, but each track gets its individuality because of the stories she tells. I love someone who goes beyond the standard tale of boy meet girl or girl loses boy with their music. Getting into specific stories about people and moments in time is the key to really engaging a listener, because they haven’t heard it all before.

I was particularly struck by the opening song “Michael,” which recalled a sweet childhood relationship, and “Blue Rose,” a poignant song about seeing beauty in our differences. The title track “These Walls” is a fitting end to this beautiful collection of songs.

Anna writes incredible folky songs, which are anchored beautifully by her angelic voice, the gentle strumming of a guitar, or the soar of a string line.

Anna Cordell’s These Walls EP is released today via Bandcamp. She’ll launch the EP with the following shows.

29 August 2015 – Little and Olver, Melbourne
3 October 2015 – Beyond Festival, Canberra
15 October 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Funky with Electrik Lemonade

It’s the weekend! It’s the first weekend I’ve been able to take in a month, so I’m celebrating hard. That includes busting a move to “Electrik People,” the ridiculously funky new single from Gold Coast outfit Electrik Lemonade.

This seven-piece influences soul, blues, hip-hop, and electronic elements to create the ultimate party music. It sounds so polished that I couldn’t quite believe it’s their first single.
“Electrik People is inspired by ALL the people that dance at our shows,” explained Electrik Lemonade’s lead singer Muffins. “It encourages everyone to be dance the way they want and to be themselves. It doesn’t matter if you’re an old guy with a bottle cap covered stick or a drunk dude in a gorilla suit (both true stories).”

It sounds like those gigs can get pretty wild! If you want to be amongst it, make sure you catch Electrik Lemonade playing the following shows around Queensland.

21 August 2015 – Currumbin Creek Tavern, Gold Coast
18 September 2015 – Whitsunday Sailing Club, Whitsundays
19 September 2015 – Fishing Classic, Bowen
20 September 2015 – Grandview Hotel, Bowen

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Groove Along to Meg Mac’s New Single “Never Be”

After wowing crowds at Splendour, Meg Mac’s dropped her latest single “Never Be.” This track just oozes cool. I love the keys and of course Meg’s flawless vocals.

If you want to see Meg perform the song live, I suggest you get tickets for her spring single tour pronto. Some dates have already sold out, and the others won’t be too far behind! Meg’s also spending most of her time in the US these days, so it may be your last chance to see her live this year. Tickets are available from Meg’s website.

4 September 2015 – Odd Fellow, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
5 September 2015 – Capitol, Perth (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2015 – Metro, Sydney
24 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
26 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
2 October 2015 – Max Watts, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gurrumul Gives Praise with “Jesu” From The Gospel Album

I don’t know what it is about the music of Gurrumul, but listening to him just makes me feel at peace. I don’t need to know what he’s singing about, because I can feel it on an emotional level. Checking out the film clip for “Jesu,” the lead single from Gurrumul’s third studio album The Gospel Album, is just what I needed on this Friday afternoon.

The clip for this song of praise was recorded on location at Brighton’s Trinity Uniting Church and Galiwinku on Elcho Island. It’s the ideal companion for this mellow gospel tune.

The Gospel Album sees Gurrumul delivering his take on the spiritual songs the Christian missionaries brought to Arnhem Land. It’s in stores on July 31, just a couple of days after Gurrumul kicks off the album tour.

29 July 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 August 2015 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
5 August 2015 – Festival Theatre @ Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide
8 August 2015 – Supersense Festival, Melbourne
10 August 2015 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
12 August 2015 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Paper Kites Debut Big New Sound with “Electric Indigo”

The Paper Kites have really impressed me with every one of their singles, so it surprises me to realise I’ve never actually written about them here. The release of their new single “Electric Indigo” and their upcoming Aussie tour is the perfect time to change all that.

There’s such a surety about everything this Melbourne quintet releases, and that makes their music feel comfortable from the first listen. This song is instantly accessible but complex, with lush instrumentation and gorgeous vocals. “Electric Indigo” sounds a bit bigger than their previous releases, but it ticks all the boxes for me.

It’s the first track lifted from The Paper Kites’ forthcoming album twelvefour, which hits stores on August 28. Following that, the band will hit the road and play the following shows all around the country. Don’t wait until then to get your tickets. I predict they’re going to sell quickly.

15 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
16 October 2015 – Amplifier, Perth
17 October 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
22 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (ALL AGES)
23 October 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – The Workers Club, Geelong
29 October 2015 – Solbar, Maroochydore
30 October 2015 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast
31 October 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
5 November 2015 – Lizotte’s, Lambton (ALL AGES)
6 November 2015 – The Metro, Sydney (ALL AGES)
7 November 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Acfields Sing of Love Rekindled in “The Years”

My love affair with brother-sister duo The Acfields continues with the release of their powerful new song “The Years.” It tells the real-life story of an elderly divorced coupled reunited again after suffering from dementia.

“Once we tell the story live, people tend to fall in love with the message of the song,” explained Hannah, who herself was told the story by a grandchild of one of the song’s subjects.

As the tale goes, the husband and wife married, had children, then separated forty years later. As fate would have it, as dementia took hold they ended up at the same nursing home. Despite losing his memory, the ex-husband really did ask the nurse “Who’s the pretty one?” when he clamped eyes on his ex-wife for the first time in years. The song doesn’t go into the particulars, but apparently the pair was often spotted holding hands and fumbling at each others clothes as they rekindled their romance without the baggage of conscious memories.

The brother and sister act decided to make the song a focus after discovering that the song connected with audiences all over the nation, while touring to promote their self-titled full-length album last year. who was originally told about this true story by her friend, a grandchild of the song’s subjects.

The Acfields will celebrate the release of “The Years” with an East Coast tour, kicking off in Brisbane this week.

23 July 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
24 July 2015 – House Concert, Lismore
25 July 2015 – Mandala Organic Arts, Mermaid Beach
26 July 2015 – Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi
31 July 2015 – Pizza Paradiso, Byron Bay
1 August 2015 – Thirty Three on Hickory, Dorrigo
2 August 2015 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
5 August 2015 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
7 August 2015 – Humph Hall, Allambie Heights
8 August 2015 – House Concert, Terara

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Animaux Charms Me with “Come On Over”

Melbourne act Animaux has won my heart with their funky new single “Come On Over.” Its hooks are ridiculously catchy and the lyrics should strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt the push and pull of a difficult relationship.

“I guess it’s about the fine line between giving too much, and losing sight of what you love about yourself, and recognizing your weaknesses, and compromising,” explained the band’s songwriter and saxophonist Ollie.

I’ve heard these guys are exceptional live, so if you’re near any of the following venues make sure you get along and check them out next month.

14 August 2015 – Moonshine Rum & Cider Bar, Manly
21 August 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
22 August 2015 – The Motor Room, Brisbane
29 August 2015 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Immigrant Union Tour “Anyway” Album

Get ready to start tapping your toes to Immigrant Union’s new single “War is Peace,” the latest cut from the critically acclaimed album Anyway.

The song’s a great modern twist on an old-fashioned hoe down tune, and the film clip is a brilliant a satire on home shopping networks.

Immigrant Union have earned high praise for their live shows, so make sure you see what the fuss is all about when they head out on their Anyway album tour next month.

7 August 2015 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
8 August 2015 – The Loft, Warrnambool
13 August 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
14 August 2015 – The Lass, Newcastle
15 August 2015 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
16 August 2015 – The Junkyard, Maitland
27 August 2015 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane
28 August 2015 – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
29 August 2015 –Solbar, Maroochydore
4 September 2015 – David Bowie Late Nights @ ACMI, Melbourne
5 September 2015 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart