Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tempest Riding, Red Bee, and Let the Number be X Team Up for Massive Metal Tour

Three of Australia’s most exciting metal acts – Perth’s Tempest Rising, Sydney’s Red Bee, and Newcastle’s Let the Number be X – have joined forces for one massive East Coast tour this autumn. The acts will bust eardrums in the capitals and key regional centres this March and April.

Take a listen to this little sampler of their music, and if you like what you hear make sure you get along to the following shows. Let the Number Be X will have to miss the New South Wales shows, but Not Another Sequel, Just Another Prequel will do a fine job filling in. Tickets are just $10 at the door except for Penrith which is free!

19 March 2015 – Barwon Club, Geelong
20 March 2015 – The Music Man Megastore, Bendigo
21 March 2015 – The Worker’s Club, Melbourne
3 April 2015 – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney
4 April 2015 – Tattersalls, Penrith (FREE)
16 April 2015 – Currumbin Creek Hotel, Gold Coast
17 April 2015 – VIBE, Indoroopilly
18 April 2015- Chardons Corner Hotel, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mzaza Get me Excited About World Music

You know what I don’t write about enough? World music. I’m not sure whether Australians just aren’t making enough of it or whether it doesn’t find itself on my radar, but considering we’re a multicultural society it’s severely underrepresented.

Honestly, my exposure to world music doesn’t go too far beyond the annual Eurovision and San Remo song contests, but the songs in languages other than English are often my favourites. So I was thrilled to come across Mzaza this week. It seems I’m a little late to the party, as the Brisbane band are preparing to release their third album Ghosts on March 20 but better late than never right?

The album’s first single “Enfants du Chemin” (which translates to children of the road) gives you a taste of what this band’s all about. It’s fronted by Pauline Maudy, who has French and Spanish Sephardic roots and the voice of an angel. She sings in French, Spanish, Ladino, Turkish, and even English. Then there’s that rich instrumentation which takes its cues from France, the Balkans, the Middle Easy, and Sephardic Spain. It’s very cool, and worth a listen, especially if you don’t normally play this sort of stuff. Open up your minds folks.

Mzaza will support the release of Ghosts with shows all around the country next month. Check them out!

26 & 27 March 2015 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
2 April 2015 – The Spotted Mallard, Brunswick
4 April 2015 – The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick
24 April 2015 – Django Bar, Marrickville
26 April 2015 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

360 Reschedules Dates for Extended Retopia Tour

360 has shuffled around his tour dates to accommodate a new expanded tour which takes in the best regional towns in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. The newly rebranded Retopia tour takes in 24 dates over six weeks.

If you got tickets to the previous shows, they’ll still be valid for the rescheduled gigs. If you can’t make it, refunds will be available from point of purchase until Friday March 13. Sadly 360 now won’t be able to visit Albany, but anyone with tickets for the Studio 146 show can also get a refund.

Tickets for all these gigs go on sale tomorrow.

2 April 2015 – Kay St, Traralgon
3 April 2015 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
4 April 2015 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
5 April 2015 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
10 April 2015 – The Jack, Cairns
11 April 2015 – Street Party, Townsville
12 April 2015 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
16 April 2015 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone
17 April 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
18 April 2015 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
19 April 2015 – The Northern, Byron Bay
22 April 2015 – Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour
23 April 2015 – Cambridge, Newcastle
24 April 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
25 April 2015 – The Metro, Sydney
26 April 2015 – The Doylo, Doyalson
29 April 2015 – The Rosemount, Perth
30 April 2015 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
1 May 2015 – Players Bar, Mandurah
2 May 2015 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
7 May 2015 – Commercial Hotel, South Morang
8 May 2015 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights
9 May 2015 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
15 May 2015 – Hallam Hotel, Hallam

Image used with permission from Crucial Music
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Black Cat” – Deena

Brisbane-based chanteuse Deena shows her versatility in her sophomore album Black Cat. This release builds on the acoustic-folk sound that she showcased on her debut album Lone Wolf, with a full band helping her create something much bigger, grittier, darker, and bluesier.

The opening song “Cupid” is a steamy number that starts sultry before erupting with a cacophony of guitars. There’s a lot of that pattern in this album. I think I’m hearing something small and intimate, but somewhere along the way Deena takes a left turn and really lets loose. It’s as if her emotions can only be contained for so long before brimming and bubbling over. There so much good stuff on here, but Deena floored me with “Curve.” That song may have some of the most heartbreaking lyrics that I’ve ever heard.

If I had any criticism of the album, it’s that I could have done without the final track, a remix of “Uncut Diamonds II.” This electronic makeover doesn’t do the song any favours, and doesn’t seem to gel with the rest of the album. I suppose it shows another side of Deena, but it feels like a wasted exercise considering how good the other version is. That said, you’ve got to admire an artist that takes risks as Deena does, especially when so many of them pay off as they do on this album.

Black Cat hits stores on 13 February. Deena will promote its release with the following shows.

8 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
11 February 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (FREE)
12 February 2015 – The Publishers Hotel, Adelaide
13 February 2015 – The Vinyl, Adelaide
15 February 2015 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
18 February 2015 – Brisasia Festival, Brisbane
20 February 2015 – Queen St Mall, Brisbane (FREE)
8 March 2015 – Kettle & Tin, Paddington, Brisbane
15 March 2015 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
20 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Swift Reminisces with “Sound the Alarm”

Melbourne single-songwriter Andrew Swift has always penned songs from the heart, but he believes that his latest single “Sound the Alarm” is “as honest and personal” as he’s ever been.

“It was written during the hardest break up I’ve had to go through, but rather than write a heartbroken, ‘woe is me’ type of break up song, what came out was a reflection of the night that that we met,” he explained.

Hearing the story behind it makes this song that much more poignant. I love a story song, and this one tells a tale so vivid that I felt a bit choked up reading that it didn’t work out.

Andrew Swift will promote the release of “Sound the Alarm” with a string of shows kicking off tomorrow night in Footscray.

8 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
21 February 2015 – Berwick Show, Berwick (ALL AGES)
21 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 February 2015 – Bonnie Doon Music Festival, Bonnie Doon
26 February 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
19 March 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
20 March 2015 – Crown + Anchor, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

With Confidence Play for the Kids

Sydney alternative rock band With Confidence are hitting the road for a kid-friendly tour. I’ve got to admire this band for knowing their market and happily making every single show appropriate for under 18s.

The gigs will promote the band’s brand new EP Distance, which features the epic single “Take Me Away.” It’s done amazing things for the band, reaching number 10 on the overall iTunes charts and number two on the alternative charts.

“Honestly, fans always surprise us with their support and we didn’t expect to push that high in the charts,” admitted lead vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley. “We’re forever grateful for everyone that lends us their ears and supports our music”.

With Confidence sold out their last headlining tour in April 2013, so expect a very vocal crowd at the following shows.

7 February 2015 – The Lair, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 February 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 February 2015 – 38 Berwick St, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)
15 February 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Rubix Funhouse, Melbourne (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thundamentals Continue the Party with Brand New Tour

Twelve months after the release of their third LP So We Can Remember, Thundamentals show no signs of slowing down. They already wowed crowds at Falls and Groovin, sold out their own headline shows, and supported the Hilltop Hoods all around the country, and now they figure it’s time for another headlining gig.

If you want proof of just how good these guys are live, check them out guesting on the Hilltop Hoods’ “Cosby Sweater” with a host of other hip hop stars for Triple J’s Beat the Drum. If that doesn’t put you in a party mood, nothing will.

The following Thundamentals shows are already starting to sell out, so I wouldn’t wait too long before grabbing your tickets.

5 March 2015 – Manning Bar, Sydney
6 March 2015 – Katoomba RSL, Katoomba
10 April 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
11 April 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 April 2015 – Autumn Sounds Festival, Bundaberg
22 April 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 April 2015 – Star Bar, Bendigo
24 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne
1 May 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
2 May 2015 – Capitol Theatre, Perth
3 May 2015 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
7 May 2015 – The Jack, Cairns
8 May 2015 – Base Backpackers, Magnetic Island

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Chiapello Spreads Good Vibes with “Hot Coffee”

If you have tickets to one of Megan Washington’s upcoming shows, it’s worth getting there early enough for the support act. She’s enlisted the help of fellow Queenslander Greg Chiapello, who has put a big smile on my face with his debut single “Hot Coffee.” Fabulously quirky lyrics, a brilliant falsetto, and irresistible pop hooks: what’s not to like?

If the weekend seems like it’s not close enough, stick this on and I guarantee that it’ll make you feel better. “Hot Coffee” comes from Greg’s debut EP, which should be released later this year.

You can see Greg supporting Megan Washington at the following shows.

13 February 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
14 February 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
21 February 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
27 February 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hellions Rock Me with “Nottingham”

Sometimes a song just hits you like a bolt from the blue. On paper it’s not what you’re into, but there’s just something about it. “Nottingham,” the latest single from Sydney hardcore act Hellions is one of those songs.

I generally struggle with the hardcore thing. I typically like my vocals a little prettier and my music a shade more mellow. But there’s such passion in this number and I can’t ignore it. The honesty, grit, and angst has completely won me over.

“Nottingham is about comparative thinking and jealousy within a relationship,” explained Hellions’ guitarist Matt Gravolin. “The unearthing of the erstwhile in cardiac landfill after incessant inquiry, begetting a mutual resentment.”

“Nottingham” is the latest track lifted from Hellions’ recently released album Indian Summer. To celebrate the album’s release, the band will play the following shows this March.

6 March 2015 – The Lab, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 March 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
8 March 2015 – YAC, Byron Bay (ALL AGES)
11 March 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
12 March 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (LICENSED ALL AGES)
13 March 2015 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (18+)
14 March 2015 – Towradgi SLSC, Wollongong (LICENSED ALL AGES)
15 March 2015 – Masonic Hall, Blacktown (ALL AGES)
18 March 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
19 March 2015 – Last Night, Perth (18+)
20 March 2015 – Black Market, Adelaide (18+)
21 March 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
22 March 2015 – Phoenix YC, Melbourne (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Where Did You Come From?” – Darren Hanlon

Some albums grab you from the first notes, shaking you out of your world and demanding to be heard. You know it’s something special and you’re captivated from start to finish. Others sneak up on you, getting underneath your skin gradually until you realise that this album is far better than you ever imagined. Where Did You Come From?, the fifth studio album from Darren Hanlon, is that kind of album.

I initially thought it was just a sweet blend of country and folk. It was pleasant enough to listen to, but also likely to get buried amongst my massive pile of music before too long. And then I heard “Letter from an Australian Mining Town.” The fifth track, a tender slice of Australiana with all of the romance of the bush. Even if you haven’t been there you understand it. And that was when I thought “I get this. This is amazing. I need to go back to the other tracks and pay more attention.”

With my ears wide open I realised that while Darren’s music is fairly small, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Perhaps no song emphasises this point more than “My Love is an Ocean Away.” With only an acoustic guitar, Darren’s voice, and some quirky but poetic lyrics, it draws you in and proves how powerful something delicate can be. As someone who lived through a long-distance relationship, it struck a real chord.

So did “Halley’s Comet, 1986.” As he told the story I recalled my own experiences as a six-year-old, not really sure why we were all looking up at the stars and what we were waiting for, but doing it anyway.

Then there’s “Manhole Cover Tap,” which proves that anything can be a musical instrument. I’m not 100 percent sure whether real manholes were involved in the recording of this track, but I love its organic, back to basics feel. And I’m sure that Johnny Cash would have been proud to pen the rollicking country-rock of “The Chattanooga Shoot Shoot.”

Darren’s spent a lot of time in the United States, but he certainly hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Australian stories are at the heart of every one of these songs, and he sings them in a real Australian voice rather than that generic accent-free one so many performers use. It’s so refreshing to hear. As the first few tracks washed over me I didn’t expect to become so invested in Where Did You Come From? But I’ve found myself going back to it and giving it another spin for a couple of weeks now. It creeps up on you, and when it does it’s so rewarding.

Where Did You Come From? hits stores on March 2. Darren will celebrate the release of Where Did You Come From? with the following shows.

27 February – 1 March 2015 – Nannup Festival, Nannup
2 March 2015 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
5 March 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
6-8 March 2015 – Panama Festival, Panama Forest
12 March 2015 – Railway Club, Darwin
20-22 March 2015 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Yackandandah
24 March 2015 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
25 March 2015 – Gallipoli Legions Club, Newcastle
26 March 2015 – Manning Bar, Sydney
27 March 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra
28 March 2015 – Candelo Festival, Candelo
2 April 2015 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
3 April 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
9 April 2015 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
10 April 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
11 April 2015 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
17 April 2015 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado