Category: Tour Announcements

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Voice’s Julian Simonsz Announces East Coast Tour

The Voice graduate Julian Simonsz has been a busy bee since his stint on the reality TV how. He released his self-titled debut EP, which features the single “I Do It For You.” The track didn’t exactly set the charts ablaze here, but it reached number two on Sri Lanka’s YESFM, the country’s leading music station, and number 17 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts. Not bad for a song that was released with very little fanfare or mainstream support if you ask me.

After playing second fiddle to Chingy at his recent gigs and a host of festivals, Julian’s ready to step into the spotlight with his own headlining shows. The Get Home tour takes in some of the East Coast’s most acclaimed venues this March.

5 March 2015 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 March 2015 – The Basement, Sydney
19 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Siren Lines Soar with “Always the Same”

Sydney outfit Siren Lines have me tapping my feet today to their brilliant new single “Always the Same.” It’s got just the right amount of reverb, driving drums, and sublime vocals that remind me a little of Boy George’s honeyed voice. Is it just me?

I’m told Siren Lines are working at a cracking pace on their debut album, but they’ll take a little time out from the studio to celebrate the single’s release. Their East Coast tour kicks off tomorrow night in their home town.

17 January 2015 – Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar, Sydney
31 January 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
7 February 2015 – The Worker’s Club, Fitzroy
8 February 2015 – The Espy, St Kilda
15 February 2015 – Bondi Open Air Cinema, Bondi

Image used with permission from Collision Course PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leanne Tennant Gets Dark with “Black Snake Calls”

Cairns songstress Leanne Tennant has really impressed me with her sultry, bluesy new single “Black Snake Calls.” The dark video is the perfect accompaniment for this moody folk number. The track comes from Leanne’s debut album Pull Up Your Britches, which is in stores now.

Leanne will showcase songs from that record when she takes her “Black Snake” tour around the country. It kicks off in Brisbane tomorrow night before stopping by the Tamworth Country Music Festival and a string of top venues across New South Wales.

16 January 2015 – Habitat, West End, Brisbane
22 January 2015 – Addami Espresso, Tamworth
22 January 2015 – Fanzone Stage, Tamworth
23 January 2015 – The Pub, Tamworth (with Bill Chambers)
23 January 2015 – “Footstomp Music Party” @ Jakes Place, Tamworth
24 January 2015 – RB Sellers HQ Stage, Tamworth
25 January 2015 – The Dag, Nundle
26 January 2015 – Petersham Bowls Club, Petersham
27 January 2015 – The Record Crate, Glebe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordie Lane Comes Home for National Tour

It’s been 18 long months since Jordie Lane toured this fair country, but he’s about to reward fans for their patience. Jordie’s certainly not skimping, with a 27-date run of shows including appearances at leading festivals including the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Nannup Music Festival.

These shows will see Jordie performing alongside Clare Reynolds, who has become a regular part of his shows after the past couple of years. You can get a little taste of the magic they create watching this performance of “Feet Fall” recorded at the Melbourne Folk Club.

Expect more of that magic at the following shows.

27 February 2015 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
28 February – 2 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
6-9 March 6th 2015 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
10 March 2015 – Ten Days On The Island Festival, Hobart
11 March 2015 – The Melbourne Folk Club, Melbourne (In Conversation with James Fahy)
13–15 March 2015 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba
26 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
27 March 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney
28 March 2015 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
10-12 April 2015 – Fairbridge Folk Festival, Fairbridge
17 April 2015 – The Street Theatre, Canberra
18 & 19 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
22 April 2015 – Ararat Live, Ararat
23 April 2015 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
24-26 April 2015 – Mt Beauty Music Festival, Mt Beauty

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Wonderful Lake Street Dive Play Festivals & Headlining Gigs

Welcome back to Sounds of Oz! I didn’t intend to have a break from posting this year. I’d actually queued up a bunch of posts that went over the Christmas period so I thought I could sneak a few days off without anyone noticing. Sadly I underestimated the way that I’d get hit with other work the moment that I got back to the desk. Thankfully I did enjoy a little time away from the computer and having fun in the real world. And now I’m back, ready to launch myself into all that is good and right with the local music scene.

This seems to be a year where Australians with their ear to the ground are going to be treated to some performances by super talented international who’ve yet to hit the mainstream here. I wrote about upcoming shows from Conor Oberst and Sharon van Etten last year, and now I can add gigs from Lake Street Dive to my wishlist. These Bostonions were playing tiny gigs just 12 months ago but after appearances on The Colbert Report, David Letterman, Ellen, and Conan they’ve hit the big time. Australia still hasn’t cottoned on to their brilliance, but that means people in the know are in for some super intimate shows along with some choice appearances and some of our more left-of-centre festivals.

See them at the following shows or wish that you did!

21 February 2015 – SummerSalt Festival, Melbourne
24 & 25 February 2015 – Opera Bar, Sydney (FREE)
27 February 2015 – Enlighten Festival, Canberra
28 February 2015 – Secret Garden Festival, Sydney
3 March 2015 – Perth Festival, Perth
4 March 2014 – Perth Festival, Albany
6 March 2015 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
7 & 8 March 2015 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
9 March 2015 – WOMADelaide, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Laughton Says Goodbye to Australia

With killer tunes like “Heartbreak (Number One)” in her repertoire and Grammy Award winner Michael League (Snarky Puppy) in her corner, it was probably just a matter of time before we lost Brisbane girl Bec Laughton to the bright lights of the United States. Bec has offers on the table from producers in New York and Los Angeles, so she’s packing up her stuff and relocating to pursue R & B on the big stage.

Before she does though, Bec will say au revoir with a national tour all around the country. There’s no telling when she’ll be back, so make sure you don’t miss these farewell gigs.

29 January 2015 – Hugs & Kisses, Melbourne
31 January 2015 – The Motor Room, Brisbane
6 February 2015 – Price of Wales, Bunbury
7 February 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
8 February 2015 – Four5Nine, Perth
12 February 2015 – Brighton Up, Sydney

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Husband Unleashes Awesome Second Single “The Money”

Perth singer-songwriter Husband has released the title track from his debut album The Money and it’s a cracker. It’s got such wonderful dark, brooding lyrics but a great melody that really soars for balance.

“’The Money’ expresses my frustration about how money and happiness are so closely linked for so many people,” Husband explained. “One night I found myself walking through Perth’s financial district. It felt so dead … its sole purpose is to make money 9-5. The emptiness I felt inspired this song.”

Husband’s debut album The Money will hit stores on January 23. He’ll play the following shows in his home state to support its release.

23 January 2015 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
30 January 2015 – The Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury (FREE)
28 February & 1 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Announce Plenty of Free Gigs to “Support Scattered by Sundown” EP

The Vanns haven’t long wrapped up a national tour, but they’re wasting no time in getting back out there. The Kiama boys are preparing to hit the road in February to celebrate the upcoming release of their new EP Scattered by Sundown. It’s set to feature the awesome new single “Operator.”

Scattered by Sundown will get a digital release on February 13. It will also be available on CD from the band’s website with five bonus tracks from The Vanns’ archives, including “Guilty Love,” “Belmore Street,” and “How it Used to Be.”

The Vanns have spent 2014 touring with the likes of Sticky Fingers, The Griswolds, Jinja Safari, Dappled Cities and heaps more, so they’re bound to be in fine form at the following shows. And so many of them are free that it doesn’t even matter if Christmas has done a number on your finances!

5 February 2015 – Sandbar, Mildura (FREE)
6 February 2015 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
7 February 2015 – Gordon Hotel, Portland (FREE)
8 February 2015 – Hotel Warnambool, Warnambool (FREE)
12 February 2015 – Front Bar @ Esplanade Hotel, St Kilda (FREE)
13 February 2015 – The Otis Room, Brunie (FREE)
14 February 2015 – Republic Bar, Hobart
26 February 2015 – Royal Oak Hotel, Lanceston
27 February 2015 – Saloon Bar, Traralgon (FREE)
28 February 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra (FREE)
5 March 2015 – The Marlborough Hotel, Newtown (FREE)
6 March 2015 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith (FREE)
11 March 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (FREE)
12 March 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
13 March 2015 – Lennox Hotel, Lennox (FREE)
14 March 2015 – Trainspotters, Brisbane
15 March 2015 – Broadbeach Tavern, Broadbeach (FREE)
20 March 2015 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shameem Sends Important Message with “Under One Sun”

I haven’t written in here about the Sydney siege. At the time it was all unfolding, I was a bit conflicted actually. This is a music blog, not a political or news outlet. Was it my place? And if I should write about it, what should I write?

I spent the day terrified for the people involved, while thanking my lucky stars that my husband no longer worked in the centre of the city. I remember hearing something about how Americans should keep a low profile during the ordeal, and begging him to stay in his office and come straight home when he was finished. I shed tears watching the terror on the faces of the escapees, and again the next day hearing the stories of those who lost their lives. When something happens so close to home, getting emotional is inevitable.

Still I stayed silent here, deciding this blog wasn’t the place to open up about it, until I heard “Under One Sun” from Perth soul songbird Shameem. It’s a beautiful song about seeing the similarities between us all rather than the differences. It’s so appropriate for this time when Australians from all backgrounds are coming together trying to make sense of it all.

“Under One Sun” comes from Shameem’s new album The Second City, which will hit stores on January 16. She’ll promote it with a national tour next year. I probably won’t get to the shows, but I’m so grateful that I stumbled on this song at a point in time when I really needed to hear it.

17 January 2015 – Subiaco Arts Centre, Subiaco (ALL AGES)
19 February 2015 – Paris Cat, Melbourne (18+)
20 February 2015 – The Basement, Canberra (18+)
21 February 2015 – Gingers, Sydney (18+)
22 February 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (FREE 2PM SHOW; KIDS WELCOME)
23 February 2015 – Bar on the Hill @ University of Newcastle, Newcastle (FREE 12:30 PM SHOW; ALL AGES)
27 February 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE; 18+)
28 February 2015 – Treehouse, Byron Bay (FREE; ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Ukiyo @ The Royal Croquet Club, Adelaide (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Colour Code Wow Me With “Alibi”

Melbourne quartet The Colour Code have bound out of the gate with their debut single “Alibi,” a killer combination of fuzzy guitars, tribal beats, and powerhouse vocals.

And then there are those lyrics which speak of being displaced in your world, going through the motions as you struggle with those feelings of isolation and disconnect. It’s so relatable and so so good.

The Colour Code are doing a quick tour to promote the single kicking off tomorrow night. Be There or be square!

19 December 2014 – Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy
2 January 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
12 February 2015 – The Espy, St Kilda

Image used with permission from 123 Agency