Double Lined Minority are heading out on the road to support the release of their sophomore EP Caught in the Ceasefire, which hits stores today. The EP features the new single “Voodoo,” which reminds me of something that might have been released by Panic at the Disco or Fallout Boy.
The five-track EP is a collection of semi-biographical, lyrical vignettes which capture frontman Eddie Salazar’s experience of life, love, and temptation. Fans can hear them all at the following shows.
7 March 2015 – SUB Beanbag Gigs, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
8 March 2015 – Valve Basement Bar, Sydney (LICENSED ALL AGES)
12 March 2015 – The Beetle Bar, Brisbane (18+)
13 March 2015 – Griffith University, Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
14 March 2015 – Upstairs At 199, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
Melbourne soul outfit The Meltdown have sent my temperature soaring with their smoother than smooth new single “Better Days.” The accompanying video is actually the final live take of the song. Pretty fitting that an act with such a classic sound should take such an old-school approach to their music video, don’t you think?
“Better Days” is lifted from their EP which should be released next month. They’ll play a hometown show to celebrate its release at Shebeen on March 12. This is one of those times I’d kill to live in Melbourne. Hopefully they’ll travel north for some shows soon!
I have fallen hard for the musical stylings of new Aussie indie-folk act and the latest Heartstop Music sign Rowena Wise. She’s just released her debut single “Words” and it’s absolutely darling.
I received the Soundcloud version but decided I’d post this live one here so you can see her and her ukulele. I already have a weakness for the instrument, but when you add in Rowena’s superb lyrics and sweet voice it’s magic.
“Words” comes from Rowena’s debut EP, which is scheduled for a March release. You can help her release it by giving generously to her Pozible campaign, which is achingly close to reaching its goal.
There are plenty of places you can see her play in the near future, including festival appearances, support slots for Jordie Lane, and headline shows in the major capitals to support the single’s release.
20 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 February 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 February – 2 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
13-15 March 2015 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Blue Mountains
26 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (supporting Jordie Lane)
27 March 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney NSW (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 March 2015 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (supporting Jordie Lane)
17 April 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra (supporting Jordie Lane)
18 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
19 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
22 April 2015 – Ararat Live, Ararat (supporting Jordie Lane)
23 April 2015 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong (supporting Jordie Lane)
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty
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
I’m not sure what happened the first time I listened to “Lay With Me,” the latest single from Sydney electronic duo Left. Perhaps I was too cranky to appreciate its mellow, poppy groove. All I know is that weeks after my initial listen, I can’t stop playing it.
Left. is made up of the ethereal voice of Sarah Corry and her partner in crime, guitarist and producer Jono Graham. They’ve got something really special here. It initially sounds perfect for grooving with a handsome stranger on the dance floor, but listen to the lyrics and its darker side is revealed. Sarah’s actually singing about being forced into an arranged marriage, despite yearning for someone else.
“I was inspired by how I imagined that circumstances might feel: the desperation, helplessness, and desire to make yourself happy against all the odds,” explains Corry.
“Lay With Me” is the third track lifted from Left.’s debut LP Sirens, which hits stores today. Left. will launch it with three shows in the East Coast capitals.
12 February 2015 – Laundry, Melbourne
13 February 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
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)
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
After wowing crowds across Europe for many years, talented expat Phia is finally coming home for her very first Australian tour. You might remember seeing Phia and her kalimba challenging the contestants on Spicks and Specks last year. Or perhaps you’re a super Sounds of Oz fan and you remember me interviewing her way back in 2012. Or perhaps you’ve never heard of Phia at all, but you want to experience the kind of music that will blow your mind. Either way, get yourself to one of these very rare shows!
30 January 2015 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
7 February 2015 – High Tea @ Glebe Town Hall, Sydney
12 February 2015 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
13 February 2015 – Babushka Bar, Ballarat
26 February 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
I had to double-check the date on the Client Liaison music video “Pretty Lovers” after watching it on YouTube. January 19, 2015? Are you sure it’s not 1985? But I’m assured that this is a brand new song and not something from my youth. It might feel like a throwback, but as someone who hasn’t really left the 80s behind I don’t mind one bit. Cheesy lyrics, big synth chords, a saxophone, and questionable fashion sense. Sign me up!
Client Liaison will hit the road in February to celebrate the single’s release. It’s the last time the band will play shows supporting their self-titled EP, so see them while you can!
28 February 2015 – Secret Garden Festival, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
5 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
6 March 2015 – Secret Venue TBA, Perth
7 March 2015 – Pirie & Co. Social Club, Adelaide
14 March 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 March 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
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
