The Pierce Brothers Announce Headlining Shows for Debut Album

The Pierce Brothers are giving their loyal fans plenty of opportunities to see them live this summer. Not content with supporting Rodriguez at his Day on the Green Shows, the Melbourne folk-pop duo have announced a string of headlining shows to support their upcoming debut album, Atlas Shoulders.

The Pierce Brothers created the songs that would form Atlas Shoulders while traveling Australia, South Africa, America, and Europe over the last year. It touches on the experiences they’ve had on the road and pressing social issues, including the impact of depression and anxiety.

Atlas Shoulders is set for release on October 26. Order early to receive a special limited edition 7-inch vinyl copy of the current single “Back End Roads” and the dreamy album track B-side “Juno.”

These guys are in demand, so you won’t want to miss The Pierce Brothers while they’re back home for the following shows.

9 November 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
16 November 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
17 November 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
16 February 2019 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
23 February 2019 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

KG Inspires “Change” With Brand New Single

Ever since I heard his politically-charged single “Mabo Martin Mandela” last year, I was eager to hear what Canberra-based, South African-born hip hop artist KG would do next. Hip hop isn’t my favourite genre, but I find it so powerful when it’s got something important to say. More social commentary, less bitches and hoes. KG hasn’t let me down with his latest cut “Change,” a track inspired by his father Seretse Ratlhagne, a freedom fighter who campaigned alongside Nelson Mandela and his recent experiences in Indigenous communities.

KG says “‘Change’ is about inspiring social change in our community for everyone. Also, by doing one thing to help someone disadvantaged is better than doing nothing at all. The song is designed for the everyday person struggling and how they can overcome life struggles by making a change in their lives.”

KG is the voice the hip hop community needs right now, a man who’s not afraid to speak out for the marginalised and inspire us to do better. This is another stellar track from this up-and-coming, but already so important, local artist.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Courtney Marie Andrews Announces Aussie Shows

You know when you have those moments when you just think “What a song! What a voice!” The moments where you get goosebumps because what you’re hearing is so incredible? I just had one of those spine-tingling moments listening to “Heart and Mind,” the new single from American singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews, who’s visiting our shores next month.

Courtney Marie said she “Wanted to write a song that embodies the importance of empowerment when you feel weakened by misrepresentation and/or sexual harassment. Even if our bodies have been misused or taken advantage of, we have the power to speak with our hearts and minds. The most powerful way to display that message is with simple conversations with those who love us. The mother/daughter bond is incredibly powerful, and I use that to embody protection and safety in this song and video.”

Courtney Marie Andrews is visiting Australia in October for shows with Margo Price and Joshua Hedley and an appearance at Out on the Weekend. Here are all the places you can see this amazing musician perform.

10 October 2018 – Caravan Club, Melbourne
12 October 2018 – Lefty’s, Brisbane
13 October 2018 – Out on the Weekend, Williamstown
16 October 2018 – The Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Inertia Music; credit: Laura E. Partain

Missy Lancaster Strips It All Back for “Never In Love”

There’s no sign of fatigue showing in Missy Lancaster, who’s just released the third single from her debut album Piece of Me. “Never In Love” is a heartbreaking piano ballad about the realisation of the one-sided nature of a relationship.

“This is the most vulnerable song on the album, and I think anyone who has had their heart broken will connect with this on a very deep level,” says Missy. “This is a song I have to hold back the tears on!”

It’s a real departure for the CMC Music Awards New Australian Artist of the Year nominee, who’s previously bought us more upbeat country fare. I’ve enjoyed those songs, but this is the track that’s really blown me away. If you’re just as impressed, make sure you get out and support Missy at one of her upcoming shows.

23 September 2018 – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba
27 October 2018 – VDM Festival, Biloela
10 November 2018 – Christmas in Narellan, Narellan
1 December 2018 – Country at the Beach, Rainbow Beach
24 January 2018 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Tamworth

Image usesd with permission from Sony Music Australia

Egoism Release Unapologetic New Single “Sorry”

Sydney duo Egoism are bringing an equal mix of sugar and spice into your Friday with their new single “Sorry.” It sounds like a light pop gem, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear a scathing critique.

“I wrote this song as a bit of a fuck you to the people who never say sorry for their own mistakes, but then always demand an apology, even if I’m the one who was hurt the most,” explained vocalist and guitarist Scout Eastment. “Easily the most empowering song we’ve ever written ha-ha. We were really going for a The Veronicas meets Slowdive kind of vibe, essentially blending the music of our childhood with the music of our teenage years.”

Egoism will celebrate the single’s release with shows along the East Coast with Sketch Jets and some other special guests.

29 September 2018 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle (with NTL Landmarks)
6 October 2018 – Waywards, Newtown (with Stream Lea)
11 October 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (with Space Boys, Scab Baby)
12 October 2018 – Transit Bar, Canberra (with Elk Locker, Lost Coast, Hopeless Youth Group)
13 October 2018 – Yarra Hotel, Melbourne (with Endamame, The New Dregs)

Image used with permission from Jared King PR

Liam Gale & The Ponytails Break Out of the Box With “Mountain Man, Lake Lady”

Moody alt-country meets surf rock in Liam Gale & The Ponytails‘ genre-bending new single “Mountain Man, Lake Lady,” the second lifted from the Sydney band’s forthcoming album The Desire Lines.

I must admit, I had to listen to this song a couple of times to truly appreciate it. It’s so out of the box, I didn’t quite know how to process it. Yet, with every subsequent listen I appreciated it a little more. Those female harmonies supporting Liam Gale’s voice are sublime and the surf rock guitar chords so appealing. I also appreciate that it’s so unashamedly bold, refusing to fit inside any neat holes and instead standing proudly on its own.

“You know when you’re too young to know how to end a relationship? All the social anxiety you didn’t know you had; the sexual tension you didn’t understand; the perspectives you weren’t aware of – this song is about that,” Liam explained. “I think what I was communicating was this pressure to be with someone I didn’t necessarily want to be with, but felt that I should be.”
Bands that make music like “Mountain Man, Lake Lady” are notoriously unpredictable, but that just makes seeing them live more fun. You can catch Liam Gale & The Ponytails doing their thing at the following venues.

23 September 2018 – Sydney Fringe Festival, Red Rattler Theatre
26 September 2018 – Royal Exchange Salon Theatre, Newcastle (with Cookie Baker; Liam Gale solo)
3 October 2018 – Cafe Lounge, Surry Hills

John Butler Trio Drops New Single Ahead of Album & Aussie Tour

With just a fortnight until their highly-anticipated new album Home hits stores and with an Aussie tour just announced, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to John Butler Trio’s latest single “Just Call.”

This is the kind of track that reminds you of everything you love about John Butler Trio. It’s super catchy, with its jangly guitar and simple melody, and it’s full of heart. You honestly don’t need any more than that.

“’Just Call’ is an earnest love song I’ve had for 13 years which I was finally able to finish in these sessions,” John explained. “This is the story of how I found my best friend and partner, out in a small town in the middle of nowhere, in a world of 7 billion people.”

John Butler Trio’s forthcoming Aussie tour is bound to be something special, with a host of talented musicians joining John and the lads for these gigs. Think Missy Higgins, Stella Donnelly, The Teskey Brothers, Dan Sultan, The Waifs, and more. Line-ups will vary throughout the tour, just to keep crowds on their toes.

Tickets for the Coming Home Australian Tour shows go on sale at noon on Friday, September 21. Home hits stores on September 28.

25 January 2019 – Wignalls Winery, Albany (with Missy Higgins and Carla Geneve)
27 January 2019 Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River (with Missy Higgins and Carla Geneve)
1 February 2019 – Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth (with Stella Donnelly)
7 February 2019 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne (with Missy Higgins and Stella Donnelly)
9 February 2019 – A Day on the Green @ All Saints Estate, Rutherglen (with Missy Higgins, Stella Donnelly, and Dan Sultan)
10 February 2019 – Stage 88, Canberra (with Missy Higgins, Stella Donnelly, and The Waifs)
14 February 2019 – Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney
16 February 2019 – A Day on the Green @ Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley (with Missy Higgins, Stella Donnelly, and Dan Sultan)
17 February 2019 – Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour (with Missy Higgins, Stella Donnelly, and The Teskey Brothers)
20 February 2019 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg (with Stella Donnelly)
21 February 2019 – The Great Western, Rockhampton (with Stella Donnelly)
22 February 2019 – The Riverstage Brisbane (Guests TBA)
23 February 2019 – Tolosa Park, Hobart (with Missy Higgins, Stella Donnelly, and Baker Boy)

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Late Grandmother Inspires Rich Latimer’s Latest Single, “Sweet September”

Byron Bay’s Rich Latimer has just dropped his emotional new folk single, “Sweet September,” the latest from his forthcoming album Dreamer, due for release next year.

The track recalls the last words Rich’s late grandmother ever said to him: “Everyone’s time must come.” Rich spent his days and nights by her bedside in her final days, looking after her as she’d done so often during his life. In his song “Sweet September,” Rich explores the deep interconnection we feel to the ones we love, the notion that we’re never alone, even when we’re making our final journey.

Rich is more than just a singer-songwriter though. He’s the brains behind musical awareness shows, which visit high schools and help teenagers feel connected and supported during this challenging time of their lives. Inspired by his brother, who miraculously survived after a car crash put him into a coma for three months, these live concerts truly change lives. Rich was also named one of the top marketers in the world by Facebook. When he’s not playing his original songs, he’s running a successful digital marketing agency.

A man of many talents, Rich Latimer is certainly someone to put on your radar.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Family Fold Remember Countdown With “Molly Meldrum’s Eyes” Single

Gathering around the TV to watch Countdown is a ritual many Australians still hold dear. Family Fold have celebrated that beloved time Aussie music history with their new song “Molly Meldrum’s Eyes.”

Family Fold frontman Paul Andrews actually wrote the song in his mid-twenties but rediscovered in just a couple of years ago.

“I was clearly pining for the old days when I was in my 20s! My old band Lazy Susan did an online release in 2016 of a couple of unreleased/demos/live albums and I rediscovered ‘Molly Meldrum’s Eyes’ when I was sorting through old boxes of tapes and CDs,” he explained. “I thought it was too good to throw away on a demos album, so put it aside for consideration for Ashfield Skyline and it ended up making the cut.”

Something tells me that if Countdown were still alive, Molly would give the clip a spin. It’s a gentle homage to Cold Chisel’s “Cheap Wine” video, filmed in a 1970s fibro house in Sydney’s west.

“Molly Meldrum’s Eyes” comes from Family Fold’s forthcoming sophomore album, Ashfield Skyline. They’ll launch the single tomorrow night in Marrickville, then play shows in New South Wales in the coming months, including some album launch dates.

15 September 2018 – Gasoline Pony, Marrickville (single launch)
30 September 2018 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Belford
4 October 2018 – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne (album launch)
13 October 2018 – The Noble Hops, Redfern
25 November 2018 – The Union Hotel, Newtown (album launch)

SarahJ Releases “Safe” Single That’s Anything But

Following in the footsteps of strong female-fronted pop-punk acts like Paramore and Tonight Alive comes Sarahj, an exciting five-piece from Melbourne. “Safe” is the band’s heavy-hitting new single and our first taste of their EP Reaper.

“Safe” is only the band’s second single, but they’ve been honing their craft in pubs around Melbourne for the last year and a half. That experience shows in this confident track, which explores the security that comes from a good relationship.

“The songs on our EP are very personal, but every song our listeners will be able to relate to,” explained the band’s frontwoman. “We like to talk about the ups and downs of love and heartbreak. Discussing mental illness is really important to us as well.”

Reaper drops on September 19. Hopefully the band will announce some dates to support its release so we can catch their much-lauded live show.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment