Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Plastic Attraction Releases a Smashing New Single “Shifting in Degrees”

The Plastic Attraction’s new single “Shifting in Degrees” is the perfect soundtrack to your Saturday, an energetic pop-rock song that is bound to have you dancing around your lounge room.

It’s an upbeat number but listen to those lyrics and you’ll hear the sad story of a couple realising they’ve grown apart.

“It’s a bit of a bleak story really! But strangely, we had a lot of fun writing it and messing around with harmonies and if you don’t listen to the lyrics, you’d probably swear it was a pretty happy song,” explained guitarist, Matt Nunes.

“Shifting in Degrees” comes from the Perth band’s debut EP How Far to the Moon, which is released on September 15. They’ll join forces with The Stanleys for a big double launch party at four5nine in Perth on September 16.

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Gets Another Weekend in the Gardens

After the massive success of A Weekend in The Gardens in March, organisers have decided to do it all again this November! And what a line-up they’ve assembled for the three-night event!

The Friday night show brings us Paul Kelly, still flying high on the recent release of his number one album Life is Fine, who’s ably supported by Steve Earle and Middle Kids. The Saturday show is all about hip hop, with Illy, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, and Birdz all on the bill. The final night will be a folky affair with Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, All Our Exes Live in Texas, and Harry Jakamarra doing their thing.

In addition to superb music, you’ll be treated to some of Melbourne’s finest foods in The Eatery, including Royale Brothers, Willy’s Fried Chicken, and Proper Fish & Chips.

“The artists and audiences have responded enthusiastically to having a beautiful, intimate outdoor concert space in the Royal Botanic Gardens in the middle of this amazing city,” said promoter Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment. “The lineup of acts is first-class, and the food and beverage options are fantastic. Along with the Royal Botanic Gardens, we are very proud to be presenting another weekend of great entertainment in the gardens.”

Developed by the good folks behind a day on the green, the first A Weekend in the Gardens attracted nearly 12,000 people. Will the next event be even bigger?

A Weekend in the Gardens hits Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on November 17, 18, and 19. Tickets go on sale from Ticketmaster at midday on August 28.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Collegians Release Long-Awaited Single “Vaccine”

This article has been a long time coming. I honestly can’t remember a single release that’s been pushed back as many times as “Vaccine,” the debut offering from Melbourne rock outfit Collegians. It’s been hanging around in my inbox since June. But two months since the time I first heard it, the band’s unleashing it on the public.

But it seems my wait is nothing compared to how long it really took to get to you. Collegians formed way back in 2014, signed a deal with Cultivator Records in 2015, and only just released a single now. That’s some gestation period! But is it worth the wait?

I think so. It’s sophisticated rock music, a little bit dark and brooding with killer vocals from British-born frontman Glenn Patrick. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does showcase a band of superb musicians coming together to make bloody good music.

Hopefully we’ll be hearing more from these guys really soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Custard Back With New Song, Album, And Tour

Custard left fans waiting 16 years for the release of Come Back All is Forgiven. Thankfully they’re not leaving them hanging so long for the follow-up. If the lead single “In the Grand Scheme of Things (None of This Really Matters)” is any indication, The Common Touch was no rush job either.

It’s such a quality song, with an infectious melody and relatable lyrics. And that horn section, sublime.

“’Come Back All Is Forgiven’ was the sound of us playing together in a small room, minimal overdubs,” frontman Dave McCormack explained. “The new album has cello, pedal steel, piano and a variety of backing singers. Some of the tunes were cut up and stitched back together in ways I never thought possible.”

The Common Touch will be released through ABC Music on October 6. Custard will play shows along the East Coast to support its release.

13 October 2017 – The Bundy Hall, Gippsland
14 October 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
20 October 2017 – Soundlounge Currumbin, Gold Coast
21 October 2017 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
22 October 2017 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
9 November 2017 – The Basement, Sydney
10 November 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Russell Morris Headlines Third Marysville Jazz and Blues Festival

If there was ever an excuse for a road trip it’s the Marysville Jazz and Blues Festival, which brings the small town of Marysville, in the foothills of the Yarra Valley, to life every year. Russell Morris will headline the 2017 festival, which will also see performances from Geoff Achison & the Soul Diggers, Lloyd Spiegel, Spectrum, Mama Alto, and heaps more.

Many of them are no strangers to Marysville, because this is the kind of festival that keeps bringing performances and crowds alike back to town.

“We adore coming to Marysville Jazz & Blues – it is always one of the highlights of our year,” gushed Mama Alto. “The festival is such a beautiful union of art and community, and the appreciation for the way music connects us all! It is particularly special to us as my grandparents regularly holidayed in Marysville, whilst Miss Chief, my pianist, is from Buxton herself! Viva Marysville Jazz & Blues!”

See what the buzz is all about at this year’s Marysville Jazz and Blues weekend, from October 20 to 22. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $50 for the Friday evening pass to $125 for all three days. Accommodation packages are also available, bundling shows and accommodation at Vibe Hotel Marysville, Saladin Lodge, Marysville Garden Cottages, Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park or Camp Marysville. You’ll find all tickets and packages at the Marysville Jazz and Blues website.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Teskey Brothers Announce WA Tour & Angus & Julia Stone Support

After wowing crowds with their soulful sound along the East Coast, The Teskey Brothers are set to do the same out West. On the back of the release of their sensational album Half Mile Harvest, The Teskey Brothers will play Wave Rock Festival, Blues at Bridgetown, and a string of headlining shows in Western Australia before heading across the ditch to support Angus and Julia Stone.

These guys are seriously amazing. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t catch them when they were in my part of the country a couple of months back. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

23 September 2017 – Wave Rock Festival, Hyden
2 November 2017 – St John’s Anglican Church, Fremantle Arts Festival, Fremantle
3 November 2017 – Ravenswood Tavern, Mandurah
4 November 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 November 2017 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough
7 November 2017 – Perth Blues Club, Perth
9 November 2017 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
10, 11 & 12 November 2017 – Blues at Bridgetown Festival, Bridgetown
15 December 2017 – Civic Theatre, Auckland (with Angus & Julia Stone)
16 December 2017 – St James Theatre, Wellington (with Angus & Julia Stone)
17 December 2017 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch (with Angus & Julia Stone)

Image used with permission from The Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gareth Jay Releases Touching Single “Thoughts of You” For His Wife

Sydney singer-songwriter Gareth Jay does everything right with his emotional new single “Thoughts of You.”

If the track has you swooning, just think how his wife must feel. Gareth penned the song as a dedication to her better half and all she does for their family. It’s so special, with Gareth’s soulful voice crooning over a simple acoustic guitar arrangement.

“I’m a musician at night, and a stay at home dad during the day,” Gareth explained. “I’m not complaining, I love spending time at home with my children, but sometimes it’s overwhelming and pretty full on. My wife has done this all before, and she made it look so easy!”

More like this please!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shag Rock Plays Local Shows Ahead of US Adventures

I’m not sure there’s an Aussier band name than Shag Rock. This Queensland band creates the kind of music you might expect from the Sunshine State. There’s a great beach rock feel to their stuff which helps cut through that lingering wintery gloom. You can hear those summery vibes coming through in the current single “Loosen Up,” lifted from Shag Rock’s current album Barefoot.

The band has developed a great sound under the mentorship of Powderfinger guitarist Ian Haug and they’ve been sharing it with music lovers along the East Coast.

See Shag Rock while you can guys. They’re jetting off to New York to perform at the Mondo Festival in early October, where no doubt they’ll catch the attention of the right people and these little pub gigs will become a thing of the past!

25 August 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
26 August 2017 – 38 Berwick, Brisbane (Under 18s)
1 September 2017 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast (FREE)
8 September 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (All Ages FREE)
14 September 2017 – Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar, Sydney
15 September 2017 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
14 October 2017 – Red Deer Music & Arts Festival, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Pompadour PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sprung Makes Queensland Return

Sprung was massive when it launched in 2011, bringing Aussies the very best of local hip hop talent. During its dream run it brought fans big names like Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, Illy, Seth Sentry, and 360. Then four years ago, it disappeared from the festival calendar, leaving a space that no other event really managed to feel. But there’s good news for hip hop fans. Sprung is back for 2017, bigger and better than ever.

Organisers have pulled out all the stops for Sprung’s comeback year, with Illy, Allday, Tkay Maidza, A.B. Original, Pez, Spit Syndicate and stacks more set to take the stage this October.

“We have been waiting for the right time to bring Sprung back to the people, we hit the ceiling pretty quickly when it came to headlining artists so we needed to allow the community to evolve,” organisers explained. “We are now seeing artists that were once on at midday on our stages taking to the headline spots and a whole new wave of incredible artists that we can’t wait to showcase. We think 2017 is going to be an incredible year for Sprung and hip hop as a whole…rest assured we are back for the long run and have some tricks up our sleeve for the years to come.”

Sprung hits the Parkwood Outdoor Precinct in Queensland on October 28. Tickets go on sale from the Sprung festival website and Oztix on August 24.

The Sprung Festival is a strictly 18+ event. Sorry kids!

Image used with permission from Call & Response

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Temper Trap Set to Strip Down Sound for Melbourne Recital Centre Show

We’re used to hearing The Temper Trap with a big epic sound. But the Aussie expats will be stripping things back for a very special show at the Melbourne Recital Centre in November.

This very special show isn’t so much about turning the volume down as it is about presenting The Temper Trap’s music in a brand new way. The band hopes the show will bring fans closer to the heart of these songs and help them appreciate the music in a new light.

The Temper Trap plays Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in the Melbourne Recital Centre on November 24. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 am via the Melbourne Recital Centre website and the venue’s hotline, (03) 9699 3333. I don’t need to tell you they’re going to sell quickly!

Image used with permission from Little Old Me Publicity