Gippsland native Josh Cashman has released a superb new single, “Beauty in Grey.” This is one of those songs I hit play on the moment that I finish listening. I could wax lyrical about it, but I’d much rather you experience it for yourself.
Josh recorded “Beauty in Grey” at Brunswick’s Smooch Studios, and you can hear the character of that space coming out in the recorded. The high roof and open space create an amazing natural reverb, making the guitars and drums sound a little moodier.
Josh has already had a massive 2017 spending three months in the United States, where he showcased at South by Southwest, played shows with our own Tash Sultana, and performed at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall. On the home front, he played local shows including a sold out gig at the Northcote Social Club.
Given how popular the last gig was, I wouldn’t wait to snap up tickets for Josh’s next Northcote Social Club gig on August 4.
Mondays are never kind at the best of times. But I’m having one of those Mondays that has me staring at my list of deadlines and thinking “Yeah, this cannot possibly get done.” If Monday is kicking your butt too, you’ll want to crank the Pierce Brothers‘ latest single.
“Take Me Out” is one of my favourite songs from The Pierce Brothers’ newie The Records Were Ours, a swampy, bluesy, foot-stomping track that has all the right ingredients to fire you up on this winter workday.
“We’ve been wanting to write a riff based blues track for a long time,” the Pierce Brothers said, “and ‘Take Me Out’ started with the riff first. We both got excited when we started it and we’re really happy with where we got it.”
The Pierce Brothers are just about the kick off their European tour. They’ll then head home for some shows before jetting off to the States. Where will you see them?
8 July 2017 – Cornbury Music Festival, Oxfordshire
9 July 2017 – Linton Music Festival, Ross-on-Wye
10 July 2017 – Thekla, Bristol
11 July 2017 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
13 July 2017 – Studio 2, Liverpool
14 July 2017 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
15 July 2017 – Zwarte Cross 2017, Lichtenvoorde
16 July 2017 – 4 Daagse, Nijmegen
22 July 2017 – Colours of Ostrava 2017, Ostrava
27 July 2017 – Dr Koncerthuset, Copenhagen
29 July 2019 – Stonerock Festival 2017, Bad Bentheim
6 August 2017 – Festival Esperanzah! 2017, Floreffe
11 August 2017 – Fairports Cropready Convention 2017, Banbury
25 August 2017 – Mojos, Fremantle
26 August 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
31 August 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
1 September 2017 – Uno Bandroom, Geelong
2 September 2017 – Studio Theatre, Darwin
7 September 2017 – The Northern, Byron Bay
8 September 2017 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
9 September 2017 – Solbar, Maroochydore
13 September 2017 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
14 September 2017 – The Grans, Mornington
15 September 2017 – 170 Russel, Melbourne
16 September 2017 – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo
22 September 2017 – The Warehouse, Newcastle
28 September 2017 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
29 September 2017 – Metropolis, Montreal
30 September 2017 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
2 October 2017 – The Bowery Ballroom, New York
3 October 2017 – Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn
5 October 2017 – Union Transfer, Philadelphia
6 October 2017 – 9:30 Club, Washington
7 October 2017 – Newport Music Hall, Columbus
9 October 2017 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
10 October 2017 – Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
11 October 2017 – The recordBar, Kansas City
16 October 2017 – Ogden Theater, Denver
18 October 2017 – The Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
20 October 2017 – Fonda Theater, Hollywood
21 October 2017 – The Fillmore, San Francisco
23 October 2017 – Wonder Ballroom, Portland
24 October 2017 – Neptune Theater, Seattle
25 October 2017 – Commodore Theater, Vancouver
You might remember The Soldier’s Wife, a special show developed by singer-songwriters who spent time with the wives and widows of Australian servicemen, and the full-length album that accompanied it back in 2015.
Now two years later, there are still many more stories to tell so it’s time for volume number two. The latest release features many of the artists that contributed to the original including Jackie Marshall, Roz Pappalardo, Emma Bosworth, Kristy Apps, and original musical director Deb Suckling. Their double-album of folk songs features tracks like “Appreciate Your Love,” about the last 18 months Suzi Vincent shared with her husband, Vietnam veteran Tony. During his time in Vietnam Tony contracted melanoma skin cancer, which did not surface until 2009. In their final months together, the couple learned to “stop sweating the small stuff.”
“Appreciate Your Love” is one of 19 songs featured on the new The Soldier’s Wife album. There’s also a companion book which gives greater detail on the stories of these brave men and the women who love them.
I’m feeling a little angsty this Saturday morning. I worked late last night and I’ve got so much on that I know I won’t get a chance to really enjoy my weekend the way they’re meant to be enjoyed. It’s not fun stuff either. Right now I’m wading my way through a rather depressing article on what a Trump presidency means for non-profit organisations in the United States. Moods like mine right now call for a song like “Coffee at Midnight” by Sydney trio Stand Atlantic.
With powerful vocals from frontwoman Bonnie Fraser and big crunchy chords, this is just the kind of attitude-filled number that I needed to hear right now. We’re likely to hear a lot more from the band too, because Stand Atlantic is the first Aussie act signed to Rude Records international roster.
“We are stoked and excited to welcome Stand Atlantic to the Rude Records family!” confirmed a Rude Records rep. “They are such talented young and ambitious artists, in addition to being super cool people. We are beyond thrilled that our paths have crossed and can’t wait to share their music with the world!”
Is “Coffee at Midnight” striking the right chord for your Saturday?
“At First Sight” is one of my favourite songs from the ‘80s. So I’m thrilled to see The Stems, the Perth band who brought it to you, are set to make a long-awaited return to the live scene this November.
The shows will celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Stems’ breakthrough debut First Sight Violets Are Blue, one of the best-selling albums of 1987 despite a lack of commercial airplay. Rediscover what made The Stems such an iconic Aussie act at the following shows.
9 November 2017 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
10 November 2017 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
11 November 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 November 2017 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane
It feels like I’ve been waiting forever to share “Wild Mind,” the latest single from indie pop trio Pacific, with you. In truth I only heard it a little more than a month ago on one of those advance streams, but it feels like I’ve known this song a lot longer. It’s just got that wonderfully familiar feel about it, with its infectious hooks and epic vocals. It’s everything I’ve loved about Pacific’s past releases, but dare I say it just a little bit better?
“I think Wild Mind is a song that everyone can relate to,” the band said in a press release. “Every day when you turn on the radio or scroll through your newsfeed, you’re just bombarded with issues that make the world seem like a terrible place. For me, I feel like it gets to a point where you need to take things into your own hands and play your little part to make the world around you a little less dark.”
So crank this one up and remember that no matter how bleak things seem, there is always some good if you look in the right places.
Kate Ceberano, Lior, Steve Kilbey, and David Hobson are just some of the big names playing the Queensland Music Festival this year. In her first year as the artistic director, Katie Noonan has put together an incredible line-up for the Sunshine State.
“I want the talented and passionate people of Queensland to be empowered to join the 2017 festival and help create performances that truly reflect the life of our diverse and vibrant state,” she said.
In all there’ll be 100 performances in 45 locations over the three-week event. Here are just some of the highlights:
You’re The Voice – Saturday 29 July @ South Bank Piazza
Kate Ceberano, Isaiah, Katie Noonan and thousands of other singers shine a light on the domestic violence crisis through the power of song at.
Songs That Made Me – Sunday 16 July @ The Tivoli
Deborah Conway, Clare Bowditch, and Hannah Macklin perform together to celebrate women in music after mentoring the next generation.
Silver Memories – Aged-care centers in Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast
Intimate concerts of classical and jazz music, performed by Queensland Conservatorium ensembles, to show the power of healing music has for elderly Australians.
The Bach to Bush tour – Thursday 13 to Sunday 23 July in remote Western Queensland towns
Joint performances, workshops, and masterclasses with percussionist John Morrison and virtuoso cellist Louise King.
Hang with QYO – Saturday 29 July
A world premiere concerto written by emerging Queensland composer Dr Thomas Green honouring the father of Australia’s youth orchestra movement, John Curro. The show will feature acclaimed composer and Bjork drummer Manu Delago.
16 Lovers Lane – Friday 14 July @ QPAC
A special concert paying tribute to one of Australia’s greatest albums, featuring the Go-Betweens’ Lindy Morrison, Amanda Brown and John Willsteed, with Dan Kelly, Danny Widdicombe, Luke Daniel Peacock, and a guest line-up including Steve Kilbey (The Church), Mark Callaghan (GANGgajang), Ron S Peno (Died Pretty), Katie and Tyrone Noonan (george), Montaigne, Sam Cromack and Jen Boyce (Ball Park Music), Tim Nelson and Zoe Davis (Cub Sport), Sahara Beck, and Kirin J Callinan.
Joh for PM – Friday 7 to Sunday 16 July @ Brisbane Powerhouse
Colin Lane stars in this satirical musical created by playwright Stephen Carleton and composer Paul Hodge.
And that’s just for starters. Visit the Queensland Music Festival website for the full schedule.
The Queensland Music Festival runs from July 7 to 30. If you’re local, make sure you get out there and experience some of the great talent on show.
When I listened to December Baby’s new single “Jimmy Choos” from a press release link, it felt instantly familiar. After a quick search it seems I’d reviewed her EP Beneath the Surface a year ago and I felt “Jimmy Choos” was the standout track. So I’m thrilled that it’s finally standing alone as a single.
The single comes with a pretty kickass clip. I love the way it blends the Stepford Wives retro vibe with some real edge. It’s the brainchild of four talented film students from Brisbane, December Baby’s home stage. Props go to Kate Jorgensen, Demi Bird, Brielle O’Mullane, and Kaydee Ball who clearly have a real future in the film business.
The band’s moniker might make you think of the United States, but Dear Seattle are proud to be part of Sydney’s music scene. The band creates punk rock that sounds as defiant as the genre should. The new single “Afterthought,” which comes from the band’s new EP, due out on July 14, is a glorious case in point.
Listen to this one and see if you’re not fired up as lead vocalist and guitarist Brae Fisher sings “Hope tells me that I’m getting somewhere soon.”
Dear Seattle has spent the last three years touring up and down the East Coast, so expect a tight live set at the following shows.
6 July 2017 – Hotel Tasmania, Launceston (with Kingswood)
7 July 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart (with Kingswood)
28 July 2017 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga (with Kingswood)
29 July 2017 – SS&A, Albury (with Kingswood)
4 August 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
5 August 2017 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
17 August 2017 – Moonshine Bar, Manly
18 August 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
19 August 2017 – Shaka Fest, Gold Coast
20 August 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (ALL AGES)
It’s Thursday and the weekend is almost in sight. That makes me feel a little more chilled out, so it’s the perfect time for listening to “Demons,” the awesome new single from Central Coast outfit The Sea Gypsies. It has such a great groove. The instruments come together perfectly to support lead singer Luke Marlin’s killer voice.
Lead guitarist Dan Hoolihann describes the track as “A snapshot of the band’s influences, mixed together to express the relatable feeling of facing the fears and rigorous moments in your life that attempt to overcome you and put you down. It conveys the feeling, idea and emotion of stepping up to face your Demons and the struggle of embracing the difficult issues that life throws at you”.
Once the weather warms up, The Sea Gypsies are heading your way. Catch them at the following shows this spring.
7 September 2017 – Magnums, Airlie Beach (with Katchafire)
8 September 2017 – Kirwin Tavern, Townsville (with Katchafire)
9 September 2017 – Billabong, Kuranda (with Katchafire)
10 September 2017 – The Jack, Cairns (with Katchafire)
22 September 2017 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
7 October 2017 – Max Watts, Brisbane (with Katchafire)
8 October 2017 – The Wharf Tavern, Sunshine Coast (with Katchafire)
21 October 2017 – Swagger Festival, Wandiligon
